1. The list in brief ↴
2. Best overall
3. Best for content creators
4. Best for travel
5. Best mid-range model
6. Best for versatility
7. Best Micro Four Thirds camera
8. Best for autofocus and tracking
9. Best for simplicity
10. Best for portability
11. A good option for content creators
13. Best beginner camera FAQs
14. How we test
The best beginner cameras should offer great optical quality at an affordable price. But with hundreds of models to choose from it can be hard to pick the right one. That's why we've tested and reviewed a wide selection of entry-level cameras to show you the best models available, saving you the trouble of sifting through specs and comparison tables. The models in this guide all provide a fantastic combination of high-quality features with easy-to-use interfaces, a range of shooting options, and, most importantly, excellent value for the money.
Beginner cameras tend to sit at a reasonably affordable price anyway. Still, quite often, you'll find that retailers run deals and discounts to lure you into spending money with them, which is a great way to save money buying photography equipment when purchasing your first camera. Keep an eye on our camera deals page, as when we find genuine deals worth looking at; we share them with you immediately.
If you don't think of yourself as a beginner, a camera that is a little more sophisticated or made for more professional work might be more appealing to you. In that case, you might want to look at our other guides, such as the best mirrorless cameras, best cameras for astrophotography, or simply our more general guide to the best cameras for photos and videos.
The quick list
Below we've summarised our top picks of the best beginner cameras available out there, including their main characteristics. If you want more in-depth information, click the links to read more below.
The Nikon Z fc combines throwback styling with modern mirrorless camera technology in a neat APS-C package that we rate highly.
The best camera for content creators
The Fujifilm X-T30 II is a stylish, affordable and simple-to-use mirrorless camera that can help to produce color-rich images.
The best for travel
The Canon EOS M50 Mark II is a great option if you're looking for a stylish travel-friendly camera that takes detailed photos.
The best mid-range model
For a beginner or enthusiast photographer looking to take their image-making a step on from a compact or bridge model, the Nikon D5600 is still to this day one of best out there.
The best for versatility
The Canon EOS Rebel SL3 is a remarkably easy-to-use camera that doesn't disappoint when it comes to image quality.
The best Micro Four Thirds camera
The Olympus OM-D E-M10 K IV is an entry-level, affordable camera with a stylish design and 4K video capabilities.
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The best for autofocus and tracking
If you are looking for an APS-C camera with in-body stabilization and have the budget for it, the Sony A6600 is a great option.
The Nikon D3500 is the brand’s latest beginner, entry-level DSLR camera, perfectly suited to those wanting to start learning the craft of photography.
The best for portability
The Canon EOS M200 is a good choice if you’re a novice looking for a compact, affordable yet capable camera.
For
A good option for content creators
The Panasonic Lumix G100 is a compact and lightweight camera that can shoot 4K video and edits images in-camera.
The best beginner cameras we recommend in 2023
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The best beginner camera overall
✅ You want a stylish camera: the design is really pleasing.
✅ You want a camera with a touchscreen: this one has a very responsive screen.
✅ You want a sturdy camera: this one has excellent build-quality.
❌You're on a budget: the camera itself isn't cheap, and the extra lenses add on costs.
❌ You want an ergonomic camera: there is no usable grip.
❌ You want the highest-quality optics: more advanced users will look to upgrade quickly.
🔎 The Nikon Z fc is a beautifully-designed beginner camera with some impressive specs.
Design. The aesthetic design is the first thing that you'll notice about the Nikon Z fc. Retro in style, bringing back fond memories from decades past of the brand's classic products. It is a stunning camera that seamlessly blends old and new thanks to its vintage design but modern functionality. The camera body also feels solid and of excellent quality.
The mirrorless camera system is lightweight but powerful and reliably delivers top-notch results in a multitude of settings. This is one of the most remarkable and enjoyable entry-level cameras. The only thing we'd like to see on this camera would be the benefit of weatherproofing and more lens choices.
Performance. When we reviewed the Nikon Z Fc, we were impressed at this camera's capabilities. When you hit the power button, the camera is ready to shoot in less than a second, which is perfect for situations where you need to act fast to capture a fleeting moment.
Functionality. We liked the touchscreen's responsiveness and were surprised at how quiet the focusing and shutter sound was. Again, perfect for discreet/candid photos. The ISO performance was much better than we had expected, too, for an entry-level model. The Nikon Z Fc perfectly balances functionality and a charming retro appearance.
Read more: Nikon Z fc review
The best for content creators
✅ You're often on the go: this camera is light and compact.
