Even if you aren’t a “professional” photographer, you still deserve to have the best camera for your passion of photography.
This is a guide covering the best cameras for aspiring and amateur photographers. Trying to learn photography requires a good camera that you can work with.
It is common for novice photographers to ask: what is the best camera to buy for a beginner photographer?
Or perhaps, what is the best camera for amateur photography? What makes a good amateur camera? Is it something that has all the intimidating features?
Or is it something that simply allows you to control the aperture, ISO, and shutter speed without relying on its ability to set everything up for you?
To help guide novice photographers, we’ve come up with a list of some of the best cameras for amateur photographers.
🏃♂️ In a hurry? Here’s the quick overview:
Click/tap on the camera name to jump to that section to read my summary of the product. At the end of each section, there is a “→ Jump Back to Table” link to bring you back here!
⭐ Best Overall Camera for Amateur Photographers
Why choose this camera as an amateur photographer:
- This camera is designed with simplicity in mind
- This camera provides great bang for your buck
- Produced high-quality images with good detail, color accuracy, and has low noise levels
📷 Best DSLR Cameras for Amateur Photographers
Why choose this camera as an amateur photographer:
- This camera is designed with simplicity in mind
- This camera provides great bang for your buck
- Produced high-quality images with good detail, color accuracy, and has low noise levels
Why choose this camera as an amateur photographer:
- The Nikon D3500, similar to the Rebel T7 is designed with simplicity in mind making it great for amateurs
- Provides great image quality for different environments
- Long battery life
🎞️ Best Film Camera for Amateur Photographers
Why choose this camera as an amateur photographer:
- The Olympus OM-10 is a compact and lightweight film camera, making it easy to carry and handle, ideal for amateur photographers on the go
- Has a simple and intuitive design
- The Olympus OM-10 uses an interchangeable lens system, allowing amateur photographers to experiment with different lenses and explore various photography genres
🔍 Best Mirrorless Cameras for Amateur Photographers
Why choose this camera as an amateur photographer:
- The Panasonic LUMIX GX85 is a compact mirrorless camera that offers the portability of a smaller form factor, making it convenient for amateur photographers to carry and use in various shooting situations
- Features built-in 5-axis image stabilization, which helps to minimize camera shake and ensures sharper images
- Boasts advanced features such as 4K Ultra HD video recording
Why choose this camera as an amateur photographer:
- The EOS M50’s compact and mirrorless design makes it easy to carry and handle, perfect for on-the-go shooting
- The vari-angle touchscreen of the EOS M50 allows for creative compositions
- Delivers fast and accurate autofocus performance and high-quality images
📹 Best Compact Camera for Amateur Photographers
Why choose this camera as an amateur photographer:
- The FZ80’s 60x optical zoom lens provides me with a wide focal range, from wide-angle to super-telephoto
- Hybrid Optical Image Stabilization minimizes camera shake
- 4K Ultra HD video and photo modes offer me the ability to capture stunning videos
💸 Best Budget Camera for Amateur Photographers
Why choose this camera as an amateur photographer:
- The EOS T100/4000D is an affordable entry-level DSLR camera, making it a budget-friendly option
- Intuitive interface and user-friendly controls
- Produces high-quality images with good detail and color accuracy
Table of Contents
How to Choose the Best Camera for an Amateur Photographer?
- Ease of use: For amateur photographers who are new to photography, it’s important to choose a camera that is easy to use and understand. Look for a camera with intuitive controls and a straightforward user interface.
- Image quality: High-quality images are important for capturing memorable moments and producing appealing photos. Look for a camera with a high-resolution image sensor and advanced image processing capabilities to ensure that your photos are detailed and accurate.
- Autofocus: Autofocus is important for quickly and accurately focusing on moving subjects. Look for a camera with advanced autofocus capabilities, such as face tracking or eye tracking.
