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Professional photographer here. Thought I'd chime in on the banter:
Nikon and Canon (and Sony, etc) each have their own strengths and weaknesses. Go for the fit, not the brand.
Also, if you're thinking about entering the DSLR world, start cheap on the body and $$ on the lens. Resale value on lens are much better (less upgrades) versus the body (upgrades every 2-4 years).
It's extremely common to buy used in the photography world. If you don't want to, thank you -- when you sell your gear, you took the financial hit for the rest of us. We appreciate you!
And Canon refurbished is akin to Bose, Valve, and Apple's refurbished -- just as good as new.
Canon refurbished cameras are presented as a strong value for getting into DSLR or full frame Canon gear, with bodies arriving looking like new and backed by a good warranty. The T7 kit is called out as a solid starter camera, and there is also a two lens bundle for $50 more. Canon EF lenses are highlighted as especially easy to mix and match across bodies, which makes the system appealing for building a lens collection. The main caution is that newer mirrorless bodies and RF lenses can offer better autofocus, smaller kits, and more future proofing, so the older DSLR route is best when price and lens flexibility matter most.
DSLR beginners who want a low-risk entry and plan to spend more on lenses because refurbished Canon DSLRs can arrive looking like new with a good warranty, and EF lenses are generally easier to use across bodies since most EF lenses made since 1986 work on EF mount.
Canon full-frame mirrorless starters who are okay with older-but-capable gear and want to focus budget on lenses because commenters say the refurbished EOS RP at its price point delivers excellent photos and is "future proof" with RF lenses, even if it's not as fast as newer options.
People buying for a specific "learn and shoot" use case (like eBay listings or casual practice) because one commenter said their refurbished T7 arrived looking like new and they consider it a great camera for eBay.
Photographers who want to keep costs down by buying a cheaper body and investing in glass because a professional commenter recommends starting cheap on the body and spending more on the lens, since lens resale value is typically better than body resale value.
Canon shooters who want straightforward lens compatibility without lots of adapter/compatibility checking because commenters note Canon EF lenses are usually plug-and-play on EF mount, and Canon EF-to-RF has very few edge cases compared with other systems.
Buyers who need cutting-edge performance like high FPS/buffer shooting because one commenter notes that if you want to shoot 30-40 frames per second with a half-second pre-shutterpress buffer, you won't get that with DSLRs.
People who assume physical mount fit guarantees lens compatibility because commenters warn that "it fits on the physical mount" doesn't mean it works with the camera, and that exceptions can be significant (they cite compatibility-list issues with other mounts as an example).
Shoppers who want lots of cheap native lens options for future expansion because one commenter argues Canon's RF mount is more limiting for inexpensive lens choices compared with Sony/Nikon ecosystems.
Buyers who are specifically trying to maximize value versus newer mirrorless bodies when budget is tight because one commenter says the refurbished EOS RP can be a hard sell at around $550 compared with newer/cheaper alternatives like the R50 at ~$450 with better focusing tech.
A refurbished DSLR can be a strong beginner buy if you want a cheap body and inexpensive EF glass, especially when you do not need high FPS or the newest autofocus tech. Mirrorless brings newer features and smaller bodies in many cases, but the comments note that DSLR image quality is still very good for most users.
Canon EF is broadly compatible: most EF lenses made since 1986 work on EF-mount film SLRs and DSLRs, and EF-to-RF adapters usually have few edge-case exceptions. That makes Canon a simpler ecosystem than Nikon or Sony when you want to reuse lenses across bodies.
Canon refurbished listings include a warranty, and the cameras are reported to arrive looking like new with no issues. That makes them a safer way to buy used gear if you want lower pricing without taking on unknown wear.
Yes. There is a T7 kit with two lenses for $50 more than the $269 single-lens kit, which gives you a broader starter setup without jumping to a different body.
