As a new photographer looking to upgrade from a phone camera, the choice of beginners cameras out there can be daunting. There is so much to think about when choosing the best entry level camera, with so many features to compare. Lastly the big decision is which brand i choose? In fact any lenses you wish to buy are specific for that brand only.
Of course, is not easy to say which is the best starting camera, as it depends on your aims as a photographer and the feature you’re looking for. So, we have picked out ten great cameras which are ideal for photographers at an entry level, whilst still allowing for room to grow and develop as a photographer.
Contents
How do I Choose a Beginner Camera?
With so many different options out there, let’s take a look at some of the specs and features you might like to compare when choosing the best beginner camera.
Type
Most of the cameras in our review are DSLRs, but you might also wish to consider a mirrorless camera. Bridge cameras are also ideal for beginners – these offer manual control like a DSLR, but don’t require interchangeable lenses.
Budget
A good camera can be relatively cheap, but we have included a range of options covering a broad price scale so you are sure to find something to fit your budget.
Image Quality
Many beginners looking for their first camera will be hoping to produce images with better quality than is possible on a mobile phone. A large sensor with a high number of megapixels will produce high-quality images.
Video Quality
A lot of beginners will also be looking to shoot video footage with their new camera, so it might be important to check video recordig quality. Many cameras these days, even budget-friendly options, are capable of recording 4K video footage. Some also offer 1080p video recording, which is more than sufficient for most users, so don’t be put off if a camera you like doesn’t offer 4K recording.
Ease of Use
A good beginner camera should be easy to use, with easy controls. However, it is ideal if there is also a manual mode for when your skills have developed more and you are looking to take more control when shooting.
Interchangeable Lenses
Choosing different lenses allows your camera to fulfill a variety of purposes – you will need to choose lenses according to the subject you wish to shoot. Also, you’ll need to ensure the lens is compatible with the camera body you have chosen.
Connectivity Options
When it comes to sharing photos, there are a few different options. Many modern cameras are fitted with either Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or both, so it’s easy to send photos to friends and family or post them to social media.
Build Quality
The final factor worth considering is the overall build of the camera. Different users will have different needs – you may prefer a lightweight and comfortable camera, or maybe you need weather-sealing for harsh conditions. Some photographers enjoy the convenience of a touchscreen, whereas others prefer to access the controls manually using buttons, so think about what is important and choose accordingly.
10 Best Cameras for Beginners
We will now take a look at our top 10 when it comes to the best digital camera for beginners. There is sure to be something here to suit your needs and your budget.
1. Pentax K-70
Firstly we present the K-70 from Pentax. It comes at a very reasonable price, and you can add one of three lenses to get started with. It has a high-resolution sensor, with 24.2 megapixels, so the image quality is excellent. This camera performs well in low light, as it has an ISO range of 100 – 204800 as well as a night-vision mode on the LCD. It can also be adjusted to different angles in order to see when shooting up high or down low or even fully rotated for taking a selfie.
Sharing photos is via Wi-Fi, and there is an app that can be downloaded to a smartphone for easy transfer. Shooting fast-moving subjects is easy with this camera, as it offers a continuous shooting rate of 6 frames per second. The camera body features image stabilization for blur-free shots, even without the use of a tripod.
- Type: DSLR Sensor: 24.2MP CMOS Monitor: 3″ vari-angleMaximum Burst: 6 fps
- Video: 1080p Connectivity: Wi-Fi
2. Canon Powershot SX70
If you’re looking for the best cameras for teens without spending too much money, this Canon is an excellent choice. It is a bridge camera, so you don’t have to choose any lenses to go with it, but you still get to manually control all the settings for more creative control. The lens offers a powerful zoom of 65x, so it is ideal for capturing wide-angle landscape scenes, as well as zooming in to more distant subjects.
The SX70 can take 4K videos and 4K time-lapse footage, as well as 20.3MP stills. There is also a 236-million dot OLED electronic viewfinder for framing the shot prior to pressing the shutter. The camera is capable of taking impressive close-up micro shots, without the need for a specialized lens. So, it is the best camera for who’s not sure which type of photography is most interested in -In fact it’s very versatile.
- Type: Bridge Sensor: 20.3MP CMOS Monitor: 3″ tilting
- Maximum Burst: 10 fps Video: 4K Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
3. Olympus PEN E-PL10
Our next best camera for beginners is the PEN E-PL10 from Olympus. This mirrorless camera features a 16MP micro four thirds sensor and takes the same type of lenses. It has a 3″ flip-down touchscreen, ideal for capturing selfies! Three-axis in-body image stabilization helps ensure sharp photos and smooth videos can be captured with this camera. In addiction it’s capable of 4K video at 30fps and can also capture stills from these videos if there is a scene you wish to remember.
