Selects: Best Cameras for Beginners in 2025

Want to get started with photography or video? First, you’ll need a camera. But with so many options available, where should you start? In this article, MPB experts will introduce a few of the best cameras for beginners on various budgets. Plus, we’ll explain the differences between mirrorless and DSLR cameras, different sensor sizes and resolutions, and which camera brand might be best for you. 

Entry-level photography has many great options. MPB helps you on your gear journey with a huge range of used and affordable cameras and lenses. As you grow your skills, upgrade to more advanced gear to match. So whether you’re in education, you’re looking to start a hobby or career, or want to take family photos, this guide is for you.

Best cameras for beginners at a glance: 

1. Best Overall Camera for Beginners: Canon EOS R10

2. Best Camera for Beginners on a Budget: Nikon D3500

3. Best Full Frame Camera For Beginners: Nikon D610

4. Best APS-C Camera For Beginners: Sony A6400

5. Best Compact Camera For Beginners: Panasonic TZ100

6. Best Video Camera for Beginners: Sony ZV-1

7. Best Beginner Camera For Wildlife: Nikon P950

Best Overall Camera for Beginners:

The Canon EOS R10 blends the perfect amount of advanced features while being the most straightforward camera to use and understand. The R10 is our pick for the best overall camera for beginners.

Upsides

• Beginner-friendly menus but also has manual control dials

• Fantastic JPEG image quality

• Reliable Autofocus and tracking

• 4K 60p video

• Lightweight and compact

Downsides

• Fairly limited Canon RF lens lineup 

The R10 makes shooting fun for novices, offering a straightforward approach to photography. Its menus are beginner-friendly, with clear descriptions and icons explaining complex features. The reliable autofocus system, in particular, helps photographers quickly and easily focus their images. Image quality straight out of the camera is impressive. This is a great camera to grow with you in your photographic journey. 

In terms of lenses, we’d recommend either the Canon RF-S 18-45mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM or the Canon RF 50mm f/1.8 STM to get you started with the basics. 

Alternative pick: Although slightly more expensive, the Fujifilm X-S10 represents another excellent entry-level camera. In-body image stabilization (IBIS) is a convenient feature in mirrorless cameras. IBIS helps reduce camera shake from handheld shooting. The X-S10 is one of the few entry-level cameras to have this feature, whereas the R10 doesn’t have IBIS. The X-S10 also offers access to Fujifilm’s gorgeous film simulation modes via their Fujifilm recipes and stunning array of X-fit lenses.

Best Camera for Beginners on a Budget:

On a tight budget? You can find amazing value when you look at older models that were—and still are—amazing cameras. Enter the trusty Nikon D3500, a small 24-megapixel APS-C DSLR. The D3500 is perfect for first-time shooters who are short on cash.

Upsides

• Capable and affordable

• Access to Nikon’s vast lens library 

• ‘Guide Mode’ teaches you the basics of photography

• Relatively compact and lightweight

• Easy menu system to navigate

• Battery life is amazing

Downsides

• Not good for video

• Slow autofocus 

If you’ve never used a dedicated camera before, you can’t go wrong with the Nikon D3500. Its unique Guide Mode helps first-time photographers through the absolute basics. We have a good, high-resolution 24-megapixel sensor, although it may struggle in low-light conditions. And we have an extremely good battery life so you can shoot all day without charging or swapping batteries. 

You can find many great bargains with different lens pairings as well. You could start off with the versatile Nikon AF-S DX 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G IF-ED VR II zoom lens to cover many scenarios. Or, you could opt for the legendary Nikon AF-S DX 35mm f/1.8G, which is a great starting point for portrait photography in particular.

Best Full Frame Camera For Beginners:

Buying used is the best way to push your budget further. This is why we recommend the Nikon D610. This capable, full-frame DSLR is super affordable—freeing up more of your budget to invest in some of Nikon's many lenses. And those lenses can make all the difference in developing your skills and improving your images. 

Upsides

• Outstanding ISO performance and image quality for the price

• Fantastic dynamic range in RAW files

• Robust build

• Simple menu systems

• Lots of customizable function buttons

• Represents fantastic value

Downsides

• Slow autofocus in live view mode

• Heavier than its mirrorless equivalents

For the money, the D610 delivers excellent image quality in a robust body, with enough versatility to handle most shooting scenarios. Like its predecessor, the Nikon D600, the D610 now represents outstanding value. While it has its limitations, starting with a full-frame DSLR setup will put you in good stead for the future. You can grow with the camera as you progress through your photographic journey. 