- Lens options: A camera’s lens determines the angle of view, depth of field, and overall image quality. Consider a camera with a wide range of lens options to give you flexibility for different shooting situations.
- Price: Finally, consider your budget when choosing a camera for an amateur photographer. There are a wide range of cameras available at different price points, so you should be able to find something that fits your needs and budget.
See the full list of cameras below along with some pros, cons, and further details about the cameras.
12 Best Cameras for Amateur Photographers
1. Canon EOS Rebel T7
Camera Specifications:
- Body type: Compact SLR
- Max resolution: 6000 x 4000
- Image ratio: 1:1, 4:3, 3:2, 16:9
- ISO: Auto, ISO 100-6400, expandable to 12800
- Image stabilization: No
- Articulated LCD: Fixed
- Screen size: 3″
- Touch screen: No
- Screen type: TFT LCD
- Live view: Yes
- USB: USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
- HDMI: Yes (mini-HDMI)
- Microphone port: No
- Headphone port: No
- Wireless: Built-In
- Remote control: Yes (wired or wireless)
- Video formats:
- 1280 x 720
- 1920 x 1080
The Canon Rebel T7 has 24MP, built-in WiFi, not to mention a 9-point AF system, these are things that any newbie can take advantage of.
Also, you get to enjoy 95% viewing coverage with its viewfinder. Its ISO sensitivity however is not exactly the best at ISO 100 to 6400.
However, if you are a newbie, then this might do the trick.
Check out the best lenses for the Canon Rebel T7.
My Pros With This Camera:
- 24MP sensor
- Built-in WiFi
- With a 9-point AF system
My Cons With This Camera:
- Low ISO range
2. Canon A-1
Camera Specifications:
- Classic manual focus 35mm film SLR camera
- ISO ranging from 6-12,800
- Center-weighted light metering
- Shutter speed range 2 seconds to 1/1000
- Full manual controls
- Dedicated hot shoe
- Flash sync at 1/60
- Removable back
- Electronic self-timer with 2 second and 10 second options
- Has eyepiece shutter
For any aspiring photographer, what better way to learn photography than to go back to using film.
It teaches you how to compose images given the limited shots that you have.
Plus, you can also understand the basics such as sunny 16 and the rule of thirds in photography.
The Canon A1 is the very first to provide you with an electronic metering system to tell you if you have the right exposure for your shot.
It is also known for its robust design and classic look.
My Pros With This Camera:
- Robust design
- Allows you to learn the basics
- With an electronic light meter
My Cons With This Camera:
- You will need to develop the photos to see the results
3. Nikon D3500
Camera Specifications:
- Body type: Compact SLR
- Max resolution: 6000 x 4000
- Image ratio: 3:2
- ISO: Auto, 100-25600
- Image stabilization: No
- Articulated LCD: Fixed
- Screen size: 3″
- Touch screen: No
- Screen type: TFT LCD
- Live view: Yes
- USB: USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
- USB charging: No
- HDMI: Yes (mini-HDMI)
- Microphone port: No
- Headphone port: No
- Wireless: Built-In
- Remote control: Yes (via smartphone)
- Video formats:
- 1280 x 720
- 1920 x 1080
As for the best value camera for the amateur photographers, we picked the Nikon D3500.
This is a favorite by many photography students and hobbyists.
With its easy to use configuration and great image quality, it is no surprise why many considered it as their first DSLR.
It offers a 24MP sensor and an ISO range of ISO 100 to 25600. It also comes with a maximum of 5fps which is quite decent for an entry-level camera.
And lastly, it can connect wirelessly via Bluetooth.
The only downside will have to be the fixed LCD which is frustrating when it comes to shooting at an awkward angle.
