This is a guide covering the best cameras for beginners.
Choosing the right camera is often the number one concern among novice photographers.
Questions like what’s the best DSLR for beginners? Or what’s the number one mirrorless camera?
Given the number of cameras in the market, it’s hard to pick the best camera for beginners.
Instead, what we did is come up with 12 of the best contenders. Read until the end to find the best camera for you!
I have listed cameras from the most popular brands as well as DSLR and Mirrorless choices.
In a hurry? Here’s a quick rundown:
- ⭐ Best Overall Camera for Beginners
- 📷 Best Canon Cameras for Beginners
- 📷 Best Panasonic Cameras for Beginners
- 📷 Best Nikon Camera for Beginners
- 📷 Best Olympus Camera for Beginners
- 📷 Best Fujifilm Camera for Beginners
- 📷 Best Sony Cameras for Beginners
- 💸 Best Budget Camera for Beginners
How to Choose the Best Camera for a Beginner Photographer?
Price: A budget-friendly option is usually a good place to start for beginners. Cameras like the Canon EOS Rebel T7, Canon EOS REBEL SL3, Nikon D5600, Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark III, Panasonic Lumix GX85, and Fujifilm X-T30 are all great options that offer good value for money.
Image Quality: A camera with good image quality is essential for beginners. Look for a camera with a high-resolution sensor and good low-light performance.
Ease of Use: Beginners will want a camera that is easy to navigate and understand. Look for a camera with a user-friendly interface and clear instructions.
Camera Type: Beginners may want to consider a camera that is easy to handle and lightweight. Mirrorless cameras like the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark III, Fujifilm X-T30, and Sony Alpha a6000, and some DSLRs like the Canon EOS Rebel T7, Canon EOS REBEL SL3, and Nikon D5600 are great options in this regard.
Lens Selection: Consider the variety of lenses available for the camera you are considering. Cameras with a larger lens selection can give you more flexibility for different types of photography.
Table of Contents
12 Best Cameras for Beginners
1. Canon EOS Rebel T7
Camera Specifications:
- Body type: Compact SLR
- Max resolution: 6000 x 4000
- ISO: Auto, ISO 100-6400, expandable to 12800
- Image stabilization: No
- Touch screen: No
- Modes:
- 1920 x 1080 @ 30p / 46 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM
- 1920 x 1080 @ 24p / 46 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM
- 1280 x 720 @ 60p / 46 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM
- 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)
The best camera for beginners is the Canon EOS Rebel T7.
The Canon EOS Rebel T7 DSLR is one of the best options for beginners who are looking to practice their portrait photography.
First, Canon lenses are among the best when it comes to portraiture. It offers sharp and detailed results on your subject’s face.
With the Canon EOS Rebel T7, you get 24 megapixels plus you can easily upload your photos via WiFi.
It also has a 9-point AF system that makes it easier to find the subject.
Getting used to all the settings might feel a bit intimidating at first, but you will be able to figure it out eventually.
If you love Canon cameras, also be sure to check out a full list of the best Canon cameras for beginners.
My Pros With This Camera:
- Robust construction
- A good number of lens options
- 24 megapixels
- Fast autofocus
My Cons With This Camera:
- The settings are a bit complicated
2. Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1
Camera Specifications:
- Body type: Rangefinder-style mirrorless
- Max resolution: 4000 x 3000
- ISO: Auto, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600, 3200
- Image stabilization: No
- Touch screen: No
- USB: USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
- HDMI: Yes (mini HDMI TypeC)
- Remote control: Yes (Optional DMW-RSL1)
If you are not one of those novice photographers looking for the best DSLR camera for beginners.
The Panasonic Lumix DMC GF1 is a lightweight alternative to your bulky DSLR.
The Panasonic Lumix DMC GF1 brings a 12MP resolution plus a 3-inch LCD screen.
It doesn’t have a viewfinder but you use the screen to compose your shots. However, despite its perks, this is something that doesn’t do well in low-light conditions.
