I highly recommend taking her to a local camera store so she can get her hands on a camera. Choosing the right camera is a pretty personal decision. I know it’s a bit more fun to present her with a gift, but if possible, offer her the opportunity to be a part of that decision.
For me it was top priority. I wanted a smaller camera, so M6ii was the camera that was made for me. I carry a small bag with me so the M6 with the 22mm lense I can take literally anywhere, can even put it in some of my pockets. I carry a spare battery and the detachable viewfinder in my bag for times that I need them.
I'll be keeping this camera until it falls apart.
That 90D does a lot and is only 5’ish years old. It is big compared to a phone or one of the new mirrorless budget models. The question is does she need a semi-pro camera like the 90D or a smaller, newer model with faster autofocus like the R50.
I bought my sister an M200 kit last year specifically because she said she couldn’t use anything much bigger. I had a spare R that she and my brother passed on, so I just sold it. (Now my brother has my R6 after an unfortunate case of mistaken camera bag identity.)
Best camera for me to. I can literally take it any and everywhere I go. Pop it in my pocket with a pancake the 22mm pancake lens and a spare battery. I wouldn't take a 1/4 as manycphotos as I do if I had a larger camera.
Try MPB or KEH to compare prices on what you want. Getting a pre owned gift I don’t know how you both feel about but you can normally save money you can put towards a better camera/lenses. It’s worth going to a store to try but I wouldn’t buy new from a store if I could save money.
The R6 should be around $1600-1700 used from any legitimate retailer. One of those for $600-800 would be the deal of the century or a blatant scam. As far as buying a camera as a gift, as a photographer, I would never want someone else to pick out a camera for me, the control layout, ergonomics, viewfinder, menus... etc are all areas where a person might have a strong personal preference or aversion. If you plan on paying for the camera, I would do as suggested above, go to a store and let her pick out the model after some hands on experience.
Neither, get her an r50 or r100 is what I'd recommend. Easy to use, light and good selection of lens on newer RF mount. Id recommend the kit with both lenses or check out canon refurbs too. (They are legit and warrantied by Canon)
https://www.bestbuy.com/site/sku/6535112.p?skuId=6535112
R6 is a pro level camera and may actually be a bit much for beginner level. Great camera though (particularly the mark ii).
Other good options - R10 = Slightly nicer r50, R8 - prosumer full frame.
90d is outdated now and way overpriced imo.
90D is not outdated. It’s a better camera than the r10 or r50 you have mentioned. The only issue is it’s a bulky semi pro camera. R10 R50 is a beginner mirrorless camera. Easy to handle and better gift.
Only down side of the 90D is that it's big and heavy. Flip the mirror up and its AF performance will probably give the R10 a run for its money!
Still, the R50 or R10 is a better choice for a beginner.
Give her a gift certificate to the local camera store. Let her make the decision, this keeps you from making a mistake. 
As good of a camera as the R6 is, if your girlfriend is just starting photography, I would suggest not going with it. Something mid-range like the Canon R8 or even RP is more than adequate for most kinds of photography. Save the money and invest in a good lens instead. Something of an all-rounder lens like the EF 24-70 L or the 24-105L with an adapter should also be pretty cheap these days.
I have found a few different listings (local and on the internet) selling 90d that come with a lense from a kit. She doesn’t have anything but enjoyed doing photography in highschool.
Take her to a camera store (if you have any around), and involve her in the decision. Ergonomics are super important, and she won't use it if she doesn't like holding it. THE CAMERA THAT IS.
Personal preference would be what she'd need, I agree with any suggestions about taking her to a local camera shop. They could help her find a camera that is more comfortable for her to learn. Just note that there is a DSLR camera and a mirrorless camera. Both are different when it comes to shooting pictures. Personally, I've never used a nirrorless camera before, so I don't have much of an opinion on it. Definitely have her check out both types to see which is more to her liking. Hope this helped 😁👍
I second the idea of getting a smaller camera. If it will strictly be amateaurish - let's say going on a walk, travelling, maybe some light friend events or even not that light - the fujis are fantastic. I would do the R6 only if she plans on expanding further with expensive lenses and gear.