My Pros With This Camera:
- Great quality image
- Easy to use
- 5fps
- Bluetooth connectivity
My Cons With This Camera:
- Fixed LCD
4. Panasonic LUMIX GX85
Camera Specifications:
- Body type: Rangefinder-style mirrorless
- Max resolution: 4592 x 3448
- Image ratio: 1:1, 4:3, 3:2, 16:9
- ISO: Auto, 200-25600 (expands down to 100)
- Image stabilization: Sensor-shift
- Articulated LCD: Tilting
- Screen size: 3″
- Touch screen: Yes
- Screen type: TFT LCD
- Live view: Yes
- USB: USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
- HDMI: Yes (micro-HDMI)
- Microphone port: No
- Headphone port: No
- Wireless: Built-In
- Remote control: Yes (via smartphone)
- Video formats:
- 640 x 480
- 1280 x 720
- 1920 x 1080
- 3840 x 2160 (4K)
If you are still asking: what is the best camera to buy for a beginner photographer, a strong candidate would have to be the Lumix GX85 Digital Camera.
This camera shares some of the core features of the GX8 including the 49-point AF system.
However, it doesn’t have the 20MP sensor but instead has a 16MP sensor which is a good option for beginners.
It has a tilting EVF, a weather-sealed design, not to mention an ability to shoot in 4K.
For beginners who don’t want to be carrying a large full-frame camera, the Lumix GX85 is a great choice.
It even has a 5 axis dual image stabilization that minimizes the blurred shots.
My Pros With This Camera:
- Compact design
- Weather-sealed
- Fast and accurate autofocus
- With image stabilization
My Cons With This Camera:
- Doesn’t have the 20MP sensor of the GX8
5. Panasonic Lumix FZ80
Camera Specifications:
- Body type: SLR-like
- Max resolution: 4896 x 3672
- Image ratio: 4:3
- ISO: Auto, 80-3200 (expands to 6400)
- Image stabilization: Optical
- Articulated LCD: Fixed
- Screen size: 3″
- Touch screen: Yes
- Screen type: TFT LCD
- Live view: Yes
- USB: USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
- HDMI: Yes (micro-HDMI)
- Microphone port: No
- Headphone port: No
- Wireless: Built-In
- Remote control: Yes (via smartphone)
- Video formats:
- 1280 x 720
- 1920 x 1080
- 3840 x 2160 (4K)
The Panasonic Lumix FZ80 is a unique addition to our list of best cameras for amateur photographers. For one, it doesn’t allow users to change lenses.
Instead, you are dealing with a zoom lens.
Though there are limitations to what it can offer, it allows beginners to learn how to compose their photos without worrying if the shot is over or underexposed.
It has an 18.1MP sensor combined with a 20-1200mm Lumix DC Vario Lens. You can also transfer your photos wirelessly.
My Pros With This Camera:
- 18MP sensor
- 4K capability
- Fast and accurate autofocus
- Allows you to shoot without worrying if it is under or overexposed
My Cons With This Camera:
- You can’t change lenses
6. Nikon D5600
Camera Specifications:
- Body type: Compact SLR
- Max resolution: 6000 x 4000
- Image ratio: 3:2
- ISO: Auto, 100 – 25600
- Image stabilization: No
- Articulated LCD: Fully articulated
- Screen size: 3.2″
- Touch screen: Yes
- Screen type: TFT LCD monitor
- Live view: Yes
- USB: USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
- HDMI: Yes (mini-HDMI)
- Microphone port: Yes
- Headphone port: No
- Wireless: Built-In
- Remote control: Yes
- Video formats:
- 1280 x 720
- 1920 x 1080
The D5600 is another Nikon camera on our list of best cameras for amateur photographers.
It is a good choice for those who are trying to learn how to shoot photographs whether in a studio or in an outdoor setting.
But it isn’t exactly a novice photographer’s camera because it can also be used for sports photography with its 5 fps in continuous shooting mode.
It comes with a 24-megapixel sensor and an ISO sensitivity from 100 to 25600.
And when it comes to shooting from a weird angle, you can easily flip the screen to see the subject and not guess on your composition.
You can also shoot around 970 shots per charge which is a good thing especially when you need to review your shots to improve your skills.