I disagree on several points.The "brand" is very important. If you're looking for "just good enough to meet a need, no future expansion", sure, just get whatever works for you at a desired price point. But if future growth is of any concern, I wouldn't go NEAR several mounts or brands -- like Micro 4/3rds. Nothing technically wrong with it (I even like it)...but it's languishing. Canon has locked down their RF lens mount. If having a variety of cheap options is important, you won't find it there. Go with Sony or Nikon -- Sony has tons of lenses to choose from, first and third parties.-----------I would NOT suggest someone just starting to get a DSLR today. We're in a Mirrorless world. It's like saying "you want to get into transportation? great! get a horse instead of a car." The exception is if the person if FULLY made aware, both eyes wide open, about the limitations and tradeoffs of DSLRs. And if they get something dirt cheap to "learn" on.And like I said, if they do get something like that, they're fully aware they're using 10-20 year old tech. Which is OK, as long as their expectations are adjusted accordingly. ----------As for lenses, sure -- in the DSLR world, there are some real good bangers available for cheap since everyone is going to mirrorless. But then again, most budget and mid-tier mirrorless lenses are actually pretty great -- sometimes outperforming their older brethren. (The new Canon "budget" RF 28-70 f/2.8 IS STM lens for ~$1000 is equivalent or slightly better than the older EF 24-70 f/2.8 L lens. Same with the $450 RF 45mm f/1.2 STM and the older EF 50mm f/1.2 L.)What I'm saying is -- glass is becoming less of a thing, unless you're going to the ultra-high-end of spending $2k+ for a lens. Sure, there are hidden gems and some stinkers (Canon's 75-300 is still laughable, RF or EF), but the overall trend is mirrorless glass is very much improved. -----------And for upgrading a body every 2-4 years? Most of the time you're keeping a body for 10+ years. Unless you're making money from photography, I don't know of anyone who upgrades as frequently as that, like a cellular telephone handheld.
I'd strongly recommend the RP at this price point. Full frame sensor. Very small and light body. Excellent photos. Well built. Future proof with RF lenses. It gets a bad wrap by some because it's not as fast as the next cheapest full frame (R8) but that costs 2-3x as much. The RP for $500 it's outstanding value. That said, if you're just starting out and don't mind a DSLR, the ultimate value is a used excellent condition Canon 40/50D with warranty for $100 at KEH.
I'd strongly recommend the RP at this price point. Full frame sensor. Very small and light body. Excellent photos. Well built. Future proof with RF lenses. It gets a bad wrap by some because it's not as fast as the next cheapest full frame (R8) but that costs 2-3x as much. The RP for $500 it's outstanding value. That said, if you're just starting out and don't mind a DSLR, the ultimate value is a used excellent condition Canon 40/50D with warranty for $100 at KEH.
It's a real hard sell, given the age and price of the RP. $550 for the RP isn't as enticing when the R50 (APS-C) is available at $450, and that is a significantly newer body with much better focusing tech. If budget is a concern at all, that's cheaper AND allows for full use of inexpensive (and lightweight) RF-S lenses....along with any full frame you want (with the 1.6x crop factor equivalency).
And if you can afford to spend around twice as much, you can get the R8 between $900-1100....and that makes the RP vs. R8 feel like the difference between night and day.
If the RP was $100-200 less, it'd be a slam dunk decision. But it's not.
If the choice was between the RP w/ 24-105 STM or the R50 w/ 18-150 (both will run you around $800), I'd probably lean towards the R50. Smaller, lighter, newer, and TCO cheaper with access to APS-C lenses.
It's a real hard sell, given the age and price of the RP. $550 for the RP isn't as enticing when the R50 (APS-C) is available at $450, and that is a significantly newer body with much better focusing tech. If budget is a concern at all, that's cheaper AND allows for full use of inexpensive (and lightweight) RF-S lenses....along with any full frame you want (with the 1.6x crop factor equivalency).
And if you can afford to spend around twice as much, you can get the R8 between $900-1100....and that makes the RP vs. R8 feel like the difference between night and day.
If the RP was $100-200 less, it'd be a slam dunk decision. But it's not.
If the choice was between the RP w/ 24-105 STM or the R50 w/ 18-150 (both will run you around $800), I'd probably lean towards the R50. Smaller, lighter, newer, and TCO cheaper with access to APS-C lenses.
I shoot an RP and an R100. I usually don't contribute to these because camera people have a lot of strong opinions, but both take wildly great shots for the price.
If someone wants to start on Canon full frame Mirrorless and focus on spending on glass, the RP can deliver some great shots.
Eww yuck canon overrated and underperformance go get yourself Nikon more features flexible lenses from different brands really good cmos another note u won't get screwed with over priced lenses from a crap anti customer company like canon and don't get me started with warranty and customer support
I disagree on several points.The "brand" is very important. If you're looking for "just good enough to meet a need, no future expansion", sure, just get whatever works for you at a desired price point. But if future growth is of any concern, I wouldn't go NEAR several mounts or brands -- like Micro 4/3rds. Nothing technically wrong with it (I even like it)...but it's languishing. Canon has locked down their RF lens mount. If having a variety of cheap options is important, you won't find it there. Go with Sony or Nikon -- Sony has tons of lenses to choose from, first and third parties.-----------I would NOT suggest someone just starting to get a DSLR today. We're in a Mirrorless world. It's like saying "you want to get into transportation? great! get a horse instead of a car." The exception is if the person if FULLY made aware, both eyes wide open, about the limitations and tradeoffs of DSLRs. And if they get something dirt cheap to "learn" on.And like I said, if they do get something like that, they're fully aware they're using 10-20 year old tech. Which is OK, as long as their expectations are adjusted accordingly. ----------As for lenses, sure -- in the DSLR world, there are some real good bangers available for cheap since everyone is going to mirrorless. But then again, most budget and mid-tier mirrorless lenses are actually pretty great -- sometimes outperforming their older brethren. (The new Canon "budget" RF 28-70 f/2.8 IS STM lens for ~$1000 is equivalent or slightly better than the older EF 24-70 f/2.8 L lens. Same with the $450 RF 45mm f/1.2 STM and the older EF 50mm f/1.2 L.)What I'm saying is -- glass is becoming less of a thing, unless you're going to the ultra-high-end of spending $2k+ for a lens. Sure, there are hidden gems and some stinkers (Canon's 75-300 is still laughable, RF or EF), but the overall trend is mirrorless glass is very much improved. -----------And for upgrading a body every 2-4 years? Most of the time you're keeping a body for 10+ years. Unless you're making money from photography, I don't know of anyone who upgrades as frequently as that, like a cellular telephone handheld.
