Best Camera for Beginners | 2024

Crafting the best camera for beginners is quite the balancing act. It needs to be easy to use, but not so oversimplified that the user will quickly outgrow it. It should offer great image quality and a robust set of features that allow the user to turn their hand to multiple different subjects and shooting scenarios. Plus, it shouldn’t cost too much – even factoring in the potential cost of lenses.

The first thing to do before you start picking specific models is to figure out which type of camera you want. We’ve split this guide up by camera type to make it a little easier to navigate – here are the main categories we’re going to be dealing with.

Mirrorless cameras - Interchangeable-lens cameras that boast the latest technology, mirrorless cameras are generally smaller and lighter than DSLRs – owing to the fact that they don’t have the mirror mechanism required to field an optical viewfinder. 

DSLRs - Once the kings of the camera world, there are still plenty of photographers who prefer DSLRs, and if you join any photography college course you’ll see more than a few people wielding them. They’re generally bigger than mirrorless cameras, but many appreciate them for their rugged bodies, optical viewfinders and generous battery life.

Bridge cameras - While they may look like DSLRs, bridge cameras have fixed-on lenses that can’t be changed. While this makes them less versatile, it does make for a simpler proposition for the photographer who isn’t interested in spending more money on lenses. And the fact that the lens tends to be a big old superzoom certainly helps.

Budget cameras - This isn’t its own category per se, but we’re mindful that not everyone has a lot of spare cash to spend on their hobbies nowadays. So we’ve picked out a few extra-cheap cameras that we feel still deliver excellent value for money.

There’s more to say about each category, but we’ll explain it as we go. So, let’s dive in and count off the best cameras for beginners…

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Best Mirrorless Camera for Beginners

The best mirrorless cameras right now are high-end professional models, with super-fast burst rates, sky-high megapixel counts and more. However, that doesn’t mean that beginners have been forgotten about, and there are plenty of budget-friendly mirrorless options for the novice photographer or videographer who wants to get in at the ground floor.

Choosing a mirrorless system to start with will provide you with a clear upgrade path of lenses and cameras, allowing you to grow into your gear as you gain confidence as a shooter. Choosing your system may feel like a daunting task, with brand names flying past you every which way (Canon or Sony?! Fujifilm or Panasonic?!) but the truth is you have no bad options here. Every mirrorless system on the market right now has plenty to offer any photographer or videographer, all you need to do is compare their features and figure out which one suits you best. We’ve picked out four exceptional beginner cameras from four of the best mirrorless systems in the business.

Pros:

• Excellent value for money
• Helpful beginner-friendly guide features
• Powerful hybrid autofocus

Cons:

• No touchscreen
• 4K video is cropped
  
  

New beginner cameras don’t come along as frequently as they used to, which is why we were so delighted when Canon took the wraps off the EOS R100. It’s the most affordable entry-point to the EOS R system, which also includes the firm’s flagship professional cameras, and it borrows a fair few features from its high-end cousins. One of the best is its Dual Pixel Autofocus system, which is consistently fast and effective.

As the heir apparent to Canon’s famous beginner DSLRs like the EOS 250D (more on which shortly), the EOS R100 offers loads of helpful guide modes that explain the various settings and how to use them. While it takes great pictures in Auto mode, the EOS R100 really shows its strength once you start taking control of your images – that’s the point where you start to appreciate how much more quality you’ve got here compared to a smartphone. One thing you’ll have to get used to though is the lack of a touchscreen.

Pros:

• Beautiful out-of-camera JPEGs
• Film Simulation modes
• Retro styling with physical control dials

Cons:

• Some awkwardly placed buttons
• No in-body stabilisation
  
  

Fujifilm X cameras like the X-T30 II are beautiful pieces of kit to learn the ropes on for a number of reasons. One is their abundance of physical controls – if you take a look at the top plate of the X-T30 II, you’ll see dials for shutter speed and exposure compensation. This is a much more tactile way to get the hang of your settings than rooting through digital menus.

Fujifilm cameras are also fantastic for those who don’t want to spend a lot of time editing images in software. Fuji offers some of the best colour science in the business, with fantastic-looking JPEGs straight out of camera. The X-T30 II also offers a number of Film Simulation modes, which allow you to emulate the looks of classic film stocks like Velvia and Provia.

One commonly reported bugbear with the X-T30 II is the placement of the Q (Quick Menu) button on the handgrip – if you’re holding the camera right-handed, it’s very easy to accidentally hit it. 

