Camera for about $500

[namarino]

Hey guys, my sister has been getting into photography lately and she is looking to buy a new camera. I know a fair amount about computers but NOTHING about cameras. Can anyone tell me what we should be looking for when buying a camera? She's willing to spend about $500. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks so much!

[Enderman]

DSLR

thats pretty much all I know

 

I saw massdrop had quite a few on sale recently, you might find some good deals there

[bob345]

Hey guys, my sister has been getting into photography lately and she is looking to buy a new camera. I know a fair amount about computers but NOTHING about cameras. Can anyone tell me what we should be looking for when buying a camera? She's willing to spend about $500. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks so much!

what kind of stuff is she planing to shoot?

[namarino]

what kind of stuff is she planing to shoot?

She likes to take nature shots and things like that..I don't know if that's descriptive enough...lol

[CierroMierdo]

Pentax MX-1 or a used Ricoh GRDV

[ALwin]

Hey guys, my sister has been getting into photography lately and she is looking to buy a new camera. I know a fair amount about computers but NOTHING about cameras. Can anyone tell me what we should be looking for when buying a camera? She's willing to spend about $500. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks so much!

 

Aside from compact point&shoot cameras and phone cameras, most cameras (DSLRs, MILC systems) that cost at most $500 (brand new) will be more or less the same.  All of them will be the entry level systems produced by the various camera manufacturers.  You will get in the box:

• camera body
• most likely an 18-55 kit lens
• battery
• charger
• some cables
• shoulder strap

If you want to get a camera that is a bit more advanced or having a few more extra features/functions, of course "advanced" and "features/functions" being a subjective term, you can look for a second hand/used camera (which would normally cost more if it was brand new).  I mean a camera that sits above entry level and would cost more if it was brand new, but because it is second hand/used it costs less.

 

Here are some second hand/used camera lists, with a max price of $550.

 

Mirrorless (MILC system)

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/search?catName=mirrorless-cameras&Ns=p_PRICE_2|1&ci=21264&N=4040479538&srtclk=sort&mnp=&mxp=550

 

DSLR

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/search?catName=SLR-Digital-Cameras&Ns=p_PRICE_2|1&ci=15488&setNs=p_PRICE_2|1&N=4294182649&mxp=550&srtclk=sort

 

Here are some guides to buying second hand/used cameras and lenses.

https://photographylife.com/how-to-buy-used-dslr-cameras

https://photographylife.com/how-to-buy-used-lenses

 

As to what to look for in a camera, different people have different requirements.  Some people talk about the physical features of a camera, or technical aspects, while others talk about how they plan to use their cameras.

 

Buying a camera is NOT the same as buying a computer or parts for a computer.  While the technical specifications will determine the performance of a computer and it usually doesn't matter what kind of person operates it, the performance of a camera is at least half dependent upon the person operating it.  A beginner can buy the most expensive and (technical specifications) advanced camera and will still produce crap, while someone with experience will know how to produce art with a cheap camera.

 

 

As for what kind of camera is suitable for your sister, I can't say.  I've learned from experience that women tend to look at things a bit differently when buying cameras.  Maybe she wants one painted red with green polka dots with Hello Kitty logo :blink: (joke).  It's best that she goes, or you take her, to the store and try out different cameras within her budget.

[iM8Pizza]

Aside from compact point&shoot cameras and phone cameras, most cameras (DSLRs, MILC systems) that cost at most $500 (brand new) will be more or less the same.  All of them will be the entry level systems produced by the various camera manufacturers.  You will get in the box:

• camera body
• most likely an 18-55 kit lens
• battery
• charger
• some cables
• shoulder strap

If you want to get a camera that is a bit more advanced or having a few more extra features/functions, of course "advanced" and "features/functions" being a subjective term, you can look for a second hand/used camera (which would normally cost more if it was brand new).  I mean a camera that sits above entry level and would cost more if it was brand new, but because it is second hand/used it costs less.

 

Here are some second hand/used camera lists, with a max price of $550.

 

Mirrorless (MILC system)

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/search?catName=mirrorless-cameras&Ns=p_PRICE_2|1&ci=21264&N=4040479538&srtclk=sort&mnp=&mxp=550

 

DSLR

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/search?catName=SLR-Digital-Cameras&Ns=p_PRICE_2|1&ci=15488&setNs=p_PRICE_2|1&N=4294182649&mxp=550&srtclk=sort

 

Here are some guides to buying second hand/used cameras and lenses.

https://photographylife.com/how-to-buy-used-dslr-cameras

https://photographylife.com/how-to-buy-used-lenses

 

As to what to look for in a camera, different people have different requirements.  Some people talk about the physical features of a camera, or technical aspects, while others talk about how they plan to use their cameras.