Thanks for offering your opinions in a helpful cast. I have to disagree on the dSLR point. Yes, they are largely older models, mount older lenses, and have disadvantages for cutting-edge uses like when mirror slap is problematic, but those aspects are often irrelevant or even wins for a beginner: deals on bodies, excellent EF glass for cheap that can be easily and well adapted to RF, and a clear tactile "took a picture" indicator. Smartphone natives who prefer to shoot with live preview can simply use mirror lock-up, and are probably not counting on shooting 10+ FPS stills (or buying the R3 right off the bat.) EVFs haven't had their "Retina display" moment yet and give a fairly bad impression of the actual capture, just in different ways than OVFs. And AFAIK, images from mirrorless systems are not yet distinguishably better than from the market-equivalent dSLR models.
If I were asked for recommendations by someone who had already caught the photography bug, then sure, anything bought new and full-price (sacrilege on Sd!) should be mirrorless. dSLRs and their glass can serve the rest of us quite well for years to come.
Thanks for offering your opinions in a helpful cast. I have to disagree on the dSLR point. Yes, they are largely older models, mount older lenses, and have disadvantages for cutting-edge uses like when mirror slap is problematic, but those aspects are often irrelevant or even wins for a beginner: deals on bodies, excellent EF glass for cheap that can be easily and well adapted to RF, and a clear tactile "took a picture" indicator. Smartphone natives who prefer to shoot with live preview can simply use mirror lock-up, and are probably not counting on shooting 10+ FPS stills (or buying the R3 right off the bat.) EVFs haven't had their "Retina display" moment yet and give a fairly bad impression of the actual capture, just in different ways than OVFs. And AFAIK, images from mirrorless systems are not yet distinguishably better than from the market-equivalent dSLR models.
If I were asked for recommendations by someone who had already caught the photography bug, then sure, anything bought new and full-price (sacrilege on Sd!) should be mirrorless. dSLRs and their glass can serve the rest of us quite well for years to come.
"cutting-edge uses like when mirror slap is problematic" -- such as general wear and tear? Electronic shutter is going to really extend the life of one's camera since you're removing the primary point of mechanical high-speed wear.
And the price of used quality DSLRs is honestly not that competitive compared to equivalent feature-set mirrorless. And sure, there are exceptions, but generally speaking?
For example, the late-DSLR-era 90D is roughly $900 used. And its RF cousin, the R7? Roughly $1000 used. And the newer, lower-tier R50 at half that price will give the 90D a solid run for its money. Both RF bodies will give massive quality of life upgrades, comparable or beating out some of the best DSLRs.
You have to go significantly older to the 60D or 50D to get measurable savings. And you're using museum pieces at that point.
Nothing wrong with that, as long as you go into it with both eyes open to the compromises and tradeoffs. But if you're going to say the 50D has comparable quality of life features to a current-gen mirrorless R50, I have to emphatically disagree. Use what makes you happy. I know people who still use a 5D classic.
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Honestly speaking, all the justification for EF glass can easily be applied to "get RF-mount, and have the best of both worlds".
At any point you DO find a cheaper/better EF lens....slap on a lens adapter and you have access to it.
EF glass is kinda cheap, but not that "amazing" unless you're dropping around $1k on a lens (EF's 16-35 III, 24-70 II, 11-24, 8-15, etc). Not very budget friendly.
If you're looking at budget lenses, then you are going to get roughly the same performance at roughly the same prices as other budget lenses. Budget is budget wherever you go. And newer mirrorless glass is going to be smaller and lighter in many cases.
The RF versions are cheaper than much of the higher-end used EF....and the RF smaller, lighter, and arguably roughly the same performance (or if not the same, they're very close). And you won't need a $130+ adapter. If you're on a budget, it's something to really consider.
