5 best digital cameras for beginners

5 best digital cameras for beginners (Image via Unsplash/@pl_gt)
5 best digital cameras for beginners (Image via Unsplash/@pl_gt)

The best digital cameras for beginners offer versatility and great picture quality and are easy to operate. Starting a hobby in photography is very rewarding, but choosing the right camera can be daunting. As a beginner, you would want a camera that can do just about everything, fits your budget, and, most importantly, is easy to use.

While it is true that all you need to develop a skill in photography is a passion for learning, having a good camera can not only kickstart your hobby but also help you progress better and learn more efficiently.

Look no further because, in this article, we will explore the best digital cameras for beginners.


The best digital cameras for beginners

1) Canon EOS Rebel T8i

Canon EOS Rebel T8i - best digital camera for beginners (Image via Canon USA)
Canon EOS Rebel T8i - best digital camera for beginners (Image via Canon USA)

The Canon EOS Rebel T8i, also known as the EOS D850 in some regions, earns the top spot as one of the best digital cameras due to its versatile yet feature-packed build. As it is easy to use, there is little to no learning curve, making it perfect for beginners.

Features

Canon EOS Rebel T8i

Sensor resolution

24.1MP

Kit lens

Canon Zoom EF-S 18-55mm f/4-5.6 IS STM lens

Continuous shooting

7fps

Max. video resolution and framerate

4K UHD/30fps, 1080p/60fps

Price

$749.99 (Body Only)

$899.99 (EF-S 18-55mm f/4-5.6 IS STM Kit)

The camera features a 24.1MP APS-C CMOS sensor, an ISO range of 100-25600, and a DIGIC 8 image processor. Although it is not the latest image processor by Canon, the EOS Rebel T8i is still capable of 4K video with 30fps. Yes, it does have a lower continuous shooting speed compared to the other cameras on this list, but it compensates with its stunning image and video capabilities.

Pros:

  • Has a user-friendly interface with a guided learning mode
  • Extensive lens selection (Canon EF/EF-S mounts)
  • Provides good image quality for beginners

Cons:

  • Is bulkier and heavier than other mirrorless options
  • Relatively slower autofocus

You can buy the camera here.


2) Nikon Z 50

Nikon Z 50 - best digital cameras for beginners (Image via Nikon USA)
Nikon Z 50 - best digital cameras for beginners (Image via Nikon USA)

The Z 50 is a popular mirrorless camera from Nikon. Despite being one of the older selections on the list, it still excels thanks to its modern yet weather-sealed build, tilting screen, and easy-to-use interface. Thus making it one of the best digital cameras for beginners.

Features

Nikon Z 50

Sensor resolution

20.9MP

Kit lens

NIKKOR Z DX 16-50mm f/3.5-6.3 VR

NIKKOR Z DX 50-250mm f/4.5-6.3 VR

Continuous shooting

11fps

Max. video

resolution and framerate

4K UHD/30fps, 1080p/120fps

Price

$859.95 (Body Only)

$999.95 (16-50mm VR Kit)

$1,249.95 (Two Lens Kit)

The camera features a 20.9MP image sensor, a decent 11fps continuous shooting, and 4K/30fps video capabilities. Having the smaller DX format, it is compatible with a good range of lenses. However, it does have a slightly slower autofocus compared to the Canon Rebel T8i.

Pros:

  • It is compact and lightweight
  • Has a user-friendly interface with a guided mode
  • Has a growing Nikon Z-mount lens selection

Cons:

  • The EVF can be challenging to view in bright sunlight
  • Has a smaller APS-C sensor compared to some
  • Slightly limited lens selection compared to DSLRs

You can buy the camera here.


3) Sony Alpha ZV-E10

Sony Alpha ZV-E10 - best digital cameras for beginners (Image via Sony Electronics)
Sony Alpha ZV-E10 - best digital cameras for beginners (Image via Sony Electronics)

The Sony Alpha ZV-E10 is a compact mirrorless camera that's perfect for beginners. Due to its tilting screen and high image quality, it is very popular among vloggers. Apart from image features, it also boasts an in-built directional microphone, which provides incredible audio quality. Thus eliminating the need to purchase an additional mic.

