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Are you looking for a good camera to jump-start your journey in photography or as a vlogger? There are plenty of beginner cameras to choose from that aren’t premium-priced but offer excellent image quality. They also have advanced features, and some even come with in-built guides to help you catch on faster.
But before you jump head-first into making your purchase, remember that the image quality and overall performance of any camera depend significantly on its lens. Therefore, the rule of thumb is to go for a cheap camera with a high-quality lens rather than a costly camera body with a cheap lens.
That said, here is a list of our five best cameras for beginners!
- Best Overall: Nikon D3500
- Best for Vlogging: Sony ZV-E10
- Best for Stills: Sony A6000
- Best Budget Mirrorless Camera: Fujifilm X-T200
- Best budget DSLR Cameras: Canon EOS Rebel SL3
- Nikon D3500 24.2MP DSLR Digital Camera
- 24.2MP DSLR
- 18-55mm and 70-300mm lenses
- Deluxe bundle includes Sandisk 64GB DS Card + Large Camera Bag + Filter Kit + Spare Battery + Telephoto Lens
- Sony Alpha ZV-E10 APS-C Interchangeable Lens Mirrorless Vlog Camera Kit
- APS-C Interchangeable lens
- Mirrorless vlog camera kit
- Black
- 24MP
- 4K Movie oversampled from 6k w/ full pixel readout, no pixel binning
- Sony Alpha a6000 Mirrorless Digital Camera
- Mirrorless
- 24.3MP
- SLR
- 3.0-inch LCD
- Black
- 16-50mm Power Zoom Lens
- Fujifilm X-T200 Mirrorless Digital Camera
- Mirrorless
- With XC 15-45mm Kit
- Dark silver
- 3x optical zoom
- Canon EOS Rebel SL3 Digital SLR Camera
- SLR camera
- With EF-S 18-55mm lens kit
- Built-in Wi-Fi
- Dual-pixel CMOS AF
- 3.0 inch vari-angle touch screen
- Black
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We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
Best Overall: Nikon D3500
- 24.2MP DSLR
- 18-55mm and 70-300mm lenses
- Deluxe bundle includes Sandisk 64GB DS Card + Large Camera Bag + Filter Kit + Spare Battery + Telephoto Lens
The Nikon D3500 is an all-around camera that will meet the needs of almost every beginner.
It is a DSLR camera; that is, it uses a mirror mechanism, which allows the use of an optical viewfinder. As a result, it is larger and chunkier. However, despite not being the most fashionable on the market, it has better ergonomics and great handling.
The Nikon D3500 belongs to the D3000 series of cameras, which is one of the most popular cameras among students. This is because it has helpful guides and tutorial modes that you can use to understand camera settings and the basics of exposure. The D3500 comes with an APS-C sensor and 24.2MP resolution. Its Nikon F-mount gives it access to an extensive catalog of lenses as well as camera options in case you need to upgrade.
Specs
- Continuous shooting speed: 5fps
- Lens mount: Nikon F
- Max video resolution: 1080p
- Megapixels: 24.2MP
- Screen: 3.0-inch, 921k, fixed
- Sensor: APS-C
- Type: DSLR
- Viewfinder: Pentamirror
Pros
- In-built photography guides and tutorials
- Offers all-performance
- Excellent ergonomics
- Exciting to use
Cons
- No custom settings
- Looks chunky
Best for Vlogging: Sony ZV-E10
- APS-C Interchangeable lens
- Mirrorless vlog camera kit
- Black
- 24MP
- 4K Movie oversampled from 6k w/ full pixel readout, no pixel binning
If you are looking for a camera to use for your social media creative journey, then the Sony ZV-E10 is a good one to start with.
The Sony ZV-E10 is a mirrorless camera with 4K video capability and a fully vari-angle LCD screen. However, it lacks a viewfinder and a dial for shifting between modes, making it more suitable for taking videos than stills.
The Sony ZV-E10 features Sony’s class-leading autofocus and offers crisp 4K 30p footage, producing excellent videos. It also features an in-built microphone with a clip-on wind muffler to ensure the audio quality is good enough. The ZV-E10 also uses Sony E-Mount hence it has access to several Sony and generic lenses. Even though the features are sufficient for the price tag, it would have been better if it had image stabilization.
