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11 Best Cameras for Amateur Photographers in 2023 (Beginner Gear Under $1000)
My list of the 11 good cameras for hobby photographers. (Updated for 2023)
Let’s face it:
Finding that “good, quality camera” isn’t an easy job. There are a lot of options on the market. The prices vary a lot. And it’s hard to make the decision.
I’ve been in the photography space for a while, and I’m here to help.
In this buying guide I’ll list my top 11 starter cameras under $1000 in 2023 (across 4 different brands), and what key parameters to look for, especially as an amateur.
To speed your research up:
- Best Canon cameras for beginners
- Best entry-level Nikon DSLRs for hobbyists
- Great starter cameras today (other than Canon or Nikon)
FYI: When choosing which product to include, I didn’t focus on the ‘latest and the greatest’, but rather on great price-quality ratio options.
In any case, whether you’re a complete newbie or an enthusiast, bootstrapped or not, you’ll find a good option that works best for your needs and budget.
Best Cameras for Hobby Photography in 2023
So…
Here’s a table that’ll give you a quick look of my roundup and the reasons to buy the product. For further details, simply click ‘review>’ in respective row.
Product | Image | Reasons to Get It | |
1. Canon T6i Versatile & great price/quality ratio |
| ||
2. Canon M50 Best compact for content creators |
| ||
3. Canon SL1 Small & light entry-level DSLR |
| ||
4. Canon 80D A semi-pro DSLR for amateurs |
| ||
5. Canon 70D Will make you feel like a pro |
| ||
6. Nikon D3400 Starter DSLR to learn photography |
| ||
7. Nikon D5300 One of the best beginner DSLRs! |
| ||
8. Nikon D7100 Great upgrade from D3x00 series |
| ||
9. Pentax K-3 Excellent crop for a photo traveller |
| ||
10. Sony a68 SLR-like bridge for hobbyists |
| ||
11. Canon SX60 Great mirrorless superzoom |
|
What is the best cheap camera for photography beginners? Let’s find out!
1. Best Camera for Hobbyist (Top Pick)
Canon Rebel T6i (750D)
- Type: Compact SLR
- Weight: 555 g
- Resolution: 24 MP
- Sensor: APS-C (22.3 x 14.9 mm)
- LCD screen: Fully articulated
- Touchscreen: Yes
- Weather sealed: No
- ISO: Auto, 100-12800 (can expand to 25600)
Look:
If you’ve ever read my other articles on cameras, you’ll probably see that I often recommend T6i for people just starting in photography.
Why do I recommend it the most?
Because it offers a great price/quality ratio and it’s pretty versatile and can be used for different photography genres, which include but not limited to:
- vacation/travel photos,
- sports photography,
- nature/landscapes,
- portrait shots,
- blogs, Instagram and other social media platforms.
Point is…
The camera’s 24MP sensor, fast autofocus system, tilting touchscreen, WiFi/NFC connection and other great features will help you realize your photography potential.
Very cool.
My Top Recommended Canon DSLR for Amateurs
Truth is:
Canon T6i (750D outside the North America) rightfully deserves to be in my list of top recommended photo gear today.
Listing all the awesome features might take a while, so if you have time, read my full review to help you make an educated buying decision.
If you feel that you’re ready and would like to read Amazon reviews as well, click on the button below to take a closer look at Canon T6i DSLR. Without a doubt, it’s a great investment and a great choice for starting your photography journey.
Where to buy online? Check price and availability on:
- Adorama (new & used gear)
- B&H Photo Video
- Amazon (most commonly used platform)
Now…
If you prefer the ‘latest & greatest’ and have a bigger budget, then consider the newer models like Rebel T7i or T8i.
2. Best All-Around Mirrorless (Under $1000)
Canon M50
- Type: SLR-like mirrorless
- Weight: 390 g
- Resolution: 24 MP
- Sensor size: APS-C (22.3 x 14.9 mm)
- ISO: Auto, 100-25600 (expands to 51200)
- LCD screen: Fully articulated
- Touchscreen: Yes
- Weather-sealed: No
I’ll say this:
I personally own this baby and I love it. Just like many other content creators do. Truth is, it’s one of the best mirrorless compact cameras that you can get under $1000 with HD video recording.
There are several things you’ll love about it:
- it’s compact and stylish,
- it has an amazing dual pixel autofocus system,
- it has a high burst rate,
- high quality video shooting,
- it has a very to use interface (which is important for newbies),
Just to name a few.
One of the downsides is that it has a fairly short battery life when video recording, so I recommend you buy extra couple of batteries on Amazon. That’s exactly what I did and I just change the batteries after I’m done shooting a video for my YouTube channel.
Speaking of, check out this review done by Matt Ballard:
A LOT of video content creators actually love, use and highly recommend this little beauty and for good reasons.
I strongly encourage you check Canon M50 out, especially if you’re a YouTube/traveller yourself.
Canon M50: Mirrorless Compact for YouTube Videos
Look:
The reason why this compact is so popular among YouTubers is because Canon created it with (video) content creators in mind.
That’s why there’s this dual pixel autofocus feature present so that people can move around and have focus in place. The fact that it has a fully articulated LCD screen is also helpful, you can just flip the screen however you want and see yourself while recording a video.
I encourage you to read my full review here but I can definitely tell you this – this baby is one of the most underrated cameras on the market today.
