Learn The Ropes With The Best Camera For Photography Beginners

Photo by Lavi Perchik on Unsplash

Today we’re looking at the best camera for photography beginners. For anyone who is just beginning to pick up photography and isn’t entirely sure where to start, this list should be your first step to deciding which camera is best for you. We’re going to talk about a few main factors that are super important, like affordability, usability, and versatility. We’ll also be showing you the best DSLR cameras for beginners.

Because you’re a photography beginner looking for a great camera, there are a few things you can probably do without. You don’t need the most advanced camera in the universe if you don’t understand how to use all its features. You want an entry-grade camera that isn’t going to be confusing, that has a gentle learning curve so that you can get used to the main features that come with modern cameras, and that allows you to have some fun.

Even some of the most complex cameras of today can be easy to use. Many have special tutorials integrated into their systems so that you can learn as you shoot. However, others leave you absolutely fumbling through the menu like you were at a foreign restaurant! This is why we always recommend having a camera with intuitive controls, a menu that makes sense, and reasonable features that will allow your photography skills to blossom while you get more confident with your shooting technique.

1. Nikon D3500 W/ AF-P DX NIKKOR 18-55mm DSLR Camera

The Nikon D3500 is an extremely handy camera for anyone starting their photography journey. This is a camera that delivers beautiful photographs in a format that is simplistic and non-invasive. What this means is that you can point and shoot to get all the best photos using minimal settings and without being confused by too many controls. The camera feels phenomenal in your hands, it’s compact, durable, and ideal for people who travel frequently. This camera gives you a sturdy balance between control and function, and it works seamlessly with different lenses to give you endless possibilities for your photography.

The D3500 camera allows you to take amazing videos, you can autofocus very quickly, and every picture is taken in stunning detail. In fact, the D3500 can capture up to five frames per second in full resolution. This means you always land the shot that counts with great color and excellent quality. But best of all, this is an extremely fun camera for beginners. It only gets better from here!

Pros

• Extremely Easy to Use
• Compact & Comfortable
• Large Image Sensor
• No Annoying Controls
• Great Budget Camera

Cons

• Fewer Buttons
• Fixed Screen

2. Canon EOS M50 Mirrorless Camera

The Canon EOS M50 Mirrorless Camera is a fantastic piece of equipment for aspiring photographers. If you are looking for an easy way to boost the quality of your videos and photos, this is the camera for you. It’s extremely affordable, it comes equipped with 24.1 megapixels to give you beautiful photographs, and it uses a very fast autofocus system. This means you can quickly lock onto your subjects without missing any of the action. In simple terms, this camera delivers extremely vivid photographs and videos just like you would expect from the most expensive cameras available today.

This unit comes complete with easy connectivity, allowing you to wirelessly connect and share your photos instantly. It uses an automatic image transfer mode. Plus, the camera is simplistic. Simply point and then shoot. All your settings are easy to find on the menu, and you get exceptional detail with full 4K UHD video to make truly cinematic movies. And to top it all off, the variable-angle touchscreen LCD gives you more options for shooting from complicated angles.

Pros

• Small & Portable
• Great Time-Lapse Video
• Dual Pixel Autofocus
• Fantastic Features
• Works w/ Lens Adapter

Cons

• Battery Not Great
• Low Max Shutter Speed

3. Canon EOS Rebel T7i Digital SLR Camera

Another great option from Canon for beginner photographers, the Rebel T7i has all the features you need to go from amateur to professional overnight. First, the details and colors you get when using this camera are exceptional. The camera works using a special image processor to deliver memorable photos in full color and spectacular quality. Even though this is such an advanced piece of equipment, it’s easy to use for anyone. It comes included with an optical viewfinder, phase detection, and the legendary image quality you expect from Canon. Whatever you’re after in terms of being a professional photographer, this camera can deliver.

One of the big bonuses when you use the T7i is that it comes equipped to work with a large variety of lenses, including telephoto lenses, macro lenses, and prime lenses. You have wireless connectivity and a huge touchscreen for capturing the best shots with ease. But perhaps the best feature for beginners is the Feature Assistant. The Feature Assistant will help to explain all kinds of different aspects of the camera so that you never get confused. It’s basically a full tutorial built inside of your DSLR camera to help you be the best photographer possible.

