Is it still ok to learn on a DSLR?

[FilmCanister]

I would like to learn more about photography. I’ve used point and shoot (film and digital) cameras in the past but I’ve been exclusively using my iPhone for the past 7 years. I’ve mostly convinced myself to buy a Rebel t7i, as the $775 price for camera + kit lens that I see fits my budget well. My plan is to learn on the Rebel and kit lens for as many years as I can and buy EF or EF-S lenses if I need them. If I feel the need to upgrade the camera in the future, I’ll likely buy a Canon R series to continue using any EF lenses I’ve accumulated.

Have I missed something important? Should I be considering a mirrorless option more strongly? I’ll probably keep whatever I buy for 5+ years. If it matters, I’ll primarily take pictures of family, urban life (buildings, architectural features, people) and landscapes. I don’t anticipate shooting a lot of video.

Edit 11/1: I appreciate the replies I've received. I've been doing my best to understand the equipment and what it does and ignore marketing hype.

Edit 11/3: For anyone following this thread I decided the solution for me was to look for a mirrorless option. While I agree that someone can learn photography on any camera, I don't currently have any cameras or lenses so it makes sense to me to choose an R series camera as my first. Thank you to all who offered their helpful opinions.

[shadowsports]

While my post got marked as the solution, I feel that many here contributed to the conversation pointing out the pros and cons (if you can call them that) and the benefits each platform offers for learning basic photography today and beyond.  The tools have certainly changed (evolved), but the fundamentals of the exposure triangle still apply regardless of the age of your gear and capability.  We are all here to help one another.  I truly appreciate and enjoy everyone's kindness and wisdom.

[FilmCanister]

As I re-read your comment a month after I originally posted, I understand it a lot better. I ultimately found the budget for an RP and kit lens. I can already see that I'll want a better lens eventually (for more light). Your comment about EF glass not comparing to RF on an R series body was really impactful. Thanks for the insight.

[FloridaDrafter]

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@FilmCanisterwrote:

As I re-read your comment a month after I originally posted, I understand it a lot better. I ultimately found the budget for an RP and kit lens. I can already see that I'll want a better lens eventually (for more light). Your comment about EF glass not comparing to RF on an R series body was really impactful. Thanks for the insight.

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You are welcome, and as Rick stated, there is a lot of good info in this thread, kudos to everyone!

I think the RP is a good choice and if the kit lens you are referring to is the RF 24-105mm f/4-7.1 IS STM (non L), that should be a good lens to get you started. And yes, it is what is called a "dark lens", especially at the long 105mm end, so I know what you mean by wanting more light. Just keep in mind that higher ISO is not such a bad thing on the MILC's, so you can compensate a bit for lack of light by bumping up your ISO, at least that's been my experience. Also, Canons free Digital Photo Professional (DPP 4) has excellent digital lens optimization (DLO) and noise reduction (NR). It's a very good Raw editor, and I suggest you shoot Raw. DPP may be all you'll ever need, which is my case, but as you expand your interests, there are plenty of Raw and raster editors that are free or paid applications.

I hope you enjoy your new gear and don't be in a big hurry to get more glass. It's easy to get "lens lust". As you figure out what you want from your photography, those questions will be answered... Now, go shoot! 🙂

Newton