Where to buy online? Check availability and price on:
- Adorama (new & used gear)
- B&H Photo Video store
- Amazon (most commonly used platform)
3. Best Cheap Canon Camera for Beginners
Canon EOS Rebel SL1 (100D)
- Type: Compact SLR
- Weight: 407 g
- Resolution: 18 MP
- Sensor: APS-C (22.3 x 14.9 mm)
- LCD screen: Fixed
- Touchscreen: Yes
- Weather sealed: No
- ISO: Auto, 100-12800 (can expand to 25600)
Now…
If you think that the previously mentioned T6i is too advanced, or you don’t want it for whatever reasons, then have a look at Canon EOS SL1 (also known as EOS 100D outside the US).
Today, it’s considered to be one of the most budget-friendly entry-level DSLRs on the market. In my opinion, SL1 is also one of the best Canon cameras overall.
Here’s why:
- excellent price,
- offers great quality images that corresponds to the level of an amateur DSLR,
- FULL HD video shooting (1920 x 1080 at 25/30 frames per second)
- a wide range of convenient auto-modes,
- advanced autofocus in Live View mode and video shooting.
… just to name a few.
Even a professional photographer will be glad to work with this camera as the true potential of the camera outshines many of the competitive models.
Why?
First of all, it’s light and compact (407 grams without the lens), which, in comparison with the older models is a good result.
Secondly, the ergonomic parameters turned out to be successful: the SL1 focuses quickly, has a convenient grip, and you can control it using the touch screen.
Of course it’s not perfect.
For example, you’ll likely see noise starting from about ISO 6400, but, in my opinion, Canon Rebel SL1 (100D) can safely be attributed in the category of the best cameras for beginners.
SL1: Great Cheap Camera for Budding Photographer
Canon EOS Rebel SL1 combines the advantages of a DSLR and a compact digital camera.
As a beginner in photography, you’ll find that SL1 is a great tool for creating your first shots in many ways thanks to auto modes and a great system of built-in hints.
It gets better:
Not only is it fairly cheap, but it also is one of the smallest, lightest DSLR available on the market.
(And if you replace the kit lens with one of Canon’s compact lenses, then this camera will take up minimum of space and become an ideal companion in your travels.)
Where to buy online? Check price and availability on:
- Adorama (new & used gear)
- B&H Photo Video
- Amazon (most commonly used platform)
4. Semi-Pro DSLR for Amateur Photographers
Canon EOS 80D
- Type: Mid-size SLR
- Weight: 730 g
- Resolution: 24 MP
- Sensor: APS-C (22.5 x 15 mm)
- LCD screen: Fully articulated
- Touchscreen: Yes
- Weather sealed: Yes
- ISO: Auto, 100-16000 (boost to 25600)
I think Canon EOS 80D is a mid-level DSLR that can become an excellent “educational device” for beginners.
I’ll be straight:
Studying this camera with all the possible modes and functions (especially if there is an extended set of lenses) may take several days for a novice.
However, the result of such “harsh” studying can exceed all expectations: the talented beginner photographers will see impressive results from their very first works.
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Now…
The ergonomics of EOS 80D is a successful compromise between size and convenience.
It doesn’t take up much space compared to its full-frame counterparts and it’s comfortable to shoot with. It is also convenient to operate the camera using the touch interface and a fully articulated LCD screen.
It has excellent image quality and the video shooting is possible in Full HD resolution up to 50/60 frames per second.
If you’re a video shooter too, then you also get an excellent autofocus, the manual exposure control, and an input for headphones and a microphone.
For fans of time-lapse shooting: there’s a built-in interval timer.
Very cool.
Canon 80D: Great Upgrade from the Rebel Series
Here’s what I think…
Canon was always confident in the DSLR cameras market but it further strengthened its position by releasing another very successful model – the Canon EOS 80D.
And even though this camera doesn’t have any revolutionary or breakthrough technologies, its main advantage is a serious set of characteristics/features.
As for videographers, this camera is simply a gift because of its working phase autofocus in Live View mode in combination with a fully articulated touch screen and an output for an external microphone.
In a nutshell, a successful semi-professional camera.
Where to buy online? Check price and availability on:
- Adorama
- B&H Photo Video
- Amazon (most commonly used platform)
5. Good Camera for Amateurs in 2023

Canon EOS 70D Body
- Type: Mid-size SLR
- Weight: 755 g
- Resolution: 20 MP
- Sensor: APS-C (22.5 x 15 mm)
- LCD screen: Fully articulated
- Touchscreen: Yes
- Weather sealed: Yes
- ISO: Auto, 100-12800 (can expand to 25600)
I’ll say this:
This universal camera has conquered many professionals and certainly is capable of becoming a reliable gadget in the hands of talented hobbyist photographers.
This camera stands because it has the Dual Pixel CMOS AF sensor, which provides smooth and accurate auto focus adjustment for video recording in Full HD format, as well as fast autofocusing when taking photos in Live View mode.
The sensitivity range of ISO 100-12800 allows you to shoot in low light and use lower ISO values without compromising the image quality.
That’s important!
As for video fans, they will truly enjoy the stereo sound recording using the built-in microphone, as well as the ability to improve the sound quality with a plugged-in external microphone.
Other features worth mentioning:
Being dust and water resistant and having fully articulated touchscreen really helps with shooting from uncomfortable angles and in different weather conditions. Also, 70D allows you to work remotely with just your smartphone.
In manual mode, it is possible to fully control such parameters as ISO sensitivity and aperture.
