The Question All Photographers Fear

Holiday anxiety

Image courtesy of B&H Photo

As we approach the holidays, the Black Friday sales have already started. It’s the time of year where the air is crisp and pumpkin spice is inescapable. It also means that people are shopping for the holidays, and invariably I’ll be asked the question. The one that makes all photographers cringe inside, even if just a little..

What camera do you recommend for my son/daughter/grandchild who is getting started in photography?

That question is hard enough to answer on its own, but then comes the inevitable follow-up:

My budget is $500…

Let me start off by saying that it’s nearly impossible to get a camera/lens combination for under $800 these days, unless that camera and lens are very much obsolete. So what are your best options for a camera that won’t break your budget?

Smartphones

I hate to say it, but the cameras in most smartphones are far superior to most compact cameras. Unlike a compact camera, you can also use a smartphone as, well, a phone. Beginners can learn a lot about the fundamentals of composition by simply using their smartphone camera, and they won’t be flummoxed shooting indoors or in low-light scenarios. The computational features in today’s smartphone cameras mean that you’ll get very good results 99% of the time without needing additional gear or learning post-processing software.

The downside of smartphone cameras is that they aren’t adaptable to every shooting situation. They are great for portraits and close-ups, but are not at all suited for fast-action or wildlife photography (yet). To get the best control over focus and exposure, you really do need a “real” camera.

Used DSLRs

Digital Single Lens Reflex Cameras (DSLRs) were the standard bearers for digital photographers until fairly recently, when mirrorless systems really took over the mainstream market. This does not make them bad cameras, though. In fact, because DSLRs have been mostly replaced by mirrorless cameras, they are readily available used.

You can find some great deals on DSLRs that deliver great image quality and features. There are tons of lenses available for them, as well as accessories like flash units. The top-end DSLRs that used to cost over $4000 can now be purchased for a fraction of that price. For example, the Nikon D850, which I consider one of the finest all-around DSLRs ever produced, can be had for around $1600 used. While that’s not exactly cheap, it’s a heck of a price for an absolute workhorse of a camera. Drop down to lower-end models and you can find DSLR bodies in good to excellent condition for $700 or less. Of course, you’ll still need to invest in some lenses, extra batteries, and memory cards for these cameras.

The biggest drawback with DSLR systems is that they are effectively a dead-end. Most of the major camera makers have discontinued production of their DSLRs. They may have new cameras available, but these are from existing stock. When you buy a camera, you’re buying into a system, and DSLR systems are not going to be improved upon in the future.

Consider a DSLR if

• You want a 35mm “full-frame” camera at the lowest price

• You don’t mind larger bodies and lenses

• You primarily photograph subjects that don’t require sophisticated focus-tracking capabilities (landscapes, portraits, street photography)

Mirrorless Cameras

If your intended recipient is truly interested in growing their skills, it might be better off to get them something that they can grow into, even if it costs a little more up front. While DSLR systems are available on the used market at very good prices, they are a technological dead-end in 2025. That means considering a mirrorless system. While there are a few lower cost mirrorless cameras, most of the better ones for enthusiasts start around $1000-1200 USD new.

Mirrorless cameras have some distinct advantages over DSLR systems:

• Better focusing systems, including subject-detection and tracking

• EVF displays exposure histogram in real-time

• Very fast frame rates for capturing action (20 fps or faster)

• In-body image stabilization systems, making every lens a stabilized one

• Often smaller and more compact than a similarly spec’d DSLR

• Computational photography features, like virtual ND filters

• Better for video than most DSLRs

Consider a mirrorless camera if

• You want the latest in technology, including the newest lens designs

• You photograph birds and wildlife and want subject-tracking and fast frame advance rates

• You want an interchangeable lens camera, but also want it to be compact for travel

• You want to see the exposure histogram in the viewfinder while shooting

Holiday Deals on Cameras and Lenses

Trusted Used Camera Shops

I’ve purchased from these shops personally and I trust them. All items include a return window and most include a 6-month warranty.

• B&H Used Dept.

• KEH Camera

• MPB

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Give the gift of knowledge! I’m available for private photography lessons via Zoom.

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