A good camera is one of the most important pieces of equipment to invest in if you’re a photographer. Finding something that feels comfortable and easy to use is essential, even if you are only an amateur photographer.
There are many camera choices, but we’ve narrowed down the best cameras for beginners so you can determine which one is right for your needs.
This post will cover the best cameras for beginners, the advantages and disadvantages of each camera, and more.
Our Top 5 Cameras For Beginners
- Canon EOS R10 Body Mirrorless Camera (Our Top Pick)
- Sony Alpha A6100 Mirrorless Camera (Best Budget)
- Canon EOS Rebel SL3 / EOS 250D / EOS 200D Mark II (Best High End)
- Nikon Z50
- Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV
What Are Cameras For Beginners?
For you to make the right decision when it comes to buying a camera, you need first to figure out what your needs are as a beginner.
There are plenty of different kinds of cameras, each with its own purpose—are you primarily photographing places, events, and people— or filming videos and movies.
Cameras for beginners are specifically designed with features that make it easy to capture photos and videos without having to think too much about the technical aspects.
These cameras are great for anyone looking to capture special moments, from the time a baby takes its first steps to a child’s birthday party. Beginners can enjoy using their cameras without any prior knowledge about photography.
The differences between cameras can be confusing to beginners because there are so many options and features that some can find overwhelming.
Finding the best camera for beginners is reliant on your needs and the type of photography you want to do. You can use your camera for video and movies, but you can also take pictures without any issues.
What Are The Different Types of Cameras For Beginners?
There are a number of different types of cameras on the market, with new ones being released all the time.
The main types of cameras are point-and-shoot, digital SLRs (DSLRs), mirrorless, hybrids, and action.
Point and Shoot Cameras
Point-and-shoot cameras usually have most of the essential camera settings set to automatic or by pressing one button on the side.
This will allow you to capture decent photos but don’t expect to get a high-quality picture. These cameras are often low-end and digital, meaning a lower price point goes hand-in-hand with less versatile features.
Point-and-shoot cameras are great because they allow you to take pictures without needing extensive knowledge of cameras. Beginners can use these cameras without worrying about manual settings, and advanced photographers can modify the camera to their liking.
Digital SLRs (DSLRs)
The DSLR is the most common and most popular camera you will find on the market. They’re the best camera for anyone looking to get serious about photography or filming.
These cameras are preferred because they allow you to take a higher quality picture with a wider range of different features and settings to choose from. They also allow you to change lens options, giving you more creative options.
DSLR cameras continue to grow in popularity due to the ease of use and creativity you can get from them. They are also expensive and commonly used by professionals.
Mirrorless Cameras
Mirrorless cameras are higher-end models than DSLRs. They are similar to point-and-shoot cameras in that they have most of the settings set to automatic or by pressing one button on the side of it.
These types of cameras do require some knowledge of photography, but you can use automatic mode or manual settings depending on your needs.
Mirrorless cameras can be a great option as they help you take higher-quality pictures while still being easy to use. You can take high-quality pictures with four different lenses, which is something you won’t find on DSLRs.
Hybrids
Hybrids are a type of camera that falls in between mirrorless cameras and DSLRs, which means they have some hands-on photography features while also having automatic settings.
These cameras allow you to change the lens depending on your needs, but they don’t quite have the same versatility as DSLRs.
The hybrids will often have a touchscreen option, which allows you to use the screen like a viewfinder, so you don’t have to look at it while taking photos.
Action Cameras
Action cameras are cameras used for capturing immersive action shots. Most have a wide-angle lens, giving you a wider view of the world while taking pictures.
These cameras are perfect for capturing a sports game or when you are on the move. They are a fun option because they allow you to take good photos while in motion or doing wacky activities. The caveat is that action cameras might be harder to use than other cameras.
How Do Cameras for Beginners Work?
Although there are many different types of cameras for beginners, they all work in the same way. That’s because these cameras are controlled by fancy circuits and software that will help you take the best photos and capture video.
The circuit board inside a camera is connected directly to the lens, allowing it to adjust and focus on whatever is in front of it. The circuit board is also directly connected to your memory card, allowing you to take and save pictures immediately without worrying about transferring them later.