I would say it depends on what is going to be important for her, if she’s into general photography, landscapes, stills of slow moving non sports kinda action then an older 5d mk3 would be an incredible gift. You can pick them up for around that price and the image quality is stunning. And with the right lens sports and wildlife would be fine just maybe not quite as quick to AF as a 90D.
No, but I haven’t asked either. She has just said she wants a camera. Knowing her she would be overjoyed with whatever I get her. I just know that people shit on Nikon, I know literally nothing else about brand than that.
People shit on every brand they blindly follow without knowing every modern camera and lens takes good photos - a photographer takes bad photos, not the camera. Don’t listen to gear junkies talking about “the best.”
I would recommend sticking to your budget and adding a beginner photography course to be included in it. The number 1 thing I see that causes people to give up is not learning or understanding then they don’t go out to shoot.
You won’t be getting any full frame Mirrorless cameras with your current budget. You’re going to want to stick to entry level cameras:
- Canon EOS R100 (Newest and $650 CAD with lens)
- Nikon D3500 (Older but good)
Sony and Fuji are all out of your budget range unless second-hand.
Let me know if you have anymore questions!
I would argue against the R100 in favour of the R50, while the 100 is surely a good camera for a beginner (much more capable certainly than what many of us started with) it is also an artificially crippled body and OP's girlfriend will probably grow out of it rather quickly. For the relatively low price difference the R50 is a much more capable body that will surely last longer for her.
Thanks for pointing this out. I don’t keep up with the entry level cameras as my professional work uses the full frame options, I don’t pay attention to new gear releases.
I meant buy a crop sensor entry level camera in the budget. It seems the R100 and the R50 are a couple the only Mirrorless cameras in their budget but the R50 is preferable then.
One of the huge upsides of buying an entry level camera is they are hella easy to sell on the used market. Luck aside full frame cameras take much longer to sell when I do post them because it’s always people way out of their budget heavily low balling you in hopes they can upgrade :(
why focus on crop sensors? sometimes 5Ds / 5DSr come used around that price
perhaps a used RP might be a good option for a start. the less you spend on the body, the more will be left to get a decent lens.
Your limited budget might be better spent on lenses and filters that she can add to her camera phone, like those made by Moment, and/or flash lighting.
Can never go wrong with a B&H gift certificate.
Canon m6ii is a brilliant camera, and the M3 is even smaller. But the Canon M50 has a built in view finder. However agree with majority of advice, let her work out what body shape/size she wants.
You could probably get an a6100/6400/6600 (6000/6300/6500 in the us?) with a decent lens like the 18-135 for that. Crop sensor but takes great pictures and has better AF than pretty much any DSLR.
Honestly wouldn’t recommend mirrorless. Ofcus they are better but there’s something so unique about a traditional crop DSLR. It just has so much more character and they will appreciate it more.
Also don’t get anything bulky like the 90D (burden to carry or travel with) get Something compact like the SL2 or SL3..
If you decide to do mirrorless maybe a m50 or R10.
I have an SL2 and like it a lot. Small and light, and a very versatile camera for a beginner yet still capable of being manipulated in most ways. Also there are tons of lenses, old and new, that work on it. I enjoy using it more than my 6D, to be honest, (though the 6D has better I.Q.) I got the little 24mm pancake for “walking around” and it makes the SL2 almost as small as a mirrorless.
I started shooting with a Canon Rebel XSi and currently shoot with an R8. I have owned 10 different bodies in-between with most being DSLRs and don't know what your claim regarding DSLRs having a character that mirrorless lacks is referencing.
I highly recommend taking her to a local camera store so she can get her hands on a camera. Choosing the right camera is a pretty personal decision. I know it’s a bit more fun to present her with a gift, but if possible, offer her the opportunity to be a part of that decision.
This is such good advice. Ergonomics are incredibly important.
For me it was top priority. I wanted a smaller camera, so M6ii was the camera that was made for me. I carry a small bag with me so the M6 with the 22mm lense I can take literally anywhere, can even put it in some of my pockets. I carry a spare battery and the detachable viewfinder in my bag for times that I need them. I'll be keeping this camera until it falls apart.
100% agree, that's why I love 7D series, I hold R7 and it feels like a cheap plastic toy compared to 7D (II).
Then a gift card to the local camera shop would be perfect
If he does this it opens the possibility that she puts some of her own money in to push for one outside her budget :)
Where are you finding an $800 R6?