This freedom of action helps the beginning photographer to improve their skills.
Now…
While it has a friendly interface, you’ll still have to spend some time with the camera settings. Over time though you’ll have no issues with it.
Note:
Many experienced people point out that it’s even better if you have had at least some sort of experience with DSLRs before getting the Canon 70D.
In any case, if you do decide to go for it, there are no reasons for discontent and disappointment: the camera is just as good as its (rather average) price tag.
Canon 70D: Great for Enthusiast Photographers
Many will agree that Canon EOS 70D is a worthy successor of the semi-professional cameras. It combines the reliability of older models, high performance and affordable cost.
Between the auto focus, audio displays, touch screen and great camera body I think this one is a real winner.
I’d recommend it more to enthusiasts who have a bit of practice, but if you’re a novice photographer, this gear might push your limits.
Where to buy online? Check price and availability on:
- Adorama (new & used gear)
- B&H Photo Video
- Amazon (most commonly used platform)
6. Cheap Entry-Level Nikon DSLR for 2023
Nikon D3400
- Type: Compact SLR
- Weight: 445 g
- Resolution: 24 MP
- Sensor: APS-C (23.5 x 15.6 mm)
- LCD screen: Fixed
- Touchscreen: None
- Weather sealed: No
- ISO: Auto, 100-25600
If you’re looking for the best cheap camera for photography beginners, definitely have a look at Nikon D3400 (or D3500).
Here’s the deal…
The ergonomic parameters of this camera is exactly what you’ll need as a beginner on your photography journey. (I actually included it in my list of top rated Nikon cameras.)
Not only is the D3400 lightweight and has good design/structure, but also in this one, the Guide Mode is implemented. Meaning you won’t need to read the manual to understand the settings.
And it’s not just a set of tips, rather it’s an interactive guide to action!
Here’s how to access it:
Choose “Shoot”, then “Advanced functions”. Now select the scene or effect that you want to use in the picture.
It itself will explain which settings you need to apply for this and helps install them with its understandable graphical interface.
With one stone you end up killing two birds: choosing optimal settings for the scene, as well as understanding what this or that setting is responsible for.
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Anyway…
The main things I love, and you will too, about this DSLR:
- low price tag (usually under $500 but prices on Amazon often change!)
- color rendering, saturation and contrast
- guide mode
- very easy to learn, even as a total newbie
In terms of shortcomings, I’ll mention the small memory buffer, as well as a digital noise at certain ISO values. You still get quality photos though.
(And honestly, with the price that you pay for Nikon D3400, you can simply close your eyes to such insignificant shortcomings.)
D3400: One of the Best Cameras to Learn Photography
D3400 (or the newer D3500 model) is one of the most popular starter cameras on the market right now and for good reason.
This is a good choice for those who are unsure about their skills in photography, want to dip their toes in the water without having to spend thousands of dollars on photo gear.
It gets better:
For a rather cheap price, you will get to create surprisingly beautiful photos.
And this cameras excellent characteristics are the reason why it’s often recommended Nikon camera for beginner photographers. Here’s my full review.
Where to buy online? Check price and availability on:
- Adorama (new & used gear)
- B&H Photo Video
- Amazon (most commonly used platform)
7. Best DSLR for Beginner Portrait Photography
Nikon D5300
- Type: Compact SLR
- Weight: 480 g
- Resolution: 24 MP
- Sensor: APS-C (23.5 x 15.6 mm)
- LCD screen: Fully articulated
- Touchscreen: None
- Weather sealed: No
- ISO: Auto, 100 – 12800 (25600 with boost)
Without a doubt:
D5300 sure is one of the Nikon’s top rated entry-level SLRs. (It’s also the best budget camera for beginner portrait photography.)
This camera was created similarly to the D3400 model. Despite the already brilliant ergonomics of the camera, the Nikon D5300 body presents new improvements.
The main changes have to do with the internal filling and related technical characteristics.
The resolution of the new sensor is 24.78 megapixels, which clearly points to the “intra-corporate” struggle for every one hundredth of a pixel in order to improve the final result of the photo.
A lot of work was done on the balance of settings in order to enhance the color rendition and the relevant aspects.
Another qualitative leap was made in the field of the “weak link” of all average-budget DSLRs from Nikon: good sensitivity finally allows shooting at ISO 1600, bypassing the noise and loss in quality.
What you might like about it:
- the possibility of shooting at ISO 1600 without noise
- presence of the time-lapse function
- high quality photos
… just to name a few.
Considering the features it offers, purchasing Nikon D5300 would be an excellent investment.
One more thing.
It’s easy to take photos in different genres, from landscapes to portraits. A great autofocus allows you to even try yourself in a reportage shooting.
This being said, I do recommend D5300 as a first DSLR in 2023 and I encourage you to read my full review + photo samples here.
Definitely have a look at it.
D5300: Yet Another Awesome Entry-Level DSLR
Nikon D5300 is an example of an excellent camera for beginners and advanced photographers alike:
- the ease of operation and excellent results in auto mode will appeal to the former,
- and the highest for its class image quality will appeal to the latter.
Also it can surprise:
When shooting with good lighting it provides the highest detail, and when shooting with low lighting, you will have a clean and noise-free image.
Sweet.
