Updated Jun 19, 2024 at 12:56 pm
By Adriana Wiszniewska
overview 17 comments
If you're just getting started in photography, it might be temptingto go fora brand-newcamera with all the bells and whistles, but the truth is that eventhe most expensivegearwon't make you a better photographer if you don't know what you're doing. So, the best camera to start photography with isthe one that's most accessible to you because it'll get you out there shooting. We've included some pricier options here for those who want more advanced features or have a larger budget, but our advice for beginners is to get whichever camera is within your means and work on learning the basics. Most importantly, have fun with it!
This list is mostly gearedtoward users who want to buy a new camera, but there's a huge used market for cameras on eBay and at retailers like Adorama,B&H Photo Video, KEH Camera, and MPB, whereyou canfind great deals on older models. Don't forget that a camera's overall performance will also vary depending on the lens you use. As a general rule, it's better to invest in a less expensive camera body and higher-quality lenses than it is to invest in an expensive camera body and cheap lenses.
We've bought over 100cameras in our lab, and below, you'll find the best cameras for photography beginners that we've tested. If you already know you'd prefer a mirrorless or a DSLR camera, you can look at thebest mirrorless cameras for beginnersorthebest DSLR cameras for beginners, respectively. Or, if you're looking to get into vlogging or content creation, check out our recommendations for the best vlogging camerasinstead. Finally, if you're on a budget, the best budget mirrorless cameras may be of interest.
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Best Camera For Beginners
Canon EOS R10 9
Travel Photography
7.8
Landscape Photography
7.8
Sport & Wildlife Photography
8.4
Raw Photo Performance
7.5
Vlogging
7.6
Studio Video
8.3
Action Video
4.9
Body Type
SLR-StyleMirrorless
YesSensor Size
APS-CSee all our test results
The Canon EOS R10 is the priciest camera on our list, but it's also the best option we've tested for beginners.Thisis a greatcamera forbothphotography and light video work,with a good balance of features for beginners and more advanced users looking to upgrade from an older camera or DSLR. Like most of Canon's entry-level offerings, it has a lightweight feel, great ergonomics, and an intuitive, beginner-friendlyinterface.It's well-suited toa range ofphotography styles, with a high-res sensor, quick burst shooting, and one of the best autofocus (AF) systemsyou'll findamong entry-level cameras.
The biggest downside to the R10 is that Canon's RF lens lineup is stillbeing built out, so lens options are somewhat limited. If you want a camera with a more established lens ecosystem, the Fujifilm X-S10 is another fantastic entry-level camera. It's one of the few cameras in its price range to featurein-body image stabilization (IBIS), which can help you reducecamera shake when shooting handheld. That said, its autofocusisn't nearly as reliable as the Canon's, and its video specs falla bitbehind.
See our review
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Best-Built Camera For Beginners
Nikon Z 50 8
Travel Photography
7.5
Landscape Photography
7.8
Sport & Wildlife Photography
7.8
Raw Photo Performance
7.9
Vlogging
7.3
Studio Video
7.8
Action Video
5.4
Body Type
SLR-StyleMirrorless
YesSensor Size
APS-CSee all our test results
The Nikon Z 50 is a good choice for those who prioritize build quality and ergonomics.It's the only model on this list that's weather-sealed, providing some addedpeace of mind when shooting outdoors, and it feels very well-built for a starter camera.Nikon cameras are also known for their excellent ergonomics,withwell-placed controls and large hand grips. Beyond that, the camerahas a tilting screen that can flip down for selfiesand a large high-res viewfinder for a clear view of your subjects.
While the Z 50doesn't have the highest-resolution sensor among its peers, it still delivers excellent image quality and performs well in low light. It's also a goodchoice for action photography, thanks to a quick burst rate and a decent autofocus system, though it isn't as effective as the AF on the Canon EOS R10 above. Just be aware that lens support is still relatively limited for Nikon's mirrorless Z mount, especially if you're considering APS-C options. If you want more lens selection, the similarly pricedSony α6400has a ton of native and third-party lens optionsand feels well-constructed, though its ergonomics and user interface leave a lot tobe desired.
See our review
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Best Budget Camera For Beginners
Canon EOS R50 10
Travel Photography
7.9
Landscape Photography
7.5
Sport & Wildlife Photography
8.0
Raw Photo Performance
7.4
Studio Video
8.1
Action Video
4.9
Body Type
SLR-StyleMirrorless
YesSensor Size
APS-CSee all our test results
The Canon EOS R50 isthe best camerafor photography beginners on a budget. With a highly portable body, you'll want to take it with you wherever you go. Like the Canon EOS R10 above, its simple controls and'Scene Intelligent Auto' shooting modemake it a good fitfor anyone upgrading from their smartphone. Plus, its autofocus system is quite reliable, with a range ofsubject detection modes to ensure your subject staysin focus, no matter where your interests lie. It's also a solid choice for video and vlogging, with 4k recording at up to 30 fps and surprisingly advanced video specs for the price. That said, this camera doesn't have the longest battery life for video.
