Are you looking to get into photography and want to buy your first camera? With so many options out there, it can be overwhelming trying to decide which is the best camera for beginners.
Our camera experts have tested and evaluated the top beginner-friendly cameras across 5 major categories to help you find the perfect fit. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know to choose the best camera to start your photography journey.
Key Takeaways:
1. Consider budget, type, features, size & weight, and lenses when purchasing the best beginner-friendly camera for you.
2. 5 major camera categories best for beginners: mirrorless, DSLR, film, video, and compact cameras
3. Best mirrorless cameras for beginners: Fujifilm X-T200 & Canon EOS M50
4. Best DSLR cameras for beginners: Canon EOS Rebel SL3 / EOS 250D & Nikon D3500
5. Best film cameras for beginners: Canon AE-1 & Nikon EM
6. Best video cameras for beginners: Sony ZV-1 & Panasonic HC-X2000
7. Best compact cameras for beginners: Sony RX100 VII & Panasonic Lumix ZS100
How to Choose the Best Camera for Beginners
When buying your first camera, there are a few key factors to consider:
- Budget – Set a budget and stick to it. Beginner camera prices range from $300 to $1000. Decide how much you’re willing to invest upfront.
- Type – The 5 main types are DSLR, mirrorless, point & shoot, film, and video cameras. Each has pros and cons.
- Features – Pay attention to megapixels, image sensor size, ISO range, autofocus, etc. More isn’t always better for beginners.
- Size & Weight – Bulkier DSLR models can be heavy. If traveling often, consider lighter mirrorless or point-and-shoot.
- Lenses – Most kits come with a basic lens. Plan costs for additional lenses you may want down the road.
Once you know what you’re looking for, it’s time to explore the top beginner cameras in each category.
The Best Cameras for Beginners Compared
| Camera | Price ($) | Reasons to Buy | Reasons to Avoid |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fujifilm X-T200 | 1288 | Great image quality, intuitive controls, 4K video | Mediocre battery life, only one UHS-I card slot |
| Canon EOS M50 | 729 | Dual Pixel AF, vari-angle touchscreen, 4K video | No in-body stabilization, limited native lens options |
| Canon EOS Rebel SL3 | 749 | 4K video, Dual Pixel AF, articulating touchscreen | Mediocre battery life compared to competitors |
| Nikon D3500 | 663 | Excellent image quality for the price, compact DSLR body | No built-in WiFi/Bluetooth fixed non-touch LCD |
| Canon AE-1 | 200+ (used) | The beginner-friendly operation, aperture priority AE, an abundance of used lenses | Requires manual focus, limited metering capabilities |
| Nikon EM | 100+ (used) | Extremely compact, simplicity of operation | All manual exposure, limited feature set |
| Sony ZV-1 | 748 | Ideal for vlogging, great mic and AF, ND filter | Fixed lens limits creativity, small battery |
| Panasonic HC-X2000 | 1997 | Broadcast 4K/60p, 24x optical zoom, comprehensive pro inputs | Bulkier than compact cameras, very expensive |
| Sony RX100 VII | 1198 | Incredible features and speed in a compact design | Expensive, smaller sensor than interchangeable lens models |
| Panasonic ZS100 | 447 | 25-250mm zoom range, built-in EVF, 4K video | Smaller sensor, lens slower at tele end |
Best Mirrorless Camera For Beginners
Mirrorless cameras offer an excellent middle-ground between compact shoots and heavyweight DSLRs. They produce high-quality images while remaining portable and easy to use. Here are our top 2 picks:
Fujifilm X-T200
The Fujifilm X-T200 is our top mirrorless camera pick for beginners in 2023. It combines great image quality with intuitive design and helpful features for learning photography.
The X-T200 has a 24.2-megapixel APS-C sensor, a significant upgrade over the 20.2-megapixel sensor in the X-T100.
The new sensor also has a wider ISO range, from 100 to 51,200 (expandable to 204,800). This makes the X-T200 better suited for low-light photography.
The X-T200 also has a new autofocus system with 425 phase-detection points. This is a significant improvement over the 91 phase-detection points in the X-T100. The new autofocus system is faster and more accurate, making it easier to track moving subjects.
In terms of video, the X-T200 can shoot 4K video at up to 30 frames per second. It also has several new video features, such as a digital gimbal mode and an HDR video mode.
