Best 5 Cameras for Beginners under $1000

Few things to consider

One of the most common questions I get as a photographer is, How do I pick a good camera for a beginner? or what type of camera should I get for traveling? or What is the best camera bundle for beginners? Should beginners use SLR or DSLR or Mirrorless? What should I look for when buying a camera? There is no easy, answer for these questions. However we can point you into the right direction. Remember that each person has different needs, likes and wants. Hence we will still make this post about those who don’t have a camera yet with a budget. So we will find you the Best 5 Cameras for Beginners that are under $1000 bucks.

Sometimes it is very difficult to recommend a camera to someone because, we don’t know what type of photography you would want to photograph. So its crucial that you figure out what type of photography niche that you want to get into. It could be from sports, wildlife, portraits, landscape to closeup and macro photography. Each genre of photography would require different gear. So in this article we will try our best to choose the most versatile camera kit that suits you well.

Another thing to think about is what camera system will you use in the future. For example, the digital photography age is now moving into mirrorless systems. So it might be wise for you to consider mirrorless systems over DSLR systems. Most camera manufacturers are innovating on mirrorless lens systems. Its also crucial to think the lens mounts. So in the near future when you purchase a new camera body, the lenses you already have will also fit the new camera body. Alright lets get into it. Lets take a look at the Best 5 Cameras for Beginners that I have picked out for us.

Best 5 Cameras for Beginners

Best 5 Cameras for Beginners under $1000

1. Canon R50 Mirrorless – w/ 18-45mm

Best all around Camera with the latest Tech. Great for Travel because its compact.


Sensor size: APS-C CMOS Sensor
Photo Resolution: 24.2 Megapixels
Frames Per Second: 15fps Electronic
Video Resolution: UHD 4k 30p, 1080p 60p
Flip Screen: Yes
Auto Focus: Yes
Flash: Yes
Ease of Use: Beginner to Intermediate
Ergonomics: Small Compact
Changeable Lenses: Yes

Canon r50
Photo Credit: Canon Company

This camera is great all around with awesome capabilities for photography and video. With 24.2 Megapixels the camera can produce sharp and detailed photos that are crisp and worthy of printing and hanging on the wall. Having a camera that is at least 22 megapixels in this day and age of quality content is crucial for social media.

The Canon R50 also has awesome video specs. UHD 4k at 30fps is nothing short of phenomenal. Even has 1080P at 60FPS which is great for shooting those slow motion dramatic shots for that cinematic look you are look for. It also has a flip screen so you can see yourself if you’re the type to vlog about your adventures.

This camera also has the ability to connect to your phone, so that you can edit the images on your mobile device or control the camera with your phone. Great for take selfies, videoing yourself or photographing yourself with a group.

This Camera would be my top choice for your everyday carry camera, travel and family photos. I would not use this for a professional photoshoot.

At the time of writing this article this camera hasn’t come out yet, but it’ll be available in stores in about 30 days. Exciting!

2. Sony A6400 Mirrorless – w/ 16-50mm

Very sleek design


Sensor size: APS-C Exmor CMOS Sensor
Photo Resolution: 24.2 Megapixels
Frames Per Second: 11fps Electronic
Video Resolution: UHD 4k 30p
Flip Screen: Yes
Auto Focus: Yes
Flash: Yes
Ease of Use: Beginner to Intermediate
Ergonomics: Small Compact, Sleek and Weird feeling in the hand.
Changeable Lenses: Yes

Sony A6000

This is a great camera to go in comparison with the Canon R50. With the same 24.2 Megapixels it can take great photographs worthy of hanging on the wall. The A6400 is a few years older than the Canon R50 but it is still a great camera for beginners to start on. It has 4k UHD with 30p and 1080p with 60p for great slow motion capabilities. Another thing to mention is that is doesn’t have a 30min time limit on each video file. The autofocus system is great with acquisition of 0.02 seconds, real time tracking as well.

How about vlogging? Its a great camera for vlogging too, as mentioned it has great video specs with a flippy LCD touchscreen that tilts 180° up so you can see yourself while vlogging or capture that great epic adventure with your family.

The Sony A6400 has the ability to also change lenses so you can use native lenses made by Sony or even use third party lenses from perhaps Sigma and Tamron or you could even adapt other camera brand lenses to the camera.

3. Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV Mirrorless – w/ 14-42mm

What a weird name haha. Great design for a retro feel, for those nostalgic feelings.


