What is the Best Beginner Cameras? We think it’s a camera that isn’t too expensive but has high image quality, as well as the ability to try out different photography techniques as you learn more about photography. And that means either a DSLR or a mirrorless camera for us!
It is always a debate, which is best between DSLR and mirrorless cameras, but they are both a great way to get started in photography, and we cover both in our guide.
A DSLR is bulkier, offers better battery life, is cheaper, and has a better selection of lenses. It’s smaller and lighter, and you’ll have an easier time carrying it around or attaching it to different devices, meaning it’s the Cheap Beginner Cameras choice for video and vlogging.
DSLRs have basically been phased out by Mirrorless Beginner Cameras which have now taken over the market, with just Canon and Nikon still developing their systems. HOWEVER, if you buy one of those, there is still an array of lenses to choose from and your camera will be perfect for years to come.
Our Recommendation For Best Beginner Cameras
There are lots of things to consider when deciding which Top Beginner Cameras to buy. You’ll want to look at features, features, prices, reviews, and other info before you make a decision. That’s why we put this guide together. The models on this list offer a good mix of convenience and high-quality features that suit every shooter.
If you choose the wrong camera as a beginner, you might get frustrated and lose interest in photography. It’s a good idea to consider the kind of photography you’d like to pursue before selecting a Best Beginner Cameras.
Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV
| Pros: | Latest 20MP sensor |
| 5-axis in-body stabilisation | |
| Cons: | MFT sensor smaller than APS-C |
| Plastic build |
Though a new 20MP sensor, improved in-body image stabilization, and a new flip-down and tiltable monitor, the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV still retains the 4K video and all-around consumer friendliness that made the Mark III so appealing.
Here’s a great pint-sized camera that you can carry around everywhere you go and it takes great shots too. The OM-D E-M10 Mark IV is a camera that will be with you for years to come.
Nikon D5600
| Megapixels: | 24.2 |
| Sensor: | DX CMOS |
| ISO Range: | 100-25600 |
| Weight: | 1lb 4oz |
In our Nikon D5600 review, we liked how it started to produce beautiful images straight out of the box. The autofocus system is very reliable and the live-view mode surprisingly produced excellent results that were fun to use.
You can enjoy different shooting angles with the flip-out touchscreen. Touch the screen to release the shutter with a successful autofocus.
The D5600 is six years old, but even against the newer competition, it keeps up with those in its entry-level bracket. We’d spend a little more to upgrade to this model since 39-point focusing and crisp image quality are features that a lot of the newer models don’t have.
Nikon Z 50 is the Best Beginner Cameras
| Body Type : | SLR-Style |
| Mirrorless : | Yes |
| Sensor Size : | APS-C |
| Tested Lens : | Nikkor Z DX 16-50mm f/3.5-6.3 VR |
Among the mirrorless cameras we tested, the Nikon Z 50 is the best entry-level model for beginners. This compact, lightweight camera is styled like a conventional DSLR, but on a smaller scale.
With a deep handgrip and well-spaced controls, it feels comfortable in the hand, and its menu system is intuitive, and the built-in guide mode explains how each feature works. Having a tilting screen makes it easy to take pictures from unconventional angles.
While its battery life isn’t particularly long, it supports USB charging when in use, making it useful if you have a mobile battery pack.
The absence of an in-body stabilization system can also make it hard to get sharp shots at slower shutter speeds. The autofocus system can also be unreliable at tracking faces. This is among the best cameras for beginner photographers, if you want a relatively small, portable camera with good image quality.
Canon Rebel SL3
| Pros: | Fully articulated touchscreen |
| Supports 4k video | |
| Compact and lightweight | |
| Cons: | Poor optical viewfinder build quality |
| Lack of in-body image stabilization |
The first camera to shoot video at 4k resolution that also uses Dual Power CMOS autofocus, the Canon Rebel SL3 is a new Canon release that also is designed to make filming a breeze when it comes to following the action.
Along with video capability, the 250D provides an easy-to-use interface and Creative Assist mode. The Canon Rebel SL3 is one of the most compact and lightweight DSLRs on the market and is something you can upgrade to when you are ready.
Sony A6000
| Pros: | Small and lightweight build |
| Built-in electronic viewfinder | |
| 11fps | |
| Beginner/enthusiast | |
| Cons: | No 4K video |
It is six years old, but the A6000 is still one of Sony’s best entry-level cameras. Compared to newer models with an even higher price tag, the A6000 offers exceptional value.
Even though the 24.3MP image sensor performs well, the 1,440k-dot resolution of the electronic viewfinder is weak, the 921k-dot tilting screen feels quite cramped, and it doesn’t have the high-tech AF of Sony’s latest A6000-series cameras.
It’s much better than you would expect for the price, in other words, if you don’t mind those details, it has a sturdy construction, crisp photos, continuous shooting and an accurate autofocus.
Fujifilm X-T200
| Pros: | Very easy to use |
| Mic and headphone sockets for video recording are a bonus | |
| APS-C CMOS | |
| Megapixels: 24.2 | |
| Cons: | Battery life not great |
If you’re starting out with mirrorless cameras and not looking to break the bank, then the affordable setup from Fujifilm will be just the ticket. We started out shooting photos with the Triax X on our rooftop deck in SF and were instantly struck by how simple it was to get started with this camera. More complicated controls were easily handled by the easy-to-use vari-angle touchscreen.
The video features are competitive. We liked the 4K video and the microphone and headphone jack, which is rare for a camera in this price range. You get more than you pay for.
Video and still images both display excellent image quality, with great color reproduction and a wide dynamic range that enables flexible post-processing. There are not many better-value compact cameras available, however, be quick since this is a desirable camera that has been discontinued. You might have trouble finding it soon.
Quick Shopping Tips For Best Beginner Cameras
A tough task is selecting the Right Beginner Cameras. When deciding, there are several factors you need to think about. To make the decision easier, we provide a few tips for you to think about.
In both lab tests and real-world shooting, we take a look at DSLR and mirrorless cameras. Our lab tests measure their resolution, dynamic range, and signal to noise ratio. To test the camera’s image quality, we test its resolution, dynamic range, and noise performance. We have the camera take test shots in the real world, and run more comprehensive tests in the lab.
Price:
prices are important, especially for beginners. Spending a little extra, however, will often get you a lot more features.
ISO:
You may know what this term is if you have ever used a camera with film. It is the sensor’s sensitivity to light. In low-light conditions, you will want to look for options that not only shoot at a high ISO of 1600 or more but also produce decent photos.
Interchangeable lenses:
With your kit lens, you can only do so much, so if you plan on buying more, buy a camera with a good range of lenses.
Lenses:
One of the most essential parts of the camera is the lens. Before a photo reaches the sensor, it first needs to go through the lens. A point-and-shoot camera is probably your best bet. Research different models, comparing the zoom range on each.
But be warned: lots of zooming means you’ll have less light sensitivity and clearer images. DSLR cameras give you almost limitless options in lenses, but that means that the price will go up accordingly.
Megapixels:
Megapixels aren’t everything, but they do affect image quality. However, nearly all beginner cameras are in the 16-24MP range, and the differences in their results won’t be staggering.
Conclusion
The list of our reviews of cameras under $1,000 can be found here. Be careful not to get caught up in the details. It won’t matter what camera you choose as much as your own taste, preferences, and shooting habits.
