Start photography in 2025 – with the ten best cameras for beginners. Find the perfect balance of price, features, and performance for professionals without spending a fortune.
We know how exciting the journey to becoming a photographer can be. A new world full of creativity and possibilities awaits to be captured by you. Yet the sheer technological complexity of the optical world can overwhelm you.
Beginners should look for a wide range of affordable, powerful equipment specifically designed for newcomers when purchasing a camera and its accompanying lens. We have tested hundreds of cameras and selected these ten best cameras for beginners in 2025.
Entry-Level Cameras
These cameras are aimed at bargain hunters but are also extremely user-friendly and ideal for beginners. Canon and Nikon lead this category with their older and newer models.
1. Nikon D3500 (DSLR)
We highly recommend this camera for beginners as it offers solid performance and excellent photo quality. The lenses for this DSLR are also quite affordable, making it a great deal for beginners. However, the downside is that DSLR technology is outdated and no longer mainstream. So if you're looking for a durable and upgradeable camera, especially regarding lens mounts, this camera is not the right choice.
2. Canon EOS R100
This Canon RF-mount camera is the entry model into the company's strong RF ecosystem and a good choice for casual photographers switching from smartphones. For under $500, you get a beginner-friendly user interface, a lightweight body, and good photo quality.
3. Canon EOS R50
The latest model in this series is super compact, lightweight, and delivers excellent photo and video quality. The camera also features a flip-out display, and its autofocus system is impressive. It is designed for use with RF and RF-S lenses as well as, via an adapter, with EF/EF-S lenses. It is an excellent investment in the Canon mirrorless lens ecosystem. Overall, a great budget camera with a balanced price-performance ratio.
Mid-range cameras for photographers
This category presents cameras that become even better through more professional features such as built-in image stabilization, better autofocus systems, more extensive video specifications, and the flexibility to expand the creative scope for beginners.
1. Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV
Looking for the most compact camera on the market with high-quality IBIS and an affordable price? Then you are in the right place. The OM-D E-M10 (a rather strange name) enables effortless handheld shooting thanks to its super lightweight profile and is an excellent option this year for street and travel photography. Its Micro Four Thirds system provides good image quality in the mid-range segment and is compatible with a variety of sharp MFT lenses.
2. Canon EOS R10
This RF camera was awarded "Best Entry-Level Camera" in 2025 by many online review sites. Praised for its solid features, it surpasses the specifications of almost all high-end cameras of 2025 and is the best choice in this list of top ten cameras for beginners. It offers solid 4K video recording at 60 frames per second (albeit cropped), an excellent autofocus system, and overall appealing performance thanks to the mirrorless APS-C sensor system.
3. Nikon Z50 II
Another mirrorless APS-C model, similar to the R10, Nikon offers a top choice for beginners this year with numerous features. This camera goes a step further but also targets video artists. It provides solid autofocus for 4K videos at 60 frames per second and excellent value for anyone looking for a hybrid photo-video camera this year.
4. Sony a6100
This camera is ideal for anyone who wants to effortlessly capture portraits, action, or everyday photography. It shines with its lightning-fast real-time eye autofocus, which already has many fans. It also offers 4K recording, a compact body, and compatibility with E-mount lenses.
Upper mid-range cameras for photographers
1. Nikon Z5 II
If you want to enter the entry-level mirrorless full-frame camera segment, this camera is the right choice. It offers a full-frame sensor with good low-light performance, robust build, 4K video, dual card slots, and excellent image quality. If you seek studio-level low-light performance and high-quality photos, this camera is right for you—even on a small budget.
2. Canon EOS R8
It is one of our favorite cameras in this year's top 10 beginner cameras due to its excellent photo quality, especially in low light, and its relatively light weight. It is also quite beginner-friendly, features fast Eye-AF, can record 4K videos, and has an excellent lens range.
3. Fujifilm X-M5
If you love retro cameras and value first-class photo and video quality, this camera is just right for you. The camera offers 6K video that can be played back on a flip-out display and impresses with excellent color reproduction. The film simulation dial is a nice detail we really like, and the small details make the camera unique in this price range.
The best camera lens for beginners
Your new camera cannot reach its full potential if the lens is not as good as it is. For the best value for money, we recommend the SIRUI Saturn lens kit. This new generation of anamorphic lenses was specially developed for beginners who want professional results in photo and video shooting at a fraction of the cost of other premium optics.
This lens kit is available in the most common focal lengths and features aspherical lens elements for more precise and sharper images. The lens's anamorphic effect allows a 1.6x squeeze factor, creating an oval and elongated bokeh similar to Hollywood films. If you want to improve your photography skills from the start, be sure to invest in this lens.
Summary:
The above-mentioned top ten cameras for beginners are sorted by price and budget. To get the most out of these cameras, invest in the SIRUI Saturn lens kit with various mounts and focal lengths, designed for cinematic optical performance in photos and videos.
