At some point, you might wonder what is the best camera for beginners. In this article, we’re going to look at some of the best beginner cameras on the market, dissect the best and worst aspects of them and present a guide that should help you make a choice.
We all know it’s amazing the kind of pictures you can take with your smartphone. Phone manufacturers have been paying a lot more attention to the cameras on their phones.
Sometimes it’s hard to tell the difference between photos taken from a camera and a smartphone.
If you use the latter but want to take the leap into becoming a professional photographer you’ll need a camera. There’s no way around it. Especially if you want to do paid work. No one will hire a photographer with a smartphone.
All Budgets Considered
If you’re worried that cameras are expensive tools made for elite photographers that require extensive knowledge, then don’t. Camera manufacturers have been very conscious of the competition coming from smartphones.
So, they decided to start making beginner-friendly cameras for novice photographers. Those are what we call entry-level cameras.
They don’t offer the crazy features of some advanced cameras. Instead, they give you a streamlined photography experience for those transitioning from smartphones to cameras.
In this guide, I’ll list some things you need to consider before you buy a camera. I will also list five of the best cameras you can get as a beginner and what each one can do.
Best Camera For Beginners – The Cameras
Let’s take a look at the cameras that made the cut!
1. Sony A6000
The Sony A6000 is a beginner-friendly camera. I guess the best word to describe it is accessible. It shoots pictures at a lovely 20MP. So you’ll surely get some lovely pictures with this camera.
Also, it can film videos in 1080p which is the minimum accepted resolution nowadays. This is a good camera for fast and continuous shooting. So if you want to take wildlife pictures and things like that, this is a perfect camera for that.
The A6000 is also a nice transition for novice photographers in terms of handling of mobility. It handles comfortably. It also has a great viewfinder that’s high quality and versatile.
The camera offers some neat features like panorama mode. You get WI-Fi connectivity which is important for transferring pictures and videos to your computer. I can’t state how convenient the USB charge is on this camera.
On the other hand, I feel like the battery life could be longer. But you can tell how much juice you got left so if you’re careful it’s not a problem.
Finally, the camera comes at a lucrative price. If you’re trying to get a camera with great features for a low price, you can’t do much better.
2. Nikon D3500
Nikon is one of the juggernauts of camera manufacturers. They adopted the mindset of inviting in novice photographers with accessible cameras at reasonable prices. The D3500 is a textbook example of this. It outdoes Sony’s offering at 24MP picture resolution.
The controls are beginner-friendly and easy to grasp. This one is great for taking photographs, but a little weaker for shooting video. For video shooting, I still recommend the Sony A6000. This one offers Bluetooth connectivity to transfer your images.
It might be slower than Wi-FI but perfectly serviceable. The life battery on this one trumps most of its competition. You could rest assured that you’ll get hours upon hours of continuous photography out of this camera.
In an extra step to ease new photographers to it, the D3500 offers a guide mode. It sets up all your camera settings so you don’t have to worry about it. With time you’ll become more familiar and adjust the camera to your liking.
BEST CAMERA FOR BEGINNERS
What Are Cameras For Beginners?
Cameras for beginners can be a huge investment, but they make learning the basics of photography much easier.
The best way to choose a camera is to figure out what you want to use it for. You may decide that you want one with interchangeable lenses, or something more basic and less expensive.
When it comes to choosing a camera for beginners, there are many considerations. It’s important to find the right balance between having enough features and performance for your needs while not being too difficult to use.
3. Canon EOS 250D
This one’s for all of you out there who want great video quality. Canon’s EOS 250D offers 4K video shooting.
So if you’re looking for a camera to film videos, this one will do the job. But even as a camera for stills it still shines at 24MP pictures. What more could you ask?
Much like the D3500, it offers an amazing guide mode for beginners that will make things a lot easier for you at first. It also has insanely good battery life. You’ll hardly notice the battery indicator draining.
