What are some examples of a decent middle-ground camera?

I'm interested in photography, but all I have right now is an iPhone 6. It's alright, but I find myself wanting better quality photos and more depth-of-field capability. However, I can't afford a $2000 Nikon or Canon camera right now.

What is a good middle-ground type of camera that will produce higher-density pixel photos and a decent amount of blur? Something around the $500 range?

There are SO many cameras on the market now that about all I can do is throw out an option for you. Others may very well give other examples that are just as good.

The new Canon SL2 is a small DSLR but with the quality results of cameras costing much more. The smallish size, (for a DSLR), will be very welcome for you starting out. Just go with the kit lens to get started. There was also an SL1 camera that you can probably still find, though the SL2 has some worthwhile upgrades.

Like any camera, and especially a DSLR, you only get out of it what you put into it. NO camera, no matter the cost, will magically give you great photos. YOU have to study and learn how to use it properly and get some photography basics learned. Putting the camera in Auto and just pushing a button is a total waste of the camera and your money.

Here is the SL2 at B-H. Cost is $650 with is quite reasonable for what you get.

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/..._dslr.html

Any current DSLR from Canon, Nikon, Pentax will deliver excellent results and will offer more control over the settings thsn you have with a phone. And the 18-55 type kit lens is a great way to start.

The "blur" you seek is often called Bokeh and is controlled by several factors when shooting portraits. Also called selective focus.

Size of camera sensor, full frame sensor, more Bokeh
Crop sensor cameras still make excellent Bokeh
Use wider apertures, wider f-stop setting
Keep subject closer to camera
Keep background further back
Use longer focal lengths

In the end. The experience of the camera user is FAR MORE important than the camera selected. Study lighting and composition to get the most from any camera.

$500 can buy you a cheap dSLR. It's complicated to use but if you don't know photography, you can always set it to full Auto and use it like a point-and-shoot.

Have you considered buying a USED (or "pre-enjoyed") DSLR? OR why not save your money until you CAN afford a better camera, like a mid-RANGE camera? The money you spend right now on some toy camera will be there if you decide to continue saving for a better camera; that's how most of us have done.

Any DSLR no matter how inexpensive and a $100 50mm f/1.8 lens will allow you to get far better photos than any phone at any price. You should know that even in the $1,000 iPhone X, the camera module that Apple uses costs about $15-$20 on eBay. So it should come at no surprise that the image quality on even the most expensive smartphone is 'okay' at best.

The best value in DSLRs is Pentax, followed by Canon and then Nikon is a distant 3rd. If you can find a used Pentax K-50, then that would be a great choice and probably as good if not better than any of the entry-level cameras from Canon or Nikon. The Pentax K-70 is the best in its class. It's a mid-grade DSLR for Pentax, but when compared to what higher-end Canon and Nikons do (or rather what they don't do), the Pentax K-70 is a mid-level body that performs like a high-end model from Canon or Nikon.

go to b&h or adorama for the best prices and shopping experience.