Where to buy online? Check price and availability on:
- Adorama (new & used gear)
- B&H Photo Video
- Amazon (most commonly used platform)
8. Great for Non Professional Photographers
Nikon D7100
- Type: Mid-size SLR
- Weight: 765 g
- Resolution: 24 MP
- Sensor: APS-C (23.5 x 15.6 mm)
- LCD screen: Fixed
- Touchscreen: None
- Weather sealed: Yes
- ISO: ISO 100 – 6400, Lo-1 (ISO 50), Hi-1 (ISO 12,800), Hi-2 (ISO 25,600)
Look:
Nikon D7100 is a classic SLR camera.
It’s a great camera in terms of price-quality ratio, suitable for those who already had worked with cameras at least from a low-price range.
In the heart of the camera is a 24-megapixel CMOS sensor with a physical size of 23.5 x 15.6 mm.
Why photographers like it:
- the ergonomics aspect is at its best
- truly great for landscape photography
- good colour rendition
(To learn more, here’s my full review.)
Its main feature is the absence of a low-pass filter, which traditionally serves to suppress the moiré effect by forcibly reducing the detail of the image.
Since this filter is not available on Nikon D7100, nothing gets in the way of obtaining maximum image detail.
Now…
I have to note that this Nikon will be very harsh to complete beginners, as the learning each button and the meaning of all the icons on the monochrome display can take more than just a day.
(Therefore, switching from point-and-shoot cameras to this camera will not be as easy as it seems.)
This is the only reason why this model is not recommended to aspiring photographers as their first DSLR.
Of course, if anything, there is a fully auto mode available.
On the other hand, if you have basic photography skills, the set of settings available on this SLR can’t but make you smile. As for the technical equipment, the camera outshines most of its competitors, including from its own line.
And like I’ve already mentioned earlier…
Nikon D7100 kit works well when shooting landscapes.
An Excellent Choice for Enthusiast Photographers
Nikon D7100 is an excellent choice for an enthusiast photographer who is familiar with the theory and practice of photography.
In general, this camera was very successful given its highest quality of the image (especially with good optics and at low ISO), convenience and fast control, as well as an impressive set of characteristics.
Only a relatively little image buffer can limit the serious professional application of D7100.
Where to buy online? Check price and availability on:
- Adorama (new & used gear)
- B&H Photo Video
- Amazon (most commonly used platform)
9. Pentax Camera for Amateur Photographers
Pentax K-3
- Type: Mid-size SLR
- Weight: 800g
- Resolution: 24 MP
- Sensor: APS-C (23.5 x 15.6 mm)
- LCD screen: Fixed
- Touchscreen: None
- Weather sealed: Yes
- ISO: Auto, 100 – 51200
If you don’t really want Canon or Nikon, there’s also another great Japanese mid-range camera that you can get: Pentax K-3 (Mark I or II whatever your current budget is).
So…
The filling of this device really looks decent: a 24.71 Mp sensor allows you to take photos with a resolution of 6016 x 4000, and instantaneous stabilization is achieved due to the use of optics and the shift of the sensor.
It also has:
- improved autofocus
- two-level image stabilization system
- high speed shooting
- awesome quality photos for the crop
- super comfortable grip
The manufacturer also improved the phase focusing compared to its earlier camera models, which is a bonus.
How does it stand out?
The main feature of this is a phenomenally good image quality, even despite the installed kit lens.
Usually kit lenses aren’t THAT great but Pentax makes images taken with Canon kit lenses seem very mediocre. K-3 is that good.
(If you’re primarily into landscapes, check out Pentax K-1 on Amazon).
Pentax K-3: Excellent Crop For a Photo Traveler
Pentax K-3 is an excellent choice for a photo traveler.
It has proven itself in shooting in the most difficult conditions: no snow, no rain, no shortage of light will be a problem.
Pentax made a rather great camera, which can confidently compete with other mid-range DSLRs.
I encourage you to consider it.
Where to buy online? Check price and availability on:
- Adorama (new & used gear)
- B&H Photo Video
- Amazon (most commonly used platform)
10. Good Camera for Photography Hobby
Sony SLT-A68 (a68)
- Type: Mid-size SLR
- Weight: 610 g
- Resolution: 24 MP
- Sensor: APS-C (23.5 x 15.6 mm)
- LCD screen: Tilting
- Touchscreen: None
- Weather sealed: No
- ISO: Auto, 100-25600
Sony a68 (also known as ILCA-68) is an amateur level camera, endowed with a number of abilities of more serious models.
In its essence, this is a simplified version of the semi-professional model ILCA-77M2, from which the a68 has borrowed many strengths.
The first one is autofocus.
The 79-point phase AF module works clearly, quickly and steadily in all conditions. Face recognition function and focusing on the eyes only adds convenience.
Its ergonomics deserves a special praise: it’s thoughtful and has a finely tuned control. The tilting LCD screen is an additional sweet bonus.
With Sony a68 you can shoot great panoramic photos, and enjoy the HDR photography.
Video shooting is also at its best:
- Full HD with a frequency of up to 50/60 frames per second,
- a high bit rate,
- phase autofocus is enabled during video shooting.
As for the quality of the image, the camera confidently shoots at ISO 1600, though with the ISO 3200 being already a “border line”.
Considering this camera has a 24 MP sensor resolution, with the correct settings, you can achieve an excellent balance of color depth and naturalness, something that lacks in many of its competitor counterparts.