Despite its design, the Canon EOS 250D is very easy to handle and use. You also get both Wi-FI and Bluetooth connectivity to easily transfer your pictures and videos. This is especially useful if you’re shooting 4K videos on this camera.
This one doesn’t allow USB charging, however. If that’s gonna be a big problem for you, you might wanna stick out and see our next few recommendations.
However, while it may not be the catch that is the D3500, Canon’s camera is well worth the price and would make for a great entry-level camera to anyone.
4. Nikon D5600
If connectivity really matters to you, you should consider this one. But before we talk about that, what does this camera offer? Well, you get the always wonderful 24MP image quality and 1080p video. So there’s no compromise there.
The feature that Nikon is promoting with this Camera is what they call the SnapBridge. It is a service that connects to your smartphone using a low-energy connection.
Once you take a picture on your camera, a 2MP version will instantly appear on your smartphone. Pretty neat, right?
That’s not all that this camera offers though. For one, it has touchscreen controls unlike the previous items on this list. Another thing is the wonderful battery life. It is also very easy to handle and use despite its small size.
In addition, it does a wonderful job of keeping moving objects in focus. So it’s a great option for people who film sports, wildlife, etc…It doesn’t feature USB charging, unfortunately.
Still, if you care a great deal about connectivity you definitely can’t go wrong with this one.
BEST CAMERA FOR BEGINNERS
Advantages of Using Beginner Cameras
• Save money compared to the more professional camera models.
• Learn how to use your camera is highly rewarding and you don’t have to spend a lot of money in order to do so.
• Avoid the technical difficulties that come with professional cameras, which can lead to frustrations as well as spending money unnecessarily on extras like expensive lenses.
• Flexibility: being able to take photos with a simple point-and-shoot camera at any time or location without having to use extra expensive equipment.
5. Canon EOS Rebel T7i / EOS 800D
Like most cameras on this list, the Canon EOS Rebel T7i / EOS 800D offers 24MP picture quality. It also offers 1080p video. It is built like an expensive pro camera. But as soon as you turn it on.
You’ll be surprised at how streamlined the user interface is. This is a camera built with novice users in mind. The guide mode actually teaches you how to use the camera to its full potential. This is something you don’t see with other guide modes.
It also includes both Wi-FI and Bluetooth for file transfer. Canon’s Rebel lineup of cameras is always a safe bet if you’re getting into cameras for the first time.
They are reasonably priced and offer enough features to both not intimidate beginners but also hook them once they’ve developed.
The Canon EOS Rebel T7i / EOS 800D is probably the best Rebel model out there. If you want to play it safe and get a camera that’ll work properly and give you good value for your money, this is it.
6. Pentax K-70
The Pentax K-70 is an excellent beginner-friendly DSLR that doesn’t compromise on features. It has a 24.2 MP APS-C sensor, providing high image quality with great detail and color accuracy.
The K-70 is known for its weather-resistant design, making it suitable for outdoor photography.
Its in-body image stabilization helps in reducing camera shake, a helpful feature for beginners.
The camera’s vari-angle LCD screen and user-friendly interface make it easy to learn and operate. The Pentax K-70 is a great choice for beginners who want a robust and versatile camera to grow with.
7. Fujifilm X-T100
The Fujifilm X-T100 is a stylish and user-friendly mirrorless camera, perfect for beginners.
It features a 24.2 MP APS-C sensor and Fujifilm’s famous color reproduction technology, delivering beautiful images.
The camera offers a unique combination of a retro design with modern features like a tilting touchscreen and electronic viewfinder.
Its compact size and easy-to-use interface make it an ideal camera for those starting in photography.
The X-T100 also provides creative modes and filters, adding fun elements for beginners to explore.
8. Panasonic Lumix G7
The Panasonic Lumix G7 is a feature-rich mirrorless camera that offers great value for beginners.
It stands out with its 4K video capabilities and 16 MP Micro Four Thirds sensor.