Sensor size: Live MOS Micro Four Thirds Sensor
Photo Resolution: 20.3 Megapixels
Frames Per Second: 8.7fps
Video Resolution: UHD 4k 30fps, 1080p 60fps
Flip Screen: Yes – Not the best
Auto Focus: 121-Point Contrast-Detection AF
Flash: Yes
Ease of Use: Beginner to Intermediate
Ergonomics: Small Compact
Changeable Lenses: Yes – Not the biggest selection

Olympus omd

I love the way this camera looks, its just look so retro and old school but you know, with modern technology as the guts. I used to have the Olympus Pen-F and I loved it. It traveled with me through Asia getting great shots. The Olympus camera systems are great however the camera brand is a bit behind in specifications, which it not a deal breaker.

The 20 Megapixels is not the worst but not the best either. Today’s age of content creation calls for much higher resolution. However!!! HOWEVER, Its still great for social media, Yes its fine for wall prints and yes its awesome for recording your family memories and even travel. So don’t set this aside. If your shooting sports or trying to capture your sons awesome throw during his game it’ll capture you 8fps which isn’t too bad either.

The OM-D has 4k with 30fps which is AWESOME for this price range of a camera. It also has 1080p 60fps again for that slow motion cinematic shots. Yes it has a flippy screen but it flips down, below the camera, so if your using a tripod and want to see yourself it’ll be blocked.

4. Nikon D3500 DSLR – w/ 18-55mm

Very affordable DSLR kit.


Sensor size: DX-Format CMOS Sensor
Photo Resolution: 24.2 Megapixels
Frames Per Second: 5fps
Video Resolution: Full HD 1080p Video Recording at 60 fps
Flip Screen: No
Auto Focus: Multi-CAM 1000 11-Point AF System
Flash: Yes
Ease of Use: Beginner to Intermediate
Ergonomics: Not too Small but Compact
Changeable Lenses: Yes

nikon d3500
Photo Credit: Nikon Company

Not too much to say about this camera, it does what it needs to do. The Specs are a bit outdated for the price. It is 24 megapixels and only has 5fps which is slow to today’s standards. This camera doesn’t even have 4k video. Mirrorless cameras are the in thing now so I don’t suggest this unless your budget calls for it.

Decent in price, for those who dont wana spend too much.

5. Canon EOS Rebel T7 DSLR Kit w/ 18-55mm & 75-300mm

Best Bang for you buck, great value with 2 lenses.


Sensor size: APS-C CMOS Sensor
Photo Resolution: 24.1 Megapixels
Frames Per Second: 3fps
Video Resolution: Full HD 1080p Video Recording at 30 fps
Flip Screen: No
Auto Focus: 9-Point AF with Center Cross-Type Point
Flash: Yes
Ease of Use: Beginner to Intermediate
Ergonomics: Not too Small but Compact
Changeable Lenses: Yes

Canon Rebel edited scaled

I would say that this camera kit is one of the best sellers out there. I’ve seen so many people who have this kit. I even see these kits being sold used for a good price. Although the suggested retail price is really good at around $550. Its very budget friendly.

Aside from the great price for the kit, the specs are ok. Nothing much to say about it, but it does have 24 megapixels with 1080p 30fps. Wish the camera would have some sort of slow motion at 60fps at least but sadly it doesn’t.

3fps is really slow so it won’t capture quick sports movements. Its also decent for portraits since it does come with a zoom lenses.

All in all, Its great for the budget along with 2 lenses that you will use.

Bonus: Canon R10 Mirrorless w/ 18-45mm RF Lens

One of the newest cameras that has come out recently


Sensor size: APS-C sized CMOS sensor.
Photo Resolution: 24.2 Megapixels
Frames Per Second: High speed shooting 15fps mechanical(3,4), 23fps electronic
Video Resolution: 4K30 Video, 4K60 with Crop; HDR-PQ
Flip Screen: Yes
Auto Focus: Dual Pixel CMOS AF II ( Awesome Focusing system)
Flash: Yes
Ease of Use: Beginner to Intermediate
Ergonomics: Fairly Large
Changeable Lenses: Yes

Canon r10
Photo Credit: Canon Company

At the time of this article, this camera hasn’t been out too long. Its fairly new. So the specs on this camera are great! With just $1 shy of $1000 bucks you can get yourself a great modern camera, with a decent lens to support it.

This camera system also can support the professional RF lens system that all the pros use for their work. So its something to consider.

Conclusion

So in conclusion, most of theses camera’s are great. I chose these specific cameras by specs and budget. Personally, I wouldn’t go the DSLR route because that will be phased out in the next 5 to 10 years or so. Mirrorless is the way to go. However, If your budget calls for one of the DSLRs, Hey by all means get it. There is NOTHING wrong with these cameras. Remember that they all take good photographs, that is the most important part.

Just be creative! Gear doesn’t mean you’ll be the best photographer in the world, but its the mind behind the camera that takes the awesome photographs.

Stay motivated! Keep Doing! and you’ll do great!!!

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