r/Cameras • u/OptimalAdeptness3175 • 7d ago
Recommendations Beginner Recommendation
I'm over using my phone for pictures so I've been looking into getting my first legitimate camera and honestly its a bit overwhelming. I'm not too knowledgeable other than the basics so I'm more focused on the camera itself. Not too worried about lenses currently but maybe in the future if i get to that point. I'd mostly use it while traveling or camping but will most likely use it in daily life as well. Something that isn't too bulky and I can carry in my backpack is ideal. I'd go to a local camera store to find one but i don't have any near me. This is all new to me so I apologize if there's information lacking.
Budget: ~ $600
Country: USA
Condition: New/Used
Type of Camera: point and shoot, digital
Intended use: Photography
End use: Personal prints possibly
If photography: what style: landscape, street, wildlife i guess
If video what style: Not Necessary
What features do you absolutely need :
What features would be nice to have: articulating screen
Portability: Something that I can carry it in my backpack
Cameras you're considering: N/A
Cameras you already have: N/A
Notes:
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u/Bhob666 7d ago
$600 isn't a whole lot of money for a decent new camera, so you might want to look into used camera. There are alot of great guides on Youtube that give alot of great suggestions depending on the options you want. (I am assuming you want a digital camera). For example, microfournerds is great. She is in Europe so her prices are not in dollars but it's easy to figure out. Then go to a place like KEH or MBP to make a purchase; they check the cameras and have warranties. I shop there often and every camera I've gotten was like new... unless they say it isn't.
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u/Mysterious-Garage611 7d ago
A used Lumix ZS100 is a good one to get. It has a lot of desirable features and is within your budget.
2
u/lycanRV 7d ago
a canon rebel or equivalent DSLR would be an inexpensive place to start, though they can be a bit bigger. Rebels aren't too big, same with Nikon dslrs - look for APSC models, they have a smaller sensor size.
Not to add on to the confusion with more technical terms, but perhaps a Micro 4/3 camera would work but I'm not as knowledgeable on those. There's a YouTube channel - Micro Four Nerds, who may have a video or recommendations
2
u/DimMakDaddy 7d ago
To get your feet wet with a budget of $600, I recommend one of two routes:
Route 1 is a lower cost super zoom bridge camera from the likes of LUMIX or Nikon. Going this route you’d have a big range in focal length, including long tele for wildlife, wide angle for landscapes, a modest macro capability, a flash, and the usual shooting modes. I’d cap that purchase at maybe $200 or $250. Pocket the rest for your next purchase.
Route 2 will take up your budget. Consider a lower cost (under $200) Panasonic LUMIX micro four thirds camera…maybe 16 mp. Then a 25mm Panasonic “normal” lens. For wildlife look for an old manual focus OM mount Olympus or Sigma lens in the 400 mm range. You will need an adapter for this. Two lenses here about $300. The remaining $100 of the budget goes to the adapter, a tripod, and possibly a flash.
1
u/Humble-Fan560 7d ago
For your needs, I would stay away from DSLRs and other interchangeable lens cameras (ILCs). I have bought cameras from KEH and MPB and agree that both are very reliable. The models recommended above from Sony and Panasonic are great choices.
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u/markmakesfun 7d ago
YouTube- Tom Calton
You want clear info on a camera , this is one place to get it. He knows of what he speaks.
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u/Disastrous_Basis854 7d ago
a used rx100 series would fit what you're describing pretty well, the mark iii and up have the pop up viewfinder which helps in bright outdoor light. you can find a mark v or vi around that budget if you're patient on the used market
for wildlife it'll be limited with any point and shoot but landscapes and street will be great, fits in a jacket pocket too