Are you looking for a good camera to start your photography journey with? Maybe you want to step things up, and start taking better photos than what your smartphone is capable of. If so, you’re in luck! In this post, we’ll cover the 5 best cameras for beginners. These cameras are perfect for those who are just starting out, and they offer a wide range of features that will help you take great photos.
- Canon EOS Rebel T7
- Nikon D3500
- Sony a6100
- Fujifilm X-T200
- Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV
Canon EOS Rebel T7
The first camera on our list is the Canon EOS Rebel T7. This camera is a great option for those who are new to photography, and want to get into a DSLR without breaking the bank. The T7 was released in 2018, and is aging rapidly. Newer smartphones have higher burst rates, provide arguably better ease-of-use, and deliver comparable image results. On the other hand, the T7 does have a 24-megapixel sensor, which is great for taking high-quality photos (most smartphones only have 12mp sensors). It’s also compatible with Canon’s wide array of interchangeable lenses–something smartphones can’t do. The Canon EOS Rebel T7 is a bare bones entry level camera body, and comes in with a nice price tag to match.
Should I Buy the Canon T7?
Aspiring photographers who want to break in to the world of DSLR photography, without the steep learning curve, will enjoy this camera. In fact, Canon streamlined the user interface and button layout specifically for new photographers who aren’t all that familiar with cameras.
Canon’s target audience includes smartphone users who want to take better pictures. The T7’s 24mp sensor (most smartphones only have a 12mp sensor) is a massive upgrade that new photographers will notice. The T7 also has the ability to transfer photos from the camera to smartphone via Wi-Fi and the Canon Connect app–meaning, shutterbugs won’t have to wait to download photos on a computer before being able to post to social media.
Key features
- 24.0 megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor
- 9 AF points with 1 cross-type point in the center
- ISO sensitivity 100 – 6400 (expandable to: 12,800)
- 1080p Full HD video recording at 24p, 25p and 30p with drop frame timing
- 720p HD video recording at 60p and 50p
- 3.0″ in 4:3 ratio color TFT LCD screen
Downsides:
- No 4K video recording
- No articulating “flip” screen
- Low ISO sensitivity (max is 12,800)
- No in-body image stabilization (IBIS)
- Not weather sealed
Price Range: $479 – $599
Pricing for this camera is the lowest in this lineup, and ranges between $479 (with 18-55mm kit lens) up to $599 (two lens combo kit). Click the buttons below to compare prices on Amazon, Walmart, and Adorama.
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Final Thoughts
If you’re going to buy a Canon T7, you should seriously consider picking up a 50mm prime lens to go with it.
Yes, the T7 comes with an 18-55mm lens–but you’ll notice a serious difference with the 50mm. Many new photographers think they’re doing something “wrong” when their images don’t come out the way they’d hoped. At $125, the 50mm is Canon’s least expensive lens, and opens up a world of creative possibilities that the 18-55mm lens can’t compare with.
e-Book: “Photography Unlocked“
If you’re looking for a powerful resource to help you learn your camera, be sure to check out “Photography Unlocked” over at Expert Photography.
It’s only $47, and comes with a 90-day money back guarantee.
- Discover how to set up your camera for perfect photos
- Learn the #1 mistake that makes your images look amateur
- Master taking well exposed and sharp photos
Nikon D3500
The second camera on our list is the Nikon D3500. This camera is another great option for beginners, as it offers a variety of features that are perfect for those who are just starting out. It has a 24-megapixel sensor, which is great for taking high-quality photos. It also has a built-in flash, which is perfect for taking great photos in low-light situations. The Nikon D3500 is also very easy to use, which is perfect for those who are new to photography.
Should I Buy the Nikon D3500?
If you’re looking for one of the best cameras for beginners, then the Nikon D3500 won’t disappoint. It costs a little more than Canon’s T7, but the image quality is a step up. Canon uses low pass filters in front of their sensors. Nikon doesn’t. So what does that mean? If you took a photo of the same subject, in the same lighting with both the Canon T7, and Nikon D3500, you’d swear the Nikon captured a sharper, more crisp image.
Like the other cameras in this lineup, the D3500 is an entry level system. The menu interface on the D3500 is also one of the simplest in this lineup, which is perfect for newbies just getting into the DSLR game.
Key features
- 24.2-megapixel CMOS image sensor
- Active D-Lighting
- Full HD and HD video recording (up to 60 frames/s)
- Up to 5 frames per second continuous shooting
- ISO sensitivity 100 to 25,600
- 11-point 3D Tracking Multi-CAM 1000 autofocus sensor module.
- 3D Color Matrix Metering II (only compatible with type-G and E lenses).