My Pros With This Camera:
- No need for a viewfinder to compose photos
- With a 3-inch LCD
- Lightweight
My Cons With This Camera:
- Doesn’t do well in low-light conditions
3. PANASONIC Lumix G7
Camera Specifications:
- Body type: SLR-style mirrorless
- Max resolution: 4592 x 3448
- ISO: Auto, 160, 200, 400, 800, 1600, 3200, 6400, 12800, 25600
- Image stabilization: No
- Touch screen: Yes
- USB: USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
- HDMI: Yes (micro HDMI TypeD)
- Microphone port: Yes
- Wireless: Built-In
The Panasonic Lumix G7 is an improved version of the Panasonic Lumix G1.
If you find the G1’s 12MP resolution something that doesn’t meet your needs, the G7 offers 16MP plus 4K video capabilities.
Apart from being used by most vloggers, the G7 can also come in handy when taking portraits.
It has high speed and precise autofocus technology making it a good option even for sports photography.
Since it doesn’t have a shutter, you can also expect a quiet performance from this camera.
And once you are done, you can upload the photos via WiFi.
The only problem that you might encounter with this camera is its short battery life.
My Pros With This Camera:
- Quiet performance
- With 4K video capability
- Fast and accurate AF
- WiFi connectivity
My Cons With This Camera:
- Short battery life
4. Canon EOS REBEL SL3
Camera Specifications:
- Body type: Compact SLR
- Max resolution: 6000 x 4000
- ISO: Auto, 100-25600 (expands to 51200)
- Image stabilization: No
- Touch screen: Yes
- Modes:
- 3840 x 2160 @ 25p / 120 Mbps, MP4, H.264, AAC
- 3840 x 2160 @ 23.98p / 120 Mbps, MP4, H.264, AAC
- 1920 x 1080 @ 60p / 60 Mbps, MP4, H.264, AAC
- 1920 x 1080 @ 50p / 60 Mbps, MP4, H.264, AAC
- 1920 x 1080 @ 30p / 30 Mbps, MP4, H.264, AAC
- 1920 x 1080 @ 25p / 30 Mbps, MP4, H.264, AAC
- USB: USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
- HDMI: Yes (Mini-HDMI)
- Microphone port: Yes
- Headphone port: No
- Wireless: Built-In
- Remote control: Yes (via wired or wireless remote or smartphone)
The Canon EOS Rebel SL3 is a lightweight and probably the smallest camera Digital SLR from EOS.
You get to enjoy a fast and accurate AF mode with eye detection capability on top of its 24.1 MP CMOS APS-C sensor.
You get to see rich colors when you take shots making it an ideal travel camera.
But what makes it one of the best cameras for beginners is the fact that it features things that make beginners want to shoot photos.
You have the vari-angle touch screen allowing the user to tilt the screen to make it easier to compose shots.
It also has the ability for the camera to transfer via WiFi or Bluetooth. It still doesn’t compare to sophisticated models, but it fits the needs of most novice users.
But the worst is that you only have to use Canon flashes unless you update the firmware.
My Pros With This Camera:
- Deep colors
- Fast autofocus
- WiFi connectivity
- Small and lightweight
My Cons With This Camera:
- Can only be used on Canon flashes unless you update the firmware
5. Panasonic Lumix G9
Camera Specifications:
- Body type: SLR-style mirrorless
- Max resolution: 5184 x 3888
- ISO: Auto, 200-25600 (expands to 100-25600)
- Image stabilization: Sensor-shift
- Touch screen: Yes
- Modes:
- 3840 x 2160 @ 60p / 150 Mbps, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM
- 3840 x 2160 @ 30p / 100 Mbps, MP4, H.264, AAC
- 3840 x 2160 @ 23.98p / 100 Mbps, MP4, H.264, AAC
- 1920 x 1080 @ 60p / 28 Mbps, MP4, H.264, AAC
- 1920 x 1080 @ 30p / 20 Mbps, MP4, H.264, AAC
- 1920 x 1080 @ 60p / 28 Mbps, AVCHD, MTS, H.264, Dolby Digital
- 1920 x 1080 @ 60i / 24 Mbps, AVCHD, MTS, H.264, Dolby Digital
- 1920 x 1080 @ 60i / 17 Mbps, AVCHD, MTS, H.264, Dolby Digital
- 1920 x 1080 @ 23.98p / 24 Mbps, AVCHD, MTS, H.264, Dolby Digital
- USB: USB 3.0 (5 GBit/sec)
- USB charging: Yes
- HDMI: Yes
- Microphone port: Yes
- Headphone port: Yes
- Wireless: Built-In
- Remote control: Yes (wired or via smartphone)
The Panasonic Lumix G9 Mirrorless Camera is another great option for those novice photographers who love to travel.
