Cameras help capture the essence of life, the beauty and uniqueness of the world. So if you are stepping into the field of professional photography ensure you have the right one.

 

Owning a great camera is everyone’s fantasy. So many of us dream of being excellent photographers and make it a career choice. If you are looking to invest in a camera to step foot into photography, you might be confused with endless choices online.

Since you are a beginner getting a camera that will be easy to operate and one that will give you a crystal clear picture is essential. Plus, depending on your needs, whether it is to shift from being a snapper to an amateur photographer or to expand your skillset, you need the best tool at hand to capture those photo worthy moments. 

There are different types of DSLRs, point and shoot cameras, polaroid cameras, mirrorless cameras etc. So before choosing one it is important to know different types of camera rather just the popular DSLR. This will help you isolate a camera according to your needs.  

Here are a few best cameras for beginners that will help you build your skills and help your understand photography better.

 

1. Canon EOS Rebel SL3 / 250D 

Canon claims that the EOS Rebel SL3 is the world’s lightest DSLR with a movable screen. This camera is aimed at the entry-level market to make it easier for beginners to learn the basics of photography. Showcasing a combination point-and-shoot simplicity, a guided user interface and a Creative Assist mode, this camera is a great asset for beginners. 

 Not only does the SL3 have one of the best beginner-friendly guide modes but it is can also take great images under a wide range of circumstances. It is also easy to use, comfortable to hold, and has an excellent battery life.

The Rebel SL3 shares its sensor and much of its features with Canon’s existing EOS M series of mirrorless cameras. However, the SL3 has upgraded the processor to the Digic 8 that allows for a 4K video at 24 frames per second. 

The battery life of the Rebel SL3 is praiseworthy.  With a CIPA rating of over 1,600 exposures per charge, the battery can last a full week with moderate use. So, if you are going on a trip this will be one of the lightest and fully charged cameras that can capture your beautiful moments.

Pros

· Easy to use

· Creative assist mode to improve photography skills

 

Cons

· Uncomfortably small

 

2. Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W800

 

 

This is a point and shoot camera aimed at people who are taking their first steps into the world of photography. The Sony DSC-W800 showcases an easy to carry design. It measures 3.8 inches wide and 0.82 inches deep, and weighs a mere 4.2 ounces. With battery and memory packed inside, it is even lighter and smaller than most modern smartphones. 

The ease of use is the unique selling point of the W800. Besides, it is equipped with an easy mode that magnifies the icons to make them more visible and easier to use. Other modes include intelligent auto mode, panoramic shooting, P mode and numerous scene modes as well.

Coming to picture quality, the Sony DSC-W800 delivers much better results in well-lit conditions. The Auto focus tends to lag in lower lighting conditions. Also, the camera has an older sensor technology which means that you will need to keep the shutter open for longer in a dimly lit room for the camera to register the image properly. 

Pros

· 20.1 Megapixel sensor

· Image Stabilization

· Removable battery 

Cons

· No Full HD Video

· 720p video resolution only

 

 

3. Nikon D3500

The D3500 is Nikon’s 24 Megapixel entry-level DSLR. It is one of the cheapest and simplest DSLR from the product line of the renowned camera maker. It is also light, weighing just 415g, with the battery and a memory card inside. 

Equipped with simplified controls and a built in Guide Mode this camera is designed to suit beginners and help them learn the basics. 

The Guide Mode eases the camera into being an easy to use device. This mode lets the user tell the camera what kind of scene is being captured. The camera helps you grab the basics of photography, such as shutter speed, aperture and exposure compensation. 

 

You don’t get 4K video capability with this camera, but it can shoot full HD 1920 x 1080 video at up to 60/50fps. It is also compatible with a wide range of lenses, from Nikon and third-party makers. The battery life of the device is great and can last for days at a time if you shoot through the optical viewfinder. 

Pros

· Full HD 1080/60p video

· 11-point autofocus system through the optical viewfinder

 

Cons

· Fixed rear screen

 

4. Canon EOS 80D 

 

The Canon 80D is a mid-range DSLR that was launched in 2016 aimed at photographers who wanted a more advanced camera compared to the entry level Canon Rebel series. This is also a great backup camera for advanced photographers who use Canon cameras. 

