When someone decides they want to get into photography, the first question they usually ask is “What camera should I buy?”

It is a fairly important question. You don’t want to go out and spend thousands of dollars on camera gear unless you’re sure you’re going to stick with it. A lot of photographers will get around this by suggesting an old, used DSLR. And sure, you can go that way. But in the end, you’re still going to be spending a few hundred dollars for obsolete equipment.

But what if I told you that you could buy an incredible, still-relevant camera set up for around $800?

Here are 5 reasons you should buy the Canon m6 mark ii for your first camera.

1. Quality. The m6 is a beast. It may look like a point-and-shoot camera, but it performs well outside of it’s weight-class. Paired with some great Canon lenses, this camera will perform. I use it as my everyday camera, the one I would take in any situation. Travel, family functions and walking through sketchy neighborhoods. And while it wouldn’t be my first choice, I could shoot a wedding with it.

2. Price. A used m6 mk ii and the 22mm f/2 lens will run you around $800. For what you are getting, that is a steal. By comparison, a decent used DSLR and a similar lens is still going to cost you around $400-500 at least. Why not get something more modern?

3. Subversion. I mentioned that it looked like a point-and-shoot camera. That’s part of why I bought it. It’s totally inconspicuous, without sacrificing power and versatility. I can walk around taking photos in bad areas without drawing unwanted attention.

4. Lenses. This one is admittedly a mixed bag. The Canon EF-M line doesn’t have a lot to choose from. But the great news is that you can adapt old Canon EF lenses to it. And as a new photographer, you probably won’t need to do that. I own the Canon 22mm f/2 Marco lens and the Sigma 56mm f/1.4. You’re probably not going to need more than that to start out.

5. Video. The m6 takes fantastic, professional looking video. If you know what you’re doing, you could make a film with it. It’s also good for making vlogs, since Canon allows you to use it as a webcam.

So what are the negatives of the m6?

Well, first of all, it doesn’t have an electronic viewfinder, so you’ll be using the LCD screen to take your images. I don’t see this as a major negative for most new photographers, since they will be used to taking photos with their cell phones. It’s basically the same thing, just with more power and control.

It also isn’t the best in lowlight. This is an entry-level camera. When I took photos of my friend’s band in a dark club, I had to really kick up the ISO to make my shots and the m6 really struggled in the dark.

Lastly, the Canon EF-M line of cameras is probably dead. Canon recently introduced their RF-S line as their new entry level line of cameras and lenses. While they haven’t officially announced it, this is effectively them telling us that they are abandoning the EF-M line. What this means is that if you decide you want to grow past the m6, you’re going to have to buy a new camera and new lenses.

Canon also has the M50 camera, which is great. It actually does have an electronic viewfinder and looks like a more professional camera, but it doesn’t have as many features as the m6.

In the end, this is a controversial pick for an entry level camera, but I stand by it. It’s a great platform for learning the basics of photography at a low price.