Budget camera to improve reef tank (and non-tank) photography?

[JoJosReef]

Brief look at cameras and seems like sky's the limit. If you had an ~$300 budget to get a decent camera to make some nice shots and begin learning about photography, what would you get and where would you go to look? NOTE: I am imagining that buying used is the only way to get a foot in with this budget, and I read recently @IntrinsicReef had gotten a good camera used in the $500s. Perhaps a decent used camera can be had in the $300 range?

Looking for: better resolution than a phone, nice macro shots, and a way to learn about photography. Also would like to be able to take shots outside the tank, like family shots, plants and wildlife.

 

[luis angel]

Interested in this topic, Thanks @JoJosReef

 

[Slocke]

I use a rebel T6 for my best photo’s which I think is just about in that budget

 

[Peanut]

For a camera I have used Canon XTi, T5 and now I am on a T7.

I really don't think the camera is as important as the lens....

I have used the same fantastic lens with every camera. I use a Sigma 17-70mm macro focus telephoto lens. Macro is super important, you want to be able to take pics of a coral as close to the lens as possible. Most times I have a frag in the tank up right against the glass, and I am practically touching the lens to the glass on the outside of the tank

 

[IntrinsicReef]

Brief look at cameras and seems like sky's the limit. If you had an ~$300 budget to get a decent camera to make some nice shots and begin learning about photography, what would you get and where would you go to look? NOTE: I am imagining that buying used is the only way to get a foot in with this budget, and I read recently @IntrinsicReef had gotten a good camera used in the $500s. Perhaps a decent used camera can be had in the $300 range?

Looking for: better resolution than a phone, nice macro shots, and a way to learn about photography. Also would like to be able to take shots outside the tank, like family shots, plants and wildlife.

I really appreciate the callout. Unfortunately, I am more an aquarist than a photographer and I don't really have any new information.

 

[IntrinsicReef]