The biggest downside to the D5600 is that transferring photos to a mobile device takes a lot of clicks.
Also, check out the best lenses for the Nikon D5600.
My Pros With This Camera:
- 5 fps
- Sensitive ISO
- 970 shots per charge
- Comes with a flappable screen
My Cons With This Camera:
- Can be more user friendly when it comes to transferring files
7. Canon EOS T100/4000D
Camera Specifications:
- Powerful 18 Megapixel sensor
- Guided live view with creative auto mode
- 3.0 frames per second
- Precise auto focus
Our list of best cameras for amateur photographers won’t be complete without the EOS T100 otherwise known as the 4000D.
Though it only comes with an 18MP sensor and its ISO range from ISO 100 to 6400 might be a bit lacking for low light situations, it is still a favorite among newbies.
You can also transfer files wirelessly via WiFi plus it has a decent 9 point AF system.
My Pros With This Camera:
- Can transfer files via WiFi
- Good value
- Great photo quality despite the limited 18MP sensor
My Cons With This Camera:
- Can perform better in low light
8. Nikon FG
If you plan on becoming a pro photographer and you want to get acquainted with the Nikon systems, might as well start with the Nikon FG film camera.
It is something that many consider as one of the best cameras for amateur photographers despite having a plastic body.
What makes it a good introduction to photography?
Just like any film camera, it allows you to shoot conservatively and use your eyes to compose the photos.
It shoots from 1 second to 1/1000th of a second plus you get a bulb mode for long exposures.
However, it shines the most with its auto modes that calculate the exposure that allows users to know if they have the right exposure for their shot.
My Pros With This Camera:
- Allows you to learn how to compose properly
- Can shoot in a wide variety of shutter speeds
- With a decent light meter
My Cons With This Camera:
- Plastic body
9. Olympus OM-10
Camera Specifications:
- 20.3MP Live MOS Micro Four Thirds Sensor
- UHD 4K30p Video Recording
- Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Connectivity
- 5-Axis Sensor-Shift Image Stabilization
- 8.7 fps Shooting, ISO 200-25600
Made in 1979, this film camera is one of the most highly suggested picks for those who are serious about building their skills from the ground up.
It is one of the best cameras for amateur photographers for many reasons.
It has the robust construction of the old 1970s SLR.
It has a decent range of shutter speed from 1/25th to 1/1600th of a second.
However, you will need to plug an adaptor to fire away at manual.
It also comes with a bulb selection plus the ability to switch to auto.
The viewfinder is remarkable given its size that allows you to compose well.
My Pros With This Camera:
- Allows you to compose well
- Rugged construction
- Comes with a great auto feature
My Cons With This Camera:
- You need an adapter to use the manual mode
10. Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark III
Camera Specifications:
- Body type: SLR-style mirrorless
- Max resolution: 5184 x 3888
- Image ratio: 4:3
- ISO: Auto, 200-25600 (expands to 64-25600)
- Image stabilization: Sensor-shift
- Articulated LCD: Fully articulated
- Screen size: 3″
- Touch screen: Yes
- Screen type: TFT LCD
- Live view: Yes
- USB: USB 3.2 Gen 1 (5 GBit/sec)
- USB charging: Yes
- HDMI: Yes (micro HDMI)
- Microphone port: Yes
- Headphone port: Yes
- Wireless: Built-In
- Remote control: Yes (wired or smartphone)
- Video formats:
- 1920 x 1080
- 3840 x 2160 (4K)
- 4096 x 2160 (4K)
The Olympus OMD EM10 Mark III is one of the most popular micro four-thirds cameras out there.
It is also common to see the pros to consider it as one of the best cameras for amateur photographers.
It comes with a lightweight body that allows users to have an easier time shooting.
It comes with a 16MP sensor plus easy to use dials that give users the chance to switch modes depending on what they want.
You even get a tilting screen that offers a live view.