Check out the video review of Sony Alpha-68 (ILCA-68):
What you might like about it:
- high speed of continuous shooting
- effective built-in stabilizer
- good image quality up to ISO 3200
- high-quality video with autofocus and stabilization
What you might not like about it:
- plastic camera body
- average screen
- small buffer
Also, it has slightly reduced detail compared to camera models that are equipped with anti-moire filter sensors.
Helps You Make the First Step Into the Photo World
Sony a68 is the most anti-crisis camera in the market. It is an excellent solution for photographers making their first step into the world of photography.
This model allows you to receive beautiful shots in difficult conditions, and it has many advanced features borrowed from Sony’s older sister ILCA-77M2.
Yes, the developers saved themselves from working on secondary elements but this way they minimized the cost of the camera.
Now…
Where to buy online? Check price and availability on:
- Adorama
- B&H Photo Video
- Amazon (most commonly used platform)
11. Best Mirrorless Superzoom Bridge Camera
Canon PowerShot SX60
- Type: SLR-like (bridge camera)
- Weight: 650 g
- Resolution: 16 MP
- Sensor: 1/2.3″ (6.17 x 4.55 mm)
- LCD screen: Fully articulated
- Touchscreen: None
- Weather sealed: No
- ISO: Auto, ISO 100-3200 (6400 in low light mode at low resolution)
Look:
Arguably, out of all camera kinds the mirrorless compact cameras are the most suitable for beginners in terms of acquiring photography skills and developing as a photographer.
So…
One of the most worthy candidates for the title of the best mirrorless camera for beginners is Canon PowerShot SX60 HS, which has quite great technical characteristics and ergonomic parameters.
As with many Canon products, this camera has the Connect function, which is necessary for remote shooting and fast transfer of multimedia data via Wi-Fi.
Among the technical parameters the sensor of 16.8 megapixels should be noted, as well as a large range of focal lengths (the camera is suitable for macro photography, portraits, panoramas, etc.)
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Its main advantage is a lens with an amazingly high optical zoom of 65x.
It will be appreciated by travel lovers who will like taking photos of things in distance that they can’t physically come close to.
For most buyers, this superzoom is likely to be the first digital camera, so its ability to work in auto mode plays a very important role.
Of course, the auto mode option of this camera can be relied upon.
It does a good job of determining the exposure in most complex scenes, and, if necessary, it is ready to receive corrections from the user.
(Fun fact: In 2017, it was Sony RX10 III that won the official EISA Award as the best superzoom camera.)
Check out how incredible the zoom is:
What you might like about it:
- 65x zoom
- built-in Wi-Fi
- tilting screen
- convenient grip
- high rate of continuous shooting
What you might not like about it:
- difficulties shooting in low light conditions
- large physical dimensions
And it’s yet another great budget camera.
An Inexpensive Camera With The Most Versatile Lens
You should consider getting what’s called a bridge camera:
These cameras tend to be more affordable than DSLRs, with similar handling and versatility, and many offer superb features like the massive 65x zoom as seen in Canon PowerShot SX60 HS.
If you just came into the world of photography and you need an inexpensive camera with the most versatile lens, then consider this one.
Amateur Cameras Buying Guide (2023)
So…
What is the best camera to buy for amateur use?
Here’s the thing:
Professional photographers who have made a hobby their main job need expensive equipment that not only has high key parameters, but also includes a number of subtle, and often completely redundant functions and settings.
However, if you are a beginner photographer, I recommend that you pay attention to the following key parameters of the camera:
-
Camera Type:
Many photography masters say that compact digital cameras are ideal for beginners, the mastering of which is much simpler than studying DSLRs.
However, the reverse is also true:
If one learns how to work with SLR cameras, the beginning photographer will have a device with a large set of functions and settings that are inaccessible to digital analogues.
-
Camera Cost:
Don’t overlook this factor, because the better is the camera the greater is its the price.
It so happened that compact digital cameras are much cheaper than DSLRs, even under comparable (or superior) parameters.
However, the latter give greater freedom of creativity, which is the decisive factor in determining the type and price range.
(And still you don’t have to buy super expensive cameras. You’re in luck, this post offers affordable cameras with great price-quality ratio.)
-
Guide Mode Availability:
Recently, some of the DSLRs are equipped with a built-in Guide Mode, thereby making life easier for beginners in the photography world.
If you are one of those – look for a model with the presence of such a function.
(Nikon D3400 is one example.)
-
Physical Dimensions of the Sensor:
Do not pay much attention to the clever advertising trick about megapixels, since in DSLR cameras this function is not so important.
It is much more important to know the size of the sensor – the more its dimensions are, the better is the color rendering, the higher is sensitivity and less noise even at high ISO values.
-
Camera Zoom:
The camera for an amateur should have at least a 3x zoom, as well as come with interchangeable lenses. These factors significantly expand the your possibilities as a photographer.
-
Battery Life:
Even professionals sometimes need to make several shots in order to achieve the desired effect from photography.
Newbies often face the problems of the first-try frame, so autonomy, which determines the number of possible shots with one full charge of the battery, is one of the key parameters.
-
Presence of Auto Mode Settings:
At the very beginning of using a DSLR, it will be very difficult for the user to navigate in the settings.
Therefore, you should give preference to cameras with ready-made parameters for different types of shooting, whether it’s landscape, portrait or sport.
-
Autofocus and Optimal Exposure Detection:
The implementation of these two functions in the auto mode will significantly simplify the process of photographing for the beginner.
So, these are my 8 tips for choosing a good starter camera in 202 (and beyond). Having the aforementioned features in your camera will greatly help you as a budding photographer.
