Looking to get into photography this year? We’ve picked out the twelve best cameras for beginners so that you can find one that’s right for you
Best beginner cameras: what to look for
If you're new to photography, you'll want a camera that's affordably priced, straightforward to use, produces great image quality and offers guidance and support, as well as more advanced options for you to experiment with.
So what is the best camera for beginners? We've made a list of the twelve best starter cameras, based on factors like price, usability, quality and features. They are:
- Nikon D3500
- Canon EOS M50 Mark II
- Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV
- Sony Alpha ZV-E10
- Panasonic Lumix G100
- Nikon Z fc
- Canon EOS M6 Mark II
- Nikon Z50
- Sony A6000
- Fujifilm X-T30
- Panasonic Lumix ZS200 TZ200
- Sony ZV-1
In this blog, we’ll look at each camera in more detail so you can find the perfect fit.
What are the best cameras for beginners?
Nikon D3500
Designed for beginners, the Nikon D3500 is one of the most popular entry level DSLRs. With manual controls essential for fledgling photographers, great picture quality and affordable price, it represents fantastic value for money. The D3500 is lightweight and fast, making it great for travelling and days out, while the helpful Guide Mode offers support for those new to photography. It's compatible with a variety of Nikon lenses, exhibits an impressive 5fps continuous shooting speed and has a great battery life.
View our full collection of Nikon cameras.
Specifications
- Type: Single-lens reflex digital camera
- Lens mount: Nikon F mount (with AF contacts)
- Image sensor: 23.5 x 15.6 mm CMOS sensor
- Total pixels: 24.78 million
- Dimensions: Approx. 124 x 97 x 69.5 mm
- Weight: Approx. 415 g with battery and memory card but without body cap; approx. 365 g (camera body only)
Advantages
- Affordable and great value for money
- Easy to use
- High performance
- Good battery life
Disadvantages
- No touch functions on the screen
- No 4K video
- Performance for continuous autofocus for moving subjects is mediocre
Canon EOS M50 Mark II
The Canon EOS M50 features a simple interface that offers helpful guides and explanations - ideal for beginners. It can accurately and consistently focus in on moving subjects and is compatible with a variety of lenses to match different perspectives and styles. Its vari-angle touchscreen display offers a diversity of shooting options, while its clean HDMI output allows for direct live streaming from YouTube. Portable and compact, the camera is a great device for capturing images, selfies, videos and vlogs when on the go.
View our full collection of Canon cameras.
Specifications
- Sensor Type: 22.3 x 14.9mm CMOS
- Effective Pixels: Approx. 24.1 megapixels
- Total Pixels: Approx 25.8 megapixels
- Lens Mount: EF-M (EF and EF-S lenses compatible via Mount adapter EF-EOS M)
- Viewfinder Type: 0.39-type OLED Electronic Viewfinder; approx. 2,360,000 dots
- Dimensions: 116.3 x 88.1 x 58.7mm
- CIPA Weight: 387g
Advantages
- 10 fps bursts and wide focus coverage
- Eye-level EVF
- Vari-angle touchscreen
- Great to use on the go
Disadvantages
- Battery life could be improved
- Slower autofocus
Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV
Portable, compact and comfortable, the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV is another good camera for beginners who are on the go. Capture every moment in lucid detail with 4K video - just one feature of this entry-level camera that covers all bases. The powerful device comes with modern imaging technologies, and with 15 fps high-speed sequential shooting, you can be confident that your images will look stunning. Enjoy features like silent mode, continuous focusing, auto mode and more with this fantastic camera for photography beginners.
View our full collection of Olympus cameras.
Specifications
- Sensor Type: Micro Four Thirds Live MOS sensor
- Megapixels: 20.3 Megapixels
- ISO range: 80-25,600
- Focus points: 121 Points
- Continuous shooting: 15fps
- Video resolution: 4K/30p
- LCD Screen: Tiltable Touchscreen LCD wir 1037 Dots
- Viewfinder: EVF with 2,360 Dots Approx 100% coverage
- Wireless connectivity: WiFi and Bluetooth® Low Energy Ver.4.2
- Lens compatibility: Micro Four Thirds
- Dimensions: 121.7mm x 84.4mm x 49mm (W, H, D)
- Weight: 383 g (including battery and memory card)
Advantages
- Compact and lightweight
- Great all-rounder
- Powerful and high performing
- Good advanced photo modes
Disadvantages
- Plastic build
- Selfie screen not suited to video
Sony Alpha ZV-E10
If you’re looking for a camera that’s good for vlogs, videos and photography, the Sony ZV-E10 is for you. Enjoy dynamic footage with the wide-angle lens, capture the attention of your viewers with the fixed focal length lens and capture small details with a macro lens. The camera has a quality mic, and supports an add-on mic and headphone monitoring. Overall, the Sony ZV-E10 is great for beginner vloggers and those more interested in videos than image photography.
View our full range of Sony cameras.