Successor to the Canon 70D, the 80D adds an upgraded sensor and more advanced autofocus capabilities. The 80D has a 24-megapixel sensor with improved ISO performance, while the 70D has an older 20-megapixel sensor. The 80D has a 45-point autofocus system.  This is a significant improvement for photographers who require wider autofocus coverage and a better ability to track subjects. 

The camera is fitted with Dual Pixel on-sensor phase-detection autofocus sensor which contributes to smooth and comparatively fast autofocus in live view. Coupled with its responsive touchscreen, this ability is excellent for video or shooting stills in live view. However, if you are trying to capture quickly moving objects, live view isn’t ideal to use. 

Pros

· 24Mp sensor 

· Fast AF system

 

Cons

· Quick Menu not customisable

 

 

5. Fujifilm Instax Mini 11

 

The FujiFilm Instax Mini 11 is an instant camera that gives you the picture in fine print a short while after capturing the image. Polaroid Corporation pioneered instant cameras and film, and were followed by various other manufacturers. 

The Instax is FujiFilm’s instant camera series and the Instax Mini 11 is the latest instant camera from the series. It is built based on Fujifilm’s enormously popular INSTAX Mini film.  Released in February 2020, the Mini 11 is capable of producing small prints employing a fully analogue process that takes approximately 90 seconds for the picture to appear after being taken.

This camera is good for kids and teens who would definitely have fun seeing the photo materialise in front of their eyes. It is also for college students who want to capture and make pin ups of memories on their walls. 

Pros

· Available in many colors

· Affordable

· True automatic exposure

 

Cons

· Can overexpose in bright light or when focused close

 

 

6. Sony A7II

 

 

The Sony A7 II is the predecessor to the Sony A7 III. This full frame mirrorless camera does not possess Sony’s latest tech, but it is still versatile and powerful and gives great value for money.  This image stabilized camera uses the 24-megapixel sensor and the same Bionz X processor as the rest of the A7 series from tech giant Sony. 

This was the first full-frame digital camera to feature in-body stabilisation. The sensor can move to correct for accidental camera movements in five directions during the exposure.  The A7 II uses both the sensor-based and lens-based IS together, to achieve the optimal image stabilized performance. 

The A7 II has the same hybrid auto focus system as the original A7.  Sony has added a Lock-on auto focus feature with Wide, Zone, Centre, Flexible and Spot options to help follow moving subjects.

Pros 

· Full frame sensor

· Image stabilization

· Face detection

 

Cons

· No 4K video 

· Subject tracking could be improved

 

 

7. Polaroid OneStep Plus

 

From the pioneer of instant cameras, the Polaroid OneStep Plus is an instant camera loaded with features. Successor to OneStep 2, it has more features compared to its lower priced older brother. It adds a selection of smartphone enabled shooting modes, rendering the instant camera useful for mobile snappers that want a bit more flexibility from their photography.

It features a switch to adjust depth of field which means you can get some great portrait pictures or landscape pictures.  It has double exposure and light painting modes which lets you take impressive pictures on your Polaroid camera. It even has a built-in scanner for sharing your snaps to social media instantly.

The OneStep Plus can be Bluetooth-connected to the Polaroid app. The app adds to the functionality of the tiny camera. It allows more customization to the already in-built features of the camera. Through the app, you can manually adjust settings like shutter speed, aperture, and ISO. You can customize your shots, similar to pictures taken on a mirrorless or DSLR camera. 

Pros

· Supporting app

· Switch to adjust depth of field

Cons

· Might feel flimsy

 Cameras are always an expensive affair. Once you start researching on these devices the more features you will want out of your camera. However, this can cost a pretty penny. If you are beginner, instead of investing in a full-fledged DSLR camera straightaway, begin with an entry level device that eases you into the skill of photography. Pick up the basics and pass the learning curve so you can identify your future camera.  Also, make sure you know the different types of cameras that exist in the market. Entry level cameras are always user-friendly and budget-friendly, helping you to learn the basics of photography in a giffy. 

Besides these suggestions, if you are looking for some more reasonable digital cameras to buy, head to Chinavasion.

Related