If you’re new to photography, choosing the best camera can be overwhelming. There are so many options out there, each with its own features and price points. To help you make an informed decision, I’ve compiled a list based on my personal experience and also getting to work with other photographers and getting their own insight on this topic of the top 10 cameras for beginners. I’ll provide the model and year of make, price, and key specifications for each camera, making it easier for you to pick the one that suits your needs.
1. Canon EOS Rebel T7 (2018)
- Price: Around $400
- Specs: 24.1MP APS-C CMOS sensor, 9-point AF system, Full HD video recording.
The Canon Eos Rebel T7 is great for beginners due to its user-friendly interface and affordable price. It offers good image quality and versatility making it a great starting point for budding photographers.
CONS: Canon EOS Rebel T7 has a relatively low-resolution LCD screen, which can make reviewing and composing shots less detailed, and the absence of 4K video recording, limiting video quality options.
2. Nikon D3500 (2018)
- Price: Approximately $500
- Specs: 24.2MP APS-C CMOS sensor, 11-point AF system, Full HD video.
The Nikon D3500 is an excellent choice for beginners due to its user-friendly interface, making it easy to learn the basics of photography. It offers great image quality with a 24.2-megapixel APS-C sensor and impressive battery life, allowing for extended shooting sessions. Additionally, its affordable price point makes it a budget-friendly option for those just starting in photography.
CONS: Nikon D3500 has no touchscreen LCD and limited video recording capabilities (no 4K video and limited autofocus during video).
3. Sony Alpha A6000 (2014)
- Price: Around $550
- Specs: 24.3MP APS-C CMOS sensor, Fast hybrid AF, Full HD video.
- Why: Offers advanced features like fast autofocus and a compact, lightweight design.
The Nikon D3500 is often chosen by beginners because of how easy it is to handle, helping them learn the basics of photography. It offers great image quality with a 24.2-megapixel APS-C sensor and impressive battery life, allowing for extended shooting sessions. Additionally, its affordable price point makes it a budget-friendly option for those just starting in photography.
CONS: For beginners the Sony Alpha A6000 has a complex menu system and the lack of in-body image stabilization.
4. Fujifilm X-T200 (2020)
- Price: Approximately $700
- Specs: 24.2MP APS-C CMOS sensor, 4K video recording.
The Fujifilm X-T200 is a solid choice for beginners due to its lightweight design, user-friendly interface, and versatile touchscreen, making it easy to navigate and capture great shots. It features a 24.2-megapixel APS-C sensor and a variety of film simulations, allowing for creative expression and excellent image quality. Its 4K video capabilities make it suitable for those interested in both photography and videography, making it a well-rounded option for newcomers to the world of mirrorless cameras.
CONS: The Fujifilm X-T200 has a shorter battery life compared to some competitors and the absence of weather sealing, which makes it less durable in adverse weather conditions.
5. Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark III (2017)
- Price: Around $600
- Specs: 16.1MP Four Thirds sensor, In-body 5-axis image stabilization, 4K video.
- Why: Offers impressive image stabilization and a compact form factor, suitable for travel photography.
The Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark III is an ideal camera for beginners thanks to its compact size, intuitive controls, and in-body image stabilization, which helps capture sharp photos even in low light conditions. It features a 16.1-megapixel Micro Four Thirds sensor, delivering good image quality while keeping the camera lightweight and portable. Its range of built-in creative filters and art modes make it easy for beginners to experiment and learn different photography styles.
CONS: The Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark III features a 16.1-megapixel sensor, which is relatively low compared to some other cameras in its price range.
6. Panasonic Lumix GX85 (2016)
- Price: Approximately $600
- Specs: 16MP Four Thirds sensor, 5-axis in-body stabilization, 4K video.
- Why: Known for its compact size, 4K video, and in-body stabilization, making it great for vlogging.
Beginners might consider the Panasonic Lumix GX85 for its compact size, 4K video capabilities, and user-friendly interface. However, two cons to be aware of are its smaller Micro Four Thirds sensor size compared to some competitors, which may affect low-light performance, and the lack of weather sealing, making it less suitable for harsh environmental conditions.