Specifications
- Lens Mount: E-mount
- Type: APS-C type (23.5 x 15.6 mm), Exmor CMOS sensor
- Number Of Pixels (Effective): Approx. 24.2 megapixels
- Bluetooth: Yes (Bluetooth Standard Ver. 4.1 (2.4 GHz band)
- Weight (with battery and memory card included): Approx. 343 g
- Dimensions (W x H x D): Approx. 115.2 x 64.2 x 44.8 mm (from grip to monitor)
- Wireless LAN (Built-In): Yes (Wi-Fi Compatible, IEEE 802.11b/g/n (2.4 GHz band))*5
Advantages
- 4k video
- Affordable
- Great autofocus
- Quality microphone
- Ideal for vlogs and videos
Disadvantages
- Mediocre battery life
- Limited touch controls and interface
- No viewfinder
Panasonic Lumix G100
The Panasonic Lumix G100 is another great camera for vlogging, and is a good alternative to the Sony ZV-E10. The camera comes with an electronic viewfinder - an advantage over the Sony ZV-E10 - although its Micro Four Thirds sensor is smaller. Whether you're capturing videos or images, you can be confident of the quality. It incorporates OVO audio technology and features impressive facial recognition software. The triple microphone feature guarantees high sound quality, while its compatibility with a variety of affordable lenses makes it a versatile choice.
Specifications
- Type: Digital Single Lens Mirrorless camera
- Image sensor size: 17.3 x 13.0 mm (in 4:3 aspect ratio)
- Image sensor type: Live MOS Sensor
- Total pixels: 21.77 megapixels
- Camera effective pixels: 20.30 megapixels
- Viewfinder type: LCD Live View Finder
- Viewfinder pixels: Approx. 3,680k dots equivalent
- Dimensions (W x H x D):115.6 x 82.5 x 54.2 mm (Excluding Protrusions)
- Weight: 352 g (Body with Battery and Memory)
Advantages
- High performing
- Portable and lightweight
- Facial recognition
- Intuitive
Disadvantages
- Smaller Micro Four Thirds sensor
- Autofocus could be improved
Nikon Z fc
The Nikon Z FC is beautifully designed, with a retro inspired aesthetic inspired by the iconic Nikon FM2 film camera. What's more, it's a fantastic camera for beginner photographers. Its vari-angle LCD touchscreen, unique Creative Picture Controls and range of physical controls allow for a controlled and inventive process, while its affordable price makes it fantastic value for money. And with a Power Charge feature that allows you to charge your battery while you’re on the go, you’ll never have to cut a day out short.
Specifications
- Image sensor: 23.5 × 15.7 mm CMOS sensor (Nikon DX format), Optical low-pass filter
- Effective pixels: 20.88 million
- Lens mount: Z mount
- Viewfinder: Electronic viewfinder, 0.39-in. XGA OLED, approx. 2360-dot. Frame coverage: approx. 100％ in all directions (on actual screen), magnification: approx. 1.02× (when using 50mm lens, at infinity, -1.0 m-1)
- Dimensions (W × H x D): Approx. 134.5×93.5×43.5 mm/5.3×3.8×1.8 in
- Weight: Approx. 445 g (with battery and SD memory card but without body cap), Approx. 390 g (body only)
Advantages
- Vibration reduction
- Exposure compensation
- Various creative options
- Vari-angle touchscreen
- Stunning design
Disadvantages
- Lack of native lenses
- No in-body image stabilisation
Canon EOS M6 Mark II
Perfect for content creation, the Canon EOS M6 MARK II is compact but powerful. Wherever you are and whatever time of day it is, you can rely on the device delivering incredible image quality. Its RAW burst shooting features reach 30 fps, while full autofocus will ensure sharp images. Enjoy full HD footage and compose from all angles with its helpful flip-up touchscreen.
Specifications
- Sensor Type: APS-C sized sensor
- Megapixels: 32.5 megapixel
- ISO range: Up to ISO 25,600 sensitivity
- Dimensions: 119.6 x 70.0 x 49.2 mm (WxHxD)
- Weight: 408 g
Advantages
- Great picture and video quality
- Fast autofocus
- Tilting 170˚ touchscreen that’s great for shooting from creative angles
Disadvantages
- Doesn’t have a built-in viewfinder
- Native lens range could be improved
Nikon Z50
With impressive eye-detection AF, the Z50 is fantastic for capturing portraits, while its 11 fps continuous shooting means it's great for photographing things in motion. It focuses quietly and features a silent mode, while it also allows users to record 4K videos at 30 fps. Its deep grip makes for easy handling, and its well-placed buttons and touchscreen controls make for a pleasant user experience. And with reliable Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, breathtaking image quality and creative effects, it's got about everything you'd want from a beginner camera.