Let’s do a quick recap:
Best Cheap Cameras for Photography Beginners
- Rebel T6i – My top recommended entry-level Canon DSLR for 2023.
- Canon M50 – Best mirrorless compact camera for content creators.
- Rebel SL1 – Cheap Canon camera for photography beginners.
- Canon EOS 80D – A semi-professional DSLR that works for amateurs.
- Canon EOS 70D – Great for total amateurs and enthusiast photographers.
- Nikon D5300 – One of the best Nikon starter DSLRs in 2023.
- Nikon D3400 – Best cheap camera for amateur photography.
- Nikon D7100 – Yet another excellent choice for enthusiasts.
- Pentax K-3 – Amazing kit for travel and landscape photography in 2023.
- Sony SLT-A58 – Great translucent mirror DSLR for amateurs.
- Sony SLT-A68 – Will realize almost any creative intentions of yours.
- Canon SX60 HS – Best mirrorless (superzoom) camera for beginners.
I will be updating this content as time goes on, but right now this is my list of top cameras for beginner photographers right now.
Get the Right Camera to Learn Photography
So, amateur cameras… You decided to get into the world of photography because you are not satisfied with point-and-shoot cameras anymore.
Now what?
Since the professional cameras can be too expensive and difficult to master for beginners, and the simplest models will not allow you to seriously improve your photography skills, you might have a look at the cameras that were mentioned in this article.
All the aforementioned cameras have a large sensor and auto modes (and manual controls too!), and almost all of them have the possibility of using interchangeable lenses, which will allow you to shoot in any situations.
However this post, does not contain mirrorless cameras. For that, please check out this post.
Now, I’d like to hear from YOU:
- Which brand you prefer, Canon or Nikon, for starting photography journey?
- Mirrorless or DSLRs?
Let me know in the comments below.
I hope you enjoyed my list of the top rated digital cameras for beginners in 2023!
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About Author
Zarina
Founder & content creator at Digital World Beauty. My main objective here is to create a valuable resource for photography enthusiasts with honest tech reviews, course recommendations, and how-to tutorials.
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Zarina
Hi Lizzie. Choosing the lens is very individual. 18-55 is the cheapest, and accordingly it is inferior to other models for a number of parameters.
The good thing with kit lenses is that it allows you to decide which lens will be next (at a cheap price), what parameters to look at after.
As I said, the focal length is very individual, just like the size of the shoe. After all, no one advises you to buy shoes of size 39, just because they are cooler, right?
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I always thought about getting a camera but could never bring myself to spend that much money on them. Although I was on Instagram and I saw these pictures of people doing “tricks” with light.
I guess one person would stand still while the other goes around with a red flare or something around the motionless person. When everything was said and done it looked like the person was on fire. There were other ones with people writing names and stuff.
If I was going to buy a camera it would be for stuff like that. My phone can’t do whatever that is so if I were going to buy a camera, which one can do that?
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Zarina
Hey James, you got me slightly confused to be honest.
Are you sure it was the CAMERA that made all the tricks? Some guys are just amazing with video-graphics and use a whole bunch of special computer programs to create something like that. If it was the camera – then unfortunately, I am not familiar with it.
I will research about it though – it got me curious lol.
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Hi Zarina!
I’m overwelmed with information regarding so many products! A great post but got me a bit uncertain about which one could be a good pick for me.
I personally never had a professional camera but have been reading quite a bit about photography and am very interested about it.
May I ask what you started off with in your early days? Or what you would recommend to a person that has an eye for colors and loves taking pictures of nature panoramas? Maybe with a 360 degree picture feature too!
PS. I think the thing James refered to was something about long exposure time and frame interval settings which let you have in one picture the movement of an object or in the case he was explaining a light /person.
ReplyHi Zarina,
Very informative article about best digital cameras for beginners. Even though I used an SLR camera when I was much younger, technology has changed ever since and so I’m not familiar with all the features of modern DSLR photography. So, to get back in I would like to buy a “beginner” camera.
If I chose the Nikon D5300 body for the high quality ISO1600 shooting, (which you also mentioned in your best list of Nikon cameras for 2018), what would be a good lens choice to go with it?
Thanks, Ed
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Zarina
Hi Ed, welcome back to the photography world!
In terms of your question on which is a good lens for Nikon D5300.
Frankly, it really depends on your shooting tasks/purposes, and on your budget, of course. I will try to give you a few options based on what you plan to do with it and I will choose pretty cheap versions of them, after all, Nikon D5300 is a budget amateur camera.
1. The most popular lens and one of the best lenses for the price is Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8G (under $200 price tag).
Nikon 50mm f/1.8G is a real “golden mean” – a model with relatively affordable cost and high performance.
If I were to say it in a few words, I’d say that it’s ideal for shooting in low light conditions or for shooting portraits with a flat bokeh. It’s Silent Wave Motor (SWM) provides fast and quiet autofocusing. Last but not least, it’s extremely light and compact.
2. If you are into portraits, for example, I’d suggest going with Nikon AF-S Nikkor 85mm f/1.8G (under $500).
It’s not exactly my lens but Nikkor 85mm f/1.8G definitely is the choice of a portraitist, (or a wedding photographer). At the studio, the lens is pretty limited unless you shoot with a powerful pilot light.
Street portraits shot with this lens are beautiful. Any chromatic aberrations simply go to the background.