 

Buying a camera is NOT the same as buying a computer or parts for a computer.  While the technical specifications will determine the performance of a computer and it usually doesn't matter what kind of person operates it, the performance of a camera is at least half dependent upon the person operating it.  A beginner can buy the most expensive and (technical specifications) advanced camera and will still produce crap, while someone with experience will know how to produce art with a cheap camera.

 

 

As for what kind of camera is suitable for your sister, I can't say.  I've learned from experience that women tend to look at things a bit differently when buying cameras.  Maybe she wants one painted red with green polka dots with Hello Kitty logo :blink: (joke).  It's best that she goes, or you take her, to the store and try out different cameras within her budget.

I got to say, this comment litterally just explain what I don't really understand about cameras and people

 

Question, I'm looking for a good camera, I usually took pictures of "events", I take pictures of the current "original" situation not like "already-set" pictures (let's just say I like to take people doing whatever they are doing than taking picture of them pretending to be as what I said), So I need it to be rather quick.....and of course, I need the quality as well,.....since price is Subjective...I'd go around $700ish

 

I'm sorry OP for disturbing

[ALwin]

I got to say, this comment litterally just explain what I don't really understand about cameras and people

 

Question, I'm looking for a good camera, I usually took pictures of "events", I take pictures of the current "original" situation not like "already-set" pictures (let's just say I like to take people doing whatever they are doing than taking picture of them pretending to be as what I said), So I need it to be rather quick.....and of course, I need the quality as well,.....since price is Subjective...I'd go around $700ish

 

I'm sorry OP for disturbing

 

Guess you're trying to say you want to take candid photos at events, and not people posing for you.  That will mostly depend on the people and your skill as a photographer, to see if you can get the shot in before anyone notices you.  But having a smallish camera helps, people will easily notice a large camera.

 

You'll also need to learn how to reduce your "presence" and control your qi/breathing, like a ninja.

[iM8Pizza]

Guess you're trying to say you want to take candid photos at events, and not people posing for you.  That will mostly depend on the people and your skill as a photographer, to see if you can get the shot in before anyone notices you.  But having a smallish camera helps, people will easily notice a large camera.

 

You'll also need to learn how to reduce your "presence" and control your qi/breathing, like a ninja.

That's why I need one which isn't really big but rather something that fits my hand(my hand is...quite huge, so my big is huge for small hands...).

 

and reducing my presence, no one really notice me while I'm taking pictures because I just "aim" it without looking at it, just like doing "hip-firing" in FPS games, and iwith that... I might need something that has Image Stabilization

[ALwin]

That's why I need one which isn't really big but rather something that fits my hand(my hand is...quite huge, so my big is huge for small hands...).

 

and reducing my presence, no one really notice me while I'm taking pictures because I just "aim" it without looking at it, just like doing "hip-firing" in FPS games, and iwith that... I might need something that has Image Stabilization

 

A camera like the Sony A6000 is smaller than DSLRs, the lenses can be more compact than regular DSLR lenses.  It also has a flip LCD that will still let you compose while shooting from the hip.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1029860-REG/sony_ilce6000l_b_alpha_a6000_mirrorless_digital.html

 

[iM8Pizza]

A camera like the Sony A6000 is smaller than DSLRs, the lenses can be more compact than regular DSLR lenses.  It also has a flip LCD that will still let you compose while shooting from the hip.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1029860-REG/sony_ilce6000l_b_alpha_a6000_mirrorless_digital.html

 

ah I forgot to add more, something that would fit in my pocket(?)

[ALwin]

ah I forgot to add more, something that would fit in my pocket(?)

 

Canon G1x mkII

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1028804-REG/canon_9167b001_powershot_g1x_mark_ii.html

 

Or Sony RX 100 mkII

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/984408-REG/sony_dsc_rx100m2_b_cyber_shot_dsc_rx100m2_digital_camera.html

[namarino]

Aside from compact point&shoot cameras and phone cameras, most cameras (DSLRs, MILC systems) that cost at most $500 (brand new) will be more or less the same.  All of them will be the entry level systems produced by the various camera manufacturers.  You will get in the box:

• camera body
• most likely an 18-55 kit lens
• battery
• charger
• some cables
• shoulder strap

If you want to get a camera that is a bit more advanced or having a few more extra features/functions, of course "advanced" and "features/functions" being a subjective term, you can look for a second hand/used camera (which would normally cost more if it was brand new).  I mean a camera that sits above entry level and would cost more if it was brand new, but because it is second hand/used it costs less.

