Dslr vs mirror less camera for a beginner.

I quickly searched the first 5 pages on here, but by page 5 were all the way back to 2015. That could be a lifetime in the electronics world.

So im looking for a camera. Basically a beginner with my phone being the only thing I've taken pics with in the last 10 years. I was looking at dslrs until I came across a video comparing mirrorless and dslr. It seems like the mirrorless would more closely resemble my phone skills.
I have 2 kids both in fast moving sports, track and soccer, that I want to be able to snag pics of. And I like taking pictures of vehicles. And always had the idea of car photography being a money making hobby.

That said, I don't want to spend 1k+ right off the bat. Do you guys have any recommendations for a 5-6 hundred budget beginner camera. Or thoughts on the dslr vs mirrorless.

Here's a couple phone pictures for your viewing pleasure...

 

No clue on the camera question but I sure hope there was no one in that casket

 

Go to your local camera shop (if you have them) and try out Sony, canon and Nikon. For under a grand you could get a used APS-C lens camera with a few lenses or a new compact camera. The Sony ZV1 is a good option IMHO. Also check out https://photography-on-the.net/forum/. Basically a forum for photography enthusiasts.

 

I have a Olympus micro 4/3 camera, OMD EM10 Mark IV and I love it. Slightly smaller sensor than the APS-C mentioned above, but huge upgrade over camera phone. Advantage over APS-C is size, quite a bit smaller, thus I’m more likely to take it places due to its smaller size than carrying around a larger/bulkier camera. You can have the best camera in the world, but if you don’t take it with you, what good is it

 

Best idea like Henryp said is to go to a camera shop if able, get your hands on some cameras and see what you like

 

Mirrorless is the future of cameras for sure but nothing wrong with a used dslr to start you off as there are many great ones out there without breaking the bank. With your budget of $500 - $600 you can try or check out a used Sony and Canon's APS-C cameras such as Sony A6500 and Canon EOS M50 (both crop sensor mirrorless) or something similar. I do not have experience with either cameras but I did go from shooting with a dslr for about 10 years (Canon Rebel XS, Canon T4i, Canon 70D, Canon 5D mklll) to a mirrorless (Canon R6) and love it.

With camera comes lens. That's what really matters. Got to factor that in too and they can get expensive. I use a mirrorless camera now and have dslr lens, which doesn't fit the mirrorless mount, but I am able to utilize an adapter to mount onto my mirrorless.

Everyone has different budget and needs so definitely research beyond TW. Check out YouTube and articles online for sure. Don't be afraid to buy used gear either. Many reputable sites such as KEH, Adorama, and MPB to name a few. Heck, I've even used ebay.

Good luck!

 

Mirrorless might be a good way to go, but a short while back Costco was selling a 24 mega pixel Nikon dslr (D3500) with two lenses and carrying case for about $500. I have a D3300 that cost about the same that I bought about 5 years ago . Works great.

 

Mirrorless. Love my Sony’s. Look at their “3/4” format.

 

The you tube rabbit hole I've been in today is leaning me towards the cannon m50. Unfortunately I don't have any ma & pa camera shops near me, at least according to Google. Or Costco really I think the closest one is about an hour I know they usually have pretty good deals. I found the M50 for around the 650 range on Amazon. I like how it has the feature to send the pics right to your phone. One of the big problems when taking photos as a family is one of my family members will bring out thier good camera set up a tripod and we will take a big old group shot and then nobody ever gets to see the picture. With this feature I can set up snap and text it back to everyone. That's kinda cool.

Thanks for all the advice so far. It looks like mirrorless is in the lead.

 

The Canon M50 has eye detection technology too, which will be great for capturing moments of your children when they're doing their fast action activities. I don't know if you have a BestBuy but they always have cameras out on display and for you to play with. Of course, once you get the camera it'll be a lot of reading, learning, shooting, adjusting, - repeat! Don't forget if you want to get into car photography eventually for money making hobby you'll eventually want to learn about RAW files and photo editing too and which software will be best for you.

 

Pulled the trigger on the cannon M50. Got it yesterday got a lot of learning to do over the next few days, then a vacation that I'll try and get some halfway decent shots. The truck needs a good cleaning so after that I'll take some beauty shots of that too.

 

Strong supporter of the GH5. Get a speed booster and a Sigma 18-35 lens and you are set. Use this set up all the time for video