It’s a bit more expensive than Nikon 50mm f/1.8G but with what Nikkor 85mm f/1.8G has to offer, it definitely is a bang for your buck.
3. If you want a lens for travelling purposes, you can check out Nikon Nikkor 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G (costs around $650).
Now, even though I put this lens in the “travel” section, really it can be used for a wide range of shots most of the time.
Now, why would this lens be good for travels?
First of all, it has 11x travel zoom. This means that you can shoot distant objects, and it is very important when you’re traveling around. Having bought this lens, you can forget about changing lenses on your trip.
In general, the picture of this lens does not differ much from the above lenses. I think the reason why it’s more expensive is because it’s more universal. The only thing that you might not like about this lens it’s its size, you definitely wouldn’t want to use for every day purposes.
Overall, I have a feeling that Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8G will suit you best in terms of shooting purposes and price. It’s definitely a very popular lens option to buy for your Nikon D5300.
I hope I could help, Ed!
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Hello there! I’ve been wanting to have a digital camera but I can’t decide which dslr should I buy. Luckily, I read your article which is very informative and helpful.
I read that the Canon EOS Rebel SL1 (EOS 100D) Kit is the best in terms of price for beginners but during my research, I learned that Canon Rebel t6 (EOS 1300D) is also a good camera.
How does the Rebel SL1 compare to Rebel t6?
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Zarina
Hey John. We can do a quick SL1 vs Rebel T6 comparison.
1. SL1 has a higher ISO sensitivity of 100-12800 (expandable to 25600), whereas T6 has ISO 100-6400 (expandable to 12800).
2. T6 has built-in Wi-Fi & NFC connection and a battery that lasts longer (therefore, takes more shots). This is a pretty huge thing for some photographers.
3. On the other hand, SL1 is lighter, 1 fps faster (I am talking about continuous shooting) and has high quality recording option.
They are pretty similar overall, to be honest.
Both T6 and SL1 are great entry-level cameras and last time I checked they had a similar price tag, minus/plus $100.
Totally forgot, SL1 also has a touch-screen, which T6 doesn’t (some people prefer a touchscreen LCD for easy control of camera functions).
It just depends what qualities you appreciate more and this way you’ll be able to make your decision.
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I have the passion for mountains and I would like to capture as much experience in the mountains as possible in the form of images.
Please advise me a good semi-professional SLR camera for that purpose.
Or a combination of a camera and a lens with a tilting screen and a Wi-Fi module on which I can take high-quality pictures of the mountains and mountain landscapes.
I plan on taking the camera with me to travel around, so the weight and the number of frames on one full battery charge also play an important role. It would be nice bonus if the camera had protection against moisture and fine sand.
The lack of video shooting and GPS module is probably what I would like to save on in the first place, since these functions interest me the least.
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Zarina
You asked – we answer.
Landscape is a pretty democratic occupation in terms of photography equipment.
What I am trying to say is that absolutely any DSLR camera with an 18-135mm lens (Canon) or 18-140mm (Nikon) will suit your needs.
The tilting display contradicts the idea of protection from dust and moisture, so you need to decide what is more important for you.
And finally, it is difficult to suggest a concrete model without knowing the budget that you set out for your camera purchase, so I’ll limit myself to general recommendations.
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My girlfriend is into outdoor photography and her birthday is coming up.
I would like to get her a nice camera, but I have no clue what I am looking for.
After reading through your review I think i would like to go with the Nikon D7100 Kit.
Can you tell me if this is a good camera for shooting outdoors?
Also is this camera weather resistant? Or is there another model i should be looking at?
Thanks,
Brendon
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Zarina
Hi Brendon.
Nikon D7100 is pretty good for landscape photography.
However, if your girlfriend is an amateur photographer, then this camera might be a little harsh in a sense that it can take a while to learn the buttons and icons on the display. That’s why I wouldn’t recommend it to complete beginners.
I’d say Nikon D7100 is a great camera in terms of price-quality ratio, BUT it is suitable for those who already had worked with cameras at least from a low-price range.
Also, the benefit of D7100 is that it’s weather sealing compared to its alternative, Nikon D5300 (also on the list). The disadvantage is that it is more expensive.
Nikon D5300 It is one of the best landscape cameras on the market, and you could get very professional landscape photos with the right choice of lens. The camera is also smaller in size and weight, so for some ladies with small hands, that’s a bonus.
As a wide-angle lens with D5300, you can consider Nikon 10-24mm f/3.5-4.5, which is ideal for landscape photography. If it will be too expensive, you may want to consider getting a cheaper camera body but a better lens like this.
However, if your girlfriend likes more extreme weather conditions, Nikon D5300 is NOT a good choice. For that, Nikon D7100 would suit better.
Anyway, there is a lot of factors to consider as always but I still hope I could help you out.
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For a while I had point and shoot camera but now I feel like I need to start doing photography and upgrade to a DSLR camera for beginners.
I plan to take photography classes but I have an issue with deciding which camera I need to get. I was thinking of nikon d5300 18-140 mm vr.
Will this camera and camera lens be good for learning process and for photography gigs after?
Any cameras under 1000 dollars – that’s my budget.
What do you recommend? Or should I consider Canon cameras instead?
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Zarina
Meliza, starting your photography journey with this Nikon camera and this lens will absolutely be enough.
For non-hectic commercial work in good light conditions Nikon D5300 with 18-140mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR is totally enough.
If your new photography work picks up and you start making decent income with it, you can invest in a new camera that upholds the requirements of a professional photography better.
