Best camera for beginners & hobby photography

[asaintonge]

I am wanting a camera that will be good for family photos, daily photos of our growing daughter & fur babies, as well as nature photos. 

This would not be something I ever intend on making money off of, so I don't need any high tech photographer camera but have always loved messing around with picture taking and would like something nicer than a simple phone camera, especially with our first child coming in the next few months. 

I am looking to stay around the $500 mark. If I could get a good quality & reliable camera for less, that would even be better. 

Thoughts and suggestions are much appreciated. Thank you!!

[stevet1]

asaintonge,

With that kind of price range, three options come to mind:

The Canon SL2

The Canon T7

The Canon R100.

You can get a T7 with an 18-55mm kit lens for that kind of price.

You can get an R100 for about $300 and an RF 50mm f/1.88 prime lens for about $200.

There's a website called Camera Decision, https://cameradecision.com/  where you can compare the features of two cameras side by side to see what you think you might like the best.

Steve Thomas

[stevet1]

If you get refurbished, as Marc suggested, you could bump it up to an SL3. That's a nice little camera, I think.

Steve Thomas

[March411]

Keep an eye on the Canon Refurbished site, there are great deal on so high quality gear.

• Refurbished EOS R100 RF-S18-45mm F4.5-6.3 IS STM Lens Kit - $219 
• EOS R50 RF-S18-45mm F4.5-6.3 IS STM Lens Kit $429 
• A little over budget EOS R10 RF-S18-45mm F4.5-6.3 IS STM Lens Kit - $880 

When I posted this all were in stock

[Tintype_18]

I have a T7 with the three lenses as listed in my signature. Had it for about 6 years and like it very much.