To take high-quality, well-lit, and blur-free photos, you don’t have to be a professional photographer. While smartphone photography is enough to snap a quick pic on the go, it falters when it comes to grainy zoom and fixed shutter speeds. Planning to ditch your camera app and boost your photography game? Then it’s time to get yourself the best digital camera for beginners! Most beginner-friendly cameras are incredibly versatile and come with advanced features as well as interchangeable lenses that allow for easy upgrade swaps once you’re no longer a novice. So, what is the best camera for a beginner? Read this post to find out!
By the way, aside from digital cameras, why don’t you also check out some of the best instant print cameras? They’re very beginner-friendly and will give you that precious nostalgic feeling. Of course, if you want to get yourself one, you should also have the best polaroid case!
How To Choose The Best Digital Cameras for Beginners
Whether you’re looking to pick up a new photo hobby or just want better pictures to post on your Instagram, you have to consider the following features when buying the best digital camera for beginners!
Simple controls
When you’re still learning the ropes, it’s very important to have a camera with simple controls that can give you the confidence to start shooting. Once you get the hang of it, you can always learn the technicalities later.
Interchangeable lenses
There’s a fixed amount you can achieve with a fixed lens camera. Sooner or later, you’ll want to explore the potential of different lenses, from expansive wide-angles to far-reaching telephotos. Having a camera with interchangeable lenses will allow you to experience this and still be able to use the camera even when you’re no longer a novice.
Video quality
Aside from taking nice photos, many beginners also want to take good videos, especially if they’re a vlogger. Thus, we recommend getting a camera that can record 4K video. Yes, many affordable cameras for beginners can do that, and it’s always better than regular full HD. If what you’re after are affordable models, why don’t you take a look at the best digital cameras on a budget and the best waterproof cameras under $200?
Price
When you’re just starting out, you probably don’t have too much cash to spend and you may be unsure if this is the right hobby for you. If that’s the case, don’t force yourself to buy expensive cameras. There are many cheap, beginner-friendly options that you can find out there.
Is Canon or Nikon better for beginners?
In most cases, it’s safe to say that Nikon is better for beginners. Its settings and terminology are relatively easier to understand. Budget-wise, it also offers better beginner cameras for a lower price.
What is the best camera to buy for a beginner photographer?
Well, here’s a spoiler: the Nikon D3500 is arguably the best camera to buy for a beginner photographer! Although it’s a DSLR, it’s not complicated at all. It has many beginner-friendly features that make photography so much fun! Keep reading to learn more about this camera and see where it lands on our list!
Olympus PEN E-PL10
13
What we have here is a highly capable street, vlogging, and fashion camera. Introducing you to the Olympus PEN E-PL10, which is considered the best digital camera for beginners. This camera comes with a 180-degree selfie/vlogging screen and a 4K video, allowing you to document your activities and upload them to YouTube in crystal-clear quality.
It also comes with the Intuitive Touch AF Shutter that focuses and shoots with a single touch of the screen. This camera will automatically switch to Selfie Mode when the screen is flipped down, which is super convenient. Despite its compact and lightweight construction, we’re really impressed with its excellent build quality. We also like its design a lot. This camera has a simple, chic design with a clean, sophisticated look and leather texture finish.
What We Love
This compact camera has a great balance of style and features, making them the best digital camera for beginners and casual users.
Pros:
- Very stylish design
- Intuitive Touch AF Shutter
- Lightweight and compact
- 180-degree selfie screen
- 4K video recording
Cons:
- No viewfinder
Canon PowerShot G9 X Mark II
12
For photographers just getting started, the Canon PowerShot G9 X Mark II can be easily considered the best digital camera for beginners. This point-and-shoot camera has a fast capture, so you can take advantage of any moment for a great photo. This camera has manual photo settings too, but for newbies, the 8 built-in presets will most probably be enough.
Another impressive thing about this camera is that it’s Bluetooth-enabled, allowing you to send your photos over to the Camera Connect App for easy storage. Meanwhile, other features like autofocus, time-lapse, and 3x optical zoom will give you enough to play with that you won’t feel too restricted. We also like how slim and lightweight it feels, making it a great travel camera.
What We Love
A good choice for those looking for a starter camera with just a few quality controls to master.
Pros:
- Fast capture
- 8 built-in presets
- Bluetooth-enabled
- Slim and lightweight
- Looks stylish
Cons:
- Not that cheap
Fujifilm X-T200 Mirrorless Digital Camera
11
Light and compact, the Fujifilm X-T200 Mirrorless Digital Camera is seen as the best digital camera for beginners by some people. We really like how it looks and feels like an old-school 35mm film camera. However, the features that it offers are far from old-school. For instance, it has a big new 3.5-inch Vari-angle touchscreen with twice the resolution of most rivals and a 1:6 aspect ratio perfectly suited to video.
Furthermore, it also has an electronic viewfinder and can confidently shoot 4K video as well as 24MP stills. Its 15-45mm kit lens is electrically powered and is a bit of an acquired taste, but it’s really compact and offers a much wider angle of view than most kits lenses, making it ideal for interior shots and big landmarks. With this camera, you can finally stop asking what is the best beginners camera!
