The 5 Best Cameras For Beginners - Fall 2023 Reviews

The Fujifilm X-S10 is the priciest option on our list, but it's also one of the most well-rounded, with features that'll suit both new and more advanced users. It's been superseded by the Fujifilm X-S20, but that model is notably pricier, and beginners will get just as much out of the X-S10. It's a well-built camera, with a fully articulated screen and a very comfortable handgrip, and it's one of the few cameras you'll find at this price point with in-body image stabilization (IBIS), which can come in handy when shooting at slower shutter speeds or recording video handheld. Inside, the camera uses the same sensor found on the enthusiast-oriented Fujifilm X-T4, capturing fantastic images right out of the box.

Beginner shooters can also play around with film simulation profiles to change up the look of their photos without having to do any post-processing. That said, buying a more expensive camera body off the bat also leaves less room in your budget to buy different lenses. So, if you're still unsure what kind of photos you enjoy taking, you probably won't be squeezing the full value out of a higher-end camera like this until you've got more experience. Still, if you want a more advanced entry-level camera that fits a wide range of photo and video work, this is it.

If you're looking for something a bit cheaper, the Nikon Z 50 is one of the best cameras for beginners. You'll get a solid kit lens with it at the same price as the Fujifilm X-S10, body only. Plus, you still get a sturdy body with weather-sealing, a tilting screen that can flip down for selfies, and a large high-res viewfinder for a clear view of your subjects. It's a great choice for action photography, thanks to a solid autofocus system and quick burst rate. However, unlike the X-S10, the Z 50 doesn't have in-body image stabilization.

Though it doesn't have the highest-resolution sensor among its peers, it still delivers excellent image quality and performs well in low light. Nikon cameras are also known for their excellent ergonomics. Just be aware that lens support is still relatively limited for Nikon's mirrorless Z-mount, especially if you're looking at APS-C options. If you want more lens selection, the similarly-priced Sony α6400 has a ton of native and third-party lens options, though the ergonomics and user interface leave a lot to be desired.

The Canon EOS R50 is one of the best cameras for photography beginners on a budget. With a portable body, it's a great camera to take on the go, and the simple controls and intelligent auto-shooting modes make it ideal for novice shooters. Plus, its autofocus system is very reliable, with various subject detection modes that ensure your subject stays in focus. It's also a good choice if you're interested in video and vlogging, with 4k recording at up to 30 fps, although its battery life is somewhat limited.

If you want something more portable for travel, the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV is another great budget camera. The R50 has an advantage in low light because of its larger APS-C sensor, but the Olympus is part of the Micro Four Thirds system, which offers more lens options and makes for a more portable overall kit. Just know that its autofocus isn't as reliable as Canon's Dual Pixel AF.

If you're completely new to photography, the Nikon D3500 is still one of the best digital cameras for beginners, thanks to its unique interactive Guide Mode. Built right into the mode dial, the Guide Mode walks you through the camera's features in simplified terms so you can learn the ropes of photography as you go. While it doesn't have some of the bells and whistles you'll find on newer, more advanced mirrorless models like those above, the D3500 has an excellent high-resolution sensor that punches above its weight, along with many high-quality lens options, so you can still take beautiful photos and upgrade your kit as your skills grow.

With that said, the D3500 is getting harder to find new, so you might have to find one used on eBay or other used retailers. If you can find one, though, older DSLRs like this or previous iterations, like the Nikon D3400 or D3300, are great cost-effective options to dip your toe into "serious" photography. Overall, the D3500's Guide Mode and simple design make it the best camera for beginners who've never used a camera before.

While the best cameras for beginner photographers are interchangeable-lens models like the ones above, costs can quickly add up when you invest in a camera body, lenses, and other gear like extra batteries, memory cards, and maybe even a tripod. If you'd rather buy a cheap all-in-one camera that still gives you an SLR-like shooting experience, consider a budget bridge camera like the Panasonic LUMIX FZ80. It's a relatively inexpensive camera that still offers lots of value for its price.

While its smaller sensor can't compete with the larger sensor options above in image quality, the built-in lens on this thing will give you plenty of zoom range. It also provides a relatively comfortable shooting experience and a viewfinder to give you a better feel for composition. This camera also has plenty of extra features to let you play around with different styles and subjects, including a macro mode for close-ups and a '4k PHOTO' mode for sports and fast-moving subjects. Overall, it's the best camera for beginners who want the simplicity of a fixed lens setup.