BuckeyeBilly Loc: St. Petersburg, FL

Lucy, welcome to UHH. I don't know what your budget is but you can go to Canon's website and look at refurbished cameras. These are ones that have been returned to Canon for one reason or another and have been reconditioned for resell. They also come with a one-year warranty which makes it a really good deal. The camera I recommend for you is the Canon T5i refurbished. You can find it here on one of these links and each one will tell you how much it costs, based upon the lens(es) you can afford.
https://shop.usa.canon.com/shop/en/catalog/eos-t5i-18-55mm-is-stm-lens-kit-refurbished
https://shop.usa.canon.com/shop/en/catalog/eos-rebel-t5i-ef-s-18-55-is-stm-kit-with-ef-s-55-250mm-f-4-56-is-stm-refurbished
https://shop.usa.canon.com/shop/en/catalog/eos-t5i-18-135mm-is-stm-lens-kit-refurbished (if you can afford this one, get it because you'll have just one lens to carry)

Why do I recommend the T5i? Well. if it was good enough for one of National Geographic's award-winning photographers, it's good enough for anyone.
https://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/travel-photographers-favorite-cameras/#/camera-trap-steve-winter_86620_600x450.jpg

anotherview Loc: California

Consider one of the Canon Rebel series of EOS digital cameras. They shoot in the manual mode. You can buy one of these cameras used or refurbished often at quite a discount from brand new.

Further, all of the Rebel series cameras can accept about six or seven dozen lenses from Canon. Third parties make dozens more.

Your friends with Canon cameras may even lend you a lens from their collection as part of your learning of photography.

Think of this starter camera as a learning tool. Your experience with it will prepare you for informed acquisition of gear later.

Let me also suggest you study composition as a most useful entry to the craft of photography.

Taking classroom instruction may advance your knowledge and understanding of photography. But please bear in mind that foremost photography functions as a craft. It requires practice over time. You will learn photography by doing it. Learn from your mistakes and successes.

Good luck.

cytafex Loc: Clarksburg MA

While I have bought many used cameras, you can not only get a great deal, but also can be quite costly. Digital cameras are very complex machines and in my experience more delicate than film counterparts. Find out what the requirements of the classes you're interested in and go from there and decide what you want. Film and digital have pluses and minuses. Recently bought a Nikon D810 on eBay and it turned out to be the deal from hell. So be careful buying used and what seemed a small issue ended up costing an additional $323 and changed the deal from ok, to expensive! Prior to that I bought a used D800E on eBay and it was a much better deal. To imply digital is free doesn't account the investment in computer and other components. Free digital has cost me thousands! At one point I did a cost assessment and film and processing would cost less me in the long run when computer equipment is added in. I shoot both film and digital, depending on the situation and there are pluses and minuses to both. Most importantly is to choose a camera that fits in your hands comfortably and controls in reach, not brand at this point. Major brands have similar features at various price points and are in the same ballpark, so be prepared to be overwhelmed as there is so many to choose from, but you will learn.

lamontcranston

Price is usually a consideration when buying your first digital camera. Since you are on a tight budget I would recommend the excellent entry-level Nikon D3300 with the 18-55mm kit lens. It gets excellent reviews from most reviewers and B&H Photo has an excellent price on this camera and lens right now making it a perfect choice for your needs. At $446 it is a fantastic bargain.

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1023353-REG/nikon_1532_d3300_dslr_camera_with.html

dsmeltz Loc: Philadelphia

Film or digital will probably depend on the class you choose. Look for classes in your area and ask what equipment they require.

anotherview Loc: California

Digital photography surpassed film photography years ago. Digital photography provides way more control. Do not let the emotionalism of film photographers sway you otherwise. Go digital. You may later turn to film photography if it suits you to do so.

dyximan

Look online but there are a number of places one of them is called Red Tag and you can get some pretty good kits from about $400-$800 Nikon D3400 D5600 D7200, and I'm sure they have kits for Canon and others as well they're great they come with filters tripods all kinds of goodies. But also look at the others B&H Adorama. And others I'm not sure of the spelling but I'm sure plenty will be more than happy to critique me and correct my English, grammar and spelling.

cthahn

Sony. Number 2 camera manufacturer.

