Smartphone cameras have recently become so good, but they cannot compete against the large sensors and better lenses of dedicated cameras.

Furthermore, dedicated cameras support interchangeable lenses, are more intuitive, and ergonomic to hold as image capture devices. If you want to level up your creativity, it’s good to have photography gear.

But as a beginner, what’s the right camera for you? Here’s a list of the best cameras for beginners available right now.

Premium pick

1. Sony Alpha A6100

9.60 / 10
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The Sony Alpha A6100 is an excellent first camera for budding photographers out there. It offers all the modes you need to have total control over your exposure. But at the same time remains easy to use for those who are new to the art.It also sports excellent autofocus tracking, which ensures your family photos always have subjects clear and sharp. And if you want to record videos, this camera captures memories at 4K UHD resolution.You also have the option to choose the lens that you like. You could get a 16-50mm F/3.5-5.6 lens packaged with the camera. This lens is perfect for those who are building a collection of photography gear from scratch.And if you can spare a bit more, you also have the choice to package more advanced and expensive lenses. But if you only want a secondary camera, the A6100 is also available as a Camera Only option.Overall, this camera is perfect for the new photographer. It has an easy-to-use auto mode. At the same time, it still offers advanced functions that you’ll appreciate as you learn more about photography.

Key Features
  • Advanced Contrast Detect AF system
  • High-quality OLED electronic viewfinder
  • NFC and Wi-Fi for quick wireless transfer
Specifications
  • Brand: Sony
  • Sensor Size: APS-C
  • Video Resolution: 3840x2160 4K UHD
  • Photo Resolution: 24MP
  • Battery: NP-FW50 Li-Ion
  • Connection: USB 2.0, Micro HDMI, Wi-Fi, NFC, Bluetooth
  • Size: 4.72 x 2.64 x 2.32 inches
  • Weight: 0.87 pounds
  • Water Resistance: No
  • Lens: Interchangeable Sony E Mount
Pros
  • ISO range from 100 up to 51,200
  • 11fps continuous drive
  • 4K UHD video recording
Cons
  • Poor smartphone app interface
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Sony Alpha A6100

If you want a compact camera you can easily bring around, consider the Canon PowerShot G7X Mark III. This is a small and light device that offers excellent image and video quality. For everyday use, its wide-aperture lens and 4x zoom will cover most situations.Because of its fixed lens, this camera is much more portable than other interchangeable lens cameras. Nevertheless, the image quality and manual features you get in this device compare well against more advanced competitors.The built-in three-stop ND filter is perfect if you want to take long exposures. This feature allows you to take glass-like images of water without overexposing the rest of the photo. And if you need to photograph fast-moving action, you could do so with its 30fps raw burst mode to help you get the best shot every time.And if you want to take videos, this camera can record up to 4K quality. It can also stream live video over YouTube without the need for external equipment.The G7X Mark III is perfect if you want a small portable camera to take with you anywhere. And as a bonus, you can also use it for video recording and vlogging.

Key Features
  • Fast 24-100mm F/1.8-2.8 lens
  • Built-in three-stop ND filter
  • Supports live streaming on YouTube
Specifications
  • Brand: Canon
  • Sensor Size: 1-inch
  • Video Resolution: 3840x2160 4K UHD
  • Photo Resolution: 20MP
  • Battery: NB-13L Li-Ion
  • Connection: USB-C 3.1, Micro HDMI, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, microphone input
  • Size: 4.13 x 2.4 x 1.61 inches
  • Weight: 0.67 pounds
  • Water Resistance: No
  • Lens: Fixed 24-100mm F/1.8-2.8
Pros
  • Up to 30fps burst mode
  • Camera raw output
  • Flip-up LCD for self-portraits/video
Cons
  • 10-minute limit on 4K video recording
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Canon PowerShot G7X Mark III
Best value

3. Nikon D3500

9.40 / 10
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Those who want an old-school camera experience will appreciate the Nikon D3500. Its classic single-lens reflex camera form factor is perfect for those who want to learn basic photography the old-fashioned way.This camera uses an optical viewfinder to show you what the lens sees. You thus save battery power while you get used to using your eye to determine the proper exposure setting for the current situation. There’s also an available Guide Mode if you’re unsure of the appropriate settings to take a good photo.You can also easily change the camera’s settings in its menu. Although there are many options to choose from, it’s easy to find what you need. One thing to note is that its screen doesn’t have touchscreen functionality. Some settings, like ISO and Aperture adjustment, can also be quite challenging to do by feel.Nevertheless, if you’re a photography beginner, you will appreciate the manual modes available in this camera. Its light body is also a plus if you like bringing a camera around to practice your newfound passion.

