5 best cameras for amateur photographers

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Key notes

  • When buying a camera you should consider things like what you will use it for, image quality, and range of lenses.
  • In this article, we'll explore some of the best cameras to help you get started easily in the photographic field.
  • You can find the latest deals for the most popular hardware and software in our Buying Guides.
  • Our Cameras Hub will help you discover other interesting details about cameras and how to fix errors. 
best camera for amateur

Any high-end smartphone on today’s market incorporates a performant camera, that can be considered good for amateurs.

However, it has limitations in design and settings, factors that can drive you to buy a dedicated camera.

Before getting one you should take into consideration some important features a camera should have.

An easy-to-use camera includes automatic modes so you won’t lose yourself through the settings. It also has to be compact and small, so you can take it with you wherever you go.

Look for a camera with at least 3X optical zoom and 24 Megapixels resolution.

The higher the zoom, the greater the versatility of the camera, and you will be able to capture objects at a greater distance.

What are the best cameras for amateurs?

Canon EOS Rebel T6 Kit

  • 1080/30p video capture
  • Continuously shooting at 3 fps for photographing moving subjects
  • ISO 100-6400, expandable to 12800 for low and difficult lighting conditions
  • Fixed LCD display

Canon EOS Rebel T6 Kit is a complete set that contains everything that you need to start as an amateur photographer.

The Canon EOS Rebel T6 is an entry-level DSLR with 18MP APS-C sensor that also features a DIGIC 4+ image processor. Combined, these two technologies gives you rich image quality with reduced noise.

Even more, the built-in Wi-Fi with NFC ensures that you have the ability to share images from your camera to a linked mobile device for instant online posting.

Canon EOS Rebel T6 Kit is a complete set that contains everything that you need to start as an amateur photographer.

The Canon EOS Rebel T6 is an entry-level DSLR with 18MP APS-C sensor that also features a DIGIC 4+ image processor. Combined, these two technologies gives you rich image quality with reduced noise.

Even more, the built-in Wi-Fi with NFC ensures that you have the ability to share images from your camera to a linked mobile device for instant online posting.

Canon EOS Rebel T6 is best for those looking for a smooth upgrade from a smartphone shooting to a digital camera.


Canon EOS Rebel T7i

  • ISO range of 100 to 25600 offers good shooting even in low light
  • Built-in Wi-Fi, NFC, and Bluetooth
  • 45-point all cross-type AF for accurate results
  • Does not have 4K video capabilities

A little more pricey than the previous model, EOS REBEL T7i  is one of the best cameras you can buy from Canon.

It comes with a 24.2 Megapixel CMOS (APS-C) sensor and the newer DIGIC 7 image processor that guarantee more detailed and colorful photos.

Rebel T7i has a high-speed continuous shooting rate of up to 6 fps making the shooting speed double compared with the Rebel T6 model. Furthermore, the 3.0-inch vari-angle touchscreen lets you capture the shot with ease.

If you don’t have a limited budget and want to invest from start in a quality camera, Canon EOS Rebel T7i is the right choice.


Nikon D5300

  • 5 frames per second continuous shooting
  • Compact and sleek design
  • Good battery life
  • The display is not touch-enabled

Nikon is another well-known brand when speaking about good quality cameras. The Nikon D5300 model is one of the best entry-level camera you can buy.

It comes with a built-in GPS feature that helps track your photos easily, create travel journals, and share your location when posting photos on Facebook.

The quality of the image is given by the new 24.2-megapixel image sensor, which is a recent design innovation allowing the camera to capture the purest, most lifelike images possible. 

Nikon D5300 is quite a functional and convenient device capable of delivering beautiful shots.


Nikon D3500

  • 24.7 Megapixels Resolution
  • Compact, comfortable design
  • Shooting speed of 5 fps
  • Only Bluetooth connectivity

Nikon D3500 is another great solution if you are a new photographer and don’t want to spend a lot of money on a dedicated camera.

The APS-C CMOS image sensor, which is 15X larger than those used in cell phones, creates sharper and clearer photos. You can make 1080 full HD videos by using this camera with monaural sound at the touch of a button.

It is also equipped with Guide Mode. If you want to learn while you shoot, turn on Guide Mode, and follow the simple on-screen guidance. This feature essentially teaches you the basics of photography, such as shutter speed, aperture, and exposure compensation along the way.

Nikon D3500 provides decent image quality, is quite easy to handle, and helps you learn the basics of photography.


Sony Alpha A6000

  • APS-C format with high resolution – 24 megapixels
  • Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity
  • ISO range 100 – 25000 for low light photos
  • The LCD display is not touch-enabled

We may not think of Sony as a camera manufacturer, but we know from the Xperia phones series that it creates performant and quality products. Sony Alpha A6000 model is proof of this.

Alpha A6000 has a modern and stylish appearance combined with good ergonomics and high-quality performance. It is about half the size and weight of a typical DSLR camera, yet it has the same size APS-C image sensor as most of them.

Besides the design, it is one of the fastest on the market. It can shoot 11 photos in one second. The interchangeable lenses and E-mount system make the camera more versatile than almost any other camera.

Sony Alpha A600 is an affordable compact camera with great performance, for both amateur and advanced photographers.


There are plenty of cameras on the internet and choosing one can be a stressful task for an amateur. Any camera from the above list is a good option to start with.

If you keep in mind the most important features listed in this guide, you will be able to make the best decision.

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