Specifications
- Effective pixels: Approx. 20.88 effective megapixels
- Image sensor: Nikon DX-format CMOS sensor, Optical low-pass filter
- Lens mount: Z mount
- Viewfinder: Electronic viewfinder, 0.99 cm/0.39 in. approx. 2360k dot (XGA) OLED, frame coverage: approx. 100%, magnification: Approx. 1.02 × ∼ (50 mm lens at infinity, -1.0 m -1)
- Dimensions: (W × H x D): Approx. 126.5 x 93.5 x 60 mm
- Weight: Approx 450g (with battery and SD memory card but without a body cap), 395 g/14 oz (body only)
Advantages
- Beautiful design
- Lightweight and portable
- Dependable autofocus system
- Great image quality
Disadvantages
- Lacks in-body image stabilisation
- No selfie-specific feature
- No headphone jack
Sony A6000
With an impressive 24.3MP APS-C sensor, photographers using the Sony A6000 will enjoy capturing images at up to 11 fps. It features a quick autofocus system - quicker than a DSLR - while its Full HD movie recording and wide frame coverage make it a great camera to use when capturing wildlife. The A6000 is compact - about half the size and weight of a typical DSLR, without any impact on its APS-C sensor. Sharp, reliable and portable, the camera is incredibly popular with beginners.
Specifications
- Megapixels: 24.3
- Sensor Format: APS-C
- Sensor type: CMOS
- Sensor size: 23.5 x 15.6 mm
- Lens mount: Sony E
- Dimensions: 120 x 66.9 x 45.1 mm
- Weight: 285g
Advantages
- Lightweight
- Quick autofocus system
- Wide frame coverage
Disadvantages
- No 4K video
- Older model
Fujifilm X-T30
The Fujifilm X-T30 guarantees fantastic image quality and high-speed autofocus performance. Compact and lightweight, it's fantastic for photography holidays, excursions and days out, while its stunning vintage design adds an aesthetic charm that will make it hard to put the camera down. The X-T30 is a great all-rounder with 4K video capabilities, traditional exposure controls and a variety of other features that make it fantastic value for money.
View our full range of Fujifilm cameras.
Specifications
- Image Sensor: 23.5x15.6mm (APS-C) X-Trans CMOS 4 with primary colour filter
- Number of effective pixels: 26.1 millions pixels
- Dimensions: Width: 118.4mm; Height: 82.8mm; Depth(Minimum Depth): 46.8mm(31.9mm)
- Weight: including battery and SD memory card: Approx. 378g; excluding battery and SD memory card: Approx. 329g
Advantages
- Stunning design
- Travel-friendly
- 4K quality
- Value for money
Disadvantages
- Lacks in-body stabilisation
- Battery life could be improved
Panasonic Lumix ZS200 TZ200
Capture moments with stunning imaging performance with the Panasonic Lumix TZ200. The camera boasts impressive video and 4K photo technology, while the lens ensures that you'll capture your subject regardless of how far away it is or how fast it's moving. Helpful control dials on the device allow users to easily adjust settings when out and about, while its user-friendly touchscreen makes it ideal as a beginner camera.
Specifications
- Lens: Leica DC Vario-Elmar/13 elements in 11 groups/(1 aspherical ED lens/5 aspherical lenses/3 ED lenses) (11 aspherical surfaces)
- Camera Effective Pixels: 20.1 Megapixels
- Dimensions (W x H x D): 111.2 x 66.4 x 45.2 mm
- Weight: Approx. 340 g with Battery and SD Memory Card (0.75 lb)/Approx. 298 g without Battery and SD Memory Card (0.66 lb)
Advantages
- 4K video and up to 30 fps
- Splash-proof and dust-proof body
- Great image quality
- Beginner-friendly settings
Disadvantages
- No in-body stabilisation
- Fixed screen
Sony ZV-1
Another camera that's perfect for vlogging, the Sony ZV-1 comes with 4K video and quick autofocus for sharp images. Whether you're capturing portraits or wide-angle shots, the camera's image stabilisation is sure to deliver quality results. Its internal microphone delivers decent sound quality, and it's easy to add an external microphone for improved performance.
Specifications
- MegaPixel (Effective Resolution): 20.1 megapixels
- Video Recording: 4K
- Touchscreen: Yes
- Dimensions (WxHxD): 105.4 x 60.0 x 44.0 mm
- Weight: 294g
Advantages
- Great autofocus
- 4K video
- Perfect for vlogs
- Portable
Disadvantages
- Image stabilisation could be improved
- Limited touchscreen functionality
How to choose a beginner camera
Before you choose a camera, it’s important to consider what your priorities are. If you like capturing videos or vlogging, look for a camera with 4K video; if you’re looking to capture stunning wildlife images, look for a camera with good autofocus and shutter speed; and so on. All twelve of the cameras we’ve listed above are high-performing and competitively priced for beginners. If you’d like more information on any of our cameras, or would just like a chat about what beginner camera is best for you, don’t hesitate to contact us or visit our Sheffield store - a member of our team will be happy to help.