Getting into photography is exciting. Picking the best camera for beginners though? Well, that’s a bit trickier. There’s an absolute boatload of options to choose from nowadays. And no one camera is going to suit everyone.
Luckily, we’ve done all the hard work for you. You might want to shoot landscapes. Or fancy yourself as the next big YouTube superstar. Whatever it is, our guide will help you focus in and snap up the right camera!
Picture perfect: how to choose your beginner camera
Before you drop some cash on a camera, here’s a few terms that’ll help you choose the right bit of kit:
Camera type
Mirrorless – Compact, modern and packed with smart features.
DSLR – Larger, classic designs with optical viewfinders.
Compact – Small, all-in-one cameras with fixed lenses.
Instant/film – Prints photos on the spot or uses film for an old-school finish.
Sensor size
Bigger sensors (like APS-C) usually mean better image quality. Especially if you’re shooting in low light.
Interchangeable lens cameras let you swap out lenses for different types of shots. Compacts don’t, but they’re simpler to use.
Autofocus
Faster autofocus makes it easier to capture sharp photos, especially of people or wildlife. And because it happens automatically, it’s one less thing for you to think about!
Ease of use
Look out for guided modes and touchscreen controls. They’ll help you get started a lot faster when you’re new to the hobby.
Learn more: Not sure whether you need a compact or DSLR? Check out our guide on choosing a compact camera or DSLR.
Best overall beginner camera
Model: Canon EOS R50
Why we love it: There’s a special Guide Mode built in with onscreen tips. When you’re learning the ropes – and don’t know your focus from your framing – it’s a lifesaver.
Best mirrorless camera for beginners
Model: Panasonic Lumix G DC-G100D
Why we love it: Not near a computer? No worries. The onboard Bluetooth and Wi-Fi let you share photos to your phone instead. And then you can upload them straight to your Insta feed. Nice.
Best DSLR camera for beginners
Model: Canon EOS 2000D
Why we love it: The sensor here is about 19 x larger than the kind you’d find on a smartphone. The bigger the sensor, the more light it captures – making your images and videos look even more detailed.
Best compact camera for beginners
Model: Canon PowerShot SX740 HS
Why we love it: You don’t have to get up close and personal with whatever you’re shooting now. With the 40x optical zoom, you can snap a detailed shot from far away. And you don’t lose out on any detail either.
Best film camera for beginners
Model: Instax Mini 12
Why we love it: There’s no waiting around. Once you’ve snapped your photo, it prints in only five seconds. You’ll get a credit card sized pic you can pin up and decorate your space with.
Best budget camera for beginners
Model: Kodak PixPro
Why we love it: Fiddling with loads of controls is a faff. Not here. You’ve got all your exposure settings, like aperture, ISO and shutter speed right there on the side.
Best beginner camera by interest
Capturing different subjects requires different features. So, here’s some great cameras to match whatever you want to shoot…
Best beginner camera for wildlife photography
Model: Nikon CoolPix P1100
Why we love it: Pick from advanced shooting modes (like Birdwatching) to really nail specific insect or animal shots. Then fine-tune your masterpiece with the COOLPIX Picture Control.
Best beginner camera for YouTube and content creators
Model: Sony ZV-E10
Why we love it: Flip the vari-angle screen round to face you when you’re vlogging. This makes framing up every shot way easier and means you’ll actually have a usable video when you’re done. No thumbs over lenses with this one!
Learn more: Looking for extra options? Then take a look at these amazing cameras for vlogging.
Best starter cameras by brand
Got a specific brand in mind? We’ve picked out a few of their best for beginners…
Best Canon camera for beginners
Model: Canon EOS R100
Why we love it: It’ll capture bursts of up to 6.5 fps. This lets you take a bunch of pics at once with one tap – then you just have to pick out your favourite afterwards.
Best Fujifilm camera for beginners
Model: Fujifilm X-T30 III
Why we love it: Use the special Film Simulation dial to add a classic look to photos. It takes just one twist to do it. And means zero editing later on.
Best Nikon camera for beginners
Model: Nikon Z 30
Why we love it: You don’t have to worry about shaky footage ruining your video. With optical image stabilisation, it’ll stay nice and smooth, even if action packed moments get bumpy.
FAQs
What’s a good digital camera for beginners?
A good digital camera for beginners needs to be easy to use but still powerful. After all, you don’t want to have to upgrade it too quickly. Models like the Canon EOS R50 or Sony A6100 are a good place to start. With their smart autofocus and helpful onboard guides, you’ll get some pretty stunning looking shots from the off.
Is a mirrorless camera good for beginners?
Yes, a mirrorless camera is a great shout for beginners. They show real-time previews of your settings, so you can learn faster. They’re also lightweight – making them easy to carry – and come packed with handy features like 4K video and smart autofocus.
What camera lenses should a beginner have?
A beginner should start with a standard lens kit, usually 18-55mm. It’s versatile and ideal for everyday shots. As your snapping skills get better, you can add more lenses later like a telephoto for wildlife or a prime lens for portraits.
What is a good beginner camera for nature photography?
For nature photography, you’ll need something with autofocus and burst shooting. The Nikon Z50II is a strong choice. Pair it with a zoom lens and you’ll be able to pick out wildlife and any distant landscape a lot more easily.
What is the best camera brand for beginners?
That completely depends on your needs and what you like the look of. Canon cameras are known for being easy to get to grips with. Most Sony models have a helpful autofocus feature. While Nikon’s cameras are nice and reliable from the off. Whatever you choose, all offer perfect starter cameras for new snappers.
Need more advice?
For more tips and tricks on all thing’s cameras, have a read of our camera buying guide. Our experts will run you through everything from shutter speed and sensors to essential accessories and more. And if you just fancy a browse, you can shop digital cameras right here.