The X-T200 has a retro-inspired design with several physical controls. It also has a fully articulating touchscreen display, which makes it easy to take selfies and shoot videos from unusual angles.
Specs
| Feature | Specification |
| Lens | Fujifilm X-mount |
| Sensor Size | APS-C |
| Megapixels | 24.2MP |
| ISO Range | 100-51200 (expandable to 204800) |
| Video Resolution | 4K 30fps |
| Shutter Speed | 30s to 1/4000s |
Canon EOS M50
The Canon EOS M50 is our second pick for the best mirrorless camera for beginners in 2023 and 2024. It offers impressive performance and features in a compact and easy-to-use package.
The EOS M50 has a 24.1-megapixel APS-C sensor, which produces high-quality images with good detail and low noise. It also has a wide ISO range of 100-25,600 (expandable to 51,200), making it great for low-light photography.
For autofocus, the EOS M50 uses Canon’s fast Dual Pixel CMOS AF system. This makes the EOS M50 excellent for tracking moving subjects.
The EOS M50 shoots 4K video at up to 24 fps. It also has features like a vari-angle touchscreen and built-in mic that appeal to vloggers.
Specs
| Feature | Specification |
| Lens | Canon EF-M mount |
| Sensor Size | APS-C |
| Megapixels | 24.1MP |
| ISO Range | 100-25600 (expandable to 51200) |
| Video Resolution | 4K 24fps |
| Shutter Speed | 1/4000 to 30 sec |
| Connectivity | WiFi, Bluetooth |
Comparison Between Fijufilm X-T200 & Canon EOS M50
| Camera | Fujifilm X-T200 | Canon EOS M50 |
| Sensor Resolution | 24MP | 24MP |
| ISO Range | 100-51200 (exp. to 204800) | 100-25600 (exp. to 51200) |
| Autofocus | 425-point phase detection | Dual Pixel CMOS AF |
| Video Resolution | 4K 30fps | 4K 24fps |
| Viewfinder | Yes | Yes |
| Articulating Screen | Yes | Yes |
| Size | 121 x 84 x 55 mm | 116 x 88 x 59 mm |
| Weight (body only) | 370g | 387g |
The Fujifilm X-T200 has the edge for portability and intuitive handling. But the Canon EOS M50 is also a fantastic choice, with smoother Dual Pixel autofocus for video and live-view shooting. You can’t go wrong with either for a beginner mirrorless camera.
(Read more about the 10 best mirrorless cameras for beginners.)
Best DSLR Camera For Beginners
DSLR cameras provide excellent image quality and access to many lenses. Their optical viewfinders give you a true photographic shooting experience. Here are our top expanded DSLR recommendations for beginners:
Canon EOS Rebel SL3 / EOS 250D
The Canon EOS Rebel SL3 (known as the EOS 250D outside North America) stands out as our top pick for beginners seeking a compact yet highly capable DSLR. Its blend of size, features, performance, and price makes it an incredible value.
Inside the petite SL3 body is a 24.2MP APS-C sensor that delivers fantastic image quality with crisp details, vivid colors, and impressive dynamic range.
Sensitivity ranges from ISO 100-25600, expandable to ISO 51200, providing great low-light performance.
Autofocus is handled swiftly by a 9-point phase detection AF system. While not as advanced as Canon’s Dual Pixel AF, it’s responsive and accurate for both stills and video.
Speaking of video, the SL3 shoots a sharp 4K at 24fps, giving you Ultra HD resolution to capture cinematic clips and movies.
The SL3 handles nicely thanks to its deep hand grip and thoughtful control layout. The new guided interface is friendly for beginners learning their way around settings. The rear touchscreen LCD can angle and rotate to provide maximum usability.
Built-in WiFi and Bluetooth make wireless connections a breeze.
Overall, the EOS Rebel SL3 hits a sweet spot, blending compact size, good image quality, friendly handling, and an approachable learning curve. It’s an easy DSLR to grow with as your skills develop.
Specs
| Feature | Specification |
| Lens | Canon EF-S mount |
| Sensor Size | APS-C |
| Megapixels | 24.2MP |
| ISO Range | 100-25600 (expandable to 51200) |
| Video Resolution | 4K 24fps |
| Shutter Speed | 1/4000 to 30 sec |
| Connectivity | WiFi, Bluetooth |
Nikon D3500
The Nikon D3500 earns our pick as the best entry-level DSLR for beginners focused on getting maximum value. It delivers impressive image quality in a compact, user-friendly design.