In any case, Nikon D5300 sure is one of the Nikon’s best entry-level SLRs and it is a good digital camera choice for beginner photographers. Hope it helps.
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Thanks for your help with cameras. I can’t call myself a photographer but I take a lot of photos for my graphics work.
Right now I use a canon ixus but I do a lot of editing on photoshop and I find the pictures are very pixellated. I guess my mistake was going by the megapixels.
I have been looking for a better camera to buy in 2018, and have been looking for a while now, but I always found it rather daunting with all the choices available.
Without doubt, your camera reviews/camera buying guide is great and clear.
From what I’ve learned from the article, I like the sound of the Canon Powershot SX60. It looks like it has enough features for my graphics work and the price is not as much as the others!
Also, earlier I came across one of the Nikon cameras – P610.
Do you know, by any chance, which one is better Canon SX60 or Nikon P610? If I am not mistaken, Nikon P610 has 2x faster shutter speed and lighter optics.
Thanks 🙂
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Zarina
Hi Hollie, glad to hear you found this buying guide useful!
Usually, the higher is the # of megapixels, the better is the quality of the image.
I feel you, choosing a camera can be frustrating, especially if you are a beginner photographers and there is just too many options available.
To answer your question:
I believe that the minimal shutter speed won’t highly affect anything. I don’t really think you’ll have many photo scenes for it to be used.
And since you mostly take photos for your graphics work, I think choosing Canon Powershot SX60 is a wonderful choice.
First of all, it is a compact camera. So, as being an amateur, I think you will appreciate the fact that it’s not bulky.
Secondly, it does have a lot of great features, yet won’t confuse or bore you out.
Thirdly, if you travel a lot and use travel pics for your work, then having the 35x zoom will definitely be useful as you won’t always have the chance to come closer to a particular object.
Fourth thing is that It has Auto Mode that will be easy for you to use, yet it will still produce quality images.
Last but not least! This price tag of this digital camera is under $500. It’s a great price for what you’re being offered with Canon SX60.
Hope this helps you make a smart buying decision!
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I appreciate the time you put into this article.
I am a newbie when it comes to photography and I am looking to buy my first digital camera. So yes you can call me a beginner.
I am looking for a quality digital camera so I don’t mind paying a little more.
I would like your opinion on which of these digital cameras would be best for me? I will be taking mostly pictures outside during the day with some inside.
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Zarina
Based on what you say, Chris, sounds like you’d be fine with a basic camera. (What I mean is that you don’t need specialized camera for landscape photography, for example).
Any camera from this list will suit your basic photography needs really. It’s hard to give advice to you exactly without knowing your exact price point, your preferred camera brand etc.
If you have a bigger budget you may want to check out the article on the best digital cameras for 2018 according to EISA. Just don’t choose the ones that were voted as the best “prosumer” or “professional” camera because those will be too advanced for beginners.
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Hello. I am an absolute novice when it comes to photography (I mean just getting started.) My dad did photography when he was my age and has recently passed, I would like to do this to feel closer to him, I’m wondering what you would reccomend for something under 500.
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Hi Megan,
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Sorry to hear about your loss and glad to hear you have something you can use to feel closer to your father.
In this article, I recommend D3400 as one of the cheap options, but as of now the newer model D3500 is also under $500 with the kit lens (and it’s easier to find online than the older model).
Reason why many beginners choose this entry-level DSLR is because it’s light, compact, very budget friendly. More importantly it offers a “Guide” mode, which basically teaches you what to do in what shooting scenes.
==> Here’s the link to check it out (it should direct you straight to your country’s Amazon store).
Hope this helps and let me know if you have any further questions!
A good list for beginners, I wonder how different the 2022 list will be, do you think that will be any DSLR’s on the list next year?
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Hi Paul, while I’ll likely add/remove/update some products, most of the gear listed will stay. The reason is because even though there’ll be newer camera models, my focus on price-quality ratio for beginners, not on the latest and greatest (and expensive). Do you have any suggestions as to what else to include in this list? 🙂
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Hi Zarina,
A very good review you have done. My teen daughter has been wanting to join her school’s photography club and was looking for an affordable camera to start with. So glad to have found your site.
With quite a bit of choice here, I am having difficulty to figure out which one to go with. What would you advise for 2023?
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Zarina
Hi Sharon,
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I will assume here that your daughter has no basic knowledge in the photography. Now, out of this selection, I’d most likely choose Nikon D3400 (click to read my review of it).
Why?
Well, the first camera should be easy to use and easy to understand (the settings and buttons and all that).
What I like about this camera is that it’s not only affordable but it also has the Guide Mode which will help your daughter on her photography journey.
Hi Zarina
This article is exactly what I’ve been looking for! I have an inexpensive camera, but I would really like to get into some more photography as a hobby. I’m really looking for something with an auto mode that I can learn the manual settings as I have time.
At the moment I am trying to choose between Nikon D5300 and Canon ESO 750D, but I got confused with lenses.
My friends said that the lens is not about what is in the kit (18-55), and that you must choose the best right away. For example, is it worth choosing 18-105? Can they do portraits and everything else (landscapes, children).
And also heard that someone was buying a portrait lens of 50 mm, which takes pictures of everything (from portraits to landscapes). How to choose the best option? I don’t want to buy a portrait lens of 50 mm, and then buy another one and change them constantly.
Thank you so much for this article and looking forward to your response!
Lizzie