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Shopping for your first serious camera can be intimidating with all the different options out there. You are most likely looking for a camera that will allow you to improve your skills and understanding of photography while taking creative control of the photos you capture.
However, there are a couple of simple things to keep in mind if you want to start off with an entry level camera body and invest in some quality lenses for long term use.
What to look for in a beginner camera:
- interchangeable lenses
- a variety of lens options
- full and partial manual control
- compatible lenses for future use
Since you are looking for a beginner camera, there is a pretty good chance that you don’t really know a whole lot about the technical terminology that dictates and differentiates different cameras. Keep in mind that this camera is only a starting place, if you really get into photography you may look to upgrade in the future and don’t want to have to buy a whole other set of lenses for a different brand. All of these cameras have an APS-C crop sensor. If you have ever shot 35mm film, this kind of sensor captures a narrower field of view in the image with the same focal length lens on a 35mm film camera.
Here we are looking at camera bodies under $500. They may not be the most current model but they are still great option available new as of September 2019. When I got my first DSLR (Mirrorless wasn’t really an option at the time) I decided on Canon and have stuck with them for the past 8+ years, but there are some other great options to consider if you are just starting out.
If the camera is only available to buy with a zoom lens, just plan to also get another lens like a 35mm or 50mm or a higher quality wide angle zoom lens with an aperture of 4 or 2.8 or larger that can be used on a full frame camera as well. A few specs you might want to consider looking at to compare would be megapixels, ISO range, weight, lens options, top shutter speed, and manual shooting modes.
Beginner APS-C Cameras Under $500 to Choose From
Nikon D3000 & Canon SL2
Nikon and Canon are the classic DSLR route, they have a wide range of lenses available and definitely have flexibility in upgrading to full frame in the future if that’s the direction you see yourself going. It’s also helpful having a camera system that you get used to. Things like the way dials are turned and lenses are put on can vary by brand, you will want to be comfortable with your camera and future cameras to really take creative control.
Sony A6000
Sony is mainly focused on their Mirrorless lineup of cameras and really is better suited for the around $1000 price range, but with the A6000 still available it could be a good starting place with Sony. Mirrorless will generally equal less bulk and weight than going with a DSLR. There are also typically more compact lenses are available as well. These cameras certainly have a different visual aesthetic though that you may or may not like. I would definitely have a look at the A6400 or the upcoming A6600 if you want to step up a bit in price, otherwise the A6000 is your best option right now.
The Fujifilm X-T100 is all about the visual aesthetics of a classic film SLR body. They are, however, Mirrorless cameras. The main downside I see is the lack of Full Frame fuji cameras that could use your lenses in the future. The Fuji X-A3 is also playing off of the old film camera look as well.
A note on kit lenses, they are usually lower quality in optic and construction, plus they have apertures that open up more or less depending on the focal length. Higher quality lenses typically have an aperture that will always be able to open up all the way, usually F2.8 or F4 for a zoom or F1.8 or larger for a prime lens. Also be aware that there are some lenses that are made specifically for APS-C cameras and will not work with a full frame camera, you will want to look up the different names for the brand you go with.
I hope this is just the right amount of things to think about before going ahead and investing in one of these beginner cameras under $500…
The choice is yours!