Best Camera Recommendations For Beginners 2021 – Want to buy your first camera in 2021? There are many options in the moment waiting for you. Do you want to use a beginner camera from a brand with a rich photographic heritage, or the best of a company that might also make your tv and microwave? Should you choose an entry-level DSLR camera or a mirrorless camera? And how much money should you spend?
The good news is this is a great time to buy the best camera for beginners in 2021. We've seen a lot of cheap camera deals today – and below we give you an attractive price comparison to be your consideration today, so you can be sure you're seeing the lowest possible price.
So what's the best entry-level camera right now? Everyone has different needs, and the best model for one person may not be right for another.
Fortunately, it's hard to buy a really 'bad' camera these days, but it still needs to do a little research to make sure you stay satisfied with your options in as many years as when you first started using them.
You can also check this out: The best DSLR cameras for beginners
Here, we'll look at three important considerations to help you narrow down your camera selection list. Then we will give you a selection of the best cameras from us for beginners, divided into the best entry-level DSLR cameras, other options of mirrorless cameras and last pocket cameras.
If you already know what type you want, you can use the quick links above to navigate to the sections – or tap the link below.
How to choose the best camera for beginners
Before buying a new camera, you should ask yourself the following three questions.
1. What Does the Camera Need to Use?
If you need a camera for everyday shooting, you'll want something as light as possible. The lighter (and smaller) the camera, the more you tend to use it and take it with you wherever you go. Pocket cameras such as the Panasonic TZ70 (number 11 on this list) or lightweight mirrorless settings such as the Panasonic GX80 (number seven) would be ideal.
Of course, there's a reason to do something a little bigger. If size is not a priority, or you want to use a larger lens, consider a DSLR camera such as a Nikon D5600 (number five) or Pentax K-70 (number six). It is more suitable for some types of photography, and provides great handling.
If you want to take selfies, look for a camera with a rear LCD screen that flips forward, such as the Sony A5100 (number nine) or Fujifilm X-A10 (number eight).
2. Are you interested in the option of adding lenses in the future?
If you want to invest in lenses and accessories, it's a good idea to check out the camera and other lens options currently available.
You may find one special system gives you many different lenses and camera bodies that you can see yourself using in the future, and this is probably the most plausible.
That's not to say that you don't have to use a system that has fewer compatible lenses or bodies that you can switch over in the future, it's just that you have to know what your options are and what your tendency is when you build your camera kit. Many camera manufacturers work hard to expand their range, and we see new products often announced.
3. Do you want a camera just for photos, or videos too?
If you want the camera to record video, pay attention to models with focus systems that work well during video recording. Fast Hybrid AF and Canon Dual Pixel CMOS AF systems Sony, found inside the Sony A5100 (number nine) and Canon EOS 200D (number one), are two examples.
The Canon EOS 200D and Nikon D5600 also both offer microphone input, so it's great when you want to use an external microphone to provide clearer audio recording. In-camera built microphones are only suitable for general use, and no serious videographer about their work would consider using them for anything other than that.
The flip-up LCD screen is also a must for vlogging, as it allows you to see exactly what you are recording when you present it to the camera. Keep in mind that on DSLR cameras, this screen usually swings sideways to face forwards as well as up or down.
With the three main considerations above, read on to find the best camera for beginners on offer today.
Best DSLR cameras for beginners
1. Canon EOS 200D
excess:
Guided display options
Maximum aperture
deficiency:
Kit lens only f/4
The AF system has only 9 points
The Best Mid-level Canon EOS 200D has a vari-angle touchscreen on the back as its main point. It lets you frame Full HD images and videos from all kinds of awkward positions (and even take selfies without the hassle).
We also love the fact that you can start from a simple guided user interface when you're just cutting your photography gear, and then switch to standard settings when you feel more confident and want more options.
In addition, you get Wi-Fi and NFC to keep you connected to smart devices wirelessly. You also get 5fps burst shooting and DIGIC 7 processing system, in addition to Canon's Dual Pixel CMOS AF system to maintain fast autofocus in a live and smooth display when recording video.
Another real bonus is that Canon 200D Cameras have a large selection of lenses from many companies other than Canon. This Canon has perfected the body of the EOS 200D, making it one of the best cameras for beginners out there today.