What We Love
Once considered expensive, this is now a pretty affordable digital camera that’s packed with tons of awesome features.
Pros:
- Used to be expensive
- Lightweight and compact
- Vari-angle touchscreen
- Electronic viewfinder
- Can shoot 4K video and 24MP stills
Cons:
- It tends to overheat when shooting video
Panasonic LUMIX G100 Mirrorless Camera
10
The Panasonic LUMIX G100 Mirrorless Camera is easily the best digital camera for beginners that aspire to be vloggers and amazing photographers. First of all, this camera is pretty simple and easy to use. It makes it very easy to capture high-quality video and stills with its approachable button layout. Even those uninterested in the technicalities of capturing dope videos will be able to get results with this camera.
When creating a camera for social media creatives, or what we often call content creators, there’s an inherent risk of dumbing things down too much. However, we’re glad that this camera manages to avoid that pitfall. By giving it a decent viewfinder and the proper camera ergonomics, Panasonic has given this amazing camera an edge in a highly competitive market.
What We Love
A great option to start out for beginners who are interested in vlogging than regular photography, or both!
Pros:
- Great for vlogging
- Simple and easy to use
- Approachable button layout
- Auto-recording capabilities
- Can produce high-quality video and stills
Cons:
- No built-in image stabilization
Nikon Z50 Mirrorless Digital Camera
9
Some people prefer having the best digital camera for beginners that’s small. If you’re one of them, maybe the Nikon Z50 Mirrorless Digital Camera is a great option for you. Despite its small size, it still has a good grip and amazing external controls. The 16-50mm kit lens is also remarkable not just for its packable lens dimensions but for its overall performance.
There are many reasons why this model is the answer to “what is the best camera for a beginner?”. Some of its key selling points include 4K video, 11fps burst shooting, and the fact that its Z mount is identical to that on the larger cameras. Best of all, this camera is a terrific value for money, especially when bought as a twin-lens kit. It might not be the cheapest option for beginners, but it’s very powerful and can last you a long time.
What We Love
It’s an insanely small camera that can help turn beginners into pro-caliber creators.
Pros:
- Insanely small and compact
- Good grip and amazing external controls
- Remarkable lens
- Can shoot 4k video
- Lightweight
Cons:
- No built-in stabilization
Sony A6000 Mirrorless Digital Camera
8
Although the Sony A6000 Mirrorless Digital Camera is an old camera, it’s still worth being called the best digital camera for beginners. When you ask what is the best beginners camera, this can easily be the answer. It’s easily one of Sony’s best entry-level cameras, especially as it can often be had with some huge discounts. Even though it’s been sold for a very long time, you can rest assured that it’s not going to disappear any time soon.
So, what makes this camera so popular? Well, first of all, it’s very lightweight and compact. With access to Sony’s range of interchangeable lenses, it’s a small body that packs a huge punch. The resolution from the 24.3MP sensor is superb, and it has 11fps continuous shooting. However, it’s not capable of recording a 4K video. But if you can live with that, this is definitely a camera worth considering.
What We Love
Although this is an old model, it’s still a powerful option and can be found at a low price tag.
Pros:
- Affordable price
- Compact build
- Amazing camera sensor
- 11fps continuous shooting
- Built-in electronic viewfinder
Cons:
- Relatively old model
Panasonic LUMIX GX9 Mirrorless Camera
7
The Panasonic LUMIX GX9 Mirrorless Camera is another best digital camera for beginners that you should consider buying. It’s a Panasonic classic, blending stylish looks with outstanding imaging capabilities and a Micro Four Thirds lens mount that gives you a huge range of lens options. Similar to other contemporary Panasonic cameras, it can also shoot 4K video and comes with a range of impressive 4K Photo modes that allow beginners to extract high-quality stills from 4K footage.
On top of that, there’s also the Post Focus mode, impressive wizardry that lets you choose a focus point after the image is captured! Really impressive, right? However, we have to say, the small body means a lack of physical controls and you’ll be delving through a lot of menus on the touchscreen. Thankfully, there’s an Intelligent Auto mode that can take all of that responsibility away from you!
What We Love
It’s a small, easy-to-use camera that can produce impressive image quality.
Pros:
- 4K Photo modes
- Tilting electronic viewfinder
- Post Focus mode
- Intelligent Auto mode
- Looks stylish
Cons:
- Lacks physical controls
Canon EOS Rebel T7 DSLR Camera
6
Stop asking your relatives what is the best beginners camera and go purchase the Canon EOS Rebel T7 DSLR Camera! This is a great option for those who want to start learning about photography seriously. Many beginners have used this camera to start their learning journey, and most of them are really happy with this model.
Although cheap, it doesn’t mean this camera doesn’t pack many features. Considered the best digital camera for beginners, it has built-in Wi-Fi and NFC technology. Plus, it can shoot Full HD video and comes with a reliable 24MP image sensor. While it doesn’t have some high-end features, it’s still a great pick for novices on a tight budget.
What We Love
This is a great option that has easy operation and beginner-friendly features.
