$500 camera for newbie -- sunsets are important
 

So I have budgeted $500 for a camera that will be used to shoot sunsets most of the time. You should see the sunsets from my balcony you would understand :) Of course I travel too so size is a concern. Note: my photography skills and knowledge extend to the very skilled pressing of the shutter button :P

I am thinking of the Sony NEX-5T or perhaps the DSC-RX100 (even the II can be found now on eBay for just under $500). Even the Fujifilm X-M1 can be found for in the $450 shipped range... If DSLR, then the Nikon D3300, the D5200 or the Canon SL1 -- but these are quite heavy... So many choices, so hard to decide.

Unless you want to spend the time and effort learning photography you should stay away from pro or semi-pro equipment. It is a complete waste to buy something like the NEX and just leave it set on "Auto." You are far better off buying one of the higher-end point and shoot cameras, which will do more to get the best out of your non-existent skills.

Something like the Sony DSC-RX100 or the Ricoh GR would be a good choice.

I was in a similar position where is wasn't happy with the quality of my iPhone 6 photos and wanted something a little better but still small enough to carry around and work out how to use it correctly.

I went for the RX100 and used it for the first time in Seattle over new year. It served me very well and i was very impressed with the photos. I can't wait to use it in Japan next month.

Putting in another vote for the RX100 -- it offers fantastic image quality for a point and shoot, and I've had no complaints about sunset photos with it :)

Compared with other cameras from the same year (and a lot of newer ones) its low-light photos are pretty incredible, too.

RX 100 II it is. Sony Stores are closing across Canada so I got a 450 CAD (+taxes, that's 400 USD inc taxes) offer on an open box -- how could I resist that?

Sounds like a great deal! Enjoy the new camera :)

I got mine 2 months ago...Mark III open box at Best Buy for 515 with card and case.

a tripod

For traveling, and given the OP's overall interests and skill set, I'd prefer a small camera with good lens and image stabilization and a remote shutter release. A small bean bag could be added if needed, but I doubt that it would be.

Wait for the Canon EOS M3. But. Don't spend a ton on the camera, put your money in your glass.

EOS M3 isn't coming to America if that's where he's located. It'll be other markets just like the M2

On behalf of the Spousal Unit who teaches college photography, I'll throw in another vote for the RX100. He's really impressed with what Sony's done with a point and shoot camera with it.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/chx/se...7648551057824/ the little Sony is making nice pictures of the sunsets :) I bought a Gorillapod Hybrid and afix the camera to the balcony railing with it and use my tablet as remote shutter because the RX 100 II even lets you do that -- free remote shutter. For travel, I have the original Gorillapod but it's too small for a grip on the balcony railing that doesn't make me nervous, the Hybrid is huge and wraps itself around it.

Also, while I would have zero problems buying something from the UK/EU, the M3 is €769.99 how did that appear in a $500 camera thread :) ?

Same reason "buy Apple" shows up in budget computer threads. Some people are fans of certain brands, and are oblivious to things like cost :D

Hi,

Not an obligatory Canon or Apple guy, so if I came across as such please forgive me. Out of ignorance I gave my response without realizing its cost or availability. That being said, whatever camera is purchased, I would find a way to get one with the best glass possible and not worry about the bells and whistles on the camera body itself.