Gerald Walmsley Loc: East Sussex, England

Hi
As a starter camera you are better with one where you can learn about the benefits of raw against jpeg, so by and large avoid bridge cameras.
If you are on a tight budget my advice would be a Fuji XE-1 with 16-50mm lens that someone as had from new and kept the boxes and instruction booklets etc.
This kit would be very cheap on ebay but find a decent seller with good feed-back.
I have given up on Canon 10D, 50D and 5D mainly because of weight.
The Fuji range are exceptional, now have XT-1 and XPro-1 with various lenses, would noy go back to Canon.
Good luck

amfoto1 Loc: San Jose, Calif. USA

Actually, all the Canon DSLRs, their "mirrorless" M-series and many of the non-interchangeable lens compact digitals (G-series, etc.) allow fully manual control. The more advanced models give more direct access to the manual controls and have less automation.

On a tight budget (and assuming you're in the U.S.), to get the most bang for your buck I'd suggest you look at the Canon USA website for a "refurbished" camera. https://shop.usa.canon.com/shop/en/catalog/cameras/refurbished-eos-digital-slr-cameras#facet:&productBeginIndex:0&orderBy:11&pageView:grid&pageSize:72&

Canon's "factory refurbished" are often not much different from and all have the same warranty as new. Often refurbished seem to be returned overstock or one-generation old models, unused... or demo units... or shelf-worn packaging. What's available refurbished varies and changes frequently, as supplies come and go. I see they have Rebel T5i with EF-S 18-55mm IS STM lens in stock for $480 right now. Also Rebel T6i with the same lens, for $580. (The T5i is not widely avail. new now... the T6i is and that same kit costs $750 new.) If you prefer, there are also two-lens kits. For example Rebel T5i with the 18-55mm plus an EF-S 55-250mm IS STM for $560... and T6i with the same two lenses for $660 (sells new for about $900).

The T5i and T6i each were each top-of-the-Rebel-line cameras a year or two ago. The Rebel T7i is now. For most people I would recommend these models over the cheaper T5 or T6 (no "i") or the extra compact SL1 model, all of which are more "entry-level". The T5i or T6i both give additional features... more advanced autofocus systems, articulated rear LCD monitor and more. The 18MP T5i has 9-point autofocus, while the 24MP T6i has 19-point. The T6i also adds WiFi connectivity and it's LCD monitor is a Touch Screen. It's got a modestly improved form of autofocus in Live View, too (not as fast as the even further improved Dual Pixel AF found on 70D, 80D, 77D and T7i).

If considering any kit that includes a telephoto zoom, I'd strongly recommend the 55-250mm over the cheaper EF 75-300mm III that's sometimes offered. The 55-250mm STM is a MUCH better lens (better image quality, faster/quieter focus drive, closer focusing, and image stabilized).

If you want a somewhat more advanced camera and have the budget for it, there are also in stock refurbished 70D with EF-S 18-55mm IS STM lens for $750 or with EF-S 18-135mm IS STM for $850. There are also in stock current-model 80D with EF-S 18-55mm IS STM lens for $850 or with EF-S 18-135mm IS "Nano USM" lens for $1150.

The basic differences between Rebel series and 70D/xxD series are:

- Rebel models have a slightly lower specification shutter. Top speed 1/4000 and flash sync 1/200 versus 1/8000, 1/250 on 70D/xxD models.
- Rebel models are typically rated to be a bit less durable... Typically 75,000 shutter actuations versus 100,000 with 70D/xxD models.
- Rebel models use a "penta-mirror" to save weight and cost, that makes for a viewfinder that's slightly smaller and less bright than the 70D/xxD, which use a true pentaprism.

Comparing lenses, Canon offers four different types of focusing drive systems, which they use on different grades of lenses.

- Least expensive are "micro motor"... which aren't marked "STM" or "USM".
- "STM" or "stepper motor" are a step up... noticeably faster, smoother and almost silent focusing, often preferable for video.
- "USM" or "ultrasonic motor" are even faster and often preferable for sports/action, but less ideal for video because they make some slight noise and aren't as smooth as STM.
- A few of the newest lenses are using "Nano USM", which is both fast/smooth and ideal for video, as well as fast for sports/action.

