I would recommend buying from either Adorama or B&H, the two biggest retailers in the country. Conveniently they are both located here in New York. I would recommend going to the store to purchase a camera so that you can see and feel the equipment and also ask questions to the salespeople before buying. If you are intimidated by large, crowded spaces, B&H can be a bit crazy and overwhelming--Adorama has just as much stuff but the store itself is less intimidating. But one of the advantages of B&H is that there is more equipment to look at on the floor since their retail space is larger.
Both Adorama and B&H offer their own student discount programs so you might want to check those out/enroll online before going to the store.
A good starter DSLR I often recommend is the Canon Rebel - which has taken many forms over the years, one of the newer versions is the T6 which is selling for $450 at B&H and Adorama (and same price at B&H but the Adorama version comes with a few more accessories including a camera bag). If you can afford this price (it may be slightly cheaper with student discount) this is the one I recommend getting.
Canon Rebel T6
If you are looking for something more affordable, Adorama is selling a couple refurbished Nikon cameras with kit lenses that are rather affordable including this Nikon D5100 (with 18-55mm lens) for $319.95 or this Nikon D3100 (with 18-55mm lens) for $229. Adorama tests all their refurbished equipment so either of these should be a safe buy and would be adequate for use in class.
Nikon D5100
Nikon D3100
Buying Used
Buying used is a great way to save some money, but just like anything else it requires a little more knowledge, time and research. Adorama and B&H both have used departments and they are reputable vendors that test all their equipment. Both have a rating system that you should familiarize yourself with before considering buying a particular piece of equipment. Here's Adorama's and B&H's used equipment rating systems.
The other thing you will run up against when buying a used camera is that you will likely have to buy a camera body and lens separately, unlike the kits that come when buying a new camera.
I think Adorama has a bit more in the way of choices for used equipment and you will likely have an easier shopping experience there. But if you are buying used I would recommend not buying anything below "V" rating for camera bodies and "E-" or better for lenses.
Below I am listing/linking to a few options but these each represent a listing for just one individual piece of equipment, so if they sell out you may have to look for something comparable.
Used Camera-Body Options
- Canon Rebel T6 (newer model) for $279
- Canon XSi (older camera) for $119
Used Lens Options
- Canon 18-55mm kit lens for $84
- Canon 18-55mm kit lens (different focusing mechanism) for $114
You could pair either of those cameras with either of the above lenses.
As I mentioned, the used options represent just one specific piece of equipment, so if that one becomes unavailable you can also try going into the store and telling the sales person that you want to buy something comparable to a Canon Rebel and tell them your price range and they should be able to help you.
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