Pros:

• Highly capable autofocus for sports/action
• Lots of E-mount lenses available
• 180-degree flip-around screen

Cons:

• Low-res viewfinder
• Charging port is micro USB not USB-C
  
  

Sony’s A6000 cameras have a well-deserved reputation for being great little sports and action shooters – so if you think this is the kind of photography you might want to try, the Sony A6100 is an excellent choice. Its Fast Hybrid AF system with Real-Time Tracking can lock onto moving subjects and stubbornly keep hold of them, while the 11fps burst mode ensures you won’t miss a moment. It’s also got Sony’s popular Eye AF, which does exactly what it sounds like it does – locks onto subjects’ eyes for pin-sharp portraits. 

Sony’s E-mount has been around for a while, meaning you’ll have lots of lenses to choose from in addition to the 16-50mm Power Zoom the camera comes bundled with. With a flip-around screen, the A6100 is also great for family selfies and vlogging. Its 4K video consistently impresses, and it’s good to see that the excellent autofocus is also available when shooting video.

Pros:

• Built-in 5-axis stabilisation
• In-camera USB charging
• Micro Four Thirds offers loads of travel-friendly lenses

Cons:

• Micro USB not USB-C
  
  

One of the most enduringly popular beginner cameras ever made, the clever little Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV is an ideal way to hop on board the Micro Four Thirds system. Unlike many other beginner cameras, the E-M10 Mark IV sports built-in 5-axis image stabilisation – this helps compensate for unwanted movements when hand-holding the camera, enabling sharper shots at slower shutter speeds, in turn meaning you get better results in low light.

The Micro Four Thirds lens ecosystem is big, with loads of fantastic, lightweight lenses that make the E-M10 Mark IV one of the best beginner cameras for travel. It can shoot completely silently for those times you want to be discreet, its LCD monitor can flip down to face forward for selfies or vlogging, and it can also be powered up directly using its USB interface – just be aware it’s the older micro USB standard, not USB-C.

Best DSLR Camera for Beginners

Ah, the good old DSLR. For many photographers, you still can’t beat it, and if you elect to start your photographic journey here, you’ll be in good company. While mirrorless cameras are very much the format of the moment, with all the latest tech developments and newest lenses, there is still a robust market out there of people who prefer DSLRs. 

The key difference between DSLRs and mirrorless cameras is, well, a mirror. A reflex mirror mechanism to be specific, which receives the image through the lens and bounces it up to an optical viewfinder, giving the user a real-time preview of what they’re about to shoot. Mirrorless cameras use electronic viewfinders instead, and while these are much, much better than they used to be, some photographers just prefer optical. DSLRs are often larger, too, with chunkier hand grips for a secure hold. While we aren’t likely to see many new DSLRs coming out in the future, there are still fantastic options for beginners who prefer the format.

Pros:

• Beginner-friendly guide modes
• Small and light for a DSLR
• Reliably great image quality

Cons:

• Viewfinder AF only has 9 points (Live View autofocus with LCD is much better)
• No weatherproofing
  
  

This is probably the best beginner DSLR ever made, and very possibly the best beginner DSLR that ever will be made. Canon correctly assessed that all beginners really need is a camera that’s easy to use, that’s well priced and that delivers excellent images, and the EOS 250D is laser-calibrated to do just that. It uses a standard 24.1MP APS-C sensor, and pairs it with Canon’s DIGIC 8 processor to deliver better performance at high ISOs (meaning it does better in low light). While it produces good results in Auto, it comes into its own with its various guide modes that help new users get used to the settings. 

Somewhat unusual for a DSLR, the EOS 250D is arguably better to use with its LCD screen than its viewfinder. This is because shooting in Live View mode (i.e. composing with the LCD screen) allows for the use of Canon’s Dual Pixel sensor technology powered by on-sensor phase-detection. This system is much more comprehensive and sophisticated than the dated 9-point system that kicks in when you’re shooting with the viewfinder.

Pros:

• Rugged, cold-proof build
• In-body stabilisation

Cons:

• Lens selection not as good as Canon/Nikon
• Dated video spec
  
  

A new DSLR, in the 2020s? Yes, while other firms move away from the DSLR and plant their flags in the mirrorless camp, Pentax is sticking with what it knows and producing solid, rugged, back-to-basics DSLRs. The Pentax KF is a fairly minor refresh of the K-70, and its weatherproof build makes it an excellent choice if you plan to take your photography out into the rain, wind and snow. It also benefits from Pentax’s SR (Shake Reduction) stabilisation system.

