Beginner camera advice needed.

[ShazzieB]

I could use some advice on selecting a camera for a rank beginner (me). For the last few years, I've been mostly relying on cellphone cameras, and I'm really tired of it, especially not being able to take shots outside in bright sunshine because of glare on the screen.

Reading articles and reviews isn't helping much, because there are too many technical terms I don't understand. It takes forever to look everything up, and sometimes I don't understand it all even then.

First, a description of my needs, wants, and, preferences:

1. I am not into the technical side of photography. I want to be able to take interesting pics of scenery, people, animals, and everyday objects that come out looking reasonably good without having to think about the technical side of things any more than I absolutely have to.

2. What I enjoy about photography is selecting subjects to photograph and composing shots. I want a camera that will make it as easy as possible to do those things and get respectable results.

3. Small and compact is a must, because I have extremely small hands. (Seriously, a lot of 12 year olds have longer fingers than I do! ) Big and clunky is an absolute no-no for me.

4. I can't spend a ton of money. Thats just a fact. Staying under $200 would be ideal. I don't think that's ridiculously unrealistic, considering I want something pretty basic, but I could be wrong. I can save up for a while if necessary.

If this isn't enough information, let me know. I know some of you here are experienced professionals, so bear in mind that a camera that might seem unbearably limited and primitive to some of you could conceivably be ideal for little old me!

I deeply appreciate any information or advice this group can provide!

[CaliforniaPeggy]

1. Wish I could really help, my dear Shazzie, but it's hard.

There is ONE feature that you really should have in your new camera: It should be mirrorless.

They are more and more common, and they make it easier to see what you're doing. You see right through the lens and so that means that you see just what the camera sees.

And that means that composition and color are easier to control.

I suspect those among us with greater knowledge will come along and help you more.

Best of luck, and Have Fun!

[PlutosHeart]

2. I agree about the mirrorless.

I used to do a lot of photography and also develop my own pictures but I am old, tired, and want to shoot from the hip basically without a ton of fuss now.

My last two cameras were the Sony Cyber-shot. You can find them used reasonably or even newer low-end for around 400-450. Sony makes a good camera. Small. Light. Not a lot of settings if you wish it that way. Good quality.
they generally have a great quality lens on them also.

[MichMan]

8. You are not going to find a mirrorless with lens for $200

[TreasonousBastard]

3. Although I have two complete sets of Nikon DSLR equipment my gotos...

Are Canon and Kodak little handhelds. With zoom lenses.

The little ones are pocketable and easy set up. Zoom lenses are moderate and not crazy although there are times when I want more. The lenses tend to be excellent for a hundred or 200 buck camera with a limited zoom range. You also don't have a cow if you drop one.

All things considered, I think Canon makes the best all around small cameras, but ymmv. Better imaging than your average phone, but very simple to set up and use.

Forget Amazon. Costco, Best Buy, Walmart, or your favorite place to get stuff has 'em. For serious details, B&H Camera in NYC has a great selection, including specialty goodies by Panasonic, Sony, and others.

[ret5hd]

4. Replying so I can reference later!

[AndyS]

5. There are a lot of good cameras out there but the $200 is a hard

limit.

I read your criteria to be:
A simple to use compact camera. Something to drop in a fanny pack or handbag.
Something with a viewfinder as well as a display screen.
A range of uses that include sweeping scenes and bringing things close up. That means a zoom lens to reach out and bring far away animals near or catch butterflies on flowers.

That would be easy for a $600 camera. Canon, Nikon and Sony all make 'bridge cameras' with long zoom lenses and closeup capability. They all have full auto capability so it's point and shoot like your phone. You can find these cameras used in your price range but if you aren't jargon literate it's not advisable.

My suggestion is to visit several stores like Best Buy and local Camera Stores so you can lay hands on the equipment and see/feel how they work. If you find something you like but it's out of the budget try internet searches for that model used or refurbished. Reputable resellers like B&H or MPB offer a warranty on what they sell so you can feel safe with them. As cell phones take over the entry level camera market the used market is filling that void.

The good news is that you can't buy a bad camera today. The technology is so good that anything available will fill your needs and more!

[Grumpy Old Guy]

9. I agree with Andy.

A good used bridge camera would be a good option. I've owned two of them. Canon, Njkon, Sony and Panasonic all make good ones

[moonshinegnomie]

6. once you pick a camera

loook at keh.com and mpb.com. they sell used equipment in good condition. ive bought a lot of stuff from both of them

[MichMan]

7. Canon has a good refurbished area on their website

These are warranty returns etc and are repaired by Canon technicians with a full warranty and indistinguishable from new.

I am a semi pro and buy all my gear as refurbished from them. I'm convinced with the quality checks that they do that they are not only a great value, but actually better than new. FYI, the products available on the refurbished stock come in and out of stock quite regularly. If you see the one you like available, buy it as it might be out of stock tomorrow. Likewise, if something is out of stock, you need to subscribe to notifications or keep looking frequently.

The Rebel series are entry level beginners cameras. Here is one that fits your requirements and is on sale for a great price right now.

https://www.usa.canon.com/shop/p/refurbished-eos-rebel-t100-ef-s-18-55mm-f-3-5-5-6-iii-lens-kit


https://www.usa.canon.com/shop/cameras/refurbished-cameras

[usonian]

10. Do what I do :-)

I always carry a little Panasonic/Lumix ( or is it the other way around? ) with 5X optical zoom. Fits in my pocket (though I keep it in my "always with me" backpack.) Optical zoom is good.

I took it with me on several trips.

SD cards are good because they give you "infinite" storage without having to delete photos to make space (phones).

example: Shows the "big picture" and detail.



There are other cameras similar and (memory fails me) in this price range.
I'm like a phone. Can't expand the memory or swap in a new one!