The Nikon D610 also offers access to Nikon's wide and affordable range of full-frame (FX) lenses. As your skills develop, you'll want to experiment with more lenses—and Nikon DSLR lenses are a great choice. We’d recommend starting with the Nikon AF-S 50mm f/1.4G or 24-70mm f/2.8G IF-ED.

Best APS-C Camera For Beginners:

The Sony A6400 is a compact APS-C camera that is rich in features. Positioned as a midrange hybrid camera when it was first released, the A6400 can do a bit of everything quite well.   

Upsides

• Exceptional autofocus taken from Sony’s flagship models

• Fast and responsive operation

• Good image quality

• Compact and lightweight design

• Fast burst rates

• 4K 30p video

Downsides

• If you have big hands, this camera might be too small and uncomfortable to use

• No IBIS

The Sony A6400 represents fantastic value for money. It’s a great camera for travel, family, street and even sports photography. The A6400 is a great option for beginners, being simple to use, with lightning-quick autofocus rarely missing a shot. 

When you go with Sony, you have access to a good range of full-frame and APS-C lenses. To keep the camera setup small in size, have a look at the Sony E 10-18mm f/4 OSS or the ZEISS Touit 32mm f/1.8 E. For more Sony recommendations, check out our list of the best Sony cameras.

Alternative pick: If you are looking for something more stylish and retro, consider the Fujifilm X-Pro 1. This is a rangefinder-style digital camera that seeks to mimic the old-school film shooting experience.

Best Compact Camera For Beginners:

The Panasonic DMC-TZ100 is a serious contender for first-time travel photographers looking for a compact camera. The TZ100 can do most things admirably. 

Upsides

• Impressive battery life

• Frankly ridiculous zoom lens

• Lightweight and small

• Pop-out flash

• 4K video

Downsides

• Low-light performance is poor

• Small viewfinder

• Image quality a mixed bag

• Focus ‘hunts’ in low-light

The TZ100's most glaring feature is its long zoom lens—the longest of any 1-inch sensor compact camera—a 15x zoom, equivalent to a 24-360mm lens. This camera is most geared toward travelers looking to document their travels, and with its easy-to-use nature, it is well-suited for beginners. 

Alternative pick: If you want something even smaller and with better image quality, try the Ricoh GR IIIx. This camera is so small, it’s almost hard to believe. But the GR IIIx offers astonishing image quality, partly due to its marvelous fixed f/2.8 lens. This compact camera is ideal for street and travel photography and is easy to use. You can read more about it in our Ricoh GR IIIx review.

Take a look at the best compact cameras for travel for more recommendations.

Best Video Camera for Beginners:

If you want to start vlogging or capturing easy video, then the Sony ZV-1 is a great choice for first-time videographers. This compact point-and-shoot is Sony’s dedicated vlogging camera that excels at video. It’s a great choice for creating content for TikTok or YouTube.

Upsides

• Fantastic 24-70mm equivalent f/1.8-2.8 lens

• 4K 30p video

• Fast autofocus

• Real-time eye autofocus and real-time tracking

• Very compact and light, easy to travel with

• Built-in ND filter

Downsides

• No headphone jack

• Low battery life

• No S-Log picture profile for more advanced shooters

If you want something better than your phone, then the ZV-1 is a great option. It is also no slouch when it comes to photographs, taking excellent quality 20-megapixel photos with the 24-70mm equivalent f/1.8-2.8 lens. The ergonomic design of the camera is well-thought-out. The flip-out touch screen lets you seamlessly film yourself while monitoring the shot. Plus, built-in Bluetooth and WiFi make transferring videos to your smartphone simple. 

This is an excellent camera for people or families looking to document their lives or work. The ZV-1’s menu screens and button layout are easy to use by any videographer. Overall, the Sony ZV-1 is one of the best dedicated video cameras for beginners. 

Best Beginner Camera For Wildlife:

If you are getting into photography because you love wildlife and bird photography and want to give it a go yourself, then look no further than Nikon’s specially designed all-in-one wildlife camera, the Nikon P950. 

Upsides

• Huge 24-2000mm superzoom lens

• 5 stops of Image Stabilisation (IBIS)

• 7 frames per second burst

• OLED electronic viewfinder

• Big ergonomic grip

• Relatively compact, considering the size of the zoom

• 4K video

Downsides

• Sharpness at the extreme end of the lens isn’t the best

• Low light performance is poor; avoid shooting at high ISOs if possible

• User interface is a bit old and sluggish, but fine 

• Lackluster battery life, bring a spare battery

Featuring a frankly ridiculous 83x superzoom from 24mm to 2000mm, the Nikon P950 could be crowned the most versatile beginner camera on this list. Covering all shooting scenarios, the P950 gives you a usual wide angle for regular scenes to more than enough reach to capture birds and other animals far away—you can even shoot the moon in detail with a tripod! 