Canon EF-S lenses are "crop only" and will work fine on all the DSLRs mentioned above, as those are all "APS-C crop sensor" models. Canon EF lenses are usable both on those crop cameras and on so-called "full frame".

All the above recommended lenses have IS or "Image Stabilization".

I use Canon gear myself, so it's the system I'm most familiar with and am going into detail about here. I'm sure other brands offer similar and may be worth consideration. But you mention friends with Canon cameras and might be able to borrow items to try or get some help from them learning to use a Canon camera. Canon and Nikon have the most extensive system of lenses and accessories, too. Sony is doing a lot of interesting things with "mirrorless" cameras and electronic viewfinders. Pentax is making some high quality, extra weather resistant cameras and lenses. And Olympus is making ultra compact mirrorless models that use a slightly smaller micro Four/Thirds sensors. All make very capable cameras.

Finally, while I recommend refurbished above, also check out the prices for the same items new at reliable, major retailers such as B&H Photo and Adorama. Sometimes there are "deals" on new that beat even the price of refurbished! Almost two years ago I was in the market to upgrade to a pair of 7D Mark II and was almost ready to buy refurbished... but when I checked the price for new, I found it was an even better value to buy that way instead. Both cameras were discounted, but additionally one was bundled with a free printer and the other with a free eternal storage drive (both items I was going to need to buy soon, anyway). After factoring in the value of those, the price of the cameras new was even lower than the cost of refurbished! So, be sure to check. Note: brands other than Canon also typically don't offer same warranty as new on refurbished... another consideration, if you look at those.

Hope this helps! Have fun shopping.

Gerald Walmsley Loc: East Sussex, England

PS
If you also need a 35mm film camera you will find a Fujica ST605 with 50mm lens for next to nothing, the build quality is very good.

agillot

start with a nikon 3400 kit [ $ 500 ] and go from there .[ or a canon equivalent ]

Idaho

Go with Cannon simply because that will make it easier for your friends to help you. Buy used with one basic zoom lens (or "kit" lens) because that is all you will need initially if you get a camera with removable lenses. Keep in mind that you will want a flash that swivels at some point. And don't fret too much about your first camera since eventually it will be sold and you'll move up a notch.

RolandDieter

You should first ask what the classes require you to use. Check with more than one: some require film, some don't ... some require SLR, some are fine with mirrorless ... etc. Pick a class that allows the newer equipment because that is what you will use after your classes. (Some classes are taught by people who have refused to update since digital arrived. There is no reason to learn how to develop film by yourself if you won't even shoot film after taking the class. If you take such a classs you will have to learn post-processing such as Photoshop on your own or invest in classes that make up for what the others didn't teach. ) If they require a camera with manual ability they will probably teach more, so I suggest going that way. Then ask yourself, "What will I want to photograph?" If you are getting into photography there is a reason, and it will have to do with what you want to capture. Then pick a camera that leans toward what you want and meets the class requirements. For travel you would emphsizet light weight, less bulk, and meeting the more stringent TSA carry-on restrictions that appear to be coming. For landscape you will probably choose wider angle rather than more telephoto. For family shots you will want a fast lens (small number aperture) and emphasize wide angle over telephoto. For most sports you would also want a fast aperture but more emphasis on telephoto than wide angle. And so forth. But do follow the previous suggestions to buy used in good condition and then trade up later. But I do recommend buying a starter, classroom-oriented camera that you will probably continue to use for a while after the classes end. If the class accepts either, go on line and look at interchangeable lens cameras vs. bridge cameras with 1" sensors -- nowadays the biggest difference between these two types is convenience with image quality being only the second biggest difference. Within interchangeable lens cameras there are a huge differences in weight and bulk between full frame, APS-C and micro 4/3.

dsmeltz Loc: Philadelphia

A nice used Canon t3i sells for around $300, if you can find one. It is a great starter camera. A Canon EOS Rebel T4i Digital Camera with EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS II Lens kit runs around $400 used (https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/801560762-USE/canon_6558b003_eos_rebel_t4i_digital.html)