Do you ever want to get into the world of photography but have no idea where to start? The best camera for newcomers is one that’s easy to use, while still offering enough features and functionalities that allow you capture that perfect shot. Getting your first camera is the first step into your photography/videography journey. Having a dedicated camera comes with many advantages over say, your daily smartphone, with benefits like better ergonomics, more features, interchangeable batteries, and greater overall quality of images and videos.
As you start venturing out into the world of cameras, you'll likely come across the ongoing debate about DSLRs vs. Mirrorless Cameras. Both choices have their pros and cons and equally offer a great opportunity to get you started on your photography journey. DSLRs are bigger and heavier than Mirrorless but it does come with better battery life and they're often cheaper. They also have a larger selection of lenses and accessories to choose from. Mirrorless cameras are smaller and lighter which makes them easier to carry around. They also tend to have superior autofocusing capabilities amongst other things. This makes them especially ideal for video and vlogging.
We've included both DSLR and Mirrorless options on this list so there's something to suit everyone. Let's dive in!
1. Canon 3000D DSLR Camera
The Canon 3000D is a perfect entry-level DSLR to get you into the world of photography. Whether you have a young budding photographer at home, you're a student, or you want to start exploring the world of photography without spending too much, the 3000D is a hot choice! It offers all of the basic functions you need along with an 18MP sensor, DIGIC 4+ processor, 9 AutoFocus points, and an easy to navigate button layout.
So what do you miss out on entry-level DSLR camera such as this? Not a whole lot in the grand scheme of things. This camera doesn't have Bluetooth or support 4K video. In fact, it's only capable of recording FHD up to 30fps. However, if photography is what you're interested in, this will be no problem. This lightweight camera has a strong battery life and solid image quality, giving you the tools you need to get started in photography.
2. Canon EOS R100 Mirrorless Camera
If a mirrorless camera is what you're after, the Canon EOS R100 is a fantastic entry-level option! This camera was designed for multimedia content creation, making it a great choice whether you want to get started in photography or videography. It has an APS-C sized 24.1MP CMOS sensor and a DIGIC 8 processor which helps to strike a fine balance between resolution, speed, and low-light performance. It also has a native sensitivity range os ISO 100-12800 to support working in a range of lighting situations.
The R100 features a Dual Pixel CMOS AutoFocus system which has 3975 autofocus points covering 142 autofocus zones - this ensures refined accuracy across and sharpness in your photo and video shots. This system also supports both automatic subject detection and eye detection AF - this is great for those who are interested in capturing video. Speaking of video, the R100 is capable of recording up to 4K at 24fps and FHD at up to 60fps.
Using Canon’s latest RF lenses the EOS R100 can also access Canon’s previous EF range of lenses - all you need is the EF-RF Adapter giving you more options and choices for lenses.
3. Sony A6400 Mirrorless Camera
Sony is renowned for their mirrorless cameras and for those starting out, the Sony a6400 is a great place to start. This camera is an APS-C camera that delivers speedy performance and a range of features you'd expect from a full-frame model. It has fantastic image and video quality, shooting crisp 24.2MP images and recording video up to 4K at 30fps or FHD at up to 120fps allowing greater creative opportunities than the previous cameras on this list.
The a6400 is extremely lightweight and equipped with an outstanding autofocus system that can track subjects on the move with ease, helping your shots stay sharp and in focus. Its minimum shutter speed makes it suitable for long-exposure shots which is perfect for those Astro and Landscape photos to. The a6400 is sturdy, small and comfortable to use, with a touchscreen that flips out a making it perfect for vlogging and selfies too.
4. Canon EOS R8 Mirrorless Camera
Now we get into the full-frame options and from Canon, we have the Canon EOS R8 Mirrorless Camera. A full-frame camera (as opposed to an APS-C camera) has a larger sensor size which translates to better image and video quality, especially in low light. It also provides a wider field of view. Of course, this makes the camera and lenses larger, heavier, and more expensive, but for some, it's a worthy trade-off. This camera offers excellent image quality, and being full-frame, it keeps the noise and graininess of photos to a minimum, even when shooting in low light with higher ISO levels.
Although the Canon EOS RP is Canon's cheapest and lightest full-frame mirrorless camera, the R8 has much better specifications, including a better sensor, autofocus and image processor. This makes it a better choice for video as well as photography. The R8 shoots 24.2MP and can record up to 4K at 60fps and FHD up to 120fps. It has great autofocus and lowlight performance, as well as advanced subject tracking for a wide range of subjects.
This camera is compact and lightweight. It makes use of Canon’s latest range of RF lenses but, thanks to the EF-RF adapter you can make use of all the EF lenses used on Canon’s DSLR cameras.
5. Sony Alpha A7C Mirrorless
If you're looking to Sony for a full-frame camera, we recommend the Sony Alpha A7C. Being one of Sony's more affordable full-frame options, it's perfect for beginners wanting a full-frame Sony Mirrorless, but it's beyond an entry-level camera. The A7C is highly capable while being incredibly compact. It features a 24.2MP Exmor R BSI CMOS sensor, offering hybrid abilities that's perfect for both photo and video. The full-frame sensor abd BIONZ X processor offer up to a 15-stop dynamic range, extended ISO sensitivity from ISO50-204800, and a top continuous shooting rate of 10 fps for working with moving subjects.
It also boasts a fast hybrid AutoFcus sytem, which uses 693 phase-detection points and 425 contrast detection areas for quick and precise autofocus performance. It also has support for Real-time eye AF and Tracking AF technologies. This, along with 5-axis in-body image stabilisation, all makes for smooth, sharp in-focus shots and videos. Speaking of video, the Alpha A7C is capable of recording up to 4K at 30fps and at FHD at up to 60fps.
So there you have it, hopefully that gets you excited to delve into the wonders of photography! If you're after something in particular, check out the full range of cameras at PB Tech. If you want to find a group of passionate photographers to share your progress with, make sure to join Photo Booth - Powered By PB Tech Group on Facebook!