One of the things that make this a good option is its weight and autofocus.
Since it is a mirrorless camera, expect the Panasonic Lumix G9 to be light and handy.
Also, focus takes 0.04 seconds and can even do high speeds up to 60fps.
You can also get to enjoy 20.3 Megapixels which is not bad for a mirrorless camera.
However, if you are looking for a good number of lens options, DSLRs will still give you more options.
My Pros With This Camera:
- Fast autofocus
- Lightweight
- 20.3 Megapixels
My Cons With This Camera:
- Not a lot of lens options
6. Nikon D5600
Camera Specifications:
- Body type: Compact SLR
- Max resolution: 6000 x 4000
- ISO: Auto, 100 – 25600
- Image stabilization: No
- Touch screen: Yes
- USB: USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
- HDMI: Yes (mini-HDMI)
- Microphone port: Yes
- Headphone port: No
- Wireless: Built-In
- Remote control: Yes (MC-DC2 (wired), WR-1/WR-R10 (wireless))
Nikon D5600 DSLR has a 24.2 MP resolution coupled with a good autofocus feature.
It has 3 times more autofocus points than your D3400 making it an ideal option if you want accurate and fast AF especially when you are traveling.
It also has a decent speed of 5fps. And the battery can last approximately 970 shots before you have to charge it.
The only thing that users usually complain about is the LCD. Some users experienced LCD malfunctioning after a short time.
Also, check out the best lenses for the Nikon D5600.
My Pros With This Camera:
- Takes 5fps
- Accurate AF
- Long battery life
My Cons With This Camera:
- LCD malfunctioning
7. Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark III
Camera Specifications:
- Body type: SLR-style mirrorless
- Max resolution: 4608 x 3456
- ISO: Auto, 200-25600 (expands to 100-25600)
- Image stabilization: Sensor-shift
- Touch screen: Yes
- Modes:
- 3840 x 2160 @ 30p / 102 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM
- 3840 x 2160 @ 25p / 102 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM
- 3840 x 2160 @ 24p / 102 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM
- 1920 x 1080 @ 60p / 52 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM
- 1920 x 1080 @ 50p / 52 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM
- 1920 x 1080 @ 30p / 52 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM
- 1920 x 1080 @ 25p / 52 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM
- 1920 x 1080 @ 24p / 52 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM
- 1280 x 720 @ 120p, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM
- 1280 x 720 @ 30p / 14 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM
- 1280 x 720 @ 25p / 14 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM
- 1280 x 720 @ 24p / 14 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM
- 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)
The Olympus OMD EM10 gives you the appearance of old Olympus film cameras but with modern digital technology.
The OMD EM10 has a 16MP Live MOS Sensor and TruePic VII Image Processor.
On top of that, you also get 4K videos in case you want to shoot videos instead of just photos.
But what makes it perfect for street photography is the fact that it has a 5-axis image stabilization feature that removes the blur on your shots.
It is also discreet when it shoots, allowing you to take photos of your subject during street photography without them knowing it.
This captures candid moments at their finest. You also get to tilt the 3-inch LCD allowing you to easily compose your images at weird angles.
For some users though, find the skin tone to be a bit red.