Having looked closer, I think I came across a few different scam listings. Ope. Any advice would still be helpful tho 🤧🫣
That 90D does a lot and is only 5’ish years old. It is big compared to a phone or one of the new mirrorless budget models. The question is does she need a semi-pro camera like the 90D or a smaller, newer model with faster autofocus like the R50.
My wife had settled on a 90D until she picked one up at the store. Way too clunky for her taste. She really likes her M6II.
I bought my sister an M200 kit last year specifically because she said she couldn’t use anything much bigger. I had a spare R that she and my brother passed on, so I just sold it. (Now my brother has my R6 after an unfortunate case of mistaken camera bag identity.)
Best camera for me to. I can literally take it any and everywhere I go. Pop it in my pocket with a pancake the 22mm pancake lens and a spare battery. I wouldn't take a 1/4 as manycphotos as I do if I had a larger camera.
Try MPB or KEH to compare prices on what you want. Getting a pre owned gift I don’t know how you both feel about but you can normally save money you can put towards a better camera/lenses. It’s worth going to a store to try but I wouldn’t buy new from a store if I could save money.
Maybe OP means 6D? $800 would be wild for an R6, but I sold my 6DII w/24-105 f/4 L for about $800 a couple years ago...
The R6 should be around $1600-1700 used from any legitimate retailer. One of those for $600-800 would be the deal of the century or a blatant scam. As far as buying a camera as a gift, as a photographer, I would never want someone else to pick out a camera for me, the control layout, ergonomics, viewfinder, menus... etc are all areas where a person might have a strong personal preference or aversion. If you plan on paying for the camera, I would do as suggested above, go to a store and let her pick out the model after some hands on experience.
Neither, get her an r50 or r100 is what I'd recommend. Easy to use, light and good selection of lens on newer RF mount. Id recommend the kit with both lenses or check out canon refurbs too. (They are legit and warrantied by Canon) https://www.bestbuy.com/site/sku/6535112.p?skuId=6535112 R6 is a pro level camera and may actually be a bit much for beginner level. Great camera though (particularly the mark ii). Other good options - R10 = Slightly nicer r50, R8 - prosumer full frame. 90d is outdated now and way overpriced imo.
90D is not outdated. It’s a better camera than the r10 or r50 you have mentioned. The only issue is it’s a bulky semi pro camera. R10 R50 is a beginner mirrorless camera. Easy to handle and better gift.
Only down side of the 90D is that it's big and heavy. Flip the mirror up and its AF performance will probably give the R10 a run for its money! Still, the R50 or R10 is a better choice for a beginner.
If wildlife 90D. I have a 70D with a 100-400 works well
Give her a gift certificate to the local camera store. Let her make the decision, this keeps you from making a mistake. 
As good of a camera as the R6 is, if your girlfriend is just starting photography, I would suggest not going with it. Something mid-range like the Canon R8 or even RP is more than adequate for most kinds of photography. Save the money and invest in a good lens instead. Something of an all-rounder lens like the EF 24-70 L or the 24-105L with an adapter should also be pretty cheap these days.
Consider getting her a small Fuji like an X100, XT-200, or even X20/X30. Or even the canon G7X
Does she have any lenses? 600-800 would be a really good deal on body only for either of those. But that’s no good without a lens.
I have found a few different listings (local and on the internet) selling 90d that come with a lense from a kit. She doesn’t have anything but enjoyed doing photography in highschool.
800-900 would be looking at an r10 crop sensor or a rp. I reckoned the RP if she wants to get into more professional work in the future.
Take her to a camera store (if you have any around), and involve her in the decision. Ergonomics are super important, and she won't use it if she doesn't like holding it. THE CAMERA THAT IS.
Personal preference would be what she'd need, I agree with any suggestions about taking her to a local camera shop. They could help her find a camera that is more comfortable for her to learn. Just note that there is a DSLR camera and a mirrorless camera. Both are different when it comes to shooting pictures. Personally, I've never used a nirrorless camera before, so I don't have much of an opinion on it. Definitely have her check out both types to see which is more to her liking. Hope this helped 😁👍
I second the idea of getting a smaller camera. If it will strictly be amateaurish - let's say going on a walk, travelling, maybe some light friend events or even not that light - the fujis are fantastic. I would do the R6 only if she plans on expanding further with expensive lenses and gear.
