Best Cameras For Beginners Ready To Try Using A Dedicated Device

Sensor size: APS-C | Image resolution: 24.2MP | Video resolution: 4K at 60fps, 1080p at 100fps | Display: 3-inch LCD | Built-in flash: No | Fixed lens: No

Pros:

• Excellent image quality
• Lightweight build
• Fast autofocus

Cons:

• Battery life is only fine

Beginners looking for an excellent do-it-all camera should be happy with the Canon EOS R10. This camera may be a little pricey compared to some others on this list, but if you’re a beginner who wants to get serious about photography, then it’s worth spending a little cash upfront. One of the best things about the camera is that it has an excellent autofocus system that works quickly, so beginners can get a shot that looks clear relatively easily. Not only that, but the controls on the camera are simple and ergonomic, which is always helpful.

The camera does not have a fixed lens, and the base package doesn’t come with a lens at all, so buy a lens separately or look for a bundle that comes with a lens. The camera is compatible with Canon RF lenses, and there are a range of third-party lenses that you can buy for it as well. The main downside to it is that the battery life is only fine, but it’s still not terrible—it’s good enough for most people and most usage.

What the reviews say: Reviewers on B&H love the EOS R10 overall, including for professional use. “The user interface is top tier, and the quality matches. If you want a perfect middle ground for professional photos I would highly recommend the R10.”

Sensor size: APS-C | Image resolution: 24.2MP | Video resolution: 4K at 30fps, 1080p at 120fps | Display: 3-inch LCD | Built-in flash: No | Fixed lens: No

Pros:

• Fast autofocus system
• Flip-out display
• Great image for the price

Cons:

• Battery life is only fine

Those who want to spend a little less can still get a great camera in Canon’s lineup—the Canon EOS R50. This camera is still able to deliver excellent image quality overall and has a super fast autofocus system that makes capturing clear detail easier. Not only that, but it has a display that can flip out so you can see your frame when you’re shooting yourself. 

The main drawback to this camera is, again, its battery life—but the battery should still be fine for most, especially considering the price. In fact, this camera is one of the cheaper APS-C mirrorless cameras out there right now, which basically means that it captures more in a shot than most other cameras at the same price. Keep in mind that this deal is for the camera body only—any lenses are sold separately. 

What the reviews say: Reviewers on Amazon found that the camera was relatively portable and easy to use. “The image quality is excellent, the colors are vibrant, the controls are intuitive and the manual function was easy to learn.”

Sensor size: Micro Four Thirds | Image resolution: 20MP | Video resolution: 4K at 30fps, 1080p at 60fps | Display: 3-inch LCD | Built-in flash: Yes | Fixed lens: No

Pros:

• Very compact build
• Good video quality
• Simple operation

Cons:

• Autofocus isn’t as fast as some

Those who want something a little more portable should buy the Panasonic Lumix G100. This camera may not offer quite the same image quality as some of the larger models on this list, but it still delivers excellent images in most situations. Its autofocus system is super quick, but even beginners will find that they can focus on a subject perfectly fine. Not only that, but the camera has great video quality. So, if you think that you might want to take both photos and videos, it’s a good choice.

One of the best things about this camera is that it’s relatively easy to use. Compact cameras can sometimes be complicated, given the fact that they often have to cram controls into a poorly designed software system. Thankfully, the menu system on this camera is simple, well-designed and easy to navigate. This camera does have interchangeable lenses, however even the base package comes with a lens to get you started, so you don’t necessarily have to buy one right away.

What the reviews say: Reviewers on Amazon love the image quality for a camera this size. “I’ve traveled with it across multiple states, and it has been a breeze to carry around. Don’t let its size fool you though, this little powerhouse packs a punch in terms of performance. The 4K video quality is absolutely fantastic. The colors are vibrant and the details are crisp.”

