Top 7 Best Camera for Beginners: DSLR, Mirrorless or Compact 2021 Reviews

Top 7 Best Camera for Beginners: DSLR, Mirrorless or Compact 2021 Reviews

If you are approaching photography and are trying to figure out which is the best camera for beginners, you will probably feel lost in the offers by the market. Should I buy a reflex or mirrorless? Nikon or Canon? What is the right budget? Entry-level or something more advanced?

In this article, we try to help you choose the best reflex and mirrorless cameras for beginners.

Top 7 Best Camera for Beginners 2021 Reviews

#1 Best Camera for Beginners Overall: Canon EOS 2000D Digital SLR Camera

Check Price On Amazon

Canon EOS 2000D is the smallest adjustable reflex display on the market that is more manageable than its competitors. It is sold together with the Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/4-5.6 IS STM lens. It is a versatile combination that allows you to photograph and film.

Compared to the previous Canon EOS 1000D, this version comes with an adjustable display that allows greater versatility when shooting in awkward positions. With Wi-Fi and NFC, it can connect to any device without cables. The 24.2-megapixel sensor allows you to shoot images rich in details and colors. The latest generation DIGIC 7 processor also allows you to capture images even in low light conditions.

Pros

  • Manageable functions
  • High versatility
  • Simple to use
  • High compatibility

Cons

  • Expensive

Overall, the Canon EOS 2000D is one of the best entry-level SLRs around.

#2 Best Beginner Camera for YouTube: Nikon D3500 Camera

Check Price On Amazon

If you think that using an SLR is too complicated, do not worry. The Nikon D3500 has a guide mode that offers step-by-step access to several useful and frequently used functions. It provides a simple and advanced shooting mode for your YouTube videos.

The camera controls are simple and intuitive. But compared to the Canon EOS 200D, it offers less room for improvement once you have mastered the basic techniques. The performance is excellent overall. However, the Autofocus for Live View is not powerful.

Pros

  • Step-by-step guide
  • Advanced shooting mode
  • Simple camera controls

Cons

  • Live View function is fair

Nikon D3500 is one of the best beginner cameras from the historic manufacturer. It is a perfect model for all people who want to approach the world of YouTube.

#3 Best Beginner Camera for Landscape Photography: Canon EOS 2000D Camera

Check Price On Amazon

Heir to the historic 1300D, the recent Canon 2000D stands out for its ease of use. And for the improvements, it is more efficient than the previous version in terms of sensor quality (increased by 30%).

The competitive price, excellent image quality, manual controls coupled with automatic modes, and the wide choice of Canon lenses make it a sure-fire choice for anyone who is buying a DSLR for the first time. The image processor by now old, the poor resistance, and high ISO make it a less performing camera than the two previously proposed.

Pros

  • Simple to use
  • Innovative functions
  • Reasonable price
  • Manual controls

Cons

  • Poor resistance

Produced starting in 2019, it is a great camera, especially for those looking for a product with current technologies and decidedly portable. The unit is perfect for travel and holidays.

#4 Best Beginner Camera for Sports Photography: Canon EOS 4000D DSLR Camera

Check Price On Amazon

Nobody wants to buy a DSLR only to realize that photography is not for them. Canon limits this risk with a super competitively priced SLR. Ease of use and Wi-Fi are two other strengths of this entry-level reflex.

The 18 MP is low compared to the average these days. And the screen could not be a touch screen. Armed with an APS-C sensor with 24.1 megapixels can say in many contexts, thanks to the ISO sensitivity that comes to 25,600 and the image processor DIGIC 8.

Finally, this is not adaptable to your diopters, making it inconvenient if you do not have perfect eyesight.

Pros

  • Competitive price
  • Ease of use
  • High resolution
  • APS-C sensor with 24.1 megapixels

Cons

  • Low-quality viewfinder

Overall, this model is a basic camera that has a competitive price that is suitable for those who want to try their hand at photography with the utmost caution in terms of costs.

#5 Best Beginner Camera for Kids: Nikon D5600 DSLR Camera

Check Price On Amazon

Perhaps Nikon D5600 is not suitable for absolute beginners. It does not have the assisted shooting mode of the older version, Nikon D 3400. The camera offers a whole series of advanced features. They place it in a category that we could define as entry-level advanced for kids.

With the 3.2-inch variable angle touchscreen monitor, 39-point Autofocus, and Bluetooth 4 Low Energy connection always active, this model is an excellent choice for people on a higher budget and want a reflex that can accompany them even when the technical needs are superior.

Pros

  • Wide touchscreen
  • 39-point Autofocus
  • Bluetooth 4 Low Energy connection
  • Affordable price

Cons

  • Not suitable for absolute beginners

The autofocus is not as powerful as that of the Canon EOS 200D. But overall, the performance is excellent.

#6 Best Beginner Camera for Outdoor Photography: Pentax K-70 DSLR Camera

Check Price On Amazon

First, this model from Pentax has an internal stabilizer, instead of in the lens. It means that the images will be stabilized directly by the sensor regardless of the lens you use. The Pixel Shift Resolution function allows you to improve the resolution.

The tonal range allows you to create more vivid images with brighter colors. It is not light, ultimately. The camera has a sturdy structure resistant to dust and water that is a unique feature for reflex cameras in this category. As for all Pentax, autofocus is not the best, but overall the Pentax K70 has a price/performance ratio to be the best in this category.

