Camera under $500?

Refurb SL2 body and refurb 55-250 STM is 577.98 with the 15% MRGREENIE promo code.

Left Handed Brisket wrote in post #18586973
Refurb SL2 body and refurb 55-250 STM is 577.98 with the 15% MRGREENIE promo code.

The race now gets interesting.
Equivalent focal length of 400mm vs around 2000mm.

Uncropped P900 vs heavily cropped SL2. Kenko 1.4 TC will work on the 55-250 too, only a bit more money down the track.
No similar upgrade options for the P900.

Sticking to budget, refurb SL2 and Grey 55-250 STM must be just about possible.

I would think about any DSLR body made in the past 10 years would be suited to the job, the big difference will be in the lenses you choose. You would definitely come out ahead going used or refurb with the models people have been mentioning. Here's a few feathered friends that were shot with a XSi and 100/2.8 (the older non-L macro model). I had the nifty 55-250 at the time as well and it was an excellent telephoto zoom for the price, should fit your usage nicely. These fellas were use to people being around so I could get a little closer than usual.

IMAGE LINK: https://flic.kr/p/6Z4Y​Kh

IMAGE LINK: https://flic.kr/p/6Z4X​rY

IMAGE LINK: https://flic.kr/p/6Z22​iB

https://www.costco.com​/digital-slr-cameras.html
Two cameras kits, not under, but slightly above of 500.
New and two lens.
For birds around feeder and moon 300mm is better, IMO. With tripod.

The SL2 will slaughter the T6 in both IQ and pixel density, or any other older camera (Canon especially when looking at high ISO and low ISO DR). Cannot say what it will do against the Nikon package at $600. You can get the T6 from Canon refurbs too with the same coupon code, but why?

Again, for $374, provided you are in the US and jump on the refurb St Patricks deal, the SL2 is the BEST camera for the money at this moment. Extend the budget just a little and add the 18-55 and 55-250.

The size may not be for everyone though which could be a consideration.

As others say, showcasing a rebel with a F2.8 prime lens is not a true comparison. Resolution power of the lens, contrast, and overall IQ will be far superior than to say a cheap 55-250 or even 75-300. So let's not generate unrealistic expectations but post images from those lenses.