A friend is interested in starting photography for a hobby and was hoping to spend under $500 on an entry level DSLR. Is this too low a budget for a good entry level DSLR?
Thanks
Any DSLR Camera's under $500 for a Beginner?
subywagon on 22/08/2020 - 20:41
Comments
Great. Thanks for the advice.
you should be able to get a second hand Nikon D5500 or a Canon 700D for around $500. usually with a 18-55mm if there is a 18-135ish lens even better
Photography is a bottomless pit where you can keep shoveling money into. I would research what type of photography your trying to learn. There’s no point recommending lenses or DSLR until you know what your trying to achieve. You can spend 2k on a starter kit but find there lense or tripod isn’t suitable for your needs.
Example a Nikon d5500 maybe great for video and crop photos. But it would be pretty unless with wide angle photography - indoor or landscapes. Even with a Nikon 14-24mm it would be still too cropped. On
A Nikon d700 is a cheap full frame body it’s great, but it doesn’t have any video modes.
Used is the way to go for bang for buck. The latest and greatest body isn't really needed.
Why DSLR and not mirrorless? I really hate the sound of the mirror moving in DSLRs and really what the heck do you need a mirror for, a video viewfinder works just as good. You shouldn't need or want a mirror.
Whatever he buys though, I'd get something with "in body stabilization". Especially if whatever budget lens he buys doesn't have stabilization in the lens. If he doesn't want to buy external lights then he'll really want each shot as stabilized as possible. And if he can check the camera in person first then check the shutter count. If the shutter count is a few hundred thousand then it might not have many shutter uses left. Sometimes though people will buy a camera and only use a few hundred shutters, leaving the camera basically brand new.
Nikon D3300 or similar. Can probably get one for $350.
I have used one even for professional work,
Put the left over $150 towards an extra lens.
Used. I sold my old d3100 for less than that. Was a great camera.
As a professional photographer, I use strictly DSLR, and honestly, I don't see why people are recommending DSLRs to amateur or starting photographers. Unless there is a very specific reason why you need a DSLR, a mirrorless camera will fit the needs of a budding photographer and more. This recommendation is coming from someone who will and can never use a mirrorless in their line of work. I've seen mirrorless in action and know what they can do.
In my honest opinion, any mirrorless camera will do the trick. Just find one that is within your friend's budget and they're all set. Don't let the camera burden creativity. If you have specific needs you're after, then broaden your search for a mirrorless camera. Some have WIFI so you can transfer directly to your phone; you can look at the screen and never get the wrong exposure;. you can use filters if you really feel like it and more. If you worry about your shaky hand, find a mirrorless with greater lowlight capabilities and you'll have an easier time (i.e. higher clean iso for faster shutter speed).
A very good photographer mentor and friend of mine (who has exhibited widely nationally and internationally) uses a simple Fujifilm XT-1 for his street photography. His enlarged prints are astonishingly high quality. For him, it's not about the camera. The camera just needed to feel right for him and he's not a tech head who concerned himself with every bell and whistle that came with the camera.
The point is, any mirrorless camera will do for your friend as long as they like and enjoy using it. Learn how to use it and overcome its barriers.Even something as small as a Sony a5000 will work wonders for a little over $500.
Why would you recommend mirrorless when it has a pleothra of downsides especially when you are on a budget?
As a professional I think your totally out of touch with the needs of a amateur.
DSLR is vastly cheaper, hugely longer battery life, has a protected sensor, better AF in the price range, better ergonomics due to having a grip, no view finder blackouts when taking photos, no view finder lag or pixelation, huge number of cheap high quality second hand lenses available. and even after taking 10k photos you can sell if for the same price. Sub $500 Nikon or Canon with a lens is really a no brainier compared to mirrorless in the same price range, if they don't like the hobby they can easily exit with no less and if do they can easily upgrade. Even a d3300 can be used for professional work it costs $350~ second hand with a lens.
The Nikon D3500 for is a great entry. I think it's about $500-600 with a 18-55mm kit lens. From there you can expand the lens collection as you go.
If you're looking for portablity then a mirrorless is a great option, but lens compatibility/availablity is much better on DLSR models.
Perhaps consider one from overseas. I just purchased a new Canon 2000D with lens for less than $430 from TobyDeals .. arrived from HK in a little over a week, very happy with it.
Looking for further opinions as I'm about to look at ones to purchase and my budget is also around the $500 mark =)
As technology is always changing, would want something that can keep up or is reliable. I see a lot of people lean towards Canon and Nikon, although it's been a long time since I've looked into this more seriously.
Check out Facebook Marketplace / Gumtree and have a look for Canon and Nikon - both are about on par, and gives a good starting platform with interchangeable lenses. Plenty of people selling their gear now we can't travel / mobile phone photos are so good.
For $500 you'd get a body and probably a wide and tele lens, maybe a bag. Check the lenses for scratches, take a photo with the aperture wide open to check for dust (google for how to check) and you'll be well on your way.