Key Features
  • 11-point AF system
  • Bluetooth image transfer
  • Sensitivity from ISO 100 to ISO 25600
Specifications
  • Brand: Nikon
  • Sensor Size: APS-C
  • Video Resolution: 1920x1080 Full HD
  • Photo Resolution: 24MP
  • Battery: EN-EL14a Li-Ion
  • Connection: USB 2.0, Mini HDMI, Bluetooth
  • Size: 4.88 x 3.82 x 2.76 inches
  • Weight: 0.80 pounds
  • Water Resistance: No
  • Lens: Interchangeable Nikon F Mount
Pros
  • Excellent for learning photography
  • Long battery life
  • Compatible with a wide range of Nikon lenses
Cons
  • Not recommended for recording videos
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Nikon D3500

The Fujifilm X-T200 is an easy-to-hold mirrorless camera that offers fast response times. The large touch screen and the excellent interface make it convenient for photographers who are used to smartphones.And as you get used to manual controls, there are several dials and buttons on the camera. These will let you change settings on the fly without having to take your eye off the viewfinder. This camera also features 425 selectable autofocus points. This ensures that you can get the sharpest photographs every time you click the shutter button.If you want to take videos, you could do so at up to 4K UHD quality. But if you’re willing to go down to Full HD video, you could use its Digital Gimbal and HDR Video features. These would let you have a smooth recording and better detail throughout your video, albeit at the cost of some resolution.Overall, the X-T200 is a stylish mirrorless camera that offers excellent manual functions. This is perfect for the new photographer. Its touchscreen display and software interface are also ideal for the beginner. And as you enhance your skill, its technical features will keep up with you.

Key Features
  • Hybrid AF with 425 phase-detect points
  • Intuitive touch interface
  • Sharp 3.5-inch articulating LCD screen
Specifications
  • Brand: Fujifilm
  • Sensor Size: APS-C
  • Video Resolution: 3840x2160 4K UHD
  • Photo Resolution: 24MP
  • Battery: NP-W126S Li-Ion
  • Connection: USB 3.2, Micro HDMI, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, microphone port, headphone port
  • Size: 4.76 x 3.31 x 2.17 inches
  • Weight: 0.82 pounds
  • Water Resistance: No
  • Lens: Interchangeable Fujifilm X Mount
Pros
  • Excellent face and eye detection
  • Low-noise sensor
  • High dynamic range
Cons
  • Digital gimbal and HDR video features only available at 1080p
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Fujifilm X-T200

If you want a discreet, compact camera with a wide variety of lens options, you should take a look at the Canon EOS M200. Its EF-M Mount lets you choose between eight Canon EF-M lenses to maximize your creativity. And if you pair it with an EF-EOS M adapter, you’ll have full access to the entire Canon EF lens family.What brings the best out of this camera is its DiG!C 8 processor. This is one of Canon’s latest image processors, letting you get the most out of your camera’s raw image sensor. More than that, it features an APS-C size sensor, similar to the one found on the Canon EOS 80D.This gives you a comparable image quality versus the enthusiast-grade DSLR. It also has Dual Pixel autofocus, allowing you to get faster AF time, even in low-light conditions. You can also manipulate its built-in flash to allow for bouncing the light off surfaces. This lets you have a softer light on your subject instead of the harsh light and sharp shadows produced by a directly pointed flash.The M200 is a light and capable camera. And if you’re considering expanding your gear in the future, this entry-level offering is a good starting point.

Key Features
  • Equipped with DiG!C 8 image processor
  • Built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity
  • First-rate touchscreen interface
Specifications
  • Brand: Canon
  • Sensor Size: APS-C
  • Video Resolution: 3840x2160 4K UHD
  • Photo Resolution: 24MP
  • Battery: LP-E12 Li-Ion
  • Connection: USB 2.0, micro HDMI, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
  • Size: 4.25 x 2.64 x 1.38 inches
  • Weight: 0.66 pounds
  • Water Resistance: No
  • Lens: Interchangeable Canon EF-M Mount
Pros
  • Compact and easy to carry
  • Sharp Eye Detect autofocus
  • Compatible with a wide range of Canon lenses via the EF Mount Adaptor
Cons
  • No viewfinder
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Canon EOS M200

Long-range lenses such as the AF-S Nikkor 28-300mm F/3.5-5.6G could cost more than a camera body. If you’re starting your photography, you might not be willing to splurge such a large amount. So if you want a superzoom camera, you could instead choose the Nikon Coolpix P950.

This camera lets you zoom up to 83 times optically with its fixed 24-2000mm F/2.8-6.5 equivalent lens. So if your kids are playing football, or if you want to take photographs of a bird, you can close in your subject without losing any image quality. Just use a monopod or a tripod as photographs taken at this distance is prone to camera shake.

