Looking for a camera

[Anonymous]

I am looking for a nice camera to take photos of my kids. I was thinking of the Canon Rebel T7. I would like something light, but takes good photos. Not looking for a point and shoot. Budget is under $800 thanks!

[Anonymous]

I have thousands of dollars in camera equipment, and most of the time I use my iPhone 11 Pro. Seriously. I only take my good stuff out to shoot an event where I need the bigger lenses, like a sporting event or something like that, which is seldom these days.

[Anonymous]

Go with mirrorless camera.
Try Sony a6000 series. It meets your criteria (light and under $800).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Go with mirrorless camera.
Try Sony a6000 series. It meets your criteria (light and under $800).

NP here. I’ve heard several times that mirrorless is the way to go. Could you explain to me why that is?
I’m too much of a beginner to know!

[Anonymous]

OP here, looking for more responses.

[Anonymous]

Do you want digital or film? Do you just want to take snapshots, or do you have aspirations to do more artistic work?

[Anonymous]

Mirrorless cameras are the rage now. From a physical standpoint, they're lighter and smaller than big DSLRs and as such, easier to grab and carry when you need a photo. Mirrorless are considered better for video, but DSLR probably has more lens and acessories available for growth.

I think it really comes down to the old adage: "the best camera is the one you have with you when you want to take a picture".

My general rule of thumb is if you want to take pictures, just use your phone. If you want to take photos, use a camera.

Are envisioning this new camera for snapshots, kids come home from school with artwork, junior catches his first fish kind of pictures, or are you looking to start taking photos of the kids on a nice fall day in the woods, portraits of them looking up over the crib, etc? Are you already a photographer or aspiring to be one and learn the trade that transitions a picture into a photo?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here, looking for more responses.

If you want more recommendations, go to those photography forums.

[Anonymous]

It depends on what you want to do. I am a bit of an amateur photographer (mostly because my job pays better than pro photographer).

I own 5 bodies and about 12 lense. In addition, I have three high-end point and shoot cameras.

First thing to remember is not to buy a camera that is bigger than you will carry. For example, a Nikon D850 is a great camera, but it is HEAVY.

Second thing is the glass is the most important aspect of the camera: get good lenses.

I am a Nikon guy (for DSLR), and Lumix/Panasonic for point and shoot.

Nikon is for when I know I will be taking photos, and I am willing to carry the weight. And most of the weight is in the glass.

Since you are asking the questions you are asking, I expect you are not really looking for artistic photography.

In that case, I would use the mantra that the camera I will carry is the best. Either a phone camera or a point and shoot. Get a high-end point and shoot and don't look back