The downside is that it doesn’t have a fast focus and can only shoot at around 4.8fps.
My Pros With This Camera:
- Dials that make it easy to use
- With tilting screen
- Lightweight
My Cons With This Camera:
- Doesn’t have a fast tracking focus
11. Canon EOS M50
Camera Specifications:
- Body type: SLR-style mirrorless
- Max resolution: 6000 x 4000
- Image ratio: 1:1, 4:3, 3:2, 16:9
- ISO: Auto, 100-25600 (expands to 51200)
- Image stabilization: No
- Articulated LCD: Fully articulated
- Screen size: 3″
- Touch screen: Yes
- Screen type: TFT LCD
- Live view: Yes
- USB: USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
- USB charging: No
- HDMI: Yes (micro-HDMI)
- Microphone port: Yes
- Headphone port: No
- Wireless: Built-In
- Remote control: Yes (via smartphone)
- Video formats:
- 1280 x 720
- 1920 x 1080
- 3840 x 2160 (4K)
Though it is primarily popular as a vlogging camera, there is no denying that many are using it as their entry-level camera for the world of photography.
Side note, here is a list of the best vlogging cameras.
The Canon EOS M50 is a lightweight and mirrorless model from Canon that comes with interesting features.
It uses a 24MP sensor combined with Dual Pixel CMOS AF for accurate autofocus.
It also has high ISO making it suitable for low light situations.
And on top of that, you even get a vari-angle LCD helping you with composition.
However, it is a bit harder to use than the full-frame versions from Canon.
Check out the best lenses for the Canon M50.
My Pros With This Camera:
- High ISO
- Powerful sensor
- Lightweight
- Comes with a vari-angle LCD
- Good AF
My Cons With This Camera:
- Harder to use than the DSLRs
12. Canon EOS M100
Camera Specifications:
- Body type: Rangefinder-style mirrorless
- Max resolution: 6000 x 4000
- Image ratio: 3:2
- ISO: Auto, 100-25600
- Image stabilization: No
- Articulated LCD: Tilting
- Screen size: 3″
- Touch screen: Yes
- Screen type: TFT LCD
- Live view: Yes
- USB: USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
- HDMI: Yes (micro HDMI)
- Microphone port: No
- Headphone port: No
- Wireless: Built-In
- Remote control: Yes (via smartphone)
- Video formats:
- 1280 x 720
- 1920 x 1080
Last on our list of best cameras for amateur photographers is the Canon EOS M100.
It is another mirrorless camera from Canon.
It comes with a 24MP sensor, Dual Pixel CMOS AF and not to mention the ability to connect to WiFi when you need to transfer your photos to your mobile device.
It also has an intuitive touchscreen.
However, just like the M50, users complain about how it is not exactly easy to use.
From the small body that makes it hard for some users to use to some of its functionality that’s missing such as a missing hot shoe for the flash.
My Pros With This Camera:
- 24MP sensor
- WiFi connection
- Intuitive touchscreen
My Cons With This Camera:
- Smaller body
FAQ
What is the difference between a professional and amateur photographer?
The difference between a professional and amateur photographer can be seen in many aspects, from the type of equipment they use to their level of passion.
What is a good camera for amateur photography?
The best camera we recommend for amateur photography is the Canon Rebel T7 which you can read more about in our guide!
Final Remarks
Hope you enjoyed this guide on the best cameras for amateur photographers!
So what is the best camera for amateur photography?
The answer may differ depending on who you are going to ask. It is best if you can compare the options we’ve mentioned.
Weigh your options carefully and you will be able to get the right match for you.
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Nate Torres is a portrait photographer based in Southern California and is also a photography author for Photofocus.com. When he is not photographing clients he is creating educational photography content that he publishes on his website as well as his YouTube Channel. He is also the founder of Imaginated.com, a search engine of educational creators. Learn more about me here → https://www.natetorresphotography.com/about/