2. Nikon D3500 Cameras
excess:
Interactive 'Guide' shooting mode
Solid performance; Stable in the grip
deficiency:
Pretty basic controls
LCD has no tilt or touch screen
DSLR cameras for the next best beginner. If you're worried about DSLR cameras becoming complicated, don't. Typical of Nikon's D3xxx camera series, the latest Nikon D3500 has a brilliant 'Guide' shooting mode.
It acts as a fully interactive tutorial on photography, delivered via the rear LCD screen. This explains how, when and why to use different camera settings for the best, simple and efficient effect.
Camera controls are also easy and easy to grip. But, compared to some competing DSLR cameras, the Nikon D3500 is less able to grow with you as you learn new tricks and techniques.
For example, there is no Custom Settings menu to match the camera functions to your preferences, as shown on every other Nikon DSLR series, from the D5xxx camera upwards. Autofocus for Live View and video capture is also very slow. Overall, however, the quality and performance of the images is excellent, and
the sporty burst rate of 5fps for entry-level DSLR cameras which are the best cameras for beginners today could be your choice.
3. Canon EOS 2000D
excess:
Cheap for DSLR cameras with kit lenses
Built-in WiFi and NFC
deficiency:
Zoom kit has noisy autofocus motor
Slow burst speed
Not yet supported for 4K recording
Cheapest Canon DSLR camera. Most canon DSLR cameras are beginner-friendly, but the EOS 2000D is very easy to accept. The simple shooting mode dial has fully automatic settings complete with 'inteligent' real-time scene analysis, plus a rich scene mode.
There is a handy feature guide embedded in it, to help you understand the menu options, plus an interactive 'Creative Auto' mode that bridges the gap between basic and more pro shooting modes, such as aperture/shutter priority and manual mode completely.
With an embedded 24.2 megapixel tally, a high-resolution LCD and an adjustable dioptre viewfinder, the EOS 2000D has plenty of embellishments removed from the cheaper 4000D, and is a great value at its price. However, while the T7 kit lens gets image stabilisation, it's still a relatively old design with a noisy autofocus motor.
4. Canon EOS 4000D Camera
excess:
Super cheap to buy
Easy to use
deficiency:
Viewfinder and bad screen
No image stabilizer on kit lens
No one wants to buy expensive cameras, only to know that photography is not for them. Canon limits its risks with this new and very cheap DSLR Camera. It's perfect for beginners, with a full auto shooting mode and the same 'intelligent' feature guide you'll find on a Canon pricier camera.
The 'Fast' menu is usually intuitive, and there are many scene modes as well as more advanced shooting modes. There is also a creative zone mode to help you progress from 'basic zone' mode to 'creative zone' mode. The 18MP image sensor is a little small in megapixels compared to most DSLR cameras today, and there are more serious reductions in other areas.
We wouldn't expect a touch screen at this price, but the rear LCD disappoints small and low in pixel count. A bigger problem if you don't have perfect vision is that the viewfinder doesn't have a dioptre adjustment, as shown in almost every other DSLR camera on the market. In the end, it's a very basic camera but at a cheap and reasonable price if you just want to just taste the world of photography.
5. Nikon D5600 Cameras
excess:
Better AF system
Perform well at high ISO
deficiency:
Not the cheapest entry-level camera
SnapBridge is not good enough
The best advanced DSLR cameras. Perhaps less suitable for absolute beginners, Nikon D5600 cameras don't have an interactive guide shooting mode like the D3400, but it's still easy to use with Auto mode, full Scene and Effect, and plenty of manual exposure control as well.
The 39-point AF system saturated the frame to a greater degree than the DSLR camera system above it, which makes it better to follow moving subjects and for more precise control in general, while the 3.2-inch touchscreen is cheaper than most others. Autofocus is not as good on the Canon EOS 200D or any pocket camera here (especially for video), but overall performance is still excellent, and lens options are plentiful.
6. Pentax K-70
excess:
Image stabilization
Strong and weatherproof
deficiency:
Noisy and sluggish autofocus
A bit heavy
Best value for entry-level, K-70 DSLR cameras are a little more expensive than some of the other options here, but this is arguably the best entry-level DSLR camera you can buy right now, because of the so many features that you won't find another DSLR camera at this price. point.
The standard pentamirror viewfinder you tend to find on every other similar DSLR camera, for example, is actually a larger pentaprism, brighter on the K-70, while continuous shooting is at 6fps and a very elegant maximum shutter speed at 1/6000sec.