The selection of Pentax K-mount lenses to go with the camera features many similarly weatherproofed optics. It’s not quite as comprehensive or advanced as the ranges for Canon or Nikon DSLRs, but there is still plenty of choice there. It’s also worth noting that this isn’t the best choice if you want to shoot lots of video as well as stills. It captures Full HD, but you can get more for your money elsewhere.

Best Bridge Camera for Beginners

Bridge cameras are enduringly popular among beginner photographers in a range of disciplines because they’re designed to be an all-in-one package. Though most bridge cameras look like DSLRs at first glance, the key difference is that the lens on the front is fixed and cannot be swapped out for another. The key thing though, and one of the key criteria for bridge cameras, is the fact that the lens normally offers a very big zoom range. Optical zooms of 24x or more are common, and in the case of some cameras we see incredible 125x optical zoom lenses.

Bridge cameras come with trade-offs, naturally. They have smaller sensors than interchangeable-lens cameras, which affect overall image quality and means they won’t cope as well in low light. Control is often also more restricted, and you have no way to use an aperture that’s wider than the one on the box – in all respects, when it comes to bridge cameras, what you see is what you get. However, given that bridge cameras are easy to use, affordable, and provide the kind of telephoto reach that would cost a bundle on an interchangeable-lens system, there’s still a lot to tempt the beginner photographer.

Pros:

• Very affordable price tag
• 4K recording and 4K Photo modes
• Constant f2.8 aperture

Cons:

• Low 12.1MP megapixel count limits printing options
• Smaller 1/2.3-inch sensor
  
  

This budget-friendly bridge camera from Panasonic packs in a lot of features considering its price, and if you want to photograph wildlife or birds, it’s well worth a look. Let’s look at the lens first – the 25-600mm equivalent zoom lens gives you plenty of range, but what’s really welcome is the constant f/2.8 aperture, meaning you don’t have to sacrifice the tele end when the light gets low. 

Like all contemporary Lumix cameras, the FZ330 shoots 4K video, and it also benefits from Panasonic’s clever 4K Photo modes that allow you to extract high-quality 8MP stills from 4K footage. This also isn’t just a camera for shooting at distance – get up close to your subjects and you can take advantage of the 1cm Macro Mode.

The drawback is the 12.1MP resolution, which is low even by bridge camera standards. For sharing images online and small prints it’ll do the job, but you won’t have much room for cropping in, or making big prints of particular favourite shots.

Pros:

• Built-in 5-axis stabilisation
• Leica-made 25-400mm equivalent lens
• 20.1MP 1-inch sensor

Cons:

• No weatherproofing
• Shorter zoom than other bridge cameras
  
  

The Lumix FZ1000 II may have a shorter equivalent zoom lens than the FZ330, but it makes up for this in a lot of other ways. The sensor is a larger 1-inch type, and boasts a significantly bumped megapixel count up to 20.1MP. If you’re planning to make prints of your images, this will be a big help – and being able to crop in more forgivingly takes some of the sting out of losing that telephoto reach.

Equipped with 4K video and photo modes, the FZ1000 II makes a reasonable stab at being a vlogging camera as well as one for stills. Its built-in 5-axis Hybrid Optical Stabilisation is handy in both stills and video modes, especially when working at the outer end of the zoom. Bear in mind that, unlike the FZ330, the FZ1000 II has a variable aperture, so you’ll be working at a maximum of f4 when fully zoomed in.

Best Budget Camera for Beginners

The advent of the smartphone has meant there are fewer cheap cameras around these days. Given that we all have a camera in our pocket, the need for ultra-cheap point-and-shoots has diminished. However, there are still plenty of excellent beginner cameras out there that can be picked up for a bargain price, and it’s these we’re focusing on in the last section of our guide.

When shopping for cheap cameras, a good trick is to look for older models. Rather than focusing on the latest tech and features, go back a couple of generations and you can generally find significant discounts on cameras – and chances are good that, as a beginner, you don’t really need the latest tech anyway. While the cameras we’ve recommended here can be bought new, we’d also encourage any novice photographer to check out our ever-changing selection of used camera gear, as this can be an excellent way to snag yourself a deal.

