Budget camera for beginners

The list in brief 2. Best for most people 3. Best cheap mirrorless 4.

If you're just getting started in photography, it might be tempting to go all in on a brand new high-end camera with all the bells and whistles, but the truth is that all the gear in the world won't make you a better photographer if you don't know what you're doing. So, the best camera to start photography with is the one that's most accessible to you. 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 mostly geared toward users who want to buy a new model.

Budget camera for beginners

Best for inspiration — Nikon Z fc 4. I used to teach photography, so I've been asked about the best camera for beginners for years. The answer has always been the same: one that's not too expensive but not missing features, is simple to use but capable of advanced shooting, and above all offers great image quality. Having used hundreds of cameras and helped train even more photographers since , I recommend a mirrorless camera over a DSLR more on that in the FAQs below , but the truth is that you can't buy a bad camera these days — any of my recommendations will do a great job. However, some are better than others depending on what exactly you want to shoot, whether that's stills, video, vlogs and so on. Just as important as the camera itself is the kind of lens you get with it. Cameras are sold both 'body only' or with a 'kit lens' — typically a starter lens with around a 3x zoom to cover general-purpose shooting. I've recommended a kit lens for each of my selections below which are almost always the standard option for these cameras , to make sure that you can get shooting as soon as your camera arrives. I started photography teaching and training in , working with everyone from complete beginners to professionals looking to add a string to their bow. Best overall. The R's guided menus explain what the different modes do, and Canon has combined this with its pro-level autofocus tech, 24MP APS-C image quality, 4K video and cutting-edge RF-mount lenses — all of which makes this the best overall for newcomers. Best for features. My personal pick! Best for style.

Maximum continuous shooting rate: 8fps.

Best overall 3. Best for beginners 4. Best for action photos 5. Best for vlogging 6. Best for everyday use 7.

When looking for an affordable camera, it's important to pick one that fits your budget and needs. Most modern digital cameras are more than capable of capturing excellent images. If you're willing to spend a little extra, you can get a brand-new model with the latest technology that will hopefully serve you for years to come. But cameras can quickly veer into very expensive territory, and that's not even accounting for the cost of additional lenses. Many digital cameras released within the last five to ten years are still well worth considering and can be found at relatively cheap prices. An older camera body will also give you ample room to grow as a photographer and can still yield excellent results when paired with high-quality lenses. 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.

Budget camera for beginners

The best cheap cameras still offer features that make them worth owning for specific uses, even now that the best camera phones can compete on picture quality. For instance, they can be a great option for kids or those learning about photography and they're also a great choice if you need rugged or underwater capabilities. And of course they're a great option if you're going somewhere where you don't want to risk your pricy smartphone — or at least not risk taking it out of your pocket often. Why you can trust Tom's Guide Our writers and editors spend hours analyzing and reviewing products, services, and apps to help find what's best for you. Find out more about how we test, analyze, and rate.

Hot and mean

Timothy Coleman. Assuming the camera's RAW files are supported by Adobe Camera Raw, we'll also process some test images to see how far we can push areas like shadow recovery. Whether you're a beginner or just looking for a way to upgrade your kit without spending too much money, we've included options for every need and budget. Our lab team tests camera resolution, dynamic range, and noise under scientifically controlled conditions using two key testing tools: Imatest Master and DxO Analyzer. The best camera deals, reviews, product advice, and unmissable photography news, direct to your inbox! Canon EOS R50 9. It's designed to be a compact, affordable, and easy-to-use entry point into Canon's full-frame mirrorless system, and it succeeds brilliantly. Best instant. Read more Panasonic Lumix G review for more details. Lens mount: Nikon F. Best for everyday use 6. Autofocus Points: 9. Lens: We'll also test its ISO performance across the whole range to get a sense of the levels we'd be happy to push the camera to.

The Nikon D is our pick for the best DSLR camera for novice photographers because it offers outstanding image quality for its price and a truly useful Guide Mode that helps you learn along the way.

Now, let's get to the exciting part — our top picks for the best affordable cameras for beginners in The best camera deals, reviews, product advice, and unmissable photography news, direct to your inbox! You can get great results using a cheaper piece of kit if you know how to use it well. This includes a 24MP APS-C sensor, a fast hybrid point autofocus system, and continuous shooting at 11 frames per second fps. Tim is the Cameras editor at TechRadar. When it comes to buying the best cameras and our recommendations for what to buy, we make sure to test and review each product, so you're guaranteed an honest and up-to-date opinion. The T7 does have a megapixel sensor, which is pretty amazing for the money, and for anyone wanting to get started with a proper camera at the lowest possible price, it's a perfectly competent camera at a rock-bottom price. Best compact mirrorless 5. Best DSLR. Lens selection: There's only so much you can achieve with your kit lens, so if you plan on buying more, go for a camera with a good lens range behind it. No credit card needed. We test cheap cameras in the same way as models with higher price tags: thoroughly.