At the heart of the D3500 is a 24MP DX-format sensor without an optical low-pass filter, enabling it to capture fine details with remarkable sharpness.
Its sensitivity spans ISO 100-25600, which can be expanded to ISO 51200, which is equivalent to shooting in very low light.
The impressive dynamic range ensures vivid highlights and detailed shadows, and its streamlined control layout enables quick access to shooting settings.
While manual controls provide creative flexibility, the D3500 also offers a Guide Mode to teach photography basics while you shoot. Photos and 1080p full HD videos look consistently great.
Despite the small size, the D3500 doesn’t skimp on battery life. The camera is rated for an extremely impressive 1550 shots per charge, near the top of all DSLRs.
Size and weight savings make it a great traveling companion. It’s easy to pack along on family vacations, hikes, and all-day excursions.
If your budget is tight, or you want a compact DSLR to maximize portability, the Nikon D3500 is hard to beat. It punches far above its weight for the price.
Specs
| Feature | Specification |
| Lens | Nikon F mount |
| Sensor Size | APS-C |
| Megapixels | 24MP |
| ISO Range | 100-25600 (expandable to 51200) |
| Video Resolution | 1080p 60fps |
| Shutter Speed | 1/4000 to 30 sec |
| Connectivity | None |
Comparison Between Canon EOS Rebel SL3 / EOS 250D & Nikon D3500
| Feature | Canon EOS Rebel SL3 | Nikon D3500 |
| Sensor Resolution | 24MP APS-C | 24MP APS-C |
| ISO Range | 100-25600 (expandable to 51200) | 100-25600 (expandable to 51200) |
| Autofocus System | 9-point phase-detection AF | 11-point phase-detection AF |
| Video Resolution | 4K 24fps | 1080p 60fps |
| Articulating Screen | Yes | No |
| Battery Life | 1070 shots | 1550 shots |
| Weight | 449g | 365g |
Looking at the comparison, the Canon EOS Rebel SL3 justifies a slightly higher price with its 4K video, articulating touchscreen LCD, and more advanced feature set.
But the Nikon D3500 is a tremendous value for those seeking an affordable entry into DSLR photography, packing great image quality into the lightest body possible for all-day shooting.
(Read more about the 10 best DSLR cameras for beginners.)
Best Film Camera For Beginners
Film cameras provide a fun, engaging way to learn photography principles without relying on digital technology. Here are two great starter options:
Canon AE-1
The Canon AE-1 is arguably the most popular 35mm film SLR ever made. First released in 1976, it delivers full manual control and great image quality in an affordable, lightweight package.
Despite its age, the Canon AE-1 remains easy to find and use for very reasonable prices. It provides aperture-priority auto-exposure while letting you manually control focus through the viewfinder.
The camera feels great in the hands and is loaded with features that today’s DSLRs still use – physical control dials, an ISO selector, and a depth-of-field preview button.
Specs
| Feature | Specification |
| Lens | Canon FD mount |
| Sensor Size | 35mm film |
| Megapixels | N/A (film) |
| ISO Range | 12-3200 |
| Video Resolution | N/A (film camera) |
| Shutter Speed | 2s – 1/1000s |
| Connectivity | None |
While requiring some learning with its older design, the AE-1 lets you grasp core photography skills that easily transfer to digital cameras later. It’s an iconic choice to start shooting films.
Nikon EM
Another legendary 35mm SLR, the Nikon EM, debuted in 1979 as an ultra-compact, entry-level camera. It delivers automatic shooting suitable for any skill level.
Smaller than any of today’s DSLRs, the Nikon EM focuses solely on simplicity. It defaults to shutter-priority auto-exposure, meaning you choose the shutter speed while the camera selects the aperture.
Despite limited controls, the EM remains capable of catching great moments. Metering is accurate for perfectly exposed shots. A tiny pop-up flash adds fill when needed.
Specs
| Feature | Specification |
| Lens | Nikon F mount |
| Sensor Size | 35mm film |
| Megapixels | N/A (film) |
| ISO Range | 25-1600 |
| Video Resolution | N/A (film camera) |
| Shutter Speed | 1/1000s – 1s |
| Connectivity | None |
The Nikon EM’s sheer portability and ease of use make it a fun way to learn 35mm photography.