When taking a picture, you’ll be able to see exactly what you’re shooting on your LCD screen. You can adjust it with your buttons and will also have the option to use a different program for editing your pictures.
What Do You Look For in the Best Camera for Beginners?
When choosing the best camera for beginners, there are many different qualities to keep in mind. There are many options to consider, so you need to have a plan in place to best accommodate your needs.
Durability
A camera should be sturdy and durable enough to withstand the bumps and drops you’ll experience while taking pictures. Make sure the camera is water-resistant to ensure it can handle the water you find in nature.
It should also be shock-proof, allowing you to take pictures without worrying about bruising or breaking it. The camera should also be durable enough so it will still work the same after a few years.
Cameras can crack and break, so if you want something that will last for a long time, it will need to be durable and withstand the elements.
LCD Screen
You use the LCD screen to see your subject when taking photos and videos. You must get a high-quality LCD screen camera to see the images clearly and get a great view when using the camera on automatic settings.
Quality
The camera’s quality will matter because it will affect your overall photos and videos. You want a camera that has a high-quality lens that doesn’t blur the images as you take pictures and one that allows you to quickly focus on what’s in your viewfinder.
Battery
The battery is essential because it will determine how long you can use the camera before needing to charge it. You can buy cameras with rechargeable batteries or lithium batteries that you can replace when needed.
Features
The features will be important because they will help you get exactly what you need for your photography. Depending on your needs when taking pictures or filming, you’ll want a zoom feature, autofocus, manual controls, self-timer, and many more.
Portability
The camera should be portable enough for you to carry around. It should fit in your bag or purse and not be too heavy. The camera’s weight can make it difficult or easy to carry around, so make sure it’s light enough for you to travel with.
Price
The price will also have an effect on the best camera for beginners. The camera should not be too expensive, especially if you are a beginner. Make sure you can get a camera that works for you, but you don’t need to pay more than $500 for it.
Flash
Flash is a feature that allows you to take a great photo outside or in the dark. You want a camera that has a flash option because it will allow you to take decent photos at night or in low-light conditions.
Lenses
Different lenses will allow for different types of photography. From nature to sports to portraits the type of lens you use matters. If you want the interchangeable lens option, then it’s going to be more expensive overall than a fixed lens option.
Camera Body
You want to look at the camera’s body to see what it’s made of. Aluminum and plastic are common options, but you also want to ensure it’s not too flimsy (which can happen with a plastic body).
A camera body will hold the circuitry and all the other parts that make your camera work. You need to make sure the camera is durable enough to be able to withstand rough conditions. You want a weather-resistant camera body because it will protect against water, dust, and other elements.
Best Cameras For Beginners Reviewed
There are a variety of different types of cameras that you can use when you’re new to photography. We’ve listed them below to help you get an overview so that you can choose which one is best for your needs.
1. Canon EOS R10 Body Mirrorless Camera (Our Top Pick)
The Canon EOS R10 Camera is small and light but has a high-quality sensor, good lenses, and amazing autofocus points.
This camera can capture the image you want with its 24.2-megapixel APS-C size CMOS sensor, which is the best for beginners and professionals. It also features an autofocus motor, which makes it much easier to take high-quality photos.
It’s small and light as it weighs 500g and is approximately 1.1 x 3.7 x 4.8″ in size. It’s also smaller than most DSLRs, making it better for carrying around when you’re on the go or traveling.
It also has an ISO range of 100-25600 for low or bright lighting conditions, ensuring that you’ll have a good camera for any condition you find yourself in. This is a great camera you can take on almost any trip due to its lightweight design.
Pros
- Great sensor and image quality
- Decent zoom with 24-70mm kit lens, perfect for close-up shots
- The full-frame sensor is great and produces great quality images
Con
- The price is a bit high but can be worth it
2. Sony Alpha A6100 Mirrorless Camera (Best Budget)
The Sony A6100 is, without a doubt, the second-best camera for beginners. It has a 24.2-megapixel APS-C sensor and full HD video capabilities.
It also features a 3-inch display (1,228,000 pixels) and Wi-Fi connectivity. The Sony A6100 also includes autofocus, continuous shooting, and more.
