Daily Dose of Design: Finding the Right Camera for You: Great Cameras for Beginners

Thursday, March 2, 2017

Finding the Right Camera for You: Great Cameras for Beginners

This post contains affiliate links.

There are hundreds of different types of cameras, brands of cameras and ways to go when it comes to picking and choosing what works best for you. There are lots of cameras for beginners that don't require tons of photography classes, and really help to grow past your iPhone's camera or a simpler point and shoot. While there's a lot to learn if you decide on a DSLR, there's great options that have simpler modes and controls to get you comfortable with the camera. I'm still learning myself, but after upgrading I'm realizing just how important cameras for beginners are! Whether you need something reliable for blog photos, want to get into photography, need something better for a trip or anything else - here are the best cameras to consider:

Non-DSLR Cameras:
 


1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5 // 6

1. Nikon CoolPix P510: this camera has been my baby, my favorite to use and really makes me realize just how great non-DSLR cameras CAN be! I've had it for a few years now and you can still buy it certifiably refurbished. The majority of my blog photos are taken using this camera still to this day - mostly because I love it so much and know everything about it/about using it! It's a great camera for beginners and it's smaller, so it's easy to travel with too. A lot of the settings are somewhat intro-settings for a comparable Nikon DSLR also, which is great for learning purposes. When I first got a DSLR and tried it, I found myself much more comfortable with it than I expected to be because it was fairly similar to this CoolPix. The image quality is incredible and a 9/10 times, you'd never guess that your pictures taken with this camera weren't actually from a bigger, fancier and more expensive camera. If you don't want to buy refurbished, the Nikon CoolPix L840 is a newer version from the CoolPix family that has basically the same features.