If you want something more portable for travel, the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV is another great budget camera. The R50 is a bit cheaper and has a more effective autofocus system, but the Olympus is part of the Micro Four Thirds system, which offers more lens options and makes for a more portable overall kit. The Olympus is also one of the very few budget options to featureIBIS for steadier handheld shooting.
See our review
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Best Cheap Camera For Beginners
Canon EOS Rebel T7 / EOS 2000D 5
Travel Photography
6.7
Landscape Photography
6.8
Sport & Wildlife Photography
6.0
Raw Photo Performance
6.9
Vlogging
2.6
Studio Video
3.2
Action Video
2.5
Body Type
DSLRMirrorless
NoSensor Size
APS-CSee all our test results
If you want something truly cheap and prefer to avoid buying used, the Canon EOS Rebel T7 / EOS 2000D is the most affordable DSLR Canon offers. It's also the best camera for beginnerson a very tight budget. It's a real back-to-basics camera with very few bells and whistles—you won't find a tilting screen or even 4k video recording here, let alone more advanced features.
So, why are we recommending this ultra-basic DSLR from 2018? Because if this is the only camera on the list that you can afford, then it's worth it if it gets you out there shooting. It may not have features like IBIS or advanced subject detection modes, but itdoes have a high-resolution APS-C sensor that can capture beautiful photos, along with a well-established lens ecosystem. Many ofCanon's EF/EF-S lenses are also quite affordable for beginners and budget shooters, making it easier to upgrade whenever you outgrow the kit lens.
See our review
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Easiest-To-Use Camera For Beginners
Nikon D3500 4
Travel Photography
7.2
Landscape Photography
7.0
Sport & Wildlife Photography
6.5
Raw Photo Performance
7.2
Vlogging
2.9
Studio Video
3.1
Action Video
2.6
Body Type
DSLRMirrorless
NoSensor Size
APS-CSee all our test results
If you're completely new to photography, the Nikon D3500 is one of the best digital cameras for beginners, thanks to its unique interactive Guide Mode. Built right into the mode dial, the Guide Mode walks you through the camera's features in simplified terms so you can learn the ropes of photography as you go. While it doesn't have all of the extra features you'll find on newer, more advanced mirrorless models like the Canon EOS R50, the D3500 does have an excellent high-resolution sensor that punches above its class, plus a ton of high-quality lens options and a much longer battery life than mirrorless alternatives.
With that said, the D3500 has been discontinued and is harder to find new, so you'll likely have to pick up a used model. If you can find one, though, older DSLRs like this or previous iterationslike the Nikon D3400 or D3300are great, cost-effective options to dip your toe into "serious" photography. Overall, the D3500's Guide Mode and simple design make it the best choice for those who've never used a camera.
See our review
Notable Mentions
- Canon EOS R100: The Canon EOS R100 is the mirrorless answer to the Canon EOS Rebel T7 / EOS 2000D. It's a cheap but basic camera that'll get the job done. While it offers some advantages over the T7, like portability and 4k video, the limited lens selection for the RF mount makes the T7 a better overall choice for beginners. See our review
- Canon EOS Rebel SL3: The Canon EOS Rebel SL3 is a great budget DSLR that's relatively portable. Unlike the Nikon D3500, it has a fully articulated screen and can record 4k video, but it has a worse battery life and lacks an in-depth guide mode. See our review
- Fujifilm X-T30 II: The Fujifilm X-T30 II is a good mid-range option that's more portable than the Canon EOS R10 and captures photos with pleasing colors and minimal noise straight out of the camera. However, its dedicated exposure controls are less accessible to newcomers, and its autofocus isn't as reliable. See our review
- Nikon D5600: The Nikon D5600 sits above the Nikon D3500 in Nikon's lineup of entry-level DSLRs. It doesn't have a guide shooting mode and is a bit pricier, but it's a great mid-range option that gives you a more advanced autofocus system and a fully articulated screen. However, it's also been discontinued and may be harder to find. See our review
Recent Updates
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Jun 19, 2024: We reviewed the article, with minor touch-ups for clarity, to check that the recommendations are still accurate and relevant.
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May 22, 2024: We assessed the current picks in the article to ensure that they're still available and relevant for beginners.
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Apr 24, 2024: We renamed the Nikon Z 50 from 'Best Mid-Range Camera For Beginners' to 'Best Built Camera For Beginners' to more accurately represent the benefits and market positions of our picks.
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Mar 28, 2024: We've reviewed the article to ensure that the picks and text are still up to date.
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Feb 29, 2024: We've brushed up the text throughout the article for readability and ensured that the picks are still accurate.
All Reviews
Our recommendations aboveare what we think are currently the best digital cameras for beginners to buy, according to their needs. We factor in the price, feedback from our visitors, and availability (no cameras that are difficult to findor almostout of stock in the U.S.).
If you'd like to choose foryourself, here's the list of all our reviews for cameras under $1,000. Be careful not togetcaught up in the details. There is no single perfect camera. Personal taste, preference, and shooting habits will matter more in your selection.