Pros

• 2 Megapixel Sensor
• Integrated Wi-Fi & Bluetooth
• Continuous Shooting @ 60fps
• Extremely Detailed Photos
• 3” Touchscreen LCD

Cons

• Slightly Expensive
• No 4K

4. Pentax K-70 DSLR Camera

The Pentax K-70 is a fantastic camera. Yes, it’s a little more complicated than the others on the list. It’s still a great beginner camera, but it does have some features that could confuse a total novice. However, if you’re up for a challenge then definitely pick up the Pentax K-70. Just keep in mind that you will need a bit of time to get used to all the features. But don’t worry, once you master this camera you will be unstoppable.

Now let’s talk features. The camera boasts 24.2 megapixels, its body is completely resistant to weather and dust, which makes it great for shooting outdoors. The body of the camera has shake-reduction technology to make sure all your photographs are crystal clear. You can even use the variable-angle LCD monitor to take photos when it’s completely dark with a special night vision display on the monitor. It has integrated Wi-Fi, great autofocusing, and pixel shift resolution with motion correction. If all that sounds like a bunch of nonsense to you, the big takeaway here is that you can use the camera in any light, it produces excellent images, and the monitor is above and beyond in terms of versatility. Plus, the ergonomic controls make it easy to use the dials and buttons naturally.

Pros

• 2 Megapixels
• Shake Reduction Technology
• Weather Resistant Camera Body
• Ergonomic Controls
• LCD Night Vision Settings

Cons

• Poor Battery Performance
• Slightly More Complex Features

5. Sony Alpha a6000 Mirrorless Digital Camera

Last on the list is a fabulous camera from Sony. You are probably used to extremely overpriced Sony cameras, but the Alpha a6000 is actually quite affordable. It’s also sleek, compact, and so small that it can pretty much fit in your pocket. This makes it an excellent walking around camera for newbies and aspiring photographers. Even though it’s designed as a mirrorless camera that is half the weight and half the size of your typical DSLR, the Alpha a6000 can still work with the entire line of E-mount systems, making it more versatile than in your wildest dreams!

For someone who knows nothing about photography, this is the Sony camera to start with. You can take gorgeous photos at night, in the middle of the day, and you can pack it around with you everywhere you go! It’s easy to maintain, there are no complicated features to make your head spin, the 3” LCD makes life easy, and the camera apps are available to increase your creativity. It comes with all the modern features you expect, like full HD, instant sharing, and technologically advanced image processing.

Pros

• Fantastic ISO Range
• Charge Protection Coating
• Hybrid AF System
• Intuitive Controls
• Instant Sharing w/ Wi-Fi & NFC

Cons

• Overpriced Lens Selection
• Poor Grip

Final Thoughts

We looked at some great cameras today. By now you might be wondering to yourself, which is the best DSLR camera for beginners? Well, it’s not so simple as choosing between brands. There is a kind of balance you should expect from your first professional camera. First, you want to have an interchangeable lens camera. This means you need a DSLR that you can pick and choose which lenses you want to use as you narrow in on your specialty in photography.

That said, if you are looking for something bare bones and absolutely basic, you can always just go with an expensive point-and-shoot camera. But we really do recommend any professional photographer to get a camera that will allow them to play with some different lenses for wildlife photography, night photography, and so much more.

For a beginner DSLR camera, you want to have great image quality, straightforward automatic modes to make you feel confident, a manual mode so that you can truly tweak the settings once you become comfortable with the camera, and a system that feels good in your hands.

You also need to consider the price of the camera. In fact, affordability is one of the main things here. Imagine spending $5000 on a camera only to realize two months later that you don’t actually like photography. This is why we always recommend that novices choose an affordable camera so that if they changed their mind about being the next great photographer, at least they’re not out a bunch of money.

At the end of the day, always go with your gut and choose the option that feels right for you! And above all else, always have fun and take beautiful pictures.