Pros:

• Camera and lens for less than £500
• Vari-angle touchscreen
• Mic socket for vlogging

Cons:

• Relatively low resolution
• No built-in stabilisation
  
  

The Lumix G7 was considered a mid-range camera on release, but these days its price and spec make it more than well-suited to beginner photographers. And vloggers for that matter – it’s got great video cred, with the ability to capture fantastic-looking 4K footage, and even finds room for a mic socket, meaning you can plug in one of the best microphones and drastically improve the quality of your audio. In a similar vein, we also like the fact that it’s got a vari-angle touchscreen, making it much easier to shoot video from all sorts of different angles. 

The 16MP resolution is on the low side, especially now, but it’s still serviceable and more than enough to get started. It’s a relatively light camera, too, weighing in at just 410g, and with a huge range of lightweight Micro Four Thirds lenses at your fingertips, you should have an easy time crafting a travel-friendly setup around the Lumix G7. 

Pros:

• One of the most affordable APS-C cameras out there
• In-camera guide modes
• 24MP sensor

Cons:

• Only 3fps burst
• Video tops out at Full HD
  
  

The cheapest DSLR that Canon still has on the books, the EOS 2000D is also one of the most cost-effective ways to get a new body with an APS-C sensor. While the controls and features may be fairly basic, this DSLR still produces great-looking 24.2MP images, and at this price that’s nothing to be sniffed at. You can pick it up alongside that stalwart of cheap EF lenses, the nifty-fifty EF 50mm f1.8, and still have change from £470. That’s tough to beat!

Video users will be better off with the Lumix G7 above – the EOS 2000D can’t shoot 4K, and its autofocus in Live View isn’t the best. Action shooters should also be aware that the maximum burst rate is just 3fps. Still, with Scene Intelligent Auto modes to help you optimise settings for each different situation, the EOS 2000D is an excellent place to start your photographic journey.

FAQs

What is the difference between a DSLR and a mirrorless camera?

DSLR (Digital Single-Lens Reflex) and mirrorless cameras both offer interchangeable lenses but differ in their design. DSLRs use a mirror to reflect light into an optical viewfinder, while mirrorless cameras have no mirror, relying on an electronic viewfinder or the rear LCD. Mirrorless cameras are typically more compact and have faster autofocus, while DSLRs often have better battery life and a broader lens selection.

What are megapixels, and do they matter?

Megapixels refer to the resolution of a camera sensor, indicating how many million pixels it can capture. While higher megapixel counts can provide more detail, for most beginners, anything above 12-16 megapixels is sufficient for everyday photography. Other factors like sensor size and lens quality play a significant role in overall image quality.

What is image stabilisation, and why is it important?

Image stabilisation compensates for camera shake, resulting in sharper images and smoother videos. It's crucial, especially in low-light situations or when using telephoto lenses. There are two main types: optical stabilisation within the lens and sensor-shift stabilisation built into the camera body.

What does "ISO" mean and how does it affect my photos?

ISO measures the sensitivity of the camera sensor to light. Higher ISO values (e.g., ISO 1600) allow for better performance in low-light conditions but can introduce digital noise, affecting image quality. Beginners should aim for lower ISO values (e.g., ISO 100-400) in well-lit environments to minimise noise.

Which lens should I choose for different types of photography?

The best lens for photography depends on the subject and your shooting style. For beginners, a versatile "kit lens" with a moderate zoom range is an excellent starting point. For portraits, a prime lens with a wide aperture (e.g. f1.8) creates beautiful background blur. Landscape photographers often prefer wide-angle lenses, while telephoto lenses are ideal for wildlife and sports photography.

What are the essential camera settings for beginners?

Beginners should focus on mastering the exposure triangle: aperture, shutter speed, and ISO. Aperture controls depth of field, shutter speed affects motion blur, and ISO adjusts sensitivity to light. Shoot in auto or semi-auto modes initially, gradually transitioning to manual mode as you gain confidence and skill.

What accessories are essential for photographers?

Apart from the camera and lens, essential accessories include a sturdy tripod for stability, extra memory cards and batteries, a camera bag for protection, and lens filters (e.g., UV or polariser) to enhance image quality and protect the lens.

How can I transfer photos from my camera to a computer or smartphone?

There are several ways to transfer photos: using a USB cable to connect the camera to your computer, removing the memory card and using a card reader, or using wireless transfer options such as Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, which many modern cameras offer. Some camera manufacturers also provide dedicated apps for seamless smartphone connectivity.