My Pros With This Camera:
- 16MP resolution
- With great image stabilization
- LCD can be tilted
My Cons With This Camera:
- Skin tone can be a bit too red
8. Fujifilm X-T30
Camera Specifications:
- Body type: SLR-style mirrorless
- Max resolution: 6240 x 4160
- ISO: Auto, 160-12800 (expands to 80-51200)
- Image stabilization: No
- Touch screen: Yes
- Modes:
- 4096 x 2160 @ 30p / 200 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM
- 4096 x 2160 @ 25p / 200 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM
- 4096 x 2160 @ 24p / 200 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM
- 4096 x 2160 @ 23.98p / 200 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM
- 3840 x 2160 @ 30p / 200 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM
- 3840 x 2160 @ 25p / 200 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM
- 3840 x 2160 @ 24p / 200 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM
- 3840 x 2160 @ 23.98p / 200 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM
- 1920 x 1080 @ 120p / 200 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM
- 1920 x 1080 @ 60p / 200 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM
- 1920 x 1080 @ 50p / 200 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM
- 1920 x 1080 @ 30p / 200 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM
- 1920 x 1080 @ 25p / 200 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM
- 1920 x 1080 @ 24p / 200 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM
- 1920 x 1080 @ 23.98p / 200 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM
- USB: USB 3.2 Gen 1 (5 GBit/sec)
- USB charging: Yes
- HDMI: Yes (micro-HDMI)
- Microphone port: Yes
- Headphone port: No
- Wireless: Built-In
- Remote control: Yes (via wired remote or smartphone)
The Fujifilm X-T30 is probably the best camera for beginners who are starting to learn street photography.
What makes it a good option? It’s light, easy to use, and can produce great-quality images.
You get 26.1 MP with 425-point Phase-Detection AF. And also, you can transfer the photos via WiFi. The only downside is that Fuji has a different mount.
You can’t even enjoy micro four-thirds lenses.
My Pros With This Camera:
- Good autofocus
- Can be connected via WiFi
- 26.1MP
My Cons With This Camera:
- Not a lot of lens choices
9. Panasonic LUMIX GX85
Camera Specifications:
- Body type: Rangefinder-style mirrorless
- Max resolution: 4592 x 3448
- ISO: Auto, 200-25600 (expands down to 100)
- Image stabilization: Sensor-shift
- Touch screen: 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)
The Panasonic Lumix GX85 is a tough contender for the best camera for beginners if you will look at some of its specs.
With an image stabilization feature and a 3-inch tilt touch LCD, you get to shoot with ease using this camera.
However, it only has a limited 16MP which pales in comparison to other cameras that we’ve featured.
But what makes it ideal for street photography is its weight.
The worst thing about this camera is the viewfinder which is the same thing that was used with the GX7.
My Pros With This Camera:
- Tilt touch screen LCD
- Image stabilization
- Lightweight
My Cons With This Camera:
- Viewfinder
10. Sony Alpha a6000
Camera Specifications:
- Body type: Rangefinder-style mirrorless
- Max resolution: 6000 x 4000
- ISO: Auto, 100-25600 (51200 with Multi-Frame NR)
- Image stabilization: No
- Touch screen: No
- USB: USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
- HDMI: Yes (micro-HDMI)
- Microphone port: No
- Headphone port: No
- Wireless: Built-In
- Remote control: Yes (wired or PC)
The Sony Alpha a6000 Mirrorless Digital Camera has been considered by some as the best camera for beginners who are trying to learn how to capture landscape photos.
It’s a lightweight option that you can bring with you in your bag. It has ISO 100 to 25600 and is even expandable to 51200.
You also get fast and reliable hybrid AF along with its 179-point focal-plane phase detection. And lastly, you get to enjoy a powerful 24MP APS C CMOS sensor.
The only thing that you might not like is the fact that it doesn’t allow bracket exposure and shutter delay to be used at the same time.
For those who love to take landscape photos, this can be a deal-breaker.
My Pros With This Camera:
- ISO 100 to ISO 51200 for the expanded version
- Fast autofocus
- 24MP
My Cons With This Camera:
- Can’t use the bracket exposure and shutter delay at the same time
11. Panasonic Lumix G85
Camera Specifications:
- Body type: SLR-style mirrorless
- Max resolution: 4592 x 3448
- ISO: Auto, 200-25600 (expands down to ISO 100)
- Image stabilization: Sensor-shift
- Touch screen: Yes
- Modes:
- 3840 x 2160 @ 30p / 100 Mbps, MP4, H.264, AAC
- 3840 x 2160 @ 24p / 100 Mbps, MP4, H.264, AAC
- 1920 x 1080 @ 60p / 28 Mbps, MP4, H.264, AAC
- 1920 x 1080 @ 60i / 17 Mbps, AVCHD, MTS, H.264, Dolby Digital
- 1920 x 1080 @ 30p / 24 Mbps, AVCHD, MTS, H.264, Dolby Digital
- 1920 x 1080 @ 30p / 20 Mbps, MP4, H.264, AAC
- 1920 x 1080 @ 24p / 24 Mbps, AVCHD, MTS, H.264, Dolby Digital
- USB: USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
- HDMI: Yes (micro-HDMI)
- Microphone port: Yes
- Headphone port: No
- Wireless: Built-In
- Remote control: Yes (via wired remote or smartphone)
The Panasonic Lumix G85 is a good option for landscape photography because you get to shoot with lighter gear that responds well even in low light conditions.
The Lumix G85 has a 16MP resolution and fast autofocus that allows you to get the photos you want in an instant.
And also, it even has dual image stabilization that ensures you can work even without a tripod.
However, battery life is not something that you’d get excited about.
Despite this, a lot of photographers still think that it’s the best camera for beginners trying to shoot landscape photography.
My Pros With This Camera:
- 16MP resolution
- Fast autofocus
- Lightweight
- Can be used even without a tripod
My Cons With This Camera:
- Battery life is short
12. Sony Alpha A7II
Camera Specifications:
- Body type: SLR-style mirrorless
- Max resolution: 6000 x 4000
- ISO: 100-25600
- Image stabilization: Sensor-shift
- Touch screen: No
- USB: USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
- HDMI: Yes (micro-HDMI port with 4K still, uncompressed video output)
- Microphone port: Yes
- Headphone port: Yes
- Wireless: Built-In
- Remote control: Yes (wired)
The Sony Alpha A7II can be considered not only the best camera for beginners but even for advanced users.
It is light and portable, things that make the A7II appealing for a lot of pros who are tired of carrying bulky DSLRs.
What makes it a good option for beginners is the fact that you get controls that are easy to understand.
You get stable shots, fast AF, and even 5 FPS. It even has a 24.3 MP full-frame Exmore CMOS sensor.
However, battery life has been the main issue with this camera.
You can also find the best lenses for the Sony A7ii.
My Pros With This Camera:
- Fast focus
- Up to 5fps
- Easy-to-understand controls
My Cons With This Camera:
- Battery life
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mirrorless or DSLR Better for Beginners?
A mirrorless camera may be a better option for a beginner who wants a more portable camera and more advanced features, while a DSLR may be a better option for a beginner who wants a more established lens selection, accessories, and robust build.
Which Camera Brand is Best for a Beginner Photographer?
Brands that are known for producing beginner-friendly cameras and have a good reputation for their quality and value for money are Canon, Nikon, and Sony.
Which DSLR is Best for Beginners Canon or Nikon?
Both Canon and Nikon produce a range of DSLRs that are suitable for beginners. It ultimately comes down to personal preference and the specific features that you are looking for in a camera. Canon’s entry-level DSLRs, such as the Canon EOS Rebel T7 and Canon EOS REBEL SL3, are known for their user-friendly interface, good image quality, and affordable prices.
Final Remarks
If you’ve considered getting the best camera for beginners, you have to check not only the specs but also the user-friendly features of the camera.
Is it easy to use? The simpler the setup for the camera, the better it is for beginners.
Whether it’s the best DSLR camera for beginners or a mirrorless option, be sure to compare your top choices first.
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Nate Torres is a portrait photographer based in Southern California. Outside of photography, Nate specializes in SEO, content marketing, and entrepreneurship. He is also the founder of Imaginated.com, a platform for creator education.