 

Here are some second hand/used camera lists, with a max price of $550.

 

Mirrorless (MILC system)

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/search?catName=mirrorless-cameras&Ns=p_PRICE_2|1&ci=21264&N=4040479538&srtclk=sort&mnp=&mxp=550

 

DSLR

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/search?catName=SLR-Digital-Cameras&Ns=p_PRICE_2|1&ci=15488&setNs=p_PRICE_2|1&N=4294182649&mxp=550&srtclk=sort

 

Here are some guides to buying second hand/used cameras and lenses.

https://photographylife.com/how-to-buy-used-dslr-cameras

https://photographylife.com/how-to-buy-used-lenses

 

As to what to look for in a camera, different people have different requirements.  Some people talk about the physical features of a camera, or technical aspects, while others talk about how they plan to use their cameras.

 

Buying a camera is NOT the same as buying a computer or parts for a computer.  While the technical specifications will determine the performance of a computer and it usually doesn't matter what kind of person operates it, the performance of a camera is at least half dependent upon the person operating it.  A beginner can buy the most expensive and (technical specifications) advanced camera and will still produce crap, while someone with experience will know how to produce art with a cheap camera.

 

 

As for what kind of camera is suitable for your sister, I can't say.  I've learned from experience that women tend to look at things a bit differently when buying cameras.  Maybe she wants one painted red with green polka dots with Hello Kitty logo :blink: (joke).  It's best that she goes, or you take her, to the store and try out different cameras within her budget.

Hahaha My sister would totally do that if I didn't help her pick something out...lol! If I wanted to get something new, what should I be looking for? (I haven't decided to buy used or new I'm just curious) I know that with computers, when you buy processors, you look at clock speed, core count, IPC, all that jazz. Is there something similar with cameras? I know you said that it's only as good as the user, but is there a spec like Megapixels that I should be paying attention to?

[ALwin]

Hahaha My sister would totally do that if I didn't help her pick something out...lol! If I wanted to get something new, what should I be looking for? (I haven't decided to buy used or new I'm just curious) I know that with computers, when you buy processors, you look at clock speed, core count, IPC, all that jazz. Is there something similar with cameras? I know you said that it's only as good as the user, but is there a spec like Megapixels that I should be paying attention to?

 

OK for the specs, as long as the camera has at least 12MP, that's already suitable. Many cameras currently on the market of course can have more than 12 and some high MP models will be within your budget.  Sensor size is also another factor, you will tend to get better image quality with increasing sensor sizes, I recommend starting from Micro Four Thirds and going up to sizes such as APS-C.  Now full frame will be better than any of them, however all FF cameras will most likely be beyond of your budget, even second hand.

 

Look for lens compatibility and the types and variety of lenses available for the camera.  Lenses for camera can be expensive, especially brand new ones.  But there are a lot of second hand/used and older generation lenses on the market, many in quite good condition, that will cost a lot less.  So look for a camera body and lens mount combination that will let you use older lenses, either natively or with an adapter.

 

Look for ISO, low light and noise performance.  Current entry level cameras will handle high ISO, low light and noise fairly well, I would estimate on average up to ISO 1600-3200.

 

Ergonomics, size and weight.  It's like how you sit in front of a computer and how you type on a keyboard.  Different people have different preferences, so your sister should look for a camera that she feels comfortable holding and carrying.  When I mean holding I don't mean holding it up at the camera store for a few minutes.  She is going to be buying a camera she may be using for hours at a time each day, so the size, weight and design should be something she will feel comfortable holding it that long.  For example, I personally prefer larger DSLRs over smaller Mirrorless cameras when I am working as a photographer for hours at a time, because the smaller bodies (or bodies without a good grip) of a mirrorless can actually cause my hands to cramp up.

 

Now you mentioned she may use it for nature photography... well guess what.  Nature photography is not very specific.  There are sub genres to nature photography as in wildlife, macro, landscapes, etc.  So depending on what she specifically wants to do, she has to consider buying different lenses and/or accessories.

 

For example,

Wildlife photography: I recommend getting a medium telephoto lens, as it will let you take a photo of animals from a distance, else if you try to get close the animal might get scared and run away.

 

Macro photography: get a macro lens and some lights to help light up the tiny insects, flowers, etc. as you need to move the lens as close to the subject as possible. For macro I also recommend a sturdy tripod and remote shutter releases.  Tripod for keeping the camera stable and using a wireless or wired remote to activate the camera so to further reduce camera shake.