✅ You want a camera that connects to your phone: this one has good connectivity options.
✅ You want automatic features: the autofocus is quick on this camera.
❌ You go on long shoots: the battery life isn't great on this camera.
❌ You're a complete beginner: the menu isn't the most intuitive.
❌ You want an articulated screen: this one is tilt-only rather than fully-articulated.
🔎 For taking everyday snaps, travel photography or even landscape photos, the Fujifilm X-T30 II will see you right for years to come at an affordable price.
Design. We love the Fujifilm X-T30 II's stylish retro design similar to the X-200 (that used to sit on this list) but with improved capabilities to create even more beautiful, color-rich shots. Not to mention it's also an excellent choice for creative filmmakers. It offers good value for money and is feature-packed. This camera is ideal for on-the-go shooting, travel photography and shooting landscapes.
One drawback of this camera is that the screen tilts rather than being fully articulated. Suppose you frequently use a gimbal or want to do photography that involves shooting low to the ground — the comparable Canon Rebel SL3/250D with its articulating screen might be a better option.
Performance. We were impressed with the overall speed of the camera's operation — it's ready to take pictures in less than a second after starting the camera up, and the focus operates exceptionally quietly.
We did experience a little 'focus hunting' when we presented the camera with a mixture of shadow and light. When it comes to ISO, it performed slightly better than expected, with values up to ISO 1600 producing no real noticeable noise.
Functionality. It couldn't be easier if you're ready to transfer your images onto your smartphone or tablet. The Fujifilm Camera Remote App lets you do this with just two clicks.
It includes a whopping 18 built-in user interface aids and film simulations; each explained in-camera to assist filmmakers in selecting the best option depending on their desired outcome. Like many beginner cameras, you can quickly minimize your workflow with in-camera editing. You can add grain, clarity, color depth, adjust white balance, and more before the images leave your camera!
Read more: Fujifilm X-T30 II review
The best for travel
✅ You're a content creator: there are plenty of options including live-streaming.
✅ You want quality autofocus: it's been updated on the M50 Mark II.
✅ You take portraits: there's excellent face tracking on this camera.
❌ You want to listen to sound as you record: there is no headphone socket.
❌ You want to shoot 4K: the sensor crops 4K video considerably.
❌ You've got large hands: the buttons on this camera are very close together.
🔎 The Canon EOS M50 Mark II is a great option if you're a content creator looking for a reliable and stylish travel-friendly camera that takes nice detailed photos.
Design. The M50 Mark II has received several worthwhile upgrades, many of which are subtle, but the improvements to autofocus and auto-shooting modes stand out the most.
Although there's a microphone input, the camera doesn't have a headphone socket — we thought this was a strange omission — and the sensor crops 4K video quite considerably. This and the quick battery drain while in video mode means that vloggers or filmmakers may want to look elsewhere (unless they will be plugged into power when filming). That said, this could be your model if you're a skilled shooter looking for a quick, small, and user-friendly video camera.
Performance. The images this camera produces are rich in color and show huge amounts of detail. Because there is no in-body image stabilization, you'd probably want a gimbal or a tripod if you want to use slow shutter speeds.
Functionality. In our Canon EOS M50 Mark II review, we were impressed with the face-tracking and detection capabilities of the camera, which made taking photos or videos of people completely effortless, even while they were moving around the frame.
This camera does has live streaming, which enables you to stream directly to YouTube while using Wi-Fi, and a vertical video mode, which could be a significant time-saving asset for those who like to vlog and create social media content.
Read more: Canon EOS M50 Mark II review
The best mid-range model
✅ You want a touchscreen: this camera has an excellent tilting screen.
✅ You use autofocus: this camera has a quick autofocus function.
✅ You want all the bells and whistles: this has a good live view and touch shutter release.
❌ You want to shoot video: this camera doesn't have 4K video.
❌ You're on a budget: this camera is on the expensive side.
❌ You want an intuitive camera: this one has a fiddly interface at times.
🔎 The Nikon D5600 has great image quality and is slightly more affordable than some of the newer SLR or mirrorless cameras.
Design. The Nikon D5600 deserves recognition for keeping up with more recent models in terms of excellent image quality and fast processing, even though it's over seven years old.
Although Nikon discontinued it in 2022 and now promotes it as an 'old product,' it's still a fantastic camera; Nikon is just focusing on newer models. As it's been discontinued, you can pick up a new body for a very reasonable price.
It also has a functional tilting touchscreen that works well regardless of the angle you set for it, which is extremely helpful for improving flexibility and comfort when shooting at lower angles. Like some newer models, you can touch the LCD screen to take a photo (in addition to using the shutter button).
