Cameras

Mirrorless, almost always. Manufacturers are concentrating new bodies, new lenses, and autofocus improvements in mirrorless lines. DSLRs are still excellent cameras and you can find great deals on used bodies, but you're buying into a system that's no longer being heavily developed. Pick DSLR only if you already own the lenses.

Full-frame for pros and serious enthusiasts who shoot low light, portraits, or want maximum image quality. APS-C for almost everyone else — smaller, lighter, cheaper bodies and lenses, and the image quality is close enough that most people can't tell. Micro Four Thirds for travel-focused shooters and video where small size and stabilization matter more than ultimate low-light performance.

Sony A6700, Canon R10/R50, Fujifilm X-T5, or Nikon Z50 II are all excellent entry-level mirrorless options. All have good autofocus, good image quality, and access to growing lens systems. Avoid spending too much — a $1,500 starter setup will teach you more than a $4,000 one collecting dust.

Be honest about what you actually shoot. Most hybrid cameras handle both well, but if you're heavily photo-focused, prioritize autofocus speed, burst rate, and dynamic range. Heavily video-focused: 10-bit recording, log profiles, IBIS, and recording time limits matter more. If you do both, look for hybrid-labeled bodies (Sony A7 IV, Canon R6 II, Panasonic S5 II).

Used is often the smartest buy. A 2–3 year old flagship body for half the price beats a new entry-level body in features and image quality. Buy from reputable sources (we stock plenty of certified used gear), check shutter count, and inspect for sensor damage. Lenses age very well — a 10-year-old lens performs identically to a new one.

$1,000–$2,000 for a body and a starter lens gets you into modern mirrorless with room to grow. Below that, you're looking at older or compact options. Above $3,000, you're spending on features beginners can't fully use yet. Budget extra for lenses, bags, batteries, and cards.