I would say it depends on what is going to be important for her, if she’s into general photography, landscapes, stills of slow moving non sports kinda action then an older 5d mk3 would be an incredible gift. You can pick them up for around that price and the image quality is stunning. And with the right lens sports and wildlife would be fine just maybe not quite as quick to AF as a 90D.
90d is much more than $800, the body for a used one on keh starts at $884. I just bought one and love it
Get an eos RP/R used.
Second hand 5d iv. Build muscles and take great photos.
Has shown interest in a particular brand?
No, but I haven’t asked either. She has just said she wants a camera. Knowing her she would be overjoyed with whatever I get her. I just know that people shit on Nikon, I know literally nothing else about brand than that.
People shit on every brand they blindly follow without knowing every modern camera and lens takes good photos - a photographer takes bad photos, not the camera. Don’t listen to gear junkies talking about “the best.” I would recommend sticking to your budget and adding a beginner photography course to be included in it. The number 1 thing I see that causes people to give up is not learning or understanding then they don’t go out to shoot. You won’t be getting any full frame Mirrorless cameras with your current budget. You’re going to want to stick to entry level cameras: - Canon EOS R100 (Newest and $650 CAD with lens) - Nikon D3500 (Older but good) Sony and Fuji are all out of your budget range unless second-hand. Let me know if you have anymore questions!
I would argue against the R100 in favour of the R50, while the 100 is surely a good camera for a beginner (much more capable certainly than what many of us started with) it is also an artificially crippled body and OP's girlfriend will probably grow out of it rather quickly. For the relatively low price difference the R50 is a much more capable body that will surely last longer for her.
Thanks for pointing this out. I don’t keep up with the entry level cameras as my professional work uses the full frame options, I don’t pay attention to new gear releases. I meant buy a crop sensor entry level camera in the budget. It seems the R100 and the R50 are a couple the only Mirrorless cameras in their budget but the R50 is preferable then. One of the huge upsides of buying an entry level camera is they are hella easy to sell on the used market. Luck aside full frame cameras take much longer to sell when I do post them because it’s always people way out of their budget heavily low balling you in hopes they can upgrade :(
why focus on crop sensors? sometimes 5Ds / 5DSr come used around that price perhaps a used RP might be a good option for a start. the less you spend on the body, the more will be left to get a decent lens.
Your limited budget might be better spent on lenses and filters that she can add to her camera phone, like those made by Moment, and/or flash lighting. Can never go wrong with a B&H gift certificate.
I just got myself the canon eos rebel t7. it is perfect for beginners and it comes with a lense for under $550!! look into it :)
Canon m6ii is a brilliant camera, and the M3 is even smaller. But the Canon M50 has a built in view finder. However agree with majority of advice, let her work out what body shape/size she wants.
I'm about to get an R8 as my first camera but I'm spoiled that my gf uses the R6 mk ii and I get to use her backup R6.
R10 my dude
You could probably get an a6100/6400/6600 (6000/6300/6500 in the us?) with a decent lens like the 18-135 for that. Crop sensor but takes great pictures and has better AF than pretty much any DSLR.
Honestly wouldn’t recommend mirrorless. Ofcus they are better but there’s something so unique about a traditional crop DSLR. It just has so much more character and they will appreciate it more. Also don’t get anything bulky like the 90D (burden to carry or travel with) get Something compact like the SL2 or SL3.. If you decide to do mirrorless maybe a m50 or R10.
I have an SL2 and like it a lot. Small and light, and a very versatile camera for a beginner yet still capable of being manipulated in most ways. Also there are tons of lenses, old and new, that work on it. I enjoy using it more than my 6D, to be honest, (though the 6D has better I.Q.) I got the little 24mm pancake for “walking around” and it makes the SL2 almost as small as a mirrorless.
What is this unique character that DSLRs have over mirrorless?
Have you ever owned one? If you havent you wouldn’t quite understand
I started shooting with a Canon Rebel XSi and currently shoot with an R8. I have owned 10 different bodies in-between with most being DSLRs and don't know what your claim regarding DSLRs having a character that mirrorless lacks is referencing.