And despite not being an interchangeable lens camera, it has features that can rival those devices. It supports full-resolution RAW output, full manual mode, and even Optical VR (Vibration Reduction).

If you’re interested in sports photography, the wide range of its fixed lens is perfect for taking images you like. The extended zoom range is also ideal for those who enjoy bird photography and astrophotography.

Key Features
  • 83x optical zoom
  • Large 3.2-inch LCD screen
  • Close 1cm minimum focus distance at 24mm
Specifications
  • Brand: Nikon
  • Sensor Size: 1/2.3 inches
  • Video Resolution: 3840x2160 4K UHD
  • Photo Resolution: 16MP
  • Battery: EN-EL20a Li-Ion
  • Connection: USB 2.0, Micro HDMI, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, microphone port
  • Size: 5.51 x 4.33 x 5.91 inches
  • Weight: 2.22 pounds
  • Water Resistance: No
  • Lens: Fixed 24-2000mm F/2.8-6.5
Pros
  • 7fps burst up to 10 frames
  • RAW camera mode option
  • Long-range lens perfect for sports photography
Cons
  • Limited maximum sensitive, up to ISO 6400 only
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Nikon Coolpix P950

The Canon EOS Rebel T100 is another entry-level DSLR. Its classic form factor and optical viewfinder are perfect for beginner photographers. This will help you master the finer points of photography.Its optical viewfinder only shows you what your camera lens sees. You won’t be able to see how the sensors see it. This ensures you’ll get used to using the camera’s meter to estimate how the image will appear as you press the shutter.And even if it’s an entry-level camera, the DiG!C 4+ processor is more than enough to process images instantly. Because of its speed, you won’t miss a moment with the EOS Rebel T100. If you want to expand your gear in the future, this camera is compatible with EF and EF-S lenses. As a result, you can choose from a wide variety of lenses in Canon’s lineup without needing an adaptor. And when you upgrade your camera in the future, you can still use these same lenses, thus saving you money.

Key Features
  • Nine-point AF system
  • Wi-Fi connectivity
  • Full HD video capture
Specifications
  • Brand: Canon
  • Sensor Size: APS-C
  • Video Resolution: 1920x1080 Full HD
  • Photo Resolution: 18MP
  • Battery: LP-E10 Li-Ion
  • Connection: USB 2.0, Mini HDMI, Wi-Fi
  • Size: 5.08 x 4.02 x 3.03 inches
  • Weight: 0.96 pounds
  • Water Resistance: No
  • Lens: Interchangeable Canon EF/EF-S Mount
Pros
  • 3fps burst shooting
  • Light camera great for travelling
  • Compatible with a wide-range of EF/EF-S lenses
Cons
  • Bulky when compared to mirrorless cameras
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Canon EOS Rebel T100

FAQ

Q: Are Mirrorless Cameras Better Than DSLRs?

No, not really. One type of camera is not strictly better than the other. Each kind of device has its pros and cons.For one, mirrorless cameras are typically lighter and more compact than DSLRs. This is because they don’t have an optical viewfinder which is both bulky and heavy. Instead, they use an electronic viewfinder.On the other hand, DSLRs typically have more available lenses. They also tend to respond faster than mirrorless cameras and would have longer battery life.Choosing one or the other would depend on you, the user. If you prefer something lighter, go for a mirrorless camera. But if you want something that would last a whole day of shooting on a single charge, a DSLR is a good bet for you.

Q: What Is an APS-C Sensor?

The camera sensor is the chip that converts light into electrical signals. All digital cameras have one—from small hidden cameras to large professional-grade movie cameras.An APS-C sensor is the standard sensor size one step smaller than Full-Frame sensors. A Full Frame sensor is about the size of the typical 35mm film camera that was ubiquitous from 1913 until the advent of the digital camera. An APS-C is about 50 percent smaller than a Full-Frame sensor.Because of this, the sensor tends to crop lenses, giving a zoomed-in effect. On the other hand, this smaller form factor allows the camera to be lighter and more compact. Many high-end professional cameras now use a Full-Frame sensor. However, Canon’s first-ever professional DSLR used an APS-C sensor.

Q: What Is a Camera Hot Shoe?

The hot shoe is a mount found on top of most professional cameras. This is primarily designed to interface between the camera and the flash, although you can use it for other accessories as well.Before the hot shoe was made standard, external flashes synchronized with the camera via a cable. However, this can be cumbersome and annoying. So in the 1970s, Camera companies like Canon and Nikon introduced hot shoes to synchronize external flashes.Today, the hot shoe is still used by the camera to communicate with the flash. It gives exposure data to the external unit so that it could light up your photo with just the right amount of power.