The G7’s intuitive controls and lightweight design make it accessible to new users.
Its fast autofocus and versatile lens options are beneficial for various photography styles.
The Lumix G7 is particularly appealing for those interested in both photography and videography, offering advanced features in an affordable package.
9. Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV
The Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV is a compact and capable mirrorless camera, ideal for beginners.
It features a 20 MP Micro Four Thirds sensor and in-body image stabilization, ensuring high-quality images and smooth video.
The camera’s flip-down touchscreen is perfect for selfies and low-angle shots.
Its lightweight design and straightforward interface make it easy to handle and operate.
The E-M10 Mark IV also offers a range of creative modes and Wi-Fi connectivity, making it a fun and versatile choice for those new to photography.
10. Sony Alpha a6400
The Sony Alpha a6400 is a highly capable mirrorless camera that is perfect for beginners looking to step up their photography game.
It features a 24.2 MP APS-C sensor and Sony’s impressive autofocus system, including real-time eye autofocus.
The a6400’s 4K video capabilities and fast shooting speed make it versatile for various photographic styles.
Its 180-degree tiltable LCD screen is great for vlogging and self-portraits.
The camera’s compact size, combined with its powerful features, makes the Sony Alpha a6400 an excellent choice for beginners who want a camera that offers room to grow.
Best Camera For Beginners – The Specs
When choosing a camera for beginners, ask yourself a few questions:
- What do you want out of your photography or videography?
- Is it just for fun or are you looking to start up as a professional?
- What type of photos will you be taking, landscapes or portraits?
- Do you want something with interchangeable lenses that could shoot in low-light situations like indoors at nighttime parties?
Here are some key points to remember when searching for a beginner camera.
Budget
Naturally, your budget will dictate what you can get. You can find plenty of good deals on the internet if you do your research.
Type of Camera
Point and shoot cameras are different from Mirrorless cameras and DSLRs. Do your research. The latter two are more geared towards professional photography. They are the two types we’ll see down the list.
Attachments
Consider if you want a camera that is compatible with third-party lenses and other accessories.
Read the specs very well to ensure that you can use all types of widely available interchangeable accessories for your camera. You won’t want a super exclusive and likely pricey set of attachments for your camera.
Video
Video seems simple as reading whether a camera shoots 1080p, 4K or other resolutions. In reality, what equally matters is the fps count. If a camera shoots 4K but at 15fps you might as well pass on it and get one that shoots 1080p at 60fps.
WI-Fi and Bluetooth
We don’t use cables, or SD card readers to transfer files anymore. You’re not a member of the Flintstones. Make sure your camera is Wi-Fi or at least Bluetooth compatible. Trust me, it’ll save you a world of pain.
Durability
“We’re not going to film an on-going war. Why do we need the camera to be durable.” you might think.
Accidents happen, however, and you don’t want a cracked piece of plastic and glass in your hands.
Your camera doesn’t need to be nuclear annihilation proof. But if it’s shock and weatherproof, that’s good enough.
Best Camera for Beginners – In Conclusion
There is a diverse and competitive market out there. While the options may seem overwhelming for you at first, you needn’t worry. These cameras are great beginner-friendly selections for just about anyone.
Even if they don’t convince you, at least you’ll have an idea of what to look for in your first camera.
Great quality for both video and photo, long battery life, USB charging, and connectivity are probably the most important. Do your research well and pick what suits you best.
There are numerous reviews for every camera out there to help you make up your mind.
As a tip, it’s best to stick to the big manufacturers, Sony, Nikon, Canon, and Panasonic. You can’t go wrong with those. Hopefully, this guide on the best camera for beginners will have helped you make up your mind. Good luck.
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Thanks for recommended camera for beginners. its very helpful.
Thanks, ronwengo!
I am newbie. I don’t understand anything about cameras, but I need a professional camera for photos on my site. Thanks for the article, your advice helped me a lot.
No probs, Randy. Thanks for the kind words.