- Bluetooth only (NO Wi-Fi)
- Compatible with Nikon’s SnapBridge app
Drawbacks
- No 4K video
- No articulating “flip” screen
- No in-body image stabilization (IBIS)
- Not weather sealed
- No Wi-Fi (Bluetooth only)
Price Range: $646 – $749
Pricing for this camera is fair, and ranges between $646 (with 18-55mm kit lens) up to $749 (two lens combo kit). Click the buttons below to compare prices on Amazon, Walmart, and Adorama.
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Final Thoughts
This is one of the best cameras in this roundup. With its intuitive interface, fair price, great image quality, and portable design, this is the kind of camera a beginner can learn and grow with.
Sony Alpha a6100
The third camera on our list is the Sony a6100. This camera is a great option for those who want to graduate up from smartphone photography and into the world of mirrorless cameras. Beginners will take high-quality photos, with its a 24-megapixel sensor. The Sony a6100 is also the first camera in our roundup capable of shooting 4K video, so aspiring content creators will want to pay attention.
Should I Buy the Sony a6100?
Although the a6100 is aimed at beginners, it packs a punch. Sony equipped it with many of the features contained in their more expensive cameras, so a beginner photographer can learn and grow with it. Some of its best features are its superior image quality, and lightning quick autofocus (Sony claims it’s the fastest in the world).
On the other hand, it’s a Sony. Sony isn’t known for the most ergonomic camera bodies, and the a6100 is no different. It’s basically a square block in your hand, with a hand grip attached.
Complicated Menu
Sony’s camera menus are renowned for being some of the most illogical and complex menus in the entire industry. Even though the a6100 received the same “updated” menu system as in the Sony Alpha a7 III, Sony still equipped the a6100 with loads of customization capabilities. The rear “Fn” function button opens a customizable quick-access menu of frequently used settings. There’s also two custom buttons you can set up to directly access a frequently used function. The AEL button can be customized, as well as the left, right, down and center rear panel navigation buttons. One last thing that beginners will need to know is that eye-detect auto focus isn’t enabled by default–so a dive into the deep menu system is required to switch it on.
What you trade for ease of use and ergonomics you get back ten-fold in image quality. The Sony a6100 features an impressive 425 autofocus points, and can shoot 11 frames per second in continuous burst shooting mode. It also has the ability to record 4K video. The 24mp sensor delivers decent low-light images, and its HDR functions can produce surprisingly good results. At its price point, this is a surprisingly powerful little camera.
Key features
- Fast autofocus w/ Real-time AF & object tracking
- 24.2MP APS-C sensor w/ front end LSI
- ISO sensitivity up to 51,200
- Up to 11 frames per second continuous shooting
- 425 AF points over 84% of sensor
- Eye detection autofocus human and animal
- 4K video recording
- 180-degree tiltable 3” touchscreen LCD
- Touch screen LCD for touch focus, tracking and shutter
Drawbacks
- Complicated menu system
- Touch screen used only for focus and shutter activation, NOT menu navigation, picture swiping, etc.
- No weather sealed
- Not ergonomic
- No in-body image stabilization (IBIS)
Price Range: $748 – $848
Pricing for this camera is fair, and ranges between $748 (body only) up to $848 (with 16-50mm kit lens). Click the buttons below to compare prices on Amazon, Walmart, and Adorama.
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Final Thoughts
If you’re a beginner, looking to step up from the world of smartphone photography, you won’t be disappointed with the Sony a6100. It’s got a lot of features normally reserved for more expensive systems.
The kit lens that comes with the a6100 is “just OK”. To really see what this camera is capable of, consider purchasing a 50mm lens for $248.
e-Book: “Photography Unlocked“
If you’re looking for a powerful resource to help you learn your camera, be sure to check out “Photography Unlocked” over at Expert Photography.
It’s only $47, and comes with a 90-day money back guarantee.
- Discover how to set up your camera for perfect photos
- Learn the #1 mistake that makes your images look amateur
- Master taking well exposed and sharp photos
Fujifilm X-T200
The fourth camera on our list is the Fujifilm X-T200. This camera is interesting for several reasons. The camera makers at Fujifilm are dedicated to creating camera gear that looks just as good as the pictures they create. The X-T200 combines a retro-look, with a “bourgie”, posh look and feel. It’s not just a camera, it’s almost a fashion accessory. It even comes in 3 different colors: Silver, Dark Silver, and Champagne Gold. If you want to take great pictures, and look great doing it, this camera may be for you. Its 24.2-megapixel sensor creates great looking images. The design and ease of use make the X-T200 one of the best cameras for beginners.
Should I Buy the Fujifilm X-T200?
If you want to take great pictures, and have a camera that looks and feels much more expensive than it actually is, the Fujifilm X-T200 may be the right camera for you. Starting with its predecessor, the X-T100 (released 20 months earlier), Fujifilm designers focused specifically on making the camera look a certain way, and in fact, give you three different color options.
