The best camera for beginners is one that enables you to swap lenses, is easy to use, and can grow with you as you develop
Choosing the best camera for beginners capacity you may in all likelihood be searching for a camera that gives ease of use, the capability to grow your skills, and which is affordable. If you’ve got solely just begun your photography hobby, then a limited budget is greater than understandable, as you would possibly now not prefer to make investments to a great deal at such an early stage.
Luckily for you, there are lots of fantastic cameras that are now not solely brilliantly low-cost however are additionally super simple to use. The best cameras for beginners will have a combination of full-automatic modes and full guide modes. This means that as your abilities grow, your camera’s potential grows alongside you.
We believe that the best beginner’s camera is an interchangeable lens camera – which can be both a DSLR or a mirrorless camera. However, if you are no longer interested in exploring guide modes and you would alternatively without a doubt point your camera and shoot, then you would possibly want to check out our guides to the best point-and-shoot cameras, the best camera phones, and the best cameras for kids.
However, if you are excited to master the art of photography and/or videography, then we would clearly recommend checking out these best cameras for beginners below.
Best cameras for beginners in 2021
1. Nikon D3500
Nikon’s entry-level DSLR is basic but effective and has a great sensor
Type: DSLR | Sensor: APS-C | Megapixels: 24.2MP | Lens mount: Nikon F (DX) | Screen: 3in, 921,000 dots | Max burst speed: 5fps | Max video resolution: 1080p (Full HD) | User level: Beginner
If you’re worried about DSLRs being complicated, don’t be. The Nikon D3500 has a brilliant ‘Guide’ capturing mode that acts as an entirely interactive guide to photography and camera settings, delivered by using the rear LCD screen. The D3500’s controls are easy and convenient to get to grips with. Its price capability does strip again on some greater superior features. For example, there’s no Custom Settings menu for tailoring camera features to your preferences, as featured on each other series of Nikon DSLRs. The autofocus in Live View and movie capture modes is additionally sluggish, although the Nikon AF-P DX 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR lens speeds it up and is the great kit lens to go for. Overall, the Nikon D3500’s photograph quality and performance are extremely good for the price, and the 5fps burst charge is incredibly sporty for an entry-level DSLR. Take a seem to be at the many different amazing Nikon lenses that this DSLR gadget lets you use.
• Recommended kit lens: Nikon AF-P DX 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR
2. Fujifilm X-T200
The X-T200 is great for photo novices and Instagramers
Type: Mirrorless | Sensor: APS-C | Megapixels: 24.2MP | Lens mount: Fujifilm X | Screen: 3.5in vari-angle touchscreen, 2,760k dots | Viewfinder: EVF, 2,360k dots | Max continuous shooting speed: 8fps | Max video resolution: 4K | User level: Beginner/Intermediate
The Fujifilm X-T200 is light and compact, but looks and feels like an old-school 35mm SLR film camera. Best of all, the X-T200 has a big new 3.5-inch vari-angle touchscreen with twice the resolution of most rivals and a 1:6 aspect ratio perfectly suited to video. It also has an electronic viewfinder and can shoot 4K video as well as 24-megapixel stills. Its 15-45mm kit lens is electrically powered and is a bit of an acquired taste, but it’s really compact and offers a much wider angle of view than most kit lenses, making it ideal for interior shots and big landmarks. We loved the X-T200 when if first came out, but we love it even more now that the prices have come down – and they really have come down.
• Recommended kit lens: Fujinon XC 15-45mm f/3.5-5.6 OIS PZ
3. Canon EOS Rebel SL3 / EOS 250D / EOS 200D Mark II
It’s not the cheapest beginner DSLR, but you get what you pay for
Type: DSLR | Sensor: APS-C | Lens mount: Canon EF-S | Screen: 3in vari-angle touchscreen, 1,040,000 dots | Max burst speed: 5fps | Max video resolution: 4K UHD at 25p
This is not the cheapest DSLR you can purchase with the aid of any means, however very regularly it is really worth paying a little extra cash to get a lots better range of elements – and this is the best example. The EOS Rebel SL3 (aka EOS 250D / EOS 200D Mark II) has Canon’s top-of-the vary APS-C sensor with 24.1MP of resolution and brilliant Live View shooting, thanks to a fully-articulating touchscreen show and Canon’s speedy Dual Pixel CMOS AF autofocus. In fact, we’d genuinely say this is one of the solely DSLRs the place composing shots with the screen is downright preferable to the use of the viewfinder. Canon additionally packs in 4K video as nicely as Wi-Fi and NFC connectivity, wrapped up in the smallest DSLR body you are in all likelihood to see.