Performance. In our review, we were particularly pleased with the camera's ability to capture stunning photographs right away, and, despite its age, it is still reasonably small, light, and portable. With a 39-point focusing system and a live-view mode, this mid-range model not only takes excellent pictures but is a pleasure to use.
Read more: Nikon D5600 review
The best for versatility
✅ You want a portable camera: at under 1 lb, this camera is one of the lightest on this list.
✅ You want a good touchscreen: this camera has a vari-angle screen.
✅ You shoot video content: this one has a great live mode.
❌ You want a mirrorless camera: there are more portable models in that category.
❌ You want intuitive controls: the controls on this camera can get fiddly.
❌ You want to add different lenses: the APS-C crop sensor means you have limited choice.
🔎 The Canon EOS Rebel SL3 is an easy-to-use beginner camera that doesn't disappoint when it comes to image quality.
Design. The Canon EOS Rebel SL3 (known as the Canon 250D in the UK), has a sensor and image system largely similar to Canon's EOS M series of mirrorless cameras. It also has an optical viewfinder, which many users prefer over seeing their image on an electronic viewfinder — essentially a small screen in the same housing.
Ergonomically, the camera is simple to operate. It feels solid and 'chunky,' yet smooth and comfortable in the hand. In our Canon EOS Rebel SL3/250D review, We thought it was a fantastic choice for budding photographers and videographers looking for something small and lightweight — take it wherever you go without sacrificing space for other things.
Performance. More advanced photographers will appreciate that this is a fairly basic setup intended for those just starting out and possibly without much understanding of settings. Still, it does have 4K video and a fantastic live mode. Aspiring travel photographers, in particular, will adore this lightweight, small camera. The Rebel SL3 is flexible and versatile, and we highly recommend it as a fantastic choice of first camera.
Functionality. The SL3 has Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity for simple image transfer to a smartphone or tablet. With this model, like a couple of other beginner cameras on this list, you can even manipulate photographs in the camera itself. It also offers a handy tutorial mode to help beginners get the perfect shot. To publish your edited images quickly, you can also add various filters and effects like sepia and fish-eye to eliminate the need for further post-processing.
Read more: Canon EOS Rebel SL3 / 250D review
The best Micro Four Thirds camera
✅ You want a camera with autofocus: this one has good AF.
✅ You want a stylish camera: the Olympus has a classic attractive design.
✅ You want to take it on the go: this one is small and compact.
❌ You want to film content: this camera doesn't have a built-in microphone.
❌ You have an articulated screen: this one has a flip-down screen.
❌ You want a premium-feel camera: the plastic body reduces the weight but doesn't feel expensive.
🔎 The Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV is a small, lightweight camera that offers a great balance between usability, quality and a beginner-friendly interface.
Design. This entry-level camera from Olympus is designed for beginners who would prefer a mirrorless over a DSLR camera. As we discovered in our Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV review, this stylish little camera balances quality and usability with a beginner-friendly user interface.
Performance. In both RAW and JPEG modes, the 20-megapixel sensor produces clear, balanced photos, and it offers 21 'scene modes' that tweak the settings to deliver the best shots in given environments — reducing the need for post-shoot processing. WiFi and Bluetooth are available for easy file sharing, and the camera offers good image stabilization capabilities.
Functionality. Although an articulating touch screen on the back would have made it easier to point the camera upwards for astrophotography or when utilizing gimbals for shooting, we love its classic design.
The OM-D-E-M10 Mark IV is an affordable camera with impressive features, it is easy to use and offers superb performance. This model is a great option if you're still taking pictures with your smartphone but would prefer a camera to advance your photography skills.
Read more: Olympus OM-D E-M10 review
The best for autofocus and tracking
✅ You use autofocus a lot: this camera has the world's fastest autofocus.
✅ You need a good sensor: the A6600 has a sharp one.
✅ You shoot at night: this one performs well in low-light environments.
❌ You're on a budget: this camera is on the pricier side.
❌ You shoot in hot environments: Sony cameras have been known to overheat in direct sunlight.
🔎 The Sony A6600 has great image quality both in stills and video, but you can get the same specs at a more competitive price.
Design. The Sony A6600 is the latest in Sony's Alpha range of crop sensor cameras. Although it is more expensive than average for a beginner's camera, we believe it is well worth the cost, given the sheer number of features and the results it can produce. Beginner photographers with a bigger budget looking for a camera that can do everything will find the Sony A6600 an excellent choice.