The body style of the camera is 90% plastic, with some metal accents on the body. The lens is a fixed aperture at f/2.8. The Sony A6100 has a responsive focal range of 19-72mm.
This camera is compatible with DSLR and Mirrorless lenses and several different color ranges and formats.
One of the camera’s best features is having built-in Wi-Fi and NFC connectivity, which is great for easy file transfers from the phone to the camera. The Sony A6100 is ideal for photographers who want to learn about photography and are serious about their craft.
Pros
- 24-megapixel APS-C sensor with full HD video capabilities
- Full HD screen for easy composition
- 3x optical zoom and fast continuous shooting (though this depends on which model you get)
- NFC connectivity for easy image transfers from the camera to your smartphone
Cons
- Fixed aperture at f/2.8 instead of being able to shoot at wider apertures
- Slow burst speed (requires several seconds to take a photo)
3. Canon EOS Rebel SL3 / EOS 250D / EOS 200D Mark II (Best High End)
The Canon EOS REBEL SL3 is a very affordable camera marketed as an ideal one for beginners.
It has a 24.4 megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor that can take great photos, even in low light conditions. It also features an ISO range of 100-25600, so it can take photos in various conditions.
Among other impressive features are its sensor cleaning system, superimposed grid lines, and anti-flicker technology. Its LCD screen is 3.0 inches and has a vari-angle touch screen with touch sensitivity and 180-degree rotation.
It is designed to be durable and weather resistant with dust and moisture-proofing. The kit also comes with the Canon EF-S 18-55mm Lens, which is excellent for beginners who don’t want to spend a lot of money on a lens but still want good quality photos.
Pros
- Great price point
- Durable, weather-resistant body
- Easy to use for beginners
Con
- Average battery life
4. Nikon Z50
The Z 50 is a mirrorless camera that features a fixed 20.9 MP APS HD CMOS sensor with a 16-50 mm equivalent focal length.
The full-featured Z 50 is perfectly capable of shooting in various shooting modes like Manual, Program Auto, Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority, and more.
The camera has an in-body image stabilization that is designed for tracking moving targets, action shots, and adjusting the camera when shooting from a moving vehicle.
It has a 10 fps continuous shooting capability with autofocus, and you can connect it to your smartphone to make the most of its capabilities.
This camera’s minimal size makes it easy to use and learn. Additionally, the exceptional quality of camera shots makes it an excellent choice for your first DSLR.
This camera is known for its crisp, clear output with detail and smooth gradients. It can be used in any light condition and is perhaps one of the best cameras for beginners.
Pros
- High-quality images in low light conditions
- Compact, lightweight, and easy to carry around
- Excellent battery life (up to 600 shots per charge)
Con
- Absence of a viewfinder
5. Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV
The Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV Black Camera is a high-end camera with excellent image quality and a great shooting experience.
It makes our list because this camera can serve as your main photography device, a good travel companion, and even a good option for beginners. The first thing you need to know is that this camera is small, making it easy to carry around with you.
The kit lens is also light, so you can bring it with you easily or let it hang on your shoulder for shooting. It also has an optional weather-sealing feature, protecting against dust and water. There’s also a wide-angle feature that lets you capture more in your shot.
The OM-D E-M10 Mark IV is a great camera with an excellent combination of features, and it will allow you to take professional-looking photos wherever you go. The OM-D E-M10 Mark IV Black Camera is great for beginners because it has an automatic mode that lets you shoot without worrying about anything.
It also has a live composite feature that increases the resolution of your photos. The camera also includes manual features, which let you take creative images and manipulate the settings on your own as well.
Pros
- Small size and lightweight
- GPS feature allows you to add motion tracking and post-capture editing
- Comes with a wide range of lenses
Con
- It may be difficult for beginners to learn
Final Thoughts on Cameras for Beginners
Overall, cameras are essential tools in our lives. The more we take photos, the more we are able to capture those important moments. Thus, it is no surprise that cameras are one of the most commonly used accessories among consumers.
The best cameras for beginners we have listed above will offer the best value to fit your needs. We hope this article helped you narrow your choices and find the right camera for you.