Comparison Between Canon AE-1 and Nikon EM
| Camera | Canon AE-1 | Nikon EM |
| Year Introduced | 1976 | 1979 |
| Exposure Control | Aperture-priority AE | Shutter-priority AE |
| Focusing | Manual focus | Manual focus |
| Viewfinder | Fixed pentaprism | Fixed pentamirror |
| Flash | Hot shoe | Built-in pop-up flash |
| Construction | Metal body | Plastic body |
| Weight | 590g | 270g |
| Lens Mount | Canon FD | Nikon F |
| Format | 35mm film | 35mm film |
| ISO Range | 12-3200 | 25-1600 |
| Shutter Speed | 2s – 1/1000s | 1/1000s – 1s |
| Connectivity | None | None |
The Canon AE-1 offers easy shooting with aperture priority auto-exposure. The Nikon EM provides full manual control in a super compact plastic body. Both are outstanding film photography options for beginners.
(Read more about the 10 best film cameras for beginners.)
Best Video Camera For Beginners
Are you looking to shoot videos instead of stills? Video-focused cameras provide smoother footage and better sound recording than DSLRs or mirrorless models. Our top picks:
Sony ZV-1
The Sony ZV-1 packs incredible video performance into a compact, vlogger-friendly design. It’s the perfect video camera for travel and social media content creation.
Despite its point-and-shoot size, the ZV-1 shoots buttery-smooth 4K video. A large 1″ sensor provides a gorgeous background blur for a cinematic effect. Optical SteadyShot keeps footage stable when handheld.
You get a side-flipping touchscreen, ideal for selfie-style vlogging. The directional 3-capsule mic perfectly captures crisp audio.
Besides, its background-defocus and product showcase preset help streamline the shoot setup.
Specs
| Feature | Specification |
| Lens | ZEISS® Vario-Sonnar® T* Lens, 10 elements in 9 groups (9 aspheric elements including AA lens) |
| Sensor Size | 1″ |
| Megapixels | 20.1 MP (stills), 19.7 MP (video) |
| ISO Range | 100-12800 (expandable to 51200) |
| Video Resolution | 4K (3840×2160) at 30p |
| Shutter Speed | 1/4000s – 30s |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, USB-C |
For social video on the go, the Sony ZV-1 is the perfect blend of compact size, easy operation, and impressive production value.
Panasonic HC-X2000
The Panasonic HC-X2000 has a fixed lens and serious manual controls optimized for dedicated video production.
This camera means business with broadcast-quality features packed in its video-centric body. You get UHD 4K at 60fps, a wide 20x dynamic range, and advanced codecs for maximum grading flexibility in post.
The Leica Dicomar lens provides stunning optical quality across the entire zoom range. You also get a twin-manual lens ring and ND filters. XLR inputs cater to pro mics and audio gear.
While less compact than the ZV-1, the HC-X2000 provides professional manual controls and incredible production value for dedicated videography.
Specs
| Feature | Specification |
| Lens | LEICA Dicomar 24x Optical Zoom (25mm-600mm equivalent) |
| Sensor Size | 1/2.5″ 8.29M MOS Sensor |
| Megapixels | 8.29 MP (stills), 8.29 MP (video) |
| ISO Range | 100-25600 (expandable to 51200) |
| Video Resolution | 4K (3840×2160) at 60p |
| Shutter Speed | 1/250s – 1/8000s |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, 3G-SDI, HDMI |
Comparison Between Sony ZV-1 and Panasonic HC-X2000
| Feature | Sony ZV-1 | Panasonic HC-X2000 |
| Lens | ZEISS® Vario-Sonnar® T* Lens, 10 elements in 9 groups (9 aspheric elements including AA lens) | LEICA Dicomar 24x Optical Zoom (25mm-600mm equivalent) |
| Sensor Size | 1″ | 1/2.5″ 8.29M MOS Sensor |
| Megapixels | 20.1 MP (stills), 19.7 MP (video) | 8.29 MP (stills), 8.29 MP (video) |
| ISO Range | 100-12800 (expandable to 51200) | 100-25600 (expandable to 51200) |
| Video Resolution | 4K (3840×2160) at 30p | 4K (3840×2160) at 60p |
| Shutter Speed | 1/4000s – 30s | 1/250s – 1/8000s |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, USB-C | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, 3G-SDI, HDMI |
The Sony ZV-1 excels at compact, high-quality vlogging and social media videos.
