I've been looking at getting a real camera because my phone just isnt cutting it anymore for photos of my kids running around and our upcoming trip to Disney in December. I keep seeing people talk about the Canon mirrorless ones but honestly I am so lost with all the different model names like R50 or R10 or R8. Like what do the numbers even mean? I am a total beginner so sorry if this is a really basic question but I have no idea where to even start looking. With Black Friday coming up I figured it might be the right time to buy but I dont want to waste money on something way too professional that I cant even figure out how to use.
Here is what I am trying to stick to:
- Budget is around $800 or maybe $1000 if it includes a lens
- Needs to be small enough to carry in a regular bag
- Good for moving subjects like toddlers and my dog
- I want that blurry background look for portraits
Are there any specific stores I should be watching for sales? I keep checking Best Buy and Amazon but everything looks the same to me. Do these cameras actually go on sale for Black Friday or is it mostly just the older stuff they are trying to get rid of? I really want to make sure I get the right one before the holidays start...
I've been using the Canon R system for a while now and honestly, I'm super satisfied with how reliable it is. For what you need, dont get overwhelmed by the pro stuff. The numbers basically indicate the tier... lower numbers are usually more pro, while higher numbers like the Canon EOS R50 Mirrorless with 18-45mm Lens are made exactly for people moving up from a phone. I bought one for my wife and she has no complaints about the weight or the menus. It fits in her purse easily. If you want to catch your kids running around, the Canon EOS R10 with RF-S 18-45mm IS STM Lens is probably your best bet because it handles fast movement really well for the price. I've found that Black Friday deals on these are usually legit, not just old stock. You can usually find the R10 kit for under $900 during sales. To get that blurry background you mentioned, you really need a specific lens like the Canon RF 50mm f/1.8 STM. It's cheap, tiny, and makes portraits look professional without any effort. Check out B&H Photo or Adorama alongside the big box stores. I also highly recommend the Canon USA Refurbished store... they have strict quality checks and the gear looks brand new, plus you get a full warranty which gives me peace of mind. It's a safe way to stay under that $1000 budget while getting both the camera and that portrait lens.