Sharing photos is very easy and possible with Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. The Bluetooth notify your cellphone that there are images waiting for transfer, then they are added to the phone’s camera roll via Wi-Fi. There are many lenses to choose from to accompany this camera – the entire Olympus M.Zuiko range. So, no matter what type of subject you are shooting, you are sure to find something suitable. This is a great mirrorless camera for beginners and it is lightweight and compact, meaning it is highly portable for use when traveling.
4. Nikon D3500
Widely regarded as one of the best Nikon cameras for beginners, the D3500 takes excellent photos and comes at a very reasonable price point. It could be the best beginner DSLR as it is just as easy to use as a point-and-shoot, yet also offers manual mode after the basics have been mastered. The camera is relatively lightweight and compact, making it excellent for travel or for use for longer periods.
The entry level DSLR can take 1080p Full HD videos and features Bluetooth for connecting to Nikon’s SnapBridge app for easy file transfer. It features a sensor which is around 15x larger than that of a typical smartphone, for excellent, sharp image quality. The digital camera comes with a battery charger and an 18-55mm kit lens which is ideal for shooting a variety of types of scenes. It is perhaps the best DSLR camera for beginners, especially in terms of the features available compared to the price.
- Type: DSLR Sensor: 24MP APS-C Monitor: 3″ fixed Maximum Burst: 5 fps
- Video: 1080p Full HD Connectivity: Bluetooth
5. Sony Alpha a6000
Mirrorless cameras are also popular among beginner photographers, and the Sony a6000 comes with a very reasonable price tag as well as some impressive features! It has an impressive 24.3MP back-illuminated sensor, which gives an excellent low-light performance. This is also a full-frame camera, so keep in mind any lenses you choose will appear less ‘zoomed-in’ compared to if they are used on a crop-frame camera.
The Sony a6000 offers a very fast continuous shooting rate of 11 fps, and the battery life can last for around 360 shots. The autofocus system is excellent on this camera, with 179 focus points. The ISO range is 100 – 25600 on this camera, so it performs very well in low-light situations. It features a 3″ tilting LCD, so you can adjust it for easy viewing in all kinds of lighting conditions.
- Type: Mirrorless Sensor: 24.3MP back-illuminated Monitor: 3″ tilting
- Maximum Burst: 11 fps Video: 1080p Full HD Connectivity: Wi-Fi, NFC
6. Canon EOS M50
Canon’s EOS M50 features a 24.1 CMOS sensor and the DIGIC 8 image processor for a high level of detail as well as stunning colors in the images. The electronic viewfinder features 2,360k dots so a similarly high level of detail can be seen when framing the shot. If you prefer to shoot using the LCD screen, it measures 3 inches and can be adjusted to different angles for optimum viewing. It’s also touch-enabled if you like to control the camera via a touchscreen. Fast continuous shooting is possible with this camera – up to 10 frames per second.
The autofocus system on the M50 is excellent – a huge amount of the frame is covered by the focus points, and moving subjects can be tracked. For perfectly sharp portraits, there is also an eye-detection AF mode. The dynamic range of this camera is excellent – as a result new photographers are sure to be impressed with the quality of their images. Sharing these beautiful images is easy thanks to the Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and NFC.
- Type: Mirrorless Sensor: 24.1MP CMOS Monitor: 3″ vari-angle touchscreen
- Maximum Burst: 10 fps Video: 4K Connectivity: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, NFC
7. Fujifilm X-T200
This Fujifilm camera might have a retro look, but it is packed with the latest technology! The mirrorless camera features a 3.5″ widescreen LCD screen which can rotate from -90 to +180 degrees, as well as opening and closing from 0 – 180 degrees.You can control many of the camera’s features including aspect ratio, background blur, and even film simulation effects. Autofocusing is easy, the face and eye detection modes ensure it to get perfect portraits of individuals or groups.
Many photographers rank Fujifilm’s color science as the best, with the colors producing being vibrant yet realistic, too. The camera comes in a choice of three different colors and with the option to add a versatile 15-45mm kit lens. Moreover the electronic stabilization ensure the shots are free from the effects of camera shake, and it is also ideal for ensuring smooth 4K video. Also you can edit clips and trim on the camera before sharing using the camera’s built-in Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. It is also possible to shoot super slow-mo videos or to take still frames from a 4K video.