Sensor size: APS-C | Image resolution: 24.1MP | Video resolution: 1080p at 30fps, 720p at 60fps | Display: 3-inch LCD | Built-in flash: Yes | Fixed lens: No

Pros:

• Good battery life
• Optical viewfinder is more natural
• Great image quality for the price

Cons:

• A bit bulky and heavy

DSLR cameras are often a bit bigger than their mirrorless counterparts, which can mean that they’re easier to hold and more ergonomic. Not only that, but DSLR cameras also have an optical viewfinder, which can be clearer, sharper and more natural. The Canon EOS Rebel T7 has interchangeable lenses, and the base package comes with a lens to get you started.

It also offers pretty good battery life, which is helpful for those who might take their camera on the go for longer shooting sessions. Not only that, but it has good ergonomics and delivers great image quality for a DSLR camera in this price range. The autofocus performance on offer here isn’t incredible, but fine enough for most shooters. The trade-off of having a DSLR is that the camera is a little bigger and bulkier, so it’s not quite as portable as the mirrorless cameras on this list. But beginners looking for a DSLR to get started with will love the image quality for the price on offer.

What the reviews say: Reviewers on Amazon loved how easy the camera was to use, especially for beginners. “It is easy to use and the camera explains each feature which is nice. Definitely good quality and not too heavy or bulky in size. I can easily travel with it in the travel bag I got.”

Sensor size: APS-C | Image resolution: 24.2MP | Video resolution: 4K at 30fps, 1080p at 120fps | Display: 3-inch LCD | Built-in flash: No | Fixed lens: No

Pros:

• Excellent video quality
• Compact build
• Good battery life

Cons:

• No 4K at 60fps

Budding videographers who might want something to create content for YouTube, for example, should consider the Sony Alpha ZV-E10. This camera is an excellent compact camera for video, boasting stunning video quality in the vast majority of situations. The only exception is that it can’t shoot 4K video at 60fps, so if you’re looking for slow-motion shots at the high resolution, you may need to keep looking. That said, it can shoot higher frame rates at a lower resolution, which might be perfectly fine for those starting out.

On top of the excellent video capture, the ZV-E10 also has a highly compact build, which makes it great for videographers on the go. And despite its compact size, it actually delivers a pretty good battery life. This camera also has interchangeable lenses, which makes it versatile—but this deal is for the body only. 

What the reviews say: The Sony ZV-E10 is very well-reviewed at B&H, with reviewers loving the camera’s beginner-friendly approach, and that it works with external devices. “This camera is perfect for the beginner videographer. Super user friendly and connects easily with all of the gadgets you need to produce high-quality video.”

Sensor size: 1/2.3-inch CMOS | Image resolution: 23MP | Video resolution: 5.3K at 60fps, 4K at 120fps, 2.7K at 240fps | Display: 2.3-inch | Built-in flash: No | Fixed lens: Yes

Pros:

• High-resolution video at a high frame rate
• Easy to use
• Excellent stabilization
• Very durable

Cons:

• Relatively small sensor

Action cameras are a great way to capture those adventures that other cameras might not survive. The GoPro Hero 10 Black is no longer GoPro’s flagship model, but it’s still available at a lower price and serves as a great way for adrenaline junkies to get started capturing those adrenaline-filled moments. The Hero 10 Black is able to capture video at up to a massive 5.3K at 60 frames per second. Or if you want to slow down those videos even more, you can shoot at 4K at 120 frames per second. The downside to action cameras is that they have smaller sensors that aren’t able to capture as much depth, but when you’re filming yourself jumping out of a plane, that might not matter as much anyway.

GoPro has spent many years refining its software, and at this point, the software built into cameras like the Hero 10 Black is simple and easy to navigate. Not only that, but the camera works with a range of great accessories to help you mount it on all kinds of different surfaces, including helmets and bikes.

What the reviews say: Amazon reviewers loved using the GoPro Hero 10 Black for things like cycling. “I bought the camera for my dad on Father’s Day. He is an active cyclist. Everything in this camera is great—image quality, size, focal distance, frame rate and stabilization. However, the battery doesn’t last too long, especially if you are recording in 4K and 5.2K.”