The Panasonic HC-X2000, on the other hand, brings pro-level manual controls and broadcast-quality 4K, ideal for dedicated video creators.
(Read more about the 10 best video cameras for beginners.)
Best Compact Camera For Beginners
Are you looking for maximum portability without sacrificing image quality? Compact point-and-shoot cameras strike an excellent balance for everyday shooting.
Sony RX100 VII
The Sony RX100 VII builds upon Sony’s legendary RX100 series with enhanced speed, video capabilities, and smart features.
This pocketable powerhouse features a 24-200mm zoom lens in front of a 20MP 1″ sensor, providing unmatched versatility in a compact design. The RX100 VII shoots great-looking 4K video and 20fps bursts with autofocus tracking.
Sony’s latest BIONZ X processor enables sophisticated features like real-time eye AF and tracking that lock onto subjects smoothly. This camera thinks for you so you can focus on composition.
Overall, the RX100 VII packs incredible power into its compact body for great everyday shooting in 2023 and beyond.
Specs
| Feature | Specification |
| Lens | ZEISS Vario-Sonnar® T* 24-200mm F2.8-4.5 |
| Sensor Size | 1″ |
| Megapixels | 20.1 MP (stills), 19.7 MP (video) |
| ISO Range | 100-12800 (expandable to 51200) |
| Video Resolution | 4K (3840×2160) at 30p |
| Shutter Speed | 1/4000s – 30s |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, USB-C |
Panasonic Lumix ZS100
With a generous zoom range plus a built-in viewfinder, the Panasonic Lumix ZS100 is another outstanding compact for beginners needing portability.
The 25-250mm zoom covers everything from wide landscapes to tight telephoto shots. The 20MP 1″ sensor delivers sharp, colorful images even in low light. 4K video recording is also available.
For composing shots, you can use the crisp 2.76m-dot electronic viewfinder or convenient touchscreen LCD. Built-in WiFi makes transferring photos to your phone a breeze.
Small enough to fit in a pocket, the Lumix ZS100 doesn’t compromise on features. It’s perfect for travel when you want to travel light but maintain high image quality.
Specs
| Feature | Specification |
| Lens | LEICA DC VARIO-ELMARIT F2.8-5.9 25-250mm |
| Sensor Size | 1″ |
| Megapixels | 20.1 MP |
| ISO Range | 125-12800 (expandable to 80-25600) |
| Video Resolution | 4K (3840×2160) at 30p |
| Shutter Speed | 1/4000s – 30s |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, USB-C |
Comparison Between Sony RX100 VII and Panasonic Lumix ZS100
| Feature | Sony RX100 VII | Panasonic Lumix ZS100 |
| Lens | ZEISS Vario-Sonnar® T* 24-200mm F2.8-4.5 | LEICA DC VARIO-ELMARIT F2.8-5.9 25-250mm |
| Sensor Size | 1” | 1” |
| Megapixels | 20.1 MP (stills), 19.7 MP (video) | 20.1 MP |
| ISO Range | 100-12800 (expandable to 51200) | 125-12800 (expandable to 80-25600) |
| Video Resolution | 4K (3840×2160) at 30p | 4K (3840×2160) at 30p |
| Shutter Speed | 1/4000s – 30s | 1/4000s – 30s |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, USB-C | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, USB-C |
For the best in portability and speed, the Sony RX100 VII is hard to top. But the Panasonic ZS100 offers a broader zoom range plus a built-in EVF in a compact package.
(Read more about the 10 best compact cameras for beginners.)
Start Your Photography Journey With The Best Camera for Beginners
Choosing your first camera can feel overwhelming, given the number of options out there today.
By focusing on your needs and budget, it becomes much simpler to narrow down the field and select a great beginner camera you’ll be happy with.
The models we covered represent the top choices across mirrorless, DSLR, film, video, and compact categories. Each has unique strengths to suit different kinds of photographers.
Identify the shooting style you’re most interested in pursuing, then consider the standout features of cameras in that class.
Don’t stress too much about getting the “perfect” camera immediately. The most important thing is choosing an affordable model with approachable controls that you feel comfortable learning on.
Skill matters far more than gear when starting.
Whichever type of camera you end up with, be sure to practice often! Get to know your camera inside and out. Learn composition techniques by studying photographs you admire.
Stay curious and have fun documenting the world around you.
Happy shooting!
