Ah, the first camera. Few things spark more passionate reverie in photographers than the camera that got them hooked on making pictures. But what kind of camera should that be? Below are a few suggestions for you or someone you know who is just getting started. There are many, many, many more great cameras than can possibly fit into a single article on this topic, so be sure to browse online or visit in store if you are looking for more options.
Mobile Device Accessories
Among the consequences of the overwhelming popularity of mobile devices is that the technologies inside of them is constantly improving. The optical and processing capabilities of new phones and tablets make for competent cameras if you are just getting started and are unsure about purchasing a camera. There are several apps you can install to lend greater control over the settings of the camera built into your phone. These apps will prepare you if you do decide to take the plunge into a more manually controlled camera. For even better quality, you can attach lenses to your mobile device to boost its macro, wide angle, or telephoto capabilities. Read up on the difference between mobile and dedicated cameras here.
Point-and-Shoot Cameras
“What is an affordable camera that will produce better images than my phone?” I hear a version of this question at least once a month from a family member, friend, or friend of a family member. There are plenty of cameras on the market that can do just that. The universal benefit of moving from a phone to a dedicated camera is sensor size. Free of the mobile form factor, “point-and-shoot” cameras are able to incorporate better optics and sensors. There are plenty of candidates for “all-in-one” starter cameras, and nearly all new digital cameras will provide satisfactory images for everyday uses. Nikon’s COOLPIX P1000 is a popular camera that can frame nearly any subject. Boasting a 24-3000mm equivalent zoom, it is as equipped for shooting architecture across the street as a bird across a lake. If you need even more reach, the P1000 has digital zoom capabilities that can achieve up to 500x while providing 5 stops of optical image stabilization to keep your images sharp. See the P1000 in action here.
If you are trying to get more control and quality in a super-compact form factor, Sony’s RX100 cameras are extremely capable and pocketable. Models up to the DSC-RX100 VA have 24-70mm lenses, great for landscape, travel, and portraiture. The DSC-RX100 VI and DSC-RX100 VII shift to a 24-200mm f/2.8-4.5 lens, adding greater reach at the cost of slightly slower performance. The VII also boasts the fastest autofocusing in a 1" sensor camera to date, making it a great choice for sports and wildlife. Learn more about the VII here or compare the entire series here.
Finally, if you are looking for a point-and-shoot that can hold its own against DSLR or mirrorless cameras, check out the FUJIFILM X100V. Adopting a rangefinder-inspired design with a built-in 35mm equivalent f/2 lens, the X100V features a 26.1 MP APS-C X-Trans BSI CMOS sensor and X-Processor 4 image processor for sharp, accurate images and reliable performance.
DSLR Cameras
DSLR cameras are an excellent choice for photographers who want to have full creative control, including the ability to choose different lenses. If the photographer you are shopping for is serious about photography, you can’t go wrong with a DSLR. Among the benefits of choosing this type of camera is that many new DSLRs can fit older lenses that may be collecting dust somewhere in your house. Canon’s EOS Rebel SL3 is a solid starter DSLR, with a 24.1 MP APS-C CMOS sensor and DIGIC 8 image processor that provide consistent performance under a variety of lighting situations. It is also capable of producing in-camera 4K time-lapses and 4K video recording at 24p. See the SL3 in action here.
Pentax’s K-70 is an equally strong candidate for first camera with its 24.24 MP APS-C CMOS sensor and PRIME MII image processor. The K-70 has an ISO sensitivity expandable to 204800, making it exceptionally capable in low-light situations. Additionally, it has an all-weather build for outdoor shooting and incorporates Shake Reduction image stabilization, as well as Pixel Shift Resolution for capturing detail-rich imagery. It can be bundled with an 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 or 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 lens.
Mirrorless Cameras
There is no denying the popularity of mirrorless cameras in today’s photography world. One of the major benefits of shooting with mirrorless cameras as a beginner is that you can see what your photographs will look like, in real time. FUJIFILM has created a handful of mirrorless cameras that are excellent performers and aesthetically pleasing. The X-T30 II is a great camera with which to begin. Its 26.1MP APS-C CMOS sensor and hybrid phase and contrast-detection autofocusing capabilities will keep your images consistently sharp and in focus. FUJIFILM cameras also incorporate film-simulation modes that mimic the look of different types of film for creative applications. It can be bundled with 15-45mm or 18-55mm lenses.
Panasonic’s Lumix GX9 serves as a solid entry into its system of Micro Four Thirds sensor cameras, featuring a 20.3MP Digital Live MOS sensor. If you plan on complementing your still shooting with video, the GX9 is capable of recording 4K video up to 30p. It can also shoot full-resolution stills up to 9 frames per second and includes image stabilization for up to 4 stops of shake. It comes with a versatile 12-60mm (24-120mm equivalent) f/3.5-5.6 lens.
If you are looking to get started with a full-frame sensor, consider the Sony a7C, an extremely compact mirrorless camera equipped with a 24.2MP full-frame Exmor R BSI sensor and BIONZ X image processor. Fifteen stops of dynamic range and 5-axis In-Body Image Stabilization (IBIS) benefit both still and video capture, up to 4K30p. The a7C also serves as an entryway into Sony’s extensive collection of highly esteemed full-frame lenses. See the Sony a7C in action here.
Analog Cameras
Maybe it is pure nostalgia but there is something to be said for learning the ropes of photography on a film camera. There is a constantly changing selection of analog cameras available in B&H’s Used Department for those who dare to learn the old-fashioned way.
Have you tried any of the cameras on this list? Have one to add? Let us know in the Comments section, below!
3 Comments
The title of this Guide is "Entry-Level Cameras for Aspiring Photographers". The recommendations might be halfway reasonable for "Entry-Level Cameras" but the choices are wrong 9 out of 10, with the exception of the Sony A7C. A typical aspiring photographer doesn't want to waste money repurchasing equipment two or three times. It's vital to start with a camera system that can grow and continue to be useful as the individual's involvement and commitment grows. That means choosing a camera/manufacturer ecosystem that can evolve into potentially compensable work products in a professional setting. It also requires pro quality output for both stills and video. This eliminates all non-ILC cameras and all manufacturers other than Canon, Sony, and Nikon. From there the choices become rather individualized and benefit from expert targeted advice. In in those circumstances, I would likely look at equipment with the best value/price ratio capable of functioning in a commercial setting. At the moment, some such choices might be the Sony A7 III, the Nikon Z6 II, the Nikon Z5, or the Canon EOS R.
Don't overlook the Sony RX10 mk4. It is disguised as a point and shoot but has professional controls and capabilities. While a bit more expensive than the Nikon COOLPIX and smaller Sony RX100, the image quality more than makes up for it.
Hi Darryl,
The RX10 IV is another great option! It is always hard to narrow these lists down. Thanks for pointing it out!