The 10 Best Cameras For Beginners
This wiki has been updated 19 times since it was first published in January of 2019. Budding photographers who are looking to move past small point-and-shoots or the cell phone in their pockets would do well to consider one of the great cameras for beginners featured on our list. They offer basic functionality that will be familiar and easy to use for just about anyone, as well as advanced features for you to explore as you get more comfortable controlling things manually. When users buy our independently chosen editorial choices, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki.
1. Canon EOS Rebel T8i
2. Panasonic Lumix LX100 II
3. Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV
Editor's Notes
January 19, 2021:
It was a fairly busy round of updates, as a number of our selections were ripe for replacement, due to new and improved models that have hit the market since we last visited this list.
While the Canon EOS Rebel SL2 and Canon EOS Rebel T7i were replaced by the Canon EOS Rebel SL3 and Canon EOS Rebel T8i, the Sony RX100 VA had to make way for the Sony RX100 VII. We also swapped out the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark III with the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV — which maintains the timeless vintage aesthetic of its predecessor, while incorporating a few choice features for vloggers: namely, a better sensor, a selfie-friendly rotating LCD and Bluetooth connectivity.
If some of these cameras exceed your ambition, then you might be interested in checking out our list of point-and-shoot models. If you want something a step up, you can take a look at our rankings for bridge cameras. Or, if you’re the type who likes to skip some steps to get to the good toys, you may want to jump straight to our selections for Best Mirrorless Cameras and Best DSLR Cameras.
January 14, 2019:
Not too many surprises on this list, as the top camera companies all have great options for customers just getting into the game. Canon and Nikon are well represented, as are Sony and Panasonic. The Olympus E-M10 Mark III has found a sweet spot in consumers' hearts, and rightly so, as it offers a vintage look with cutting edge features and a small form factor. Bridge cameras failed to make an appearance, as the only models worth noting are too expensive given their specs to deserve spots.
4. Sony RX100 VII
5. Nikon D5600
6. Canon EOS Rebel SL3
7. Nikon D3500
8. Panasonic Lumix GX85
9. Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-HX99
10. Fujifilm XF10
After deciding that the pen was mightier than the pliers, Canadian electrical contractor William Rhoda abandoned his career and headed back to college, where he majored in marketing and advertising and won a scholarship along the way to earning a diploma in creative communications. His past career landed him a depth of knowledge in tools and hardware, while his current career schooled him in audio, video and camera equipment. During his leisure time, he’s learned lots about outdoor gear, and years of tiresome backyard maintenance have taught him all about pools and hot tubs. His recreational pursuits include rest, relaxation and revolutionary action, and his roommate’s a hairless cat.