If you're just starting photography, it might be tempting to go for a brand-new camera with all the bells and whistles, but photography is less about the gear you use than what you do with it. The best camera for those new to photography is simply the one that'll get you out there shooting. We've included some pricier options here for those who want more advanced features or have a larger budget, but our advice for beginners is to get whichever camera is within your means and work on learning the basics. Most importantly, have fun with it!
This list is geared primarily toward users who want to buy a new camera, but there's a huge used market for cameras on eBay and at retailers like Adorama, B&H Photo Video, KEH Camera, and MPB, where you can find deals on older models. Don't forget that a camera's overall performance will also vary depending on the lens you use. As a general rule, it's better to invest in a less expensive camera body and higher-quality lenses than it is to invest in an expensive camera body and cheap lenses. Once you know more precisely what you need, you can upgrade to a camera better suited to your preferences while keeping the lenses for your next body.
We've bought and tested over 125 cameras, and below, you'll find the best cameras for beginners. If you're looking to get into vlogging or content creation, check out our recommendations for the best vlogging cameras instead. If you're on a budget, the best budget mirrorless cameras may be of interest, and finally, if you're looking for a camera for your next trip, you can take a look at the best travel cameras list.
We've independently purchased over 100 cameras and tested them using a standardized methodology. All the results are available to help you make the right purchasing decision for your needs, with objective, data-driven reviews. We keep every product in our lab inventory to ensure we can go back, retest models, and verify that all the information we provide is still accurate.
-
Best Camera For Beginners
Travel Photography7.9Landscape Photography7.8Sports & Wildlife Photography8.4Vlogging7.4Studio Video8.2Action Video4.2Raw Photo7.5Body Type:SLR-StyleMirrorless:YesSee all our test resultsSensor Size:APS-CThe Canon EOS R10 is the priciest camera on our list, but it's also the best digital camera for beginners that we've tested. This is a great camera for both photography and light video work. Its balanced feature set makes it a good fit for both beginners and more advanced users looking to upgrade from an older camera or DSLR. Like most of Canon's entry-level offerings, it has a lightweight feel, great ergonomics, and an intuitive, beginner-friendly interface. It's well-suited to a range of photography styles, with a high-res sensor, quick burst shooting, and one of the best autofocus (AF) systems you'll find among entry-level cameras.
The biggest downside here is that Canon's RF lens lineup is still relatively new, so lens options are somewhat limited, especially on the APS-C front. You can somewhat bypass that issue with an EF-to-RF adapter, which will give you access to a wide range of older Canon lenses. That adds cost, though, so factor it in if you already know you want a specific type of lens. If shopping on the used market isn't too intimidating, this would make for a great addition.
-
Best Budget Camera For Beginners
Travel Photography7.9Landscape Photography7.5Sports & Wildlife Photography8.0Vlogging7.6Studio Video8.0Action Video4.2Raw Photo7.4Body Type:SLR-StyleMirrorless:YesSee all our test resultsSensor Size:APS-CThe Canon EOS R50 is the best camera for photography beginners on a budget. With a highly portable body, it's easy to take with you wherever you go. Like the Canon EOS R10 above, its simple controls and 'Intelligent Auto' mode make it a good fit for anyone upgrading from their smartphone. What you give up, compared to the R10 above, is speed and control rather than image quality, since the sensor is the same size and the photos hold up just as well. Plus, its autofocus system is quite reliable, with a range of subject detection modes to ensure your subject stays in focus, no matter where your interests lie. It's also a solid choice for video and vlogging, with 4k recording at up to 30 fps. That said, this camera doesn't have the longest battery life for video.
If you want something more portable for travel, the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV is another great budget camera. While the R50 has a more effective autofocus system and delivers better overall image quality thanks to its bigger APS-C sensor, the Olympus' Micro Four Thirds system offers more lens options and makes for a more portable kit overall. It's also one of the very few budget options to feature IBIS for steadier handheld shooting.