And you have access to better lens formulas. There's a great RF 35mm f/1.8 IS Macro for roughly $350 used/refurb. You're not going to find that same brightness, macro, and IS on EF at that price point.
Last edited by LavenderPickle7682 May 4, 2026 at 12:43 AM.
I've had great experiences with Canon refurbished products in the past. I have since moved back to another brand I used in the early digital camera days, mainly because I was able to buy new products at 50% off retail through a partnership with my employer. The experience with Canon was very positive overall and this move away has more to do with being able to go higher on the technology scale at the same price point and less to do with any dissatisfaction with Canon product. At the time, there were few options for native RF-S lenses and not much discount for RF lenses on the used market.
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Nikon and Canon (and Sony, etc) each have their own strengths and weaknesses. Go for the fit, not the brand.
Also, if you're thinking about entering the DSLR world, start cheap on the body and $$ on the lens. Resale value on lens are much better (less upgrades) versus the body (upgrades every 2-4 years).
And Canon refurbished is akin to Bose, Valve, and Apple's refurbished -- just as good as new.
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Canon refurbished cameras are presented as a strong value for getting into DSLR or full frame Canon gear, with bodies arriving looking like new and backed by a good warranty. The T7 kit is called out as a solid starter camera, and there is also a two lens bundle for $50 more. Canon EF lenses are highlighted as especially easy to mix and match across bodies, which makes the system appealing for building a lens collection. The main caution is that newer mirrorless bodies and RF lenses can offer better autofocus, smaller kits, and more future proofing, so the older DSLR route is best when price and lens flexibility matter most.
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And if you can afford to spend around twice as much, you can get the R8 between $900-1100....and that makes the RP vs. R8 feel like the difference between night and day.
If the RP was $100-200 less, it'd be a slam dunk decision. But it's not.
If the choice was between the RP w/ 24-105 STM or the R50 w/ 18-150 (both will run you around $800), I'd probably lean towards the R50. Smaller, lighter, newer, and TCO cheaper with access to APS-C lenses.
And if you can afford to spend around twice as much, you can get the R8 between $900-1100....and that makes the RP vs. R8 feel like the difference between night and day.
If the RP was $100-200 less, it'd be a slam dunk decision. But it's not.
If the choice was between the RP w/ 24-105 STM or the R50 w/ 18-150 (both will run you around $800), I'd probably lean towards the R50. Smaller, lighter, newer, and TCO cheaper with access to APS-C lenses.
If someone wants to start on Canon full frame Mirrorless and focus on spending on glass, the RP can deliver some great shots.
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If I were asked for recommendations by someone who had already caught the photography bug, then sure, anything bought new and full-price (sacrilege on Sd!) should be mirrorless. dSLRs and their glass can serve the rest of us quite well for years to come.
If I were asked for recommendations by someone who had already caught the photography bug, then sure, anything bought new and full-price (sacrilege on Sd!) should be mirrorless. dSLRs and their glass can serve the rest of us quite well for years to come.
And the price of used quality DSLRs is honestly not that competitive compared to equivalent feature-set mirrorless. And sure, there are exceptions, but generally speaking?
For example, the late-DSLR-era 90D is roughly $900 used. And its RF cousin, the R7? Roughly $1000 used. And the newer, lower-tier R50 at half that price will give the 90D a solid run for its money. Both RF bodies will give massive quality of life upgrades, comparable or beating out some of the best DSLRs.
You have to go significantly older to the 60D or 50D to get measurable savings. And you're using museum pieces at that point.
Nothing wrong with that, as long as you go into it with both eyes open to the compromises and tradeoffs. But if you're going to say the 50D has comparable quality of life features to a current-gen mirrorless R50, I have to emphatically disagree. Use what makes you happy. I know people who still use a 5D classic.
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Honestly speaking, all the justification for EF glass can easily be applied to "get RF-mount, and have the best of both worlds".
At any point you DO find a cheaper/better EF lens....slap on a lens adapter and you have access to it.
EF glass is kinda cheap, but not that "amazing" unless you're dropping around $1k on a lens (EF's 16-35 III, 24-70 II, 11-24, 8-15, etc). Not very budget friendly.
If you're looking at budget lenses, then you are going to get roughly the same performance at roughly the same prices as other budget lenses. Budget is budget wherever you go. And newer mirrorless glass is going to be smaller and lighter in many cases.
The RF versions are cheaper than much of the higher-end used EF....and the RF smaller, lighter, and arguably roughly the same performance (or if not the same, they're very close). And you won't need a $130+ adapter. If you're on a budget, it's something to really consider.
And you have access to better lens formulas. There's a great RF 35mm f/1.8 IS Macro for roughly $350 used/refurb. You're not going to find that same brightness, macro, and IS on EF at that price point.
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