topic Re: Best camera $1,000-$1,200 for beginner in Gear Guide

Best camera $1,000-$1,200 for beginner

bap2683 — Sun, 13 Apr 2025 05:36:46 GMT

What is the best camera price range $1,000-$1,200 for sports/action shots? I do need to be able to zoom so if I need an additional lens please include that. I have a Canon EOS 70D with lenses 18-55 & 75-300 and I realize it is extremely outdated. The photos are not crisp or clear. I’m a mom capturing moments at my kids sports games. This will not be a profession. I shoot in auto because I have taken classes and cannot figure out manual mode. Thanks so much for any suggestions!

Re: Best camera $1,000-$1,200 for beginner

shadowsports — Sun, 13 Apr 2025 13:27:00 GMT

Greetings,

Two options yu may e=want to consider are the R10 or R7. I have selected Canon Refurbished as this will provide some additional cost savings.

Shop Canon Refurbished EOS R10 RF-S18-150mm F3.5-6.3 IS STM Lens Kit |

Shop Canon Refurbished EOS R7 RF-S18-150mm F3.5-6.3 IS STM Lens Kit |

The R10 is slightly below your max price point leaving some extra for memory cards and batteries. The R7 is a few hundred more. Both are great enthusiast level cameras with full auto capability. The R7 is more advanced from a feature standpoint and has higher resolution. Take a look at both. Also, if you buy an adapter, you will be able to use your existing lenses with either body as well.

Refurb is out of stock, but new is about $21 dollars more.

Shop Canon Refurbished Mount Adapter EF-EOS R | Canon U.S.A., Inc.

If you have questions, we're more than happy to answer for you.

Re: Best camera $1,000-$1,200 for beginner

bap2683 — Sun, 13 Apr 2025 21:14:45 GMT

Thank you for your reply. I’m thinking of choosing the body and lens separately. Since my current set up is 10 years old, I probably need to update the lenses as well rather than buying an adapter. So if I can start with the body and one lens. I have read that the lenses in kits aren’t great. Is that true? Thanks for your help, it’s much appreciated!

Re: Best camera $1,000-$1,200 for beginner

deebatman316 — Sun, 13 Apr 2025 23:17:36 GMT

It depends on what lens is the kit lens. Some kit lenses are actually very good lenses. For example the EOS R5 Mark II kit comes with the professional grade RF 24-105mm F/4L IS USM lens. This actually a very good lens optically and the AF is very good. Unlike cheaper non-L Kit lenses. So it depends on what the kit lens is. Not just it's a kit lens so it must not be good. In this example it is a very good lens.

Re: Best camera $1,000-$1,200 for beginner

bap2683 — Mon, 14 Apr 2025 01:48:42 GMT

Thanks, but the kit you are talking about is way outside of my budget. I am wondering how the lenses are in the R7 & R10 kits that Rick suggested. Since it’s doesn’t have “L” in the lens name then is it not good? I cannot imagine spending more than my amount mentioned for non professional use.

Re: Best camera $1,000-$1,200 for beginner

deebatman316 — Mon, 14 Apr 2025 01:54:13 GMT

I’m not suggesting that you get the R5 Mark II. All I’m saying is that not every kit lens is bad. Some kit lenses are good and some are bad. It all depends on the lens provided in the kit. I just used an example in my post. But the EOS R10 & EOS R7 are great options as suggested above.