-
Best Cheap Camera For Beginners
Travel Photography7.7Landscape Photography7.6Sports & Wildlife Photography6.9Vlogging5.1Studio Video7.4Action Video3.1Raw Photo7.3Body Type:SLR-StyleMirrorless:YesSee all our test resultsSensor Size:APS-CFinding a cheap camera isn't always easy. Shopping the used market gets you the most for your money. But if that's not a risk you want to take, the Canon EOS R100 is your best bet for keeping costs down if you don't mind stepping down to a more basic design and shooting experience. After all, this camera has minimal controls, no tilt screen, a slow burst rate, a more basic autofocus system, and limited video features. This may seem harsh, but if all you want is to shoot photos and you don't often deal with fast-moving subjects, the R100 can definitely suffice. You do get a high-resolution APS-C sensor that captures great images in line with the other Canon cameras above, plus plenty of auto modes to lean on while you learn.
If you want something even cheaper with a more established lens ecosystem and prefer to avoid buying used, the Canon EOS Rebel T7/2000D is the most affordable DSLR Canon offers. This is a very back-to-basics camera with few bells and whistles, so you won't find a tilting screen or even 4k video recording here, let alone more advanced features. It does have a high-resolution APS-C sensor that can capture beautiful photos, along with a well-established lens ecosystem. Many of Canon's EF/EF-S lenses are also quite affordable for beginners and budget shooters, making it easier to upgrade whenever you outgrow the kit lens.
-
Best Compact Mirrorless Camera For Beginners
Travel Photography7.9Landscape Photography8.0Sports & Wildlife Photography7.4Vlogging8.5Studio Video9.2Action Video6.0Raw Photo8.0Body Type:SLR-StyleMirrorless:YesSee all our test resultsSensor Size:APS-CIf you want a camera that'll be easier to carry around, the Fujifilm X-M5 is one of the most portable interchangeable-lens cameras you can buy. Its body is small and light enough to bring anywhere. The camera can also record 4k at up to 60 fps, with internal 10-bit and Log profiles, making it an outstanding compact vlogging camera, too. Fujifilm didn't cut corners on the design either, as you get real control dials and a dedicated film-simulation dial for changing the look of your photos in-camera. The APS-C sensor carries over from older models like the Fujifilm X-T4 and the Fujifilm X-S20, so image quality is excellent, and the newer processor brings Fuji's latest autofocus system along with it. It also has access to a very mature lens ecosystem, so you should find what you need, whether it's directly from Fujifilm or from third-party manufacturers.
That portability does come with a few drawbacks. There's no viewfinder, which might be a dealbreaker for some photographers, and no built-in stabilization to steady your handheld shots. Its size also makes it more awkward to hold, especially with larger lenses. Even so, the sensor and the video specs make this one of the best entry-level picks for beginners who prioritize portability. Even though we haven't tested it yet, the Fujifilm X-T30 III is the one to get if you want a viewfinder and don't mind a larger body for the money, since the performance should be very similar. If you want something even smaller, take a look at our point-and-shoot pick, the RICOH GR IIIx, below.
-
Best Full-Frame Mirrorless Camera For Beginners
Travel Photography7.5Landscape Photography8.1Sports & Wildlife Photography7.3Vlogging6.1Studio Video7.6Action Video3.3Raw Photo8.4Body Type:SLR-StyleMirrorless:YesSee all our test resultsSensor Size:Full FrameThe Nikon Z 5 is among the best entry-level full-frame cameras you can buy, and the one to get if you want to start on full-frame without spending a fortune. Full-frame buys you better low-light performance and a shallower depth of field than the APS-C picks above, though the lenses are bigger and pricier, so it's worth being sure you need it. Its high-resolution sensor produces excellent image quality, and a large, high-res EVF makes it easy to ensure your subject is in focus even in harsh lighting. It even includes in-body image stabilization for steadier handheld shots. Nikon's signature ergonomics carry over here as well, and the body is weather-sealed against dust and moisture, which you rarely see at this price.
