What to buy?

[jjmor918]

My daughter is taking a photography class in high school and is currently using a digital rebel T5. I'd like to buy her a camera for the holidays, but I'm not sure what to look for ...

I'm seeing all different models and I don't know what the differences are. Specifically, I'm looking at these:

Canon EOS 4000D Rebel 18MP Digital SLR Camera

Canon Black Rebel T5 Digital SLR Camera Bundle with 18mm-55mm

Canon EOS Rebel T7 DSLR Camera with 18-55mm Lens Starter Bundle

Canon EOS 2000D / Rebel T7 DSLR Camera with 18-55mm Lens + Creative Filter Set, EOS Camera Bag + Sandisk Ultra 64GB Card + 6AVE Electronics Cleaning Set, And More (International Model)

Can anyone shed any light on this?

Thank you!

[Tronhard]

Alan, I read it that the OP is saying that she is using, but not owning the camera he mentions.  That camera is supplied by the school and he wants to get her one of her own.

[shadowsports]

@Trevor,

You beat me to it...   One thing none of us asked.  Does your daughter own the T5 or is she using a camera supplied to her by the school for the course duration?

Regarding purchasing refurbished gear.  Yes.  100% safe from Canon.  This gear has the same 1 yr warranty as new gear. 

@jjmor918

Staying below $1K and making a meaningful purchase is challenging.  Its a situation where you are trying to balance cost and value vs. will she continue using it.

I took a few years of photography in HS.  First an intro, but the instructor moved me into the intermediate class and darkroom techniques after a few weeks.  I had a Canon AE-1 at the time.  This is when I learned how to develop film and make my own B&W prints.  By senior year I was on the yearbook committee and was one of the school's photographers.  My grandparents purchased a few lenses for me.

I'm sure you know your daughter.  If she is demonstrating interest and aptitude for photography, I'd up your budget roughly $500.  You'll get a higher return on your investment doing so, and with the holidays coming also some good sales that could mean additional buying power.  The reason I might encourage spending a little more upfront is to ensure better return on investment.

Mirrorless is the future and in many ways a wiser investment.  I know what you are probably thinking...  its out of my reach.  Its not.  The R10 (APS-C) or RP (fullframe) both are sub $1K new.  Now look at some refurbished lenses.  All here can help and advise on purchasing decisions, matching gear (body & lenses) plus other accessories.  The right camera, body, lens, deal, etc is out there.  Take your time.

[shadowsports]

B&H has the R10 and 18-150 for $1379.  (new) Out the door.

Rockin' deal for a HS Student.    

[krahe]

Unless you're really tied to the idea of a DSLR, you might look at a mirrorless, which offers a smaller package and, unlike a DSLR, consistent capabilities whether you're using the viewfinder or the live view screen. It's possible that there is no camera in your price range that your daughter would have more fun with than an EOS M50 Mark II. If you have until Christmas, though, you might keep your eyes and ears open for an announcement about a Mark III in the next month or so, which I think is quite possible.

[BiometrisInc]

Does anyone know if this camera has autozoom functions?

Canon EOS Rebel SL3 Digital SLR