- Type: Mirrorless Sensor: 24MP APS-C Monitor: 3.5″ vari-angle touchscreen
- Maximum Burst: 8 fps Video: 4K Connectivity: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi
8. Panasonic Lumix G100
The best camera for beginners from Panasonic could be the G100. This digital camera offers excellent image quality as well as stunning 4K video recording. This video quality combined with the flip-out screen makes this one of the most popular mirrorless cameras for vloggers. The camera is lightweight and comfortable to hold, and it comes with a small tripod that can be handheld or used to keep the camera steady on a surface.
The battery life offers 270 shots on a single charge, which should last a full day shooting. The electronic viewfinder offers 3,680k dots, so you can see a great level of detail before capturing your shot. Additionally it performs well in low-light and is able to autofocus down to -4 EV. It also features focus stacking and the opportunity to set focus after shooting if the wrong focus point was set initially. The wide, 12-stop dynamic range ensures a lot of detail in your images in every lighting conditions.
- Type: Mirrorless Sensor: 20.3MP MOS Monitor: 3″ vari-angle
- Maximum Burst: 6 fps Video: 4K Connectivity: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi
9. Nikon Coolpix P1000
Our next best camera for photography beginners is the P1000 from Nikon’s Coolpix range. This camera features an exceptionally long zoom lens, with a focal length equivalent to 3000mm. Therefore, it is one of the best for getting up close to very far-off subjects, without the need for extremely expensive telephoto lenses. In fact, the P1000 has the most powerful lens ever on a Nikon Coolpix. Because of this long zoom, the camera also has vibration reduction to minimize the shake when shooting without a tripod.
The P1000 is ideal for fast-moving subjects thanks to its continuous shooting rate of 7 frames per second. It can focus at a distance of under 1/2″ in macro mode, and is perfect for wide-angle shots. It takes 4K video with HDMI output and stereo sound, and there is also a hot shoe to add accessories for excellent-quality video. Newbies can enjoy shooting in the fully automatic mode, but after learning and developing some skills, it’s possible to take full manual control.
10. Nikon Z50
We have seen some excellent mirrorless cameras above, and our final pick this time is from Nikon. The 20.9MP sensor promises excellent image quality, and this paired with the larger, 55mm lens mount which boosts low-light performance. The camera comes with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth so it can easily be paired with a smartphone.
The continuous shooting rate is very impressive on the Z50, with speeds of 11 frames per second possible. It is sold with a versatile 16-50mm kit lens which is excellent for beginners. The Z50 features a flip-down touchscreen which is ideal for vloggers or those shooting self-portraits. There is a wide selection of lenses for this camera – F-mount Nikon lenses can be used in conjunction with the FTZ mount adapter, which is sold separately.
- Type: Mirrorless Sensor: 20.9MP CMOS Monitor: 3.2″ flip-down touchscreen
- Maximum Burst: 11 fps Video: 4K Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
What is the Best Camera to Buy for a Beginner Photographer?
Eventually we have picked our overall best camera for beginners. The winner is the Sony Alpha a6000, which is one of Sony’s most popular mirrorless cameras. It comes with a 16-50mm kit lens to get started with, and offers a range of excellent features. It has a fast burst shooting rate and a very efficient autofocus system, so it’s perfect for shooting a fast subject. The tilting touchscreen is useful for shooting or controlling the settings, or you can shoot with the electronic viewfinder.
Best Budget Pick
The Nikon D3500 is another model that is well worth considering. Despite the reasonable price tag, you get excellent image quality and it is continually highly rated amongst all levels of users. It can be used in a variety of modes depending on your skill level – it is suitable even for those who have never shot with a DSLR. Furthermore it’s fast to shoot with and comfortable to hold for long periods of time. Images shot on this camera have a high level of detail and vibrant colors.
Is Canon or Nikon better for beginners?
Which brand to choose is really down to individual preference, as both have some excellent models for new photographers. Be sure to think about which system of lenses you wish to use for the next couple of years with the camera. But, also keep in mind there are other brands also offering some great entry-level DSLR cameras. Sony and Panasonic are also popular among beginners – you’ll find a couple of models in our list.
What is the easiest camera to use?
All of the models we have featured above are easy to use cameras for photographers who are new to the hobby. Look for a model with a fully automatic shooting mode, and intuitive menu designs. In auto mode, simply frame your shot and press the shutter button – what could be easier?! Some new users enjoy having a touchscreen as this offers easy access to all of the menu functions. Certain cameras also offer guidance mode which can teach how to get the most from the camera, learning by use.
Last update on 2024-12-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API