Perhaps more importantly, image stabilization is built into the camera than on the lens itself, which means you benefit from this with all the lenses attached, and everything is wrapped in a weatherproof, freeze-resistant body. This is not the slimmest model, and you won't get the same fast video autofocus as you would with a Canon EOS 200D.
7. Panasonic LumixDMC GX 85
excess:
4K video recording
Electronic viewfinder
deficiency:
Limited length exposure
Limited tilt screen range
Best for the portability of the tiny Lumix GX80 camera can be tailored to the needs of every user, from beginners who just want to rely on the intelligent auto direct-camera option, to photographers who want full control over all exposure settings, such as shutter speed and aperture.
It's also the only option in this selection that features 4K video recording, in contrast to the Full HD option found in other cameras (although you also get Full HD recording here, for those times when you don't need 4K).
The built-in electronic viewfinder makes it a great choice for use in bright sunlight or darker conditions, while the tilted screen makes it easy to shoot from ground level. Together with Panasonic's tiny Micro Four Thirds lens, this makes it the perfect choice for your trip or vacation.
8. Fujifilm X-A10 Camera
excess:
Good image quality
Optical stabilizer
deficiency:
Doesn't have a hotshoe
No viewfinder
Best for style. Although it does not have a viewfinder, the X-A10 body is not quite as slim as other cameras here, but it is still thinner than any DSLR camera. That advantage is lost by the relatively large size of the kit lens.
As with the Canon EOS 1300D, there is a basic feature guide to help beginners get started with photography, with a fully automatic basic scene mode and PASM settings available directly from the shooting mode button. More advanced scene modes, wider range and filter effects are also available. The overall image quality is excellent, and the lens kit's optical stabilizer helps keep the photos sharp.
9. Sony A5100 Camera
excess:
Excellent AF system
Sound image quality
deficiency:
No viewfinder
LCD is not vari-angle
[ads]
Best value mirrorless. The Sony A5100 camera is now over three years old, but the fact that it remains in sony's lineup says a lot about how relevant this product is to date. It was set so well at its launch that it still offers excellent value for money now that the price has dropped, with a 24.3MP APS-C sensor, Full HD video options, a 6fps burst shooting mode, a flip-up touchscreen and both Wi-Fi and NFC all things we hope to find in more modern cameras.
The ace is its autofocus system, which combines 25 contrast detection points with 179 AF phase detection points so that it can focus quickly for still and continuous images while recording video. This kind of system is more powerful than the one in similar budget cameras released today. Overall, it's a cheap purchase.
10. Olympus E-M10 III Camera
excess:
Classic yet functional retro design
Tilting touchsreen
High-resolution viewfinder
deficiency:
Relatively low number of megapixels
More expensive than some DSLRs
Best retro camera – Available in black or silver, this mirrorless camera has a classic look and feel before, recalling a return to the Olympus OM film camera that launched confidently in the 1970s. The E-M10 III camera is the cheapest and most beginner-friendly model in the current OM-D range.
Even so, she ditched some amazing features into her petite and beautiful body. Setup is easy on the eye, such as a high-resolution electronic viewfinder and a high-resolution tilt touchscreen. Built-in 5-axis image stabilization works with any lens attached, and the EZ 14-42mm zoom kit lens is fun to use.
It's a compact 'petite' design and its power-zoom facilities are great for capturing movies. By the way, the camera can record 4K UHD movies and burst speeds of up to 8.6 fps. However, while the Micro Four Thirds Format allows the camera body and lens to be very compact, the number of megapixels is often cheaper. The camera's 16.1MP image sensor is a prime example.
11. Panasonic Lumix TZ70 Camera
excess:
Large zoom
Good image quality
deficiency:
No 4K video
LCD is attached to its place
Best versatile budget- Not everyone wants a large DSLR camera or even a mirrorless camera, and the good news is that such users who may be more interested in a compact camera (pocket) should not be satisfied with something basic.
If you want a small pocket-friendly camera that still meets your needs as you develop your technical skills and gain confidence, the TZ70 camera is a great choice.
Simply set it to Inteligent Auto mode and use a large 24-720mm zoom at first, then play with the Aperture Priority and Shutter Priority options when you want to get more creative. Once you've mastered it, you can switch to Raw shooting, manual exposure and even manual focus. Don't let the 12MP sensor get in your way; Image quality is still great for a camera of its class, and you get an awful lot for a simple initial expense.
Those are our 11 recommendations for those of you who need the best camera information for beginners.