Camera Recommendation for Sister-in-Law

My SIL is retiring soon and is looking for a camera. She has asked me for recommendations. She doesn't want something heavy, so no DSLR. She wants the flexibility to learn and use post processing, so I am thinking raw capable. She lives in the US southwest (intense sunlight), so a viewfinder would be helpful. She would be willing to learn to shoot out of green box and would use Lightroom. Cost is not an issue but I don't want to recommend over $1.000. I don't have a wide knowledge outside of the DSLR family, so I am asking for suggestions.

You say no DSLR... BUT I would suggest a refurbished Canon SL1. It's the smallest DSLR (right now) and has similar specs to the T5i. This would also allow her to expand with lenses. My favorite combo right now is the SL1 + canon 24mm 2.8 Pancake (VERY slim lens).
This entire package would be under $500. The kit lens that comes with it isn't bad either.

You could even go this route for the full range!:
refurb SL1 + kit 18-55 STM= $379 right now >> http://shop.usa.canon.​com …-stm-lens-kit-refurbished
canon 55-250 stm= $180-250 (depending on used, refurb, or new)
canon 10-18 stm= $200-250 (depending on used, refurb, or new)

Total kit for SL1 + 3 lenses that cover from 18mm-250mm = $879 on the high end.

Prime Lenses:
24mm STM 2.8 Pancake = $150 - great for compact travel and low light
40mm STM 2.8 Pancake = $150 - great for compact travel and low light
50mm STM 1.8 = $125 - great for low light and portraits

This is just what I would suggest for someone who is looking to get a good all around starter kit.

Another option would be an EOS-M but that has its own draw back, such as slow AF and limited lens selection unless you use an adapter

There is also the bridge camera route.

And I know this one is coming so Ill go ahead and mention it... a Sony a6000

My suggestion would be to mention all of these to her and have her go handle each of them at a store. Also, she will need to decide what she wants to be shooting and what features she is looking for in a camera. Good in low light? Fast AF? Small? Fixed lens?. This will help to narrow down what she has to choose from.

Nyet on the bridge camera. This is just a jazzed up point-and-shoot made to look more professional. Same tiny sensor. Does it have to be a Canon? There are a few range-finder style cameras that have APS-C or 4/3 size sensors. Also a MILC might be something to consider. (mirrorless interchangeable lens camera). Check out http://dpreview.com.

Similar to KiethC
Substitute these for the SL1 - 18-55 and 55-250 IF she is not interested in a 250mm zoom. I have this kit for travel and other times when I don't want to carry my 7D2 and a large lens.

Refurbished SL1 for $329.99 now. It is occasionally available for $299.99
http://shop.usa.canon.​com …g/424208?WT.mc_​id=C126149

Canon EF-S 18-135 mm F/3.5-5.6 STM IS EF-S Lens new out of a kit on eBay for $273.00
http://www.ebay.com …ain_0&hash=item​4198e2814a

I got my sister an SL1 and she loves it. It is a really nice, compact camera.

Craign wrote in post #17617174
Similar to KiethC
Substitute these for the SL1 - 18-55 and 55-250 IF she is not interested in a 250mm zoom. I have this kit for travel and other times when I don't want to carry my 7D2 and a large lens.

Refurbished SL1 for $329.99 now. It is occasionally available for $299.99
http://shop.usa.canon.​com …g/424208?WT.mc_​id=C126149

Canon EF-S 18-135 mm F/3.5-5.6 STM IS EF-S Lens new out of a kit on eBay for $273.00
http://www.ebay.com …ain_0&hash=item​4198e2814a

I got my sister an SL1 and she loves it. It is a really nice, compact camera.

I forgot about the 18-135 STM. Def go that route if she doesn't need the 250 reach. I still highly recommend the 24mm pancake though

You don't say what she's interesting in photographing, but my initial thoughts would be the Sony RX100 III or Canon G1x II (though, with viewfinder, this would push your budget)

KeithS wrote in post #17615678
My SIL is retiring soon and is looking for a camera. She has asked me for recommendations. She doesn't want something heavy, so no DSLR. She wants the flexibility to learn and use post processing, so I am thinking raw capable. She lives in the US southwest (intense sunlight), so a viewfinder would be helpful. She would be willing to learn to shoot out of green box and would use Lightroom. Cost is not an issue but I don't want to recommend over $1.000. I don't have a wide knowledge outside of the DSLR family, so I am asking for suggestions.

Heya,

A lot of the smaller APS-C's are not heavy at all. SL1 or T5i or even the new T6's are not that heavy. A bit more bulky than a mirrorless, but not heavy.

It really depends on what she plans to shoot. There's plenty of good bodies that could do basic stuff, but if she's wanting to do telephoto stuff and things moving fast (wildlife, birds, etc) then that's a different story, compared to just snapping stuff like landscape, plant life, people, places, travel, etc.

Interchangeable lens based mirrorless would be a good start.
Or small, light, APS-C dSLR.

Very best,

Thanks for the suggestions. Her area of interest in photography is yet to be determined. She does not want to deal with changing lenses-at least in the beginning. I have looked at the G1x II and I have the Sony RX 100. This RX 1000III is a possibility, and I'll look at the Sony a6000. I find the RX 100 cumbersome to hold with the pop up flash being right where I place my left index finger.

KeithS wrote in post #17618081
Thanks for the suggestions. Her area of interest in photography is yet to be determined. She does not want to deal with changing lenses-at least in the beginning. I have looked at the G1x II and I have the Sony RX 100. This RX 1000III is a possibility, and I'll look at the Sony a6000. I find the RX 100 cumbersome to hold with the pop up flash being right where I place my left index finger.

If she doesn't know what she wants to shoot yet, a lens with good range would be a good idea. If she goes with the sl1 (or a canon dslr) go with the 18-135 stm lens. This will give her a great range to start with and explore to figure out what she likes. I would stick to this plan with any other brand as well. She wouldn't need to switch lenses for a while, if ever (depending on what she gets into and how serious).