To compensate for camera shake at long focal lengths, Nikon smartly included IBIS, which massively helps to achieve sharp, in-focus shots. This is especially helpful when shooting birds or planes from a long distance. 

The P950 is a fantastically ergonomic camera. It features a chunky grip and a large OLED viewfinder that makes it feel like you are holding a solid bit of kit.

With all this ability in one camera, you might expect the Nikon P950 to be big and bulky. But this is the surprising part: the Nikon P950 weighs in at 1kg with a battery inside, which is less than many less versatile DSLR setups.

Alternative pick: For a more traditional and cheaper setup, try out a Canon EOS 7D with the EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 III USM, recommended in our cameras for wildlife photography.

FAQs

Mirrorless vs DSLR: Which is better?

Mirrorless and DSLR cameras each offer distinct advantages and disadvantages. Mirrorless cameras are typically more compact and lightweight, featuring better autofocus systems with wider coverage and electronic viewfinders that provide real-time exposure preview. They're often quieter and increasingly include in-body image stabilization. However, because they are relatively recent systems, they have a more limited selection of native lenses.

On the other hand, DSLRs boast an extensive range of native lenses, lag-free optical viewfinders and a robust build quality. DSLRs also offer excellent value used. However, they tend to be bigger, heavier and noisier—due to the shutter mechanism—and usually have less advanced autofocus systems. 

While mirrorless technology is rapidly advancing, DSLRs remain a solid choice for beginners on a budget looking for great value.

Which size camera sensor do I need?

Camera sensor size significantly affects image quality and low-light performance. Larger sensors, like full-frame or medium-format sensors, capture more light. This results in cleaner images with less noise in dim conditions and better dynamic range. Larger sensors excel at producing shallow depth of field for attractive out-of-focus backgrounds. APS-C sensors, while smaller, offer good image quality at a lower cost and in more compact bodies. They also provide increased perceived ‘reach’, which can help wildlife or sports photographers.

The choice between sensor sizes ultimately depends on your own needs, budget and photographic goals.

What is a good camera resolution?

A good camera resolution depends largely on its intended use. In photography, common resolutions range from 12 to 36 megapixels, with higher resolutions available for specialized needs. For most casual photographers, 12 to 24 megapixels will suffice, while professionals might opt for 24-36 megapixels or higher for landscape and studio work.

In videography, standard resolutions include 1080p (Full HD), 4K (Ultra HD) and the emerging 8K. Older cameras tend to offer up to 1080p, but 4K is now industry standard.

Your choice of resolution should align with your specific requirements. Lower resolutions are often enough for social media and everyday photography. However, higher resolutions can help if you want to produce large prints or crop extensively.

Learn more about video resolutions & file formats.

Which is the best camera brand for beginners?

The right camera brand for you will depend on your needs. Canon and Nikon's DSLRs offer great value for money, while mirrorless cameras from Sony, Fujifilm and Panasonic (and Canon and Nikon, too) offer more advanced features in smaller bodies. 

Canon is known for its intuitive interfaces and wide range of lenses. Their entry-level DSLRs and mirrorless cameras often feature easy-to-navigate menus, making them excellent for newcomers.

Nikon offers beginner-friendly cameras with robust build quality and excellent image performance. Their DSLRs are particularly praised for ergonomics and natural handling, which can help beginners feel more comfortable as they learn.

Fujifilm has gained popularity for its stylish designs and straightforward controls. Its X-series cameras often appeal to those interested in street and travel photography, blending retro aesthetics with modern technology. The film simulation profiles have also become very popular. 

Sony is the technology trendsetter, spearheading the mirrorless revolution. Sony cameras tend to be packed with features, which can be overwhelming or not required for beginners. But if you are more technically minded, or interested in videography, Sony cameras might be a fantastic start for you. 

When selecting a brand, consider your photographic interests:

1. For wildlife or sports, Canon and Nikon's extensive telephoto lens options might be more appealing. 

2. Fujifilm's compact systems could be ideal for street and travel.

3. If you're interested in videography, Sony tends to lead the industry. 

Consider each brand's ecosystem, including lens options, accessories and potential for future upgrades. 

If your needs change, it's always easy to sell or trade and switch to another brand.

Still not sure which camera’s right for you? If you already have a genre in mind, take a look at our camera guides with great options for first-time photographers. We have the best camera options for wildlife, for sports, for street and for travel photography. Otherwise, you can find further inspiration in our camera gear guides on the MPB Content Hub.