The best Cameras for Beginners: DSLRs and Mirrorless

If you're getting into photography and trying to figure out which is the best camera for beginners, you're probably feeling a bit lost among the possibilities offered by the market. Should you buy a DSLR or a mirrorless camera? Nikon or Canon? Maybe something less conventional? What's the right budget? Entry-level or something more advanced?

In this article, we aim to help you choose by listing the best DSLRs and Mirrorless cameras for beginners. If you're interested in compact cameras, which, in some cases, can offer image quality comparable to DSLRs and mirrorless cameras, you can check out this article on the best compact cameras on the market.

Remember, the camera is just one part of your equipment!

How to Choose the Right Camera for You

Before choosing your camera, you need to consider three fundamental factors:

• How will you use your camera?

If you want a camera for everyday use and need something very light, you'll need something compact. The smaller and lighter the camera is, the more likely you are to carry it with you everywhere. A lightweight mirrorless camera like the Panasonic GX80 or the Canon EOS M100 might be the perfect solution for you.

Of course, you can also consider something a bit larger. If the camera's size isn't a priority, you can consider DSLRs like the Nikon D5600 or the Pentax K-70. They are more suitable for certain types of photography and are very manageable.

If you're a fan of selfies, choose a camera with a fully rotating screen, like the Sony Alpha 5100 or the Canon EOS M100.

• What other cameras and lenses does a brand offer?

When you're investing in a brand, buying both the camera and lenses, it's worth looking at what other camera bodies and lenses that brand offers. In the future, you may want to expand your lens kit or replace your camera, so it's important to know what options a particular brand offers. This is especially relevant when considering mirrorless cameras, which currently offer fewer lens choices.

• Do you want to take photos only or also shoot videos?

If you plan to do video work as well, focus on models that offer good autofocus systems during recording. Two examples of cameras with this feature are the Sony Alpha 5100 and the Canon EOS 200D.

Best DSLR Cameras for Beginners

Canon EOS 250D

• APS-C Sensor

• Megapixels: 24.2MP

• Lens Mount: Canon EF-S

• Display: 3 inches, tiltable touchscreen (1,040,000 dots)

• Maximum Video Resolution: 4K UHD

• User Level: Beginner

• Price starting from €650

The Canon EOS 250D is one of the best DSLR cameras in terms of price-to-performance ratio. It's designed for beginners but offers plenty of room for growth. This camera is compact and lightweight, featuring a 24.2-megapixel sensor and Canon's Dual Pixel CMOS AF technology for fast live view autofocus, similar to a mirrorless camera. It can also record 4K video, making it a versatile choice for beginners.

Nikon D3500

• APS-C Sensor

• Megapixels: 24.2MP

• Lens Mount: Nikon F (DX)

• Display: 3 inches

• Maximum Video Resolution: 1080p (Full HD)

• User Level: Beginner

• Price starting from €660

The Nikon D3500 is an excellent camera for beginners with a guided mode that provides step-by-step instructions for various useful and commonly used functions. It's easy to use and offers good overall performance, although the Live View autofocus could be improved.

Canon EOS 2000D

• APS-C Sensor

• Megapixels: 24.2MP

• Lens Mount: Canon EF-S

• Display: 3 inches (921,000 dots)

• Maximum Video Resolution: 1080p (Full HD)

• User Level: Beginner

• Price starting from €400

The Canon EOS 2000D is an affordable option with good image quality. It's user-friendly and offers a wide selection of Canon lenses. Sharing on social media and shooting remotely has never been so easy using the Camera Connect app, simply connect via Wi-Fi or NFC. 

Canon EOS 4000D

• APS-C Sensor

• Megapixels: 18MP

• Lens Mount: Canon EF-S

• Display: 2.7 inches (230,000 dots)

• Maximum Video Resolution: 1080p (Full HD)

• User Level: Beginner

• Price starting from €330

The Canon EOS 4000D is a basic camera with a super competitive price, suitable for those who want to try photography with minimal cost. However, it has limited performance with only 18 megapixels and less capable autofocus.