Features

Sony Alpha ZV-E10

Sensor resolution

24MP

Kit lens

16-50mm Zoom Lens

Continuous shooting

11fps

Max. video

resolution and framerate

4K/30fps, 1080p/120fps

Price

$699.99 (Body Only)

$799.99 (16-50mm Zoom Lens Kit)

It features an image sensor of 24MP, 4K/30p video quality, and 11fps continuous shooting. Starting at around $699, it is one of the more affordable options. The lack of a viewfinder is definitely a huge drawback and can be a dealbreaker to some. However, to fix this problem, you can buy an external viewfinder sold by Sony, which works perfectly with the ZV-E10.

Pros:

  • Has a large yet simple interface
  • Provides helpful features like autofocus tracking
  • The in-built microphone is of great quality

Cons:

  • Does not come with a Viewfinder
  • Has a smaller APS-C sensor
  • Limited lens selection for now

You can buy the camera here.


4) Canon EOS R50

Canon EOS R50 - best digital cameras for beginners (Image via Canon USA)
Canon EOS R50 - best digital cameras for beginners (Image via Canon USA)

The Canon R50 is a great camera for beginners. It has all the ideal elements for new photographers. Features like a 24.2 MP sensor, Advanced A+ Assist, Dual Pixel CMOS AF II, and ease of use make it one of the best digital cameras for beginners.

Features

Canon EOS R50

Sensor resolution

24.2MP

Kit lens

RF-S18-45mm F4.5-6.3 IS STM Lens

RF-S55-210mm F5-7.1 IS STM Lens

Continuous shooting

15fps

Max. video

resolution and framerate

4K/30fps, 1080p/120fps

Price

$579.99 (Body Only)

$699.99 (RF-S18-45mm F4.5-6.3 IS STM Lens Kit)

$929.00 (Double Lens Kit)

At around $699.99, you get an incredible camera with an 18-45mm lens, capable of capturing uncropped 4K videos at 30fps. As it is UVC/UAC compatible, you can easily stream videos or use the camera as a webcam.

Pros:

  • Provides excellent image quality and low-light performance
  • The Canon RF mount lens system makes it compatible with a wide array of lenses
  • Has a user-friendly interface with guided modes

Cons:

  • Camera bundles could end up being slightly expensive for some
  • It is larger and heavier than some APS-C options

You can buy the camera here.


5) Fujifilm X-S10

Fujifilm X-S10 - best digital cameras for beginners (Image via Fujifilm)
Fujifilm X-S10 - best digital cameras for beginners (Image via Fujifilm)

The Fujifilm X-S10 is a great option for those who like cameras with a vintage design. The X-S10 boasts advanced features capable of producing visually stunning images while maintaining a retro look. You get over 18 built-in film simulation modes, allowing immense creative freedom.

Features

Fujifilm X-S10

Sensor resolution

26.1MP

Kit lens

XF18-55mm Lens

XF16-80mm Lens

Continuous shooting

20fps (Electronic Shutter)

8fps (Mechanical Shutter)

Max. video

resolution and framerate

4K/30fps, 1080p/120fps

Price

$899.95 (Body Only)

$1,299.95 (XF18-55mm Lens Kit)

$1,499.95 (XF16-80mm Lens Kit)

It features the highest image resolution in this list, having a 26.1 MP APS-C sensor. The X-S10 is also capable of 4K/30p video, quick 20fps continuous shooting, and up to six stops of In-Body Image Stabilization, making it one of the best digital cameras for beginners.

Pros:

  • Has excellent image quality and a weather-sealed build
  • Provides extensive manual controls, thus giving creative freedom
  • Its unique film simulations provide pleasing aesthetics

Cons:

  • Slightly advanced in terms of usability
  • More focused on manual and has fewer automatic modes
  • It is potentially a higher price than some beginner options

You can buy the camera here.


This concludes our article on the best digital cameras for beginners. We hope you found it helpful. Follow Sportskeeda Tech for more such news and updates.

Check out other Sportskeeda camera articles:

5 best mirrorless cameras under $1,000 (In early 2024) || Sony vs Fujifilm: Who makes the best cameras in 2024? || 5 best Canon cameras in 2024 || 5 best Fujifilm cameras in 2024 || 5 best cameras for night photography || 5 things to know before buying your first DSLR camera

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