One of the questions I get asked most frequently from aspiring photographers or moms is what to be looking for if they are interested in getting a DSLR camera- so I figured I would break down all the important details here!  Now, truth time:  I am not a super technical learner OR teacher, so I’m keeping it simple for ‘ya: I’m sharing basic facts– and want to include that of course, these are just my opinions!  They are not right for everyone, but rooted in my experiences over the last 9 years.

First, I want to take a quick second to explain the main difference between point-and-shoot cameras and DSLR/mirrorless “fancy cameras” in case you are totally new to it all.  DSLR cameras use a mirror system to send light into the camera, and then convert to digital files.  A mirrorless camera does that without the mirror. Both use separate lenses, and are definitely created for people who want to venture into the world of learning more about creative, beautiful photography.  There are also so many great point-and-shoot options if you just want to take good pictures and not go much further, and they are much cheaper! But if you want to take a deeper dive with truly scroll0-stopping photos, there is nothing that will give you better images than a DSLR or mirrorless camera!  If you want to dive deeper into the differences between those two types of fancy cameras, click HERE.

Because I’m a Canon girl, I tend to recommend Canon cameras.  I started on Nikon, switched to canon, and it is a better fit for me (I think they have the best service and products out there –and a lower price point for some great hobby lenses)!  However- Nikon has some wonderful entry options as well!

Newest Entry Level DSLR RECOMMENDATION

For Canon, the EOS Rebel series is the DSLR entry level series, and the most recent release is the EOS Rebel T8i (also called the 850d).   I highly recommend this camera if you want a traditional DSLR camera with super trusted and tested technology.  This camera has the latest and best technology that Canon’s entry level cameras can offer!

MOST ECONOMICAL RECOMMENDATION

The Canon EOS Rebel T7 is the last model released before the T8, and is much more budget-friendly.  It is a great place to start if it matches your budget better!

MY VERY TOP RECOMMENDATION

If you want to spend a little more for a camera type that will one day be the mainstream, you can go mirrorless with the Canon RP (this is my top recommendation if you can afford it).   I think that everything is moving towards mirrorless long term, and this is a GREAT camera to start with, and a significant upgrade in many ways from the previously mentioned 2 cameras.

After the specific camera body, it gets very tricky. If you look online (at a place like amazon, or B&H photo, which are the main 2 places I order equipment from), camera bodies are often sold in “kits”. They either come with one “kit lenses” (which is hobby level zoom lens) and a LOT of accessories, most of which you will never use. You definitely want a few good memory cards, but past that most of the accessories that come in the kits are off brand and not very useful.

So in the end, the answer to this question is very complex. I recommend the canon t7, t8i, or RP (all depending on what your price point is).  Remember- you can always add on later as your budget allows! But I hear from a lot of my students is that they just aren’t thrilled with the quality of images they are getting with those kit lenses- and once they buy the 50mm I highly recommend, and start to gain control of their settings and venture into some manual settings, things change very quickly!

If you are looking to learn how to actually USE your camera gear, I’m your girl– just email me at jill@jillgum.com and I can help with the right first steps for you!

*The links are affiliate links through amazon, which means I get a tiny commission on purchases made through these links. It doesn’t change your cost, but gives me a little “thank you” for some of the free education on this blog!