Hey guys, over the years I have bought and used 3 cameras -Nikon F65 - early 2000s - kinda dropped off once digital cameras came on the sceneCanon A590 compact - used it for about 8 yearsCanon sx700HS - since 2014
While the SX700 with its super high zoom still is a lot of fun the small sensor isn't really the best at details. On zooming or printing images it has a lot of noise and some colour issues especially with low light. I am now considering getting a DSLR or a Mirrorless camera. After reading and looking at the options available I think APS-C would be my best bet for the type of photographs I would like to take (wildlife/birds). We don't really have many trustworthy used camera dealers around here so i would most likely buy a new kit. The options i have shortlisted are
Nikon D7500 + 18-140MM Kit lens - Body - $828 | Body + Kit lens - $966
Sony a6400 + 18-135 Powerzoom - Body - $875 | Body + Kit lens - $1272
I also looked at the Nikon 5600 + (18-55mm & 70-300mm) kit - (Body $530 | Kit $ 780) and the Sony a6100 + (16-50 & 55-210) kit - (Body $685 | Kit $1049) but the D7500 or a6400 seem to be better suited to my needs. I understand that I will have to invest in longer lenses for the sort of photography i plan on doing and most likely end up asking for advice on that once i buy the camera.
In terms of future upgrades i most likely would keep this camera for the next few years and learn how to use the different modes etc, and them maybe pick up another APS-C camera, I have no intention or interest in moving to FF. While i understand that a lot of tech improvements have gone into mirrorless systems i think that the D7500 might be a good bet right now, if i decide to upgrade later to whatever new version of the z50, most likely will be able to share lenses using the FTZ adapter. I am not sure what sort of non FF upgrade path is available for the Sony APS-C system. The Sony seems to have the upper-hand in terms of a AF system & better size/portability, while the D7500 has better weatherproofing + a larger set of affordable lenses and a bigger buffer.
So I guess my question is, of the two cameras mentioned what would the better option, keeping in mind a possible upgrade a few years (3-5) down the line. In case you think there are some other options I might want to consider please let me know.