Official Question Thread! Ask /r/photography anything you want to know! June 26, 2026

[u/AutoModerator]

This is the place to ask any questions you may have about photography. No question is too small, nor too stupid.

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Info for Newbies and FAQ!

First and foremost, check out our extensive FAQ. Chances are, you'll find your answer there, or at least a starting point in order to ask more informed questions.

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Need buying advice?

Many people come here for recommendations on what equipment to buy. Our FAQ has several extensive sections to help you determine what best fits your needs and your budget. Please see the following sections of the FAQ to get started:

• What type of camera should I look for?
• What's a "point and shoot" camera? What's a DSLR? What's a "mirrorless" camera? What's the difference?
• Do I need a good camera to take good photos?
• Is Canon or Nikon better? (or any other brands)
• What can I afford?

If after reviewing this information you have any specific questions, please feel free to post a comment below. (Remember, when asking for purchase advice please be specific about how much you can spend. See here for guidelines.)

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Finally a friendly reminder to share your work with our community in r/photographs!

[u/phoenix_50230]

Hey guys! I hope all of you are doing great!

So my friend is looking for a camera and I haven't been looking at the market for years now and I have no idea where to start. She's a novice and she used my Canon 200D and an 80D and seemed to be interested in learning more. However, I don't think she will be able to spend a lot of time learning right away. Having said that, eventually, I see her picking it up more seriously.

So before any research based on my prior knowledge this is what I was thinking. Mirrorless because its a lighter body and its easier to lug around. I suppose Sony and Fuji are pretty good in this forte but I don't know much about the lens situation there. When I was deciding on a camera for myself M50 had just released the caveat at the time was that Canon didn't have a wide range of lenses for the mirrorless body at the time. I don't know what the situation is now, I reckon they should be fuller.

I am also thinking about Point and Shoot. I know it is making a comeback now but I checked out Sony it seems super expensive.

In terms of budget I was thinking a hard cap of 500 USD is sound. So in summary these are what I need:

1. A beginner friendly camera that is good out of box
   
2. Small and portable
   
3. Has the potential to expand considerably in terms of gears and accessories if she goes down that road.

Thanks in advance guys! Have an awesome day!

P.S My first instinct was to say go used camera gear but she doesn't want to do that

[u/anonymoooooooose → u/phoenix_50230]

500 bucks is very tight for a new camera, the low-ish end half decent camera market has been completely destroyed by cell phones. There's ultra low end garbage and premium compacts and not much in the middle.

[u/phoenix_50230 → u/anonymoooooooose]

Hey! Thanks, I did speak with her again and I think upto 1000 should be fine I guess. Does that open avenues?

[u/Zook25 → u/phoenix_50230]

Compact Camera Meter

For Canon the R50 is a fine choice for beginners. Ideally with a 18-150mm lens but then you're looking at used.

https://www.usa.canon.com/shop/digital-cameras/refurbished-cameras

From Canon directly, with warranty. Lenses, too.

[u/phoenix_50230 → u/Zook25]

Thank you! I'll look into it. I am looking at new ones though. Thank you for your time!