Recommendations for an entry-level mirrorless camera under $600 for beginners?

Question

so im finally trying to get a real camera instead of just using my iphone 13 for everything. i have like 600 bucks to spend and im stuck between a couple of things. i was looking at the canon r100 cuz its cheap and new but then i see people saying the sony a6000 is still good even if its ancient? or maybe a used fujifilm x-t200 if i can find one? i mainly want it for:

street photography (traveling to tokyo next month!!)

some family portraits

maybe a bit of video but not really a priority

im leaning toward the sony cuz the lenses seem cheaper but the canon looks easier to use for a total noob. what do u guys think is the best move for a beginner who doesnt want to carry a massive brick around...

CreativeCorinne · Accepted Answer

Late to the party but honestly, my biggest regret from my first Tokyo trip was blowing the entire budget on just the body. I started with a Sony Alpha a6000 with 16-50mm Lens and quickly realized mirrorless cameras are thirsty. Walking around Shinjuku for twelve hours kills a battery before lunch. If you go with the Sony or even a used Fujifilm X-T20 Body, just make sure you save 50 bucks for extras. Quick tips for Tokyo:

Always carry a spare like the Wasabi Power Battery 2-Pack for Sony NP-FW50.

Get a fast SD card like the SanDisk Extreme Pro 128GB SDXC V30 so the camera doesnt hang while clearing the buffer. Buying used is fine, but check the shutter count first. Honestly, the lens matters more for those street shots... dont get stuck with a kit lens if u can swing a prime like a Sigma 30mm f1.4 DC DN Contemporary for Sony E.

eygvimnyuv · Answer

Building on the earlier suggestion, the Sony Alpha a6100 with 16-50mm Lens is basically the technical sweet spot for your budget. In my experience, those 425 phase-detection points and real-time tracking are total game changers for busy Tokyo streets. The R100 is cheaper but youll really miss having a tilt screen and that 0.02s focus speed for portraits. TL;DR: The a6100 has way better autofocus specs than the a6000.

Phoenix Ember · Answer

Honestly, be careful with used gear like that ancient a6000. I bought an old body for a trip once and the sensor was filthy, basically ruined my shots. For Tokyo, you want something reliable.

Canon EOS R100 with RF-S 18-45mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM is way safer since its new.

Make sure to grab an extra battery. I would suggest Canon cuz the menus are way easier to navigate.