• Recommended kit lens: Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/4-5.6 IS STM
4. Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV
The E-M10 Mark IV looks cute, but it’s a pocket-sized powerhouse
Type: Mirrorless | Sensor: Micro Four Thirds | Megapixels: 20.3 | Lens mount: MFT | Screen: 3-inch 180-degree tilting touchscreen, 1,037k dots | Viewfinder: EVF, 2,360k dots | Max shooting speed: 8.7fps | Max video resolution: 4K UHD | User level: Beginner/intermediate
With a new 20MP sensor, incrementally extended in-body image stabilization, and a new flip-down and tiltable monitor, the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV has lots to shout about. Retaining the 4K video and desirable styling that made the Mark III so appealing to consumers, the Mark IV is an awesome choice for anybody searching for an entry-level camera that can do fairly much everything. This is one of our favored pint-sized cameras ever: it is small sufficient to raise round anywhere, and a good deal greater powerful than it looks. The OM-D E-M10 Mark IV is a digicam that may want to be with you for a lengthy time to come.
• Recommended kit lens: Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 EZ
5. Canon EOS M50 / Mark II
Type: Mirrorless | Sensor: APS-C | Lens mount: Canon EF-M | Screen: 3in vari-angle touchscreen, 1,040k dots | Max burst speed: 10fps | Max video resolution: 4K UHD
The Canon EOS M50 packs a lot of tech into its compact body, and the reality it has a viewfinder – when so many in a similar way priced mirrorless cameras don’t – is a massive selling point. The retracting 15-45mm package lens, however, is a little awkward to use, and the 4K video mode has some surprising limitations. Nevertheless, this is a massive step in the proper direction for Canon’s EOS M-series cameras. This is a lovely and convenient to use digital camera which is really as a substitute versatile, and it is a amazing mirrorless choice to the Canon Rebel SL3/EOS 250D as it presents comparable elements in a smaller camera. There is now a more recent Canon EOS M50 Mark II which is a excellent camera in its personal right, however it is hardly ever modified from the unique M50 – solely some minor autofocus tweaks and the ability to shoot vertical video absolutely separate the two cameras. Consequently, if you see the older model at a knock-down price, go for it!
• Recommended kit lens: Canon EF-M 15-45mm f/3.5-6.3 IS STM
6. Panasonic Lumix G100
Type: Mirrorless | Sensor: Micro Four Thirds | Megapixels: 20.3 | Lens mount: MFT | Screen: 3-inch vari-angle, 1,840k dots | Viewfinder: EVF, 3.69m dots | Max continuous shooting speed: 10fps | Max video resolution: 4K UHD | User level: Beginner/enthusiast
Both photographers and vloggers will enjoy the simplicity of the Lumix G100. It makes it easy to capture high-quality video and stills with its approachable button layout. Even people uninterested in the technicalities of capturing great-looking videos will be able to get results with this camera. There’s an inherent risk of dumbing things down too much when creating a camera for social media creatives, but Panasonic has avoided that pitfall with the Lumix G100. By giving it a decent viewfinder and “proper camera” ergonomics, Panasonic has given the G100 an edge in a highly competitive market. This is a great camera to start out with if you’re more interested in vlogging than regular photography – or both!
• Recommended kit lens: Panasonic Lumix G Vario 12-32mm f/3.5-5.6 ASPH.
7. Nikon Z 50
Type: Mirrorless | Sensor: APS-C CMOS | Megapixels: 20.9MP | Monitor: 3.2-inch tilting, 1.04m dots | Continuous shooting speed: 11fps | Viewfinder: EVF, 2.36m dots | Max video resolution: 4K UHD at 30p | User level: Beginner/enthusiast
The Nikon Z 50 is a much smaller camera than Nikon’s full-frame Z 6 and Z 7 cameras, however, without a doubt shares the identical design DNA. Despite its small size, it has an appropriate grip and exact external controls, and the retracting 16-50mm kit lens is notable now not simply for its pancake lens dimensions however for its standard performance. Nikon might also have come to the APS-C mirrorless market comparatively late, however, it arrives with a camera that has so many excellent points it is difficult to comprehend where to start. Key selling factors consist of 4K video, 11fps burst shooting, and the reality that its Z mount is the same as that on the large cameras, so you can use committed Nikkor Z DX lenses, full-frame Nikkor Z lenses, and everyday Nikon DSLR lenses by means of the FTZ adaptor. Best of all, the Z 50 is of superb value, especially when sold as a twin-lens kit. It’s a highly-priced alternative for beginners, however, this is an effective camera that begins easy and ought to ultimate you a long time as a lead-in to the Nikon full-frame mirrorless system.