It is marginally heavier (though not substantially) than some of the other APS-C cameras in the lineup. However, it's still far smaller and lighter than the full-frame Alpha range, making it a fantastic travel camera. This camera would be an excellent option if you want something in a smaller package that's as good as a full-frame setup with just as many megapixels.
Performance. This camera features Sony's famous fast hybrid AF with real-time tracking for human and animal eyes, which we tested in our Sony A6600 review. It offers breathtaking image quality and boasts 5-axis image stabilization, which is rare for crop sensor cameras.
Functionality. Because of its larger battery and serious 4K HDR (HLG)2 movie shooting, it is excellent for photography and videography. Not to mention it has a flip-up screen, making it suitable for vlogging, too. Although, for the price, we'd have loved the screen to be fully articulating.
Read more: Sony A6600 review
The best for simplicity
✅ You're on a budget: this camera offers excellent value for money.
✅ You're a beginner photographer: this camera has a guide mode.
❌ You want a connected camera: this one has no Bluetooth connection.
❌ You're a more advanced user: this camera is definitely for beginners.
❌ You want to shoot live: Live View performance is quite poor.
🔎 The Nikon D3500 is a great camera for beginners to start to learn the craft and understand the basics of photography.
Design. It is aimed at the beginner photographer who wants to gravitate towards more advanced equipment without losing the pick-up-and-go attitude of many compact cameras or smartphone systems. It's one of the lightest DSLR cameras we've set our hands on in recent times.
Performance. Taking images, twinned with a standard 18-55mm kit lens, is a fairy straightforward affair and we think the camera does a good job of living up to its entry-level and beginner status, without having anything of great note to write home about.
We also found that it focus hunted a bit in lower light conditions, which we'd expect to see in budget-friendly crop sensor DSLR cameras, but again we think there's a question mark here as to whether phones and mirrorless cameras do low-light better these days.
Functionality. It does lack some of the features you'll find higher up in the range and the camera has limited scope for growth and development, but for users that will practice photography as a part-time hobby, this is suitable thanks to its Guide Mode. So if you know you'll want to advance your photography skill and experiment with creativity further down the line, you may want to look at an alternative model.
We were disappointed by no 4K video, no headphone unit, and no WiFi for connectivity, and we'd have liked to have seen a more honed autofocus system, but to be honest, to worry too much about these issues is to miss the point with the D3500. To get someone excited, intrigued, and curious about photography, it does a great job, and that's all it is set up to do.
We think that this camera offers outstanding value for the money and is among the most capable entry-level beginner cameras available on the market. Despite its drawbacks, a good included kit lens, quick operation, and a compact design are always worthwhile purchases for aspiring photographers.
Read more: Nikon D3500 review
The best for portability
✅ You want a camera with a good screen: this one has a very responsive LCD touchscreen.
✅ You need help navigating your camera: the M200 has useful guided menus.
❌ You shoot video content: this camera has no microphone input.
❌ You want to shoot 4K video: this one crops 4K video.
🔎The Canon EOS M200 is ideal for smartphone users who want to advance their photography skills, but the image quality could be more exciting.
Design. Although it won't be winning any awards any time soon, the Canon EOS M200 still does a fine job if you're looking for a small, light camera that won't break the bank but still delivers good results. It's primarily designed for smartphone users who are looking to take their photography skills to the next level.
Performance. Although at the budget end of Canon’s mirrorless range, colors in the EOS M200’s RAW files are still rich, with a characteristic warm tone. The camera also does a decent job of capturing detail, albeit with some noticeable fall-off towards the edges of the frame.
Functionality. In our Canon EOS M200 review, we noted that the RAW files are rich with a characteristic warm tone, and the camera also does a decent job of capturing detail, although not amazing.
This camera would be better suited for someone wanting to get into more general point-and-shoot photography rather than any specific genre like sports or astrophotography because its ISO handling in low light isn't particularly impressive. That said, it does have great autofocus and face-detection capabilities.
Read more: Canon EOS M200 review
A good option for content creators
✅ You want to take your camera on the go: this one comes in a small package suitable for travel.
✅ You want to edit on the go: RAW images are editable in-camera.
✅ You want a choice of lenses: this lens is compatible with a large amount.
❌ You want to shoot long-format video: this camera has a 10-minute limit in 4K.
❌ You want good autofocus: it's not always reliable on this camera.
🔎 The Panasonic Lumix G100 is a lightweight camera that's great for vloggers and content creation.
