I’m totally new to photography and want to get my first camera. I’ll mainly be using it for nature photography while hiking and traveling.
My only focus is on photos of the highest possible quality.
My budget is around $600, and I’ll also need essential accessories, but don’t know what I’d need, like a lens?
Not open to refurbished, as I’m buying in Vietnam.
Fact is photography is an expensive hobby and depending on your definition of quality and the type of photography you’re into $600 could be plenty or it could be nothing. Here’s some options, though.
Canon EOS M50 Mark ll: A mirrorless camera with a 24.1 MP APS-C sensor. Iť’s small, portable, and comes with a kit lens to get you started. As you go you will discover what your needs are from a lens and you can upgrade accordingly.
Sony Alpha a6000: Another mirrorless option with a 24.3 MP APS-C sensor. Compact, good image quality, and fast autofocus. Again the kit lens should be enough to get you started.
Panasonic Lumix FZ300: This one is fixed lens, but you get quite a range out of that one lens. It’s also weather-sealed, which is handy for outdoor use.
Buying refurbished or from a reseller like B&H or even eBay, if possible, could really help you get the most out of your budget and reach a little higher than what I’ve suggested.
You don’t need much to start, an SD card, preferably 64GB or higher. Maybe a waterproof camera bag for hiking, but it’s not essential and many new cameras will come with a bag. You may eventually want a nice tripod, and backup batteries for longer trips.
Would a Canon EOS R50 be better than the ones you’ve mentioned? I’m especially interested in closeup macro photography
You can buy vintage macro lenses if you need a more affordable option
Definitely a solid choice. You’re going to need a macro lens and Canon has some great ones for the RF mount. That’s going to cost you about twice the budget you’ve described, though. At least in USD.
Hm, I guess it’s just popular here and more reasonably priced. Any specific lens recommendations or would the one that goes with it be perfect for the first year or so? While I’ll be learning
Dang, I’ve heard a lot of good things about Vietnam, but that takes the cake!
Unfortunately for Macro photography the kit lenses aren’t going to cut it. Now full disclosure I use Nikon and not Canon, so I haven’t used this lens, but the Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 Macro STM lens looks like a solid choice for 1:2 magnification at a super reasonable price. If you have the option you could rent some equipment and see what works best for you.
Thanks. After checking, I don’t think it’s much of a difference in price across regions/countries, as it seems to be still about 600-650usd for the body with the basic kit lens in most shops.
I think the one who told you that it won’t fit into your budget meant a the body + a good macro lens
You can’t very close up pictures with the kit lens
I bought my Rebel EOS on EBay with a lens for under $200 I think. It’s a few years old. I spent $100 taking it in to have it professionally cleaned. It’s a fantastic little camera! I’m by no means good with it but it does everything I ask of it and then some.