7. Nikon Z50 (2019)
- Price: Around $800
- Specs: 20.9MP APS-C CMOS sensor, 209-point hybrid AF, 4K video.
- Why: Offers advanced features like a high-resolution electronic viewfinder and excellent autofocus.
Beginners might opt for the Nikon Z50 due to its compact and lightweight design, user-friendly interface, and compatibility with Nikon’s growing range of Z-mount lenses.
CONS: Limited selection of DX-format lenses compared to F-mount options, and the absence of in-body image stabilization, which might affect stability when using non-stabilized lenses.
8. Canon EOS M50 (2018)
- Price: Approximately $650
- Specs: 24.1MP APS-C CMOS sensor, Dual Pixel autofocus, 4K video.
- Why: Known for its compact size, 4K video capabilities, and excellent autofocus system.
The Canon EOS M50 is known for its compact size, articulating touchscreen LCD, and excellent autofocus for both photos and videos.
CONS: Limited 4K video capabilities, with a significant crop factor, and a smaller APS-C sensor compared to some competing mirrorless cameras, which may impact low-light performance and dynamic range.
9. Sony Alpha A6100 (2019)
- Price: Around $750
- Specs: 24.2MP APS-C CMOS sensor, Fast hybrid AF, 4K video.
- Why: Offers advanced autofocus and 4K video in a compact package.
Beginners might consider the Sony Alpha A6100 for its fast and accurate autofocus, impressive image quality, and compact size.
CONS: Limited touchscreen functionality, which may not be as intuitive for some users, and the absence of in-body image stabilization, which can impact stability when using non-stabilized lenses.
10. Pentax K-70 (2016)
- Price: Approximately $650
- Specs: 24.2MP APS-C CMOS sensor, In-body image stabilization, Weather-sealed body.
- Why: Suitable for outdoor enthusiasts with its weather-sealed body and in-body stabilization.
The Pentax K-70 offers weather sealing, in-body image stabilization, extensive customization, Pixel Shift Resolution, compatibility with a variety of Pentax lenses, and an articulating LCD screen, making it a versatile choice for photographers who value durability, image quality, and creative control.
CONS: Limited selection of native lenses compared to some competitors and the smaller APS-C sensor size, which may affect low-light performance and dynamic range when compared to cameras with larger sensors.
11. Canon EOS 60D (2010)
I know I said 10 but I could not leave out my own first-ever DSLR Camera.
Price: Approximately $400
Specs:
18.0MP APS-C CMOS sensor
9-point AF system
Full HD video recording (1080p)
ISO Range: 100-6400 (expandable to 12800)
The Canon EOS 60D is a solid choice for beginners due to its user-friendly interface, articulated LCD screen for flexible composition, and a wide range of compatible Canon EF and EF-S lenses, allowing photographers to explore various styles and genres.
CONS: It’s a relatively older technology compared to more recent models, and it’s somewhat bulkier in size compared to compact DSLRs, which may impact portability for some users.
Photography Tip: Understanding ISO and Shutter Speed
Before we conclude, let’s briefly discuss ISO and shutter speed, two crucial aspects of photography:
ISO: ISO measures the sensitivity of your camera’s sensor to light. Lower ISO values (e.g., 100 or 200) are used in bright conditions, while higher ISO values (e.g., 800 or 1600) are for low-light situations. Be mindful of using high ISO settings as they can introduce noise (grain) into your photos. Read this Understanding ISO for information on how the get the right iso settings.
Shutter Speed: Shutter speed controls the amount of time your camera’s sensor is exposed to light. A faster shutter speed (e.g., 1/1000s) freezes fast-moving subjects, while a slower speed (e.g., 1/30s) can create a sense of motion. Experiment with different shutter speeds to achieve creative effects.
When choosing a camera as a beginner, consider factors like your budget, intended use, and the features that matter most to you. These 11 cameras cover a range of options, ensuring there’s something for every budding photographer.
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