Pros

  • Internal stabilizer
  • Pixel Shift Resolution
  • Vivid images
  • Resistant to dust and water

Cons

  • Autofocus is not the best

The Pentax K-70 is more expensive than the other options available to you but represents the most performing entry-level DSLR. 

#7 Best Beginner Camera for Car Photography: Panasonic LUMIX GX85 4K Digital Camera

Check Price On Amazon

The GX85 is suitable for both the beginner who wants to rely on automatic shooting and the advanced photographer who wants to have complete control over aperture and exposure times. It is also the only camera in this whole selection to have 4K video instead of Full HD like the others. With the 12-32 lens, it reduces the size of the kit to a minimum, making it the ideal travel companion both in everyday life and on vacation.

It integrates a 1/2.3-inch MOS sensor with 18.1 megapixels. The lens is a LUMIX DC VARIO 20-1200 mm with an excellent 60x zoom that will allow you to capture even the most distant details.

Pros

  • Automatic shooting
  • 4K video instead of Full HD
  • Minimal design
  • Excellent 60x zoom

Cons

  • Heavyweight

The best bridge camera for beginners is the Panasonic LUMIX GX85. It is a model that has a very competitive quality/price ratio.

Camera Options for New Photographers

DSLR

The SLR cameras, also called DSLR (Digital Single Lens Reflex) account for several decades. It is the reference point for both professional photographers and more experienced enthusiasts. This model is a record that creaks more because of the rapid advance of mirrorless.

Mirrorless

Mirrorless cameras are a type of relatively young camera, introduced to the market just a few years ago. This category of cameras is an important innovation. It conquers more space in the photography market. The chief strengths of mirrorless cameras largely coincide with those typical of reflex cameras.

Compact

The compact digital cameras have been for many years. It is my favorite camera from beginners, and even today. Despite the modern smartphone competition, this model remains a category of cameras that is on top of the game.

Features to Consider When Choosing a Camera for Beginners

Megapixels (MP)

Video megapixels are crucial and enter straight into the guide to the best cameras for beginners. Having the chance to immortalize your moments in video clips has now become a necessity. And the models in this guide will offer it to you.

The mirrorless, thanks to their small size, are among the most opted for making videos since they can be managed more easily in the hands. They also have some internal specifications higher than the reflex.

Sensor

The image quality that we will find in the various models is the same from model to model. Despite this similarity, there will be some important differences to consider during the purchase phase. It is better to give you the notions to understand everything.

During the reading, we will encounter three types of photographic sensors: APS-C, Micro 4/3, and 1 inch. The first and second are the most used for entry-level reflex or mirrorless cameras. The 1-inch sensors will deal with them with due calm in the paragraph dedicated to bridge cameras.

Lenses

When buying a camera with a sensor, consider the crop factor. It is the crop that occurs when a photographic lens is mounted. To give you a simple example, a Micro 4/3 camera has a crop factor equivalent to 2x. So, when you use a lens with a focal length of 25mm the visual yield, you will get will be that of 50mm, or 25 x 2.

This format is characterized by small cameras and lends itself well to photographic genres such as street photography or wildlife. Since the distance that separates you from the animals is usually great, the crop factor can play a fundamental role to make you approach further.

Design

The choice will depend on your photographic style and what you want to do with the best camera for beginners. If you love static photography, you can bypass this factor because you will place it on the best photo tripod and shoot with confidence.

If you are fond of adventure and constant perpetual movement, it is better to have a body that is well held in your hand and that gives you security. As for the construction, the models in this guide are all developed with light materials but not too resistant. So, pay attention to the situations that you will use your first camera, especially during use in adverse weather.

Connectivity

Another parameter to be taken into serious consideration is connectivity. All those internal functions of the best cameras for beginners will allow you to be connected and pass the shots quickly. We are in 2020 and we need to re-share the photographs taken to immortalize the moments and pass them on your smartphone or tablet. All the products selected in the list to come have advanced connectivity systems and will allow you to carry out certain procedures with considerable ease.

FAQs

Is Canon or Nikon better for beginners?

The world has changed since then. Sony has become a vital competitor, and there is no shortage of brands that have a significant market share. However, the two Japanese giants are still among the most popular names in the world of photography.

It is especially true with DSLRs, as most other brands seem to have focused more on the mirrorless industry in recent years. Canon and Nikon also have mirrorless in their respective ranges, but given the powerful legacy in terms of optics on the market. They are certainly keen to keep the SLR industry active as well.

What should I look for in a beginner camera?

We think this question has haunted the minds of all photographers in the world. There are many models, and the answer is your needs that you feel you express right away with photography.

Nowadays, between mirrorless and reflex, we understand the confusion that hovers in your mind. We feel obliged to give you a concrete hand during your choice path by explaining. All the differences between the various models starting from the difference between the two types of cameras.

What is the best lens for a beginner photographer?

The bigger it is, the easier it will be to take pictures even in low light conditions. A stabilized lens is not mandatory, especially if you are using a tripod. A beginner in photography will prefer to opt for a goal 50mm F/1.8 or a less expensive 18-50mm zoom.

Final Words

The best camera for beginners is our step-by-step guide to help you choose your first camera model. Are you passionate about photography and want to switch from photographing with your smartphone to a camera? But you do not know which one to choose, given the vastness of models on the market.

We are ready to give you a hand and advise you on the best model to get started, all based purely on your actual needs. So, we hope the guide to the best beginner cameras you can buy will be useful for you.

Leave a Comment