 

Landscape photography: While a lot of people will say get a wide angle lens, personally I've used both ultra wide angles and super telephotos for landscape photography.  The important thing for landscapes is having a set of filters.  Neutral density filters ranging from full ND of 1-10 stops, soft and hard gradient ND filters, reverse ND filters, polarizing filters, etc.

 

Important: when you buy from a certain camera brand, you are buying into their ecosystem.  And the more you invest in that brand, such as buying more lenses for your camera, the deeper you are entering their ecosystem and it can become harder to leave.

 

Here are some "camera buying guides" that offer some good tips:

http://digital-photography-school.com/how-to-buy-a-digital-camera/

https://photographylife.com/dslr-purchase-guide - (Ignore the DSLR part in this guide, it was written before MILC became popular, however much of what it has to say will also apply to MILC systems)

[namarino]

 

OK for the specs, as long as the camera has at least 12MP, that's already suitable. Many cameras currently on the market of course can have more than 12 and some high MP models will be within your budget.  Sensor size is also another factor, you will tend to get better image quality with increasing sensor sizes, I recommend starting from Micro Four Thirds and going up to sizes such as APS-C.  Now full frame will be better than any of them, however all FF cameras will most likely be beyond of your budget, even second hand.

 

Look for lens compatibility and the types and variety of lenses available for the camera.  Lenses for camera can be expensive, especially brand new ones.  But there are a lot of second hand/used and older generation lenses on the market, many in quite good condition, that will cost a lot less.  So look for a camera body and lens mount combination that will let you use older lenses, either natively or with an adapter.

 

Look for ISO, low light and noise performance.  Current entry level cameras will handle high ISO, low light and noise fairly well, I would estimate on average up to ISO 1600-3200.

 

Ergonomics, size and weight.  It's like how you sit in front of a computer and how you type on a keyboard.  Different people have different preferences, so your sister should look for a camera that she feels comfortable holding and carrying.  When I mean holding I don't mean holding it up at the camera store for a few minutes.  She is going to be buying a camera she may be using for hours at a time each day, so the size, weight and design should be something she will feel comfortable holding it that long.  For example, I personally prefer larger DSLRs over smaller Mirrorless cameras when I am working as a photographer for hours at a time, because the smaller bodies (or bodies without a good grip) of a mirrorless can actually cause my hands to cramp up.

 

Now you mentioned she may use it for nature photography... well guess what.  Nature photography is not very specific.  There are sub genres to nature photography as in wildlife, macro, landscapes, etc.  So depending on what she specifically wants to do, she has to consider buying different lenses and/or accessories.

 

For example,

Wildlife photography: I recommend getting a medium telephoto lens, as it will let you take a photo of animals from a distance, else if you try to get close the animal might get scared and run away.

 

Macro photography: get a macro lens and some lights to help light up the tiny insects, flowers, etc. as you need to move the lens as close to the subject as possible. For macro I also recommend a sturdy tripod and remote shutter releases.  Tripod for keeping the camera stable and using a wireless or wired remote to activate the camera so to further reduce camera shake.

 

Landscape photography: While a lot of people will say get a wide angle lens, personally I've used both ultra wide angles and super telephotos for landscape photography.  The important thing for landscapes is having a set of filters.  Neutral density filters ranging from full ND of 1-10 stops, soft and hard gradient ND filters, reverse ND filters, polarizing filters, etc.

 

Important: when you buy from a certain camera brand, you are buying into their ecosystem.  And the more you invest in that brand, such as buying more lenses for your camera, the deeper you are entering their ecosystem and it can become harder to leave.

 

Here are some "camera buying guides" that offer some good tips:

http://digital-photography-school.com/how-to-buy-a-digital-camera/

https://photographylife.com/dslr-purchase-guide - (Ignore the DSLR part in this guide, it was written before MILC became popular, however much of what it has to say will also apply to MILC systems)

Wow hey thanks man! I really appreciate all that information. I"ll do some research on those links that you provided. Thanks so much

[iM8Pizza]

Canon G1x mkII

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1028804-REG/canon_9167b001_powershot_g1x_mark_ii.html

Or Sony RX 100 mkII

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/984408-REG/sony_dsc_rx100m2_b_cyber_shot_dsc_rx100m2_digital_camera.html

Which one is better in quality? (Build quality too but I care most of the picture quality since it's a camera)

[LarsReviews]

I got the Panasonic g6 easy to use. Small enough to carry around, but big enough to hold it correctly.