• Recommended kit lens: NIKKOR Z DX 16-50mm f/3.5-6.3 VR
8. Olympus PEN E-PL10 & E-PL9
Type: Mirrorless | Sensor: Micro Four Thirds | Megapixels: 16.1MP | Screen: 3.0-inch 1,040k tilting touchscreen | Viewfinder: None | Lens: Micro Four Thirds | Continuous shooting speed: 8.6fps | Max video resolution: 4K | User level: Beginner/intermediate
The Olympus E-PL9 and E-PL10 are technically very similar, with very little to pick out between them besides in the interface design. A highly succesful street, vlogging and fashion camera, the E-PL9/E-PL10 comes with a 180-degree selfie/vlogging display and 4K video, even though on release we had been a little disappointed that Olympus has caught to its older 16.1-megapixel sensor rather of swapping to its contemporary 20.4MP sensor. This camera has excellent build first-class despite its compact, light-weight construction; the diminutive build is ideally proper to travel photography, in particular when the body is paired with the remarkably small Olympus 14-42mm EZ ‘pancake’ kit lens. We’ve put a hyperlink to our E-PL10 overview beneath but, honestly, the older E-PL9 is simply as good.
• Recommended kit lens: Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 EZ
9. Sony A6000
Type: Mirrorless | Sensor: APS-C | Megapixels: 24.3MP | Lens mount: Sony E | Screen: 3in tilting screen, 921k dots | Viewfinder: EVF, 1,440k dots | Continuous shooting speed: 11fps | Max video resolution: Full HD | User level: Beginner/enthusiast
Although it’s now nearly six years old, the A6000 is nonetheless one of Sony’s best entry-level cameras, specially as it can regularly be had with some large discounts. Sony is nevertheless making them, so it is now not going to disappear any time soon. Moreover, it extensively undercuts the more recent A6100, A6400 and A6600 models on price. With its diminutive compact camera styling, and get admission to to Sony’s vary of interchangeable lenses, it’s a small physique that packs a massive punch. Resolution from the 24.3MP photo sensor is very good, although the 1,440k-dot resolution of the electronic viewfinder is a little weak via today’s standards, and the 921k-dot tilting display feels pretty cramped too. It lacks the capability to record 4K movies and it does not have the high-tech AF of Sony’s today’s A6000-series cameras. But if you can stay besides those, the strong build, picture quality, non-stop taking pictures and autofocus overall performance are higher than you would ever expect from its price.
• Recommended kit lens: Sony 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS
10. Panasonic Lumix GX9
Type: Mirrorless | Sensor: Micro Four Thirds | Megapixels: 20.3MP | Lens mount: Micro Four Thirds | Screen: 3in tilting, touchscreen, 1,240,000 dots | Max burst speed: 9fps | Max video resolution: 4K | User level: Beginner
The Lumix GX9 is a Panasonic classic, blending stylish appears with astounding imaging capabilities and a Micro Four Thirds lens mount that offers you a large vary of lens options. Like all contemporary Panasonic cameras, it can additionally shoot 4K video, and comes with a vary of incredible 4K Photo modes that permit the user to extract amazing stills from 4K footage. This additionally consists of Post Focus modes: wonderful wizardry that lets you pick out a focus factor after the image is captured. The small body capability a lack of physical controls, that means you will be delving thru a lot of menus in the touchscreen to change settings, however happily the Intelligent Auto mode can take all of that accountability away from you, which is a beneficial touch for the novice photographer.
• Recommended kit lens: Panasonic Lumix G Vario 12-32mm f/3.5-5.6 ASPH.
What to look for in a beginner’s camera
- Price! When you’re just starting out, you probably don’t have too much cash to spend and you may be unsure if this is the right hobby for you or the right kind of camera.
- Interchangeable lenses. There’s a fixed amount you can achieve with a fixed lens camera. Sooner or later you will want to explore the potential of different lenses, from expansive wide-angles to far-reaching telephotos.
- Simple controls. When you’re learning the ropes, you need a camera with straightforward automatic modes that can give you the confidence to start shooting. You can learn the technicalities later.
- Manual modes. However, once you’re comfortable with the basics, you’re going to get to a point where you know what you want better than the camera does! This is where you’ll need a camera that offers manual exposure and manual focus options.
- Video: Increasingly we want to capture our lives both with photos and with video, and video has become a key part of social media and content creation. 4K is better than regular full HD.
- Do megapixels matter? The larger sensors in DSLRs and mirrorless cameras are what give the images they produce their detail, clarity, and sharpness, not the megapixels. 16MP is on the low side but adequate, 24MP is fine.
Cameras and kit lenses
Many of these cameras will be a little more cost-effective if you purchase them ‘body-only. However, we usually recommend getting a ‘kit lens’ at the same time. Most beginner-level cameras will have a kit-lens bundle you can buy, and this tends to be a lot more cost-effective than shopping for them separately.
If there may be a precise package lens we recommend, we have stated so. Make positive you take a look at what kit lens alternatives are available from the retailer and that you are getting the one you prefer earlier than you press the Buy button. Some cameras can be observed bundled with ancient kit lenses which a retailer is attempting to offload. While such offers are regularly temptingly cheap, spending a little greater on a camera bundled with an extra cutting-edge kit lens is generally really worth it, as you may generally get faster, greater correct focusing, and higher image quality.
