Camera Recommendations Sub $750 Beginner

AnotherPig · July 20, 2020

I was looking for a beginner camera that is below $750 mostly for floral and portrait photos for a small cut flower business. I'd also like the video to be decent quality (preferred 4k) for blogs. The camera can be used but I'd like it to be somewhat a newer model. I've been looking at some of the mirrorless Sony a6000 series since I like the small form of these. I am new so I'm not sure what lenses or functionality would be useful also and am open to suggestions. I like the idea of getting a macro lens eventually for interesting close floral shots so suggestions for those are welcome also!

dizmo · July 20, 2020

The A6000 series are pretty awesome cameras. I wouldn't really worry that much about changing out the lens, the stock one is decent for what you're trying to do.

Start off with the camera and see what you get with the stock stuff. You can always hunt down a used lens later.

I used an NX20 for my product shots. Never really needed anything other than the stock kit.

GDRRiley · July 20, 2020

the GX85 on amazon right now has 2 lenses for 500$ but no mic in which means if you want to vlog you'll have to use an lav into your phone or external recorder

Edited July 20, 2020 by GDRRiley

Hackentosher · July 20, 2020

You can buy a lot of camera (and some glass too!) for that money on the used market. I'm kinda biased towards Canon, but I would recommend picking up a Canon EOS 70D. Checking eBay, those can be had for around $300-500 USD which leaves you some money for a Nifty fifty and maybe a midrange zoom lens from Sigma as well. I don't think it has the video performance you're looking for, but but at the very least it should do 1080p30, which will look good with some half decent glass in front of the sensor. If photos are your priority, I would stick with Canon or Nikon, but video is more your thing, I think an A6x00 from Sony would be fantastic. Just try to go used as cameras are pretty durable, and there's not much sense blowing a ton of money on a fresh unit when you can get the same (or more performance) for less money. I got my EOS 6D, a prosumer full frame camera, and a 24-105 F4L for under $1000.