The camera body is wrapped in a synthetic “leather” material, and the upper portion is made of anodized aluminum. In the hand, the camera feels high quality, and solidly built.
The image quality produced by the X-T200 is on par with the other cameras in this lineup. It’s equipped with face and eye detection autofocus, and while the auto focus isn’t as fast as some cameras, it isn’t slow either. Like the Sony, the touchscreen is used only for focus and shutter release. You can’t touch to navigate menus, or swipe through your photo roll. The X-T200 handles high dynamic range situations well, retaining highlight details without crushing the shadows. It also has built-in image filters, as well as Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, so you can transfer photos straight to your smartphone, and upload to social media. It also comes equipped with an articulating flip screen for selfies.
The X-T200 also enables 4K video recording up to 30 frames per second, and Full-HD recording at up to 120 frames per second. What sets this camera apart from others in the lineup is Fujifilm’s “Digital Gimbal” technology, which uses a combination of cropping and gyro sensors to help stabilize video footage. Fujifilm aimed this camera specifically at beginners who want to easily create photos and videos but not be frustrated by the technology.
Key features
- Hybrid autofocus with main subject recognition, face, and eye detection
- 24.2 megapixels
- 23.5 mm x 15.7 mm CMOS sensor (APS-C). Bayer filter array with no anti-aliasing filter
- Fully-articulate touch screen
- Selectable film simulations
- 4K video (15 min. max recording time)
- Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity
- 3.5mm audio jack
- USB-C
- Built-in grip
Drawbacks
- Not weather sealed
- 15 minute recording limit at 4K
Pricing
Pricing for this camera is fair, and ranges between $748 (body only) up to $848 (with 16-50mm kit lens). Click the buttons below to compare prices on Amazon, Walmart, and Adorama.
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Final Thoughts
The Fujifilm X-T200 is a great little camera to have in your bag when you want to take pictures and video with higher quality than a smartphone. It’s aimed at beginners, but has enough features for you to grow and learn with. Not only does it take good photos, it looks good too.
Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV
The fifth and final camera on our list of best cameras for beginners is the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV. Like the Fujifilm, this camera sports a retro-vibe, and is available in two colors: Black and Silver.
It has a smaller 20 megapixel micro four thirds sensor, but still performs at a much higher level than a smartphone. This camera also features elements normally reserved for much higher priced options, making it a great option for those who want to take high-quality photos. The Olympus OM-D E-M1010 Mark IV is also easy to use, which is perfect for those who are new to photography.
Should I Buy the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV?
The Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV is a really long name, but one that’s worked well for the company, as this is the fourth generation of this camera. The Mark IV features include 121 focus points, and 5-axis in body image stabilization (the first camera in our lineup with IBIS). Creatives will love the 4K video, “Nighttime Live Composite”, and 16 art filters. Additionally, the Mark IV sports an “Instant Film” filter, for those wanting to create a retro vibe in their photos.
Key features
- 20 Megapixel Live MOS sensor (Four Thirds)
- 5-axis in-body image stabilization (up to 4.5 stops)
- 121-point contrast-detect AF system
- Flip-down touchscreen display
- Electronic viewfinder
- 4.5 fps burst shooting w/AF
- USB charging
- Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
- 360 shots per charge (with LCD)
Drawbacks
- Not weather sealed
- Screen flips down, requiring hand-held (no tripods) for vlogging
- No microphone port
Pricing
Pricing for this camera is fair, at ranging from $699 (body only) to $799 (with 14-42mm kit lens). Click the buttons below to compare prices on Amazon, Walmart, and Adorama.
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Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to step up from smartphone photography into a proper camera system, the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV is a great first camera for beginners. It’s small, lightweight, fits nicely into a bag for your travels, and takes great photos.
Bonus
One camera not in this lineup, but definitely worth mentioning is the Nikon Z50. Beginner photographers and content creators will love this camera. It features a flip-down LCD screen that activates “Selfie Portrait Mode“, which works well for taking selfies and vlogging. You can edit video clips right on the camera. Connect it to your phone, send over the edited clips and post to social media. Overall it’s a solid contender in this segment. For the beginner, it’s easy to use, small, and performs surprisingly well.
Conclusion
So, there you have it! These are five of the best cameras for beginners. If you’re just getting started in photography, any one of these entry level cameras would be a great option for you. They all offer a variety of features that are perfect for beginners, and they’re all very easy to use. So, what are you waiting for? Pick up one of these cameras and start taking some great photos!
Do you have any questions about these cameras? Let us know in the comments below! And be sure to check out our other blog posts for more great photography tips and tricks. Happy shooting!
This article was originally published on LearningPhotography.net.
Author: Russell Robinson
Date: May 29, 2022