The low price does come with trade-offs. Burst shooting tops out at 5 fps, so fast-moving subjects like sports and wildlife are out of reach. 4k recording also comes with a heavy APS-C crop, and internal recording capability is limited, which rules out serious video work. The Nikon Z 5II is the better fit if you need faster burst speeds or stronger video specs. Otherwise, the Z 5 leaves more of your budget for lenses, which matters more for most photographers starting out.
-
Best Point-And-Shoot Camera For Beginners
Travel Photography7.7Landscape Photography8.7Sports & Wildlife Photography6.4Vlogging3.3Studio Video4.1Action Video3.6Raw Photo9.1Body Type:Large Sensor CompactMirrorless:YesSee all our test resultsSensor Size:APS-CThe RICOH GR IIIx is the most pocketable camera on this list and makes for an excellent choice if you just want a straightforward everyday carry camera that doesn't sacrifice image quality despite its small size. It uses an APS-C sensor that delivers excellent image quality, more dynamic range, and better noise handling in low light than most compacts manage. RICOH also took a minimalist approach to the design, which costs the camera some style and customizable buttons but makes it better suited to discreet street photography. You don't get many frills either. There's no viewfinder and no 4k video, and the fixed screen limits your shooting angles.
The built-in lens has a 40mm equivalent focal length, so your field of view is a little tighter than usual. This focal length does offer a more 'standard' field of view that's still quite versatile. RICOH has since released the RICOH GR IV, which comes with a slightly upgraded sensor and a wider 28mm lens, but we have yet to test it. It's also substantially more expensive.
Notable Mentions
-
Nikon Z 50II:
The Nikon Z 50II is an outstanding alternative to the Canon EOS R10 if you want to do more video work. It adds Log video shooting, and its video dynamic range is much better. That said, it's slightly bigger, and its auto-focus performance isn't quite as snappy.
See our review -
Canon EOS RP:
If you want a cheaper alternative to the Nikon Z 5, consider the Canon EOS RP. It's slightly more portable and shoots very detailed pictures. However, it's not as well-built and is even more limited in burst rate and video features.
See our review -
Sony α6400:
The Sony α6400 is a good alternative to the Canon EOS R10 if you want a much wider lens selection. It's starting to show its age in its old menu system, which is hard to navigate, and its lower-resolution screen also flips up rather than out, but the fundamentals are great. Its autofocus is still excellent for the class, and the sensor produces very detailed pictures and videos.
See our review
Recent Updates
Sep 23, 2026:
We completely reworked this list as the market has changed quite a bit since our last update. The Canon EOS R10 keeps its spot as our top pick; the Canon EOS R100 replaces the Canon EOS Rebel T7 under 'Best Cheap Camera For Beginners'; and the Canon EOS R50 is our new budget pick. We've also added three categories: the Fujifilm X-M5 for compactness, the Nikon Z 5 for full-frame, and the RICOH GR IIIx as our 'Best Point-And-Shoot Camera For Beginners.'
Dec 12, 2024:
We've reviewed all the picks in the article to ensure all information is current.
Sep 13, 2024: We've verified that the article is up to date and made some minor adjustments to the intro for clarity.
Jul 18, 2024: We've checked the price and availability of our picks to make sure they still represent the best cameras for user needs.
Jun 19, 2024: We reviewed the article, with minor touch-ups for clarity, to check that the recommendations are still accurate and relevant.
All Reviews
Our recommendations above are what we think are currently the best cameras for photography beginners to buy, according to their needs. We factor in the price, feedback from our visitors, and availability (no cameras that are difficult to find or almost out of stock in the USA).
If you'd like to choose for yourself, here's the list of all our reviews for cameras under $1,000. Be careful not to get caught up in the details. There is no single perfect camera. Personal taste, preference, and shooting habits will matter more in your selection.