Specs
- LCD: Vari-angle
- Lens: Sony E mount
- Max video resolution: 4K 30p
- Maximum continuous shooting speed: 11 FPS
- Megapixels: 24.2MP
- Sensor: APS-C
- Type: Mirrorless
- Viewfinder: None
Pros
- 4K Video
- Vari-angle screen
- It has an internal microphone with a clip-on muffler
Cons
- No viewfinder
- No in-body image stabilization
Best for Stills: Sony A6000
- Mirrorless
- 24.3MP
- SLR
- 3.0-inch LCD
- Black
- 16-50mm Power Zoom Lens
Whereas the ZV-E10 is great on video, the A6000 is excellent for stills, even for a beginner.
Even though the A6000 is one of the oldest models on this list, it remains one of the best entry-level camera options for photographers. It comes with a diminutive design and also has access to Sony’s large collection of interchangeable lenses.
In terms of performance, the A600 comes with a 24.3MP image sensor, an electronic viewfinder, autofocus, and an impressive continuous shooting speed of 11 FPS. Consequently, it delivers nearly the same image quality as other newer, tech-packed, pricier camera options in the A6000-series, such as the A6400 and A6600.
The Sony A6000 lacks 4K video recording, has a weak 1,440-dot viewfinder resolution, and the tilting screen feels too cramped. However, you won’t miss these if your interest is not in taking videos.
Specs
- Continuous shooting speed: 11 FPS
- Lens mount: Sony E
- Max video resolution: Full HD
- Megapixels: 24.3MP
- Sensor: APS-C
- Type: Mirrorless
- Viewfinder: Electronic viewfinder
Pros
- Small and lightweight
- Has an electronic viewfinder
Cons
- Lack of 4K video
Best Budget Mirrorless Camera: Fujifilm X-T200
- Mirrorless
- With XC 15-45mm Kit
- Dark silver
- 3x optical zoom
If you are on a budget but prefer a mirrorless camera, opt for the Fujifilm X-T200.
The Fujifilm X-T200 succeeded the X-T100 and came with amazing features from Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity to a -90 to +180 rotatable LCD touchscreen. As for the price tag, the X-T200 remains the most budget-friendly mirrorless camera at the time of writing.
It comes with an advanced copper-wired processor that delivers a high response rate and low noise levels, hence better camera quality. It also has an accurate prediction algorithm and on-sensor face detection pixels, which ensures faster focusing in different environments.
An add-on to the X-T200 is the HDR function, which makes it easier to record videos in high-contrast environments. Also, it has in-camera video editing functions such as trimming and resizing. However, the lack of image stabilization is a glaring omission, and due to its many features, its battery drains fast.
Specs
- Continuous shooting speed: 8 FPS
- Max video resolution: 24MP
- Megapixels: 24.2MP
- Screen: 3.5-inch touchscreen, -90 to +180 degrees rotatable, touch
- Sensor: Copper-wired APS-C
- Type: Mirrorless
- Viewfinder: Electronic
Pros
- Wi-Fi and Bluetooth technology
- Supports 4K video
- Has HDR video function
Cons
- Lacks image-stabilization feature
Best DSLR Camera: Canon EOS Rebel SL3
- SLR camera
- With EF-S 18-55mm lens kit
- Built-in Wi-Fi
- Dual-pixel CMOS AF
- 3.0 inch vari-angle touch screen
- Black
If you are on a budget but prefer DSLR cameras to mirrorless ones, consider the Canon Rebel SL3.
Even though there are better and more advanced mirrorless options, the Canon Rebel SL3 has all the features that make DSLR cameras preferable like an ergonomic design that makes it comfortable to grip, better performance in low-light situations, and an extensive selection of interchangeable lenses. In addition, the Rebel SL3 has Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity as well as access to the EOS software for remote control features and other tools.
On performance, the Rebel SL3 features a combination of a DIGIC 8 image processor, 24.1MP, and APS-C sensors, delivering detailed rich-colored stills. Thanks to its optical viewfinder, you can preview the effects of tweaking the camera’s settings in real time. Its vari-angle LCD touchscreen also makes it easy to shoot from different angles and even take selfies.