Pros:
- Very easy to use
- Built-in Wi-Fi and NFC technology
- Reliable 24MP sensor
- Compact
- Cheaper than most of Canon’s DSLRs
Cons:
- Can’t record 4K video
Canon EOS M50 Mark II
5
If you ask your friend what is the best beginners camera, we’re sure many will mention this camera. The Canon EOS M50 Mark II packs plenty of tech into its compact body, and the fact that it has a viewfinder is definitely a big selling point. That’s because many similarly priced mirrorless cameras don’t have that feature. Considered the best digital camera for beginners, this model is really easy to use and very versatile.
This impressive camera comes with a 24.1MP CMOS sensor with an auto lighting optimizer, promising crystal-clear images. Just like some hunting cameras, it can also shoot 4K videos and slow-motion videos, which is superb. With this camera, beginners can experience shooting different kinds of videos in different kinds of settings. We also like the Vari-angle touchscreen which is super convenient for vlogging.
What We Love
It’s a mid-range mirrorless camera that ticks a lot of boxes.
Pros:
- Built-in electronic viewfinder
- Very versatile
- Easy to use
- Excellent Vari-angle touchscreen
- Produces amazing image quality
Cons:
- 4K video limitations
Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV
4
Those looking for the best digital camera for beginners should take a look at the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV. With a new 20MP sensor, incrementally improved in-body image stabilization, and a new flip-down, tiltable monitor, this mirrorless camera really has plenty to shout about. If you often find yourself thinking what is the best camera for a beginner, this might be the answer!
Retaining the 4K video and attractive styling that made the Mark III super attractive to photographers, this model is a great choice for those looking for an entry-level camera that can do pretty much anything. Aside from that, it’s also one of our favorite pint-sized cameras ever! It’s small enough to carry around anywhere and much more powerful than it actually looks.
What We Love
It might look cute, but it’s actually a pocket-sized powerhouse that can do pretty much anything.
Pros:
- Compact and lightweight
- Can shoot 4K video
- Amazing image stabilization
- Latest 20MP sensor
- Attractive design
Cons:
- Plastic build
Panasonic Lumix G85 Mirrorless Digital Camera
3
For those wondering what is the best beginners camera, let us show you the Panasonic Lumix G85 Mirrorless Digital Camera. This mirrorless camera is a true hybrid, with interchangeable lenses like a DSLR, but with half the bulk. It’s the perfect transitional camera, with enough features to start shooting light and fast, without too much manual clutter.
Among all of its features, we really fancy its dual image stabilization. It’s a fantastic feature, especially if you’re interested in videography. You can get crystal-clear 4K video with a handheld shot, even in the darkest settings. You can also shoot in 16MP with a low-pass filter at 30fps, and the photo details are pretty true to life.
What We Love
Allows newbies to shoot sharp photos and videos even if they don’t have many experiences.
Pros:
- Can record 4K videos
- True-to-life photo details
- Post Focus mode
- Dual image stabilization
- Compact and lightweight
Cons:
- The settings and features can intimidate some beginners
Canon EOS Rebel SL3 DSLR Camera
2
When you ask yourself, what is the best camera for a beginner, you might think of affordable cameras. What we have here is indeed great for beginners, however, it isn’t the cheapest model you can buy by any means. We’re talking about the Canon EOS Rebel SL3 DSLR Camera. Considering its features, it’s worth paying a little extra money.
This camera has Canon’s top-of-the-range APS-C sensor with 24.1MP of resolution and brilliant Live View shooting, thanks to a fully articulating touchscreen display and Canon’s fast Dual Pixel CMOS AF autofocus. Apart from that, it also comes with 4K video as well as Wi-Fi and NFC connectivity, all wrapped up in a small DSLR body that everyone loves.
What We Love
Although not the cheapest beginner DSLR, it comes with tons of impressive features that help justify its price tag.
Pros:
- Brilliant Live View shooting
- Wi-Fi and NFC connectivity
- Can shoot 4K video
- Compact and lightweight
- Produces impressive image quality
- Responsive touchscreen display
Cons:
- Not compact
Nikon D3500
1
So, what is the best camera for a beginner? We’ve given you plenty of options, and most of them are considered the best. But personally, we think nothing can beat the Nikon D3500. This impressive DSLR camera isn’t just affordable, it’s also lightweight, compact, and boasts tons of amazing features. This entry-level model has a 24.2MP sensor that’s as good as those that cost twice the price. There’s also a 5fps continuous shooting speed, which is superb for novices.
As the best digital camera for beginners, we appreciate that it comes with a Guide Mode that can help beginners get started and understand the basic principles of photography. There are also manual controls that’ll be very useful for beginners that want to improve their skills. The lowest prices include a non-VR kit lens, but we’d like to recommend paying a bit more for the VR version of the 18-55mm standard zoom.
What We Love
It’s Nikon’s entry-level, best digital camera for beginners that’s basic but effective.
Pros:
- Impressive image quality
- Features a neat retracting kit lens
- Beginner-friendly
- Lightweight and compact
- Affordable price
- Comfortable to grip
Cons:
- The screen isn’t touch-sensitive