Nikon D5600

• APS-C Sensor

• Megapixels: 24.2MP

• Lens Mount: Nikon F (DX)

• Display: 3.2 inches, tiltable touchscreen (1,037,000 dots)

• Maximum Video Resolution: 1080p (Full HD)

• User Level: Beginner

• Price starting from €914

The Nikon D5600 is a more advanced entry-level camera suitable for those with a slightly higher budget. It features a touchscreen, 39-point autofocus, and Bluetooth 4 Low Energy for constant connectivity. It's a great choice for users looking for a camera that can handle more technical demands. Whether the camera is up, down, or away from you, you can simply flip or rotate the large 8.1cm variable angle touchscreen to make perfect shots: the view will always be clear regardless. 

Pentax K-70

• APS-C Sensor

• Megapixels: 24.2MP

• Lens Mount: Pentax KAF2

• Display: 3 inches, tiltable (921,000 dots)

• Maximum Video Resolution: 1080p (Full HD)

• User Level: Beginner

• Price starting from €730

The Pentax K-70 is a more expensive option but offers exceptional performance for an entry-level DSLR. It has in-body stabilization, Pixel Shift Resolution, and is dust and weather-resistant, a unique feature in this category. It is the perfect camera for those who want to try their hand at landscape photography and astrophotography.

Best Mirrorless Cameras for Beginners

Panasonic Lumix GX80

• Micro Four Thirds Sensor

• Megapixels: 16MP

• Lens Mount: Micro Four Thirds

• Display: 3 inches, tiltable touchscreen (1,040,000 dots)

• Maximum Video Resolution: 4K

• User Level: Beginner

• Price starting from €600

The Panasonic Lumix GX80 is a small mirrorless camera with compact dimensions and excellent portability. It suits both beginners who want to shoot in automatic mode and more advanced photographers who want manual control. It also offers 4K video recording.

Canon EOS M100

• APS-C Sensor

• Megapixels: 24.2MP

• Lens Mount: Canon EF EOS-M

• Display: 3 inches, tiltable touchscreen (1,040,000 dots)

• Maximum Video Resolution: 1080p (Full HD)

• User Level: Beginner

• Price starting from €500

The Canon EOS M100 emphasizes compactness, performance, and ease of use—a perfect mix for beginners who want high image quality and simplicity. Fun, compact, and creative, the EOS M100 is an entry-level mirrorless camera dedicated to those who love to shoot quickly and easily while still achieving high-quality images.

Sony Alpha 5100

• APS-C Sensor

• Megapixels: 24.3MP

• Lens Mount: Sony E-mount

• Display: 3 inches, tiltable touchscreen (921,600 dots)

• Maximum Video Resolution: 1080p (Full HD)

• User Level: Beginner

• Price starting from €480

The Sony Alpha 5100 is a classic choice among mirrorless cameras for beginners. Despite being launched a few years ago, it still offers competitive performance with a 24.3-megapixel sensor and advanced autofocus with 179 hybrid AF points for precise focusing.

Olympus E-M10 II

• Micro Four Thirds Sensor

• Megapixels: 16.1MP

• Lens Mount: Micro Four Thirds

• Display: 3 inches, tiltable touchscreen (1,040,000 dots)

• Maximum Video Resolution: 1080p (Full HD)

• User Level: Beginner

• Price starting from €449

The Olympus E-M10 II combines cutting-edge technology with a retro style inspired by classic Olympus OM cameras from the 1970s, with its classic design and its high quality metal body. Beyond its stylish design, it features an OLED viewfinder, the powerful 5-axis image stabilization, burst shooting, and Full HD video recording.

These are some of the best DSLR and mirrorless cameras for beginners on the market. We conclude our guide on the best cameras for beginners saying that then your choice will obviously depend on  your personal needs, budget, and brand preferences.

Remember to do further research and, if possible, try out the cameras in-store before making a final decision.

Happy photography!

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