I want to start off this blog post with the fact that there is no right way or better camera, the best camera is up to your personal preference. I also don’t believe that a camera determines a great photographer, it is you and your artistic eye that will always make your photographs GREAT. However, if you are just starting out, picking a camera that is easy to learn but still gives you the power you need, is very important.
All professional photographers start with an entry-level camera. For beginner photographers, it is all about ease of use. It is about the best option for you at the perfect price point.
The first decision to make is choosing between a DSLR camera and a mirrorless. Again, the options are based on your personal preference. DSLR cameras and mirrorless differ mainly in their build and design. Both DSLR and mirrorless provide optimal image quality. Mirrorless stands out with its 4k video quality, great for those looking to work with video and still images. DSLR cameras differ in their physical body because of their more traditional aspects like optimal viewfinder and better battery life. Mirrorless tends to be smaller and lighter, great for travel photographers. While mirrorless is taking over, the DSLR options for lenses is unmatched.
Nikon D3500
This is a classic beginner camera. It has a shooting ‘guide’ mode to help beginners in a fully interactive way. It helps new photographers learn about photographic techniques and camera settings. The settings on the Nikon D3500 are easy to use. The image quality and speed of use are great for its sale price. However, with a more budget-friendly camera, it does lack advanced options and settings.
This upgrade from the original Canon EOS M50 is a great option for beginners alike. The upgrades include advanced autofocus, eye detection for the autofocus, vertical video recording, and the ability to live stream directly to YouTube. It also comes with an articulating touchscreen that gives it more ease of use. However, it does have compromised 4k video and simplified exterior controls. Still, it is a great option for beginners in photography.
So I may be biased because I have the Fujifilm X-T300 but the Fujifilm line is up and coming as a crowd favorite. The Fujifilm X-T200 is great for beginners because it provides the best picture quality without editing, offers full manual controls, and has a touchscreen making it easier to use. Where it lacks is that it doesn’t have any in-body stabilization. This camera provides a great mix of controls allowing beginners to expand their knowledge and push themselves. The lens flipping fully around also allows for it to be a great camera for vlogging and self-portraits. Another great beginner Fujifilm camera is the Fujifilm X-T30. It is much smaller in size making it an easily packable travel camera.
Sony cameras are really well known and highly advanced when it comes to their autofocus. It is another mirrorless camera but has one of the best battery lives in the bunch. Because of its incredible auto-focus, it is great for those looking to shoot sports or move subjects. It is more costly but it gives you a steadier, weather-resistant body. Although the controls and menu options can be confusing, it still is great cameras to start your photography journey.
This mirrorless camera is designed specifically for content creators and vloggers alike. It has an electronic viewfinder and high-quality videos. It also creates great still images. It has an easy button layout making it easy to capture videos and images. The layout of the camera is similar to a DSLR and is a popular beginner option.
When purchasing your new camera I would suggest only looking at Adorama or B&H Photo/Video. These two websites are highly reliable and also give you options for purchasing kits with your camera. The kits include products you are going to probably want in the future like a tripod. Don’t ever buy your camera on Amazon. It is known that Amazon has knock-off brands of cameras and is unreliable.