Design. The Lumix series of cameras from Panasonic are all micro four-thirds setups, which means that they have a special sensor size that is smaller than an APS-C crop sensor and as a direct result, allows for the body to be as portable as possible.
The mirrorless G100 is a compact, light (412g) camera that's a great option for content creators. It has a big grip for secure and comfortable use when traveling, an extended display that makes it simple to compose your video while monitoring what is being filmed, and a built-in microphone. It feels solid and well-built in the hand despite its small size.
Functionality. It's clear that this camera is marketed for vloggers. Content creation is made considerably easier by its directional tracked audio, face detection, selfie shooting mode, and hybrid 5-stop image stabilization, albeit 4K films are only supported for a maximum of 10 minutes at a time, which may be a deal-breaker for people who want to shoot longer material.
Like many beginner cameras, in-camera editing and filters minimize workflow and allow you to share your content in next to no time.
Best beginner cameras FAQs
Which is the best beginner camera?
We've chosen the Nikon Z fc as our overall best beginner camera because it comes in at a reasonable price for beginners, is stylish to look at as well as responsive to operate. Also in our number two spot the Fujifilm X-T30 II might be more your flavor if you're a content creator and need a vast amount of in-body customization and a fast, simple file transfer option.
However, choosing the best camera for beginners is essential when learning about the art form and wanting to develop your unique style. Get it wrong, and you could become frustrated and quickly lose interest. Before choosing a camera or even starting the search for one, it's a good idea to think about the type of photography you want to concentrate on in the long run.
Some setups without image stabilization and 4K video are better suited for stills photography provided you pair it with one of the best tripods. Other models are more appropriate for vlogging and content creation, or more professional work. These tend to include features such as 4K video, face detection, fast autofocus and articulating screens for getting the all-important angles you want. These features make shooting on the go much easier and minimize editing time.
What is the best beginner camera for videography?
Whether you're just starting out posting videos online and need a beginner camera for YouTube or TikTok or you just want to delve into the world of video as much as (or more than) stills photography there are some key models to look at.
We'd recommend the Sony A6600 if you need great autofocus and tracking whilst retaining compactness and portability. Or if you want to save some money, aren't fussed if it's a mirrorless or DSLR and can still shoot 4K video take a look at the Canon EOS Rebel SL3 / 250D.
What is the best beginner camera for landscapes?
If it's pure image detail you want, then opt for the Fujifilm X-T30 II as it has the highest stills image resolution on this list (26MP). But if high resolution isn't the first port of call the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV Micro-Four-Thirds camera is a strong contender because of its compact and portable body.
There's no one-size-fits-all when it comes to beginner cameras and while some models are great at landscape photography, they'll also be equally adept in other fields such as portraiture, astrophotography, wildlife and more.
How much does a beginner camera cost?
In the region of $600 to $1300 is a reasonable price to pay for a beginner camera. Digital cameras for beginners often sit at a low price point because new photographers may not know if they're going to commit to photography full-time, or just want a slight upgrade in image quality from their smartphone or tablet.
Of course, there are a range of beginner cameras with increasingly more complex features and tools but those who want to progress should keep an eye out for cameras that offer the ability to shoot in RAW file format (which collects more editable data) and have a full manual mode to control aperture, shutter speed and ISO sensitivity independently.
How we tested the best beginner cameras
To guarantee you're getting honest, up-to-date recommendations on the best cameras to buy here at Space.com we make sure to put every camera through a rigorous review to fully test each product. Each camera is reviewed based on a multitude of aspects, from its construction and design, to how well it functions as an optical instrument and its performance in the field.
- The best time to buy a camera: shop smart and save
- Should you buy a DSLR camera?
- Best mirrorless cameras
- Best cameras for low-light photography
- Best cameras for astrophotography
- 5 ways to save money when buying astrophotography equipment
Each camera is carefully tested by either our expert staff or knowledgeable freelance contributors who know their subject areas in depth. This ensures fair reviewing is backed by personal, hands-on experience with each camera and is judged based on its price point, class and destined use. For example, comparing a 60MP full-frame mirrorless camera to a sleek little crop-sensor DSLR wouldn’t be appropriate, though each camera might be the best-performing product in its own class.
We examine how easy each camera is to operate, whether it contains the latest up-to-date imaging technology, whether the cameras can shoot high-quality stills photos and high-resolution video and also make suggestions if a particular camera would benefit from any additional kit to give you the best viewing experience possible.
With complete editorial independence, Space.com are here to ensure you get the best buying advice on cameras, whether you should purchase an instrument or not, making our buying guides and reviews reliable and transparent.