Specs
- Display: 3-inch vari-angle LCD touchscreen, 1,040K dots
- Maximum shooting speed: 5 FPS
- Maximum video resolution: 4K
- Megapixels: 24.1MP
- Sensor: APS-C
- Type: DSLR
- Viewfinder: Optical
Pros
- Offers a wider selection of interchangeable lenses
- Better low-light performance
- Ergonomic design
- Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity
- Comes with Creative Assist
Cons
- Feels outdated
- Limited AF points
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How to Pick the Best Camera for Beginners: Step-by-Step
As a beginner, the sheer number of options can make it feel impossible to pick a camera. Below is a brief rundown on how to sift through the haystack of options and find the right one for you.
Type of Camera
A camera falls into one of four categories: DSLR, Mirrorless, Compact, and Instant film, and it is the first decision you need to make when buying a camera. See the next section for an in-depth explanation of their differences.
Budget
How much are you willing and able to spend? Fortunately, most cameras that are suitable for beginners are very affordable as they do not have many tech features.
Lens Options
Irrespective of your budget, always opt for a camera with access to a large range of interchangeable lenses. Remember that a camera is only as good as its lens.
Guide and Tutorials
It might not apply to everyone, but as a beginner, you get better faster when you work with a camera that offers tutorials on the basics of photography.
Control Modes
All cameras come with auto modes to detect and deliver better image quality, but the auto modes rarely last. Go for a camera that offers you some level of manual control. It will come in handy when the automatic modes start failing.
Video Resolution
If you need a camera for taking videos, do not buy a camera with a resolution lower than 4K.
What to Know Before Buying a Beginner-Friendly Camera
Let’s talk about the basics you need to know before buying a camera.
Types
- DSLR: They have an internal mirror mechanism that makes it possible to use an optical viewfinder, which, for most professional photographers, is better than an LCD. Their lenses are interchangeable and, due to the mirrors, their design is chunkier, though it provides good grip.
- Mirrorless: These use electronic viewfinders and hence are lighter and smaller. Like DSLRs, their lenses are interchangeable. They are slowly becoming the go-to options.
- Compact: Also known as “point-and-shoot” cameras, they have fixed lenses, which can either be Prime or Zoom. The Prime lens emphasizes picture quality, whereas the Zoom lens focuses on image magnification. It is worth noting that compact cameras are cheap but also face stiff competition from smartphones.
- Instant Film: They can produce a physical print as soon as the image is taken, offering great fun and satisfaction. Even though their specs are not the best, most of them can connect wirelessly to printers and other smart devices.
Sensor Sizes
- Less than an inch: These are the smallest and are found in smartphones and low-budget compact cameras. Due to their small size, they are affordable but have poor low-light performance. Sizes in this category are 1/2.3-inch type, 1/2.5-inch type, and 1/1.7-inch type.
- 1-inch type: Produce less noise in images and are found in bridge cameras and compact cameras
- Micro Four Thirds: It is available only in Mirrorless cameras, especially Panasonic and Olympus models. They are larger than 1-inch sensors and deliver good image quality.
- APS-C: It is larger than the Micro Four Thirds and is found in all the cameras on this list.
- Full-frame: It is about 35mm and is commonly preferred by professional photographers.
- Medium format: Almost the size of a 120 film, and the cameras are very expensive, hence common only amongst specialist shooters.
Kit Lens
Cameras are cheaper when bought body-only, but buying the camera together with the kit lens saves more than buying them differently. So, if buying a DSLR or a Mirrorless camera, ensure you also buy a kit lens. It carries interchangeable lenses suitable for the camera.
Remember, most entry-level cameras will have several kit lens options. Therefore, it is best to do your research and avoid old kit lenses that do not have image stabilization. Ensure you do not fall for their highly-discounted prices.
Using Camera for Beginners: What It’s Like
As a beginner, you may be better off with a DSLR or Mirrorless camera. This is because they both come with a variety of lens options and offer the best trade-off between price and quality. DSLRs are bigger and heavier but have better battery life and are more suitable for stills than videos. They also provide a great grip for the true photographer experience. On the other hand, Mirrorless cameras are smaller and lighter and best suited for videos and vlogging.
