Getting into photography is most confusing when the intending photographer doesn’t have a guide that can advise them on what gear is most suitable for beginners. The internet is filled with reviews of high-end stuff from cameras to lighting equipment, etc., but we sometimes forget that there are steps to climb before getting the cash to purchase the R3s and R5 and R6 Mark IIs (there are people who can immediately purchase those and that’s totally fine) but if you’re just venturing into photography and you’re unsure which camera to purchase. Here a list of the top three cameras you can purchase for under $500.
Canon 2000D; The Canon 2000D (also known in the USA as the Canon Rebel T7) is the successor to the widely popular 1300D (Rebel T6) that saw Canon introduce wireless controls to its entry-level DSLR lineup. The 2000D is identical in every physical way to the 1300d except for the upgrade to the camera sensor from an 18-megapixel on the 1300D to a 24 megapixel on the 2000D. An alternative to the 2000D would be the 4000D which features an 18-megapixel sensor and an all-plastic build, including the mount ring. The 2000D currently retails for $399, and it comes with the standard 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 kit lens, whilst the sample bundle for the 4000D retails at $379.
P.S; Someone at Canon needs to sort the naming of Camera models because it’s quite confusing; the 2000D is better that the 1300D but the 4000D is a step down from the 2000D? Make it make sense.
Nikon D3500; The Nikon D3500 was Nikon’s alternative to the Canon 1300D/2000D. It features a 24 megapixel sensor, 1080p video at 60 frames per second and is quite a great camera for those venturing into the Nikon DSLR system. I’ve personally never really played into the Nikon ecosystem, so call me biased but priced at $650 (on B&H), it’s not really worth the cost. and this is the lowest you can go as the previous iterations of this entry-level lineup have been discontinued and, as such, aren’t very much in the market. You can find the D3300 and D3400 on the fairly used end for under $500, and both are really amazing cameras.
Canon 250D; The Canon 250D (also known as the Rebel SL3) is the most Pro-entry-level DSLR that I have seen that isn’t mirrorless and is sub $700 (this sentence almost doesn’t make sense). The sensor is 24 megapixels with a Digic 8 processor capable of Dual Pixel Auto-focus (the kind found on Canon high-end cameras). The camera also shoots videos in 4k/24p (though it is cropped slightly) and has an articulating 3-inch touch screen. This is the only camera on the list that retails body only at $649.
Other cameras to consider include;
- Pentax K-70
- Nikon D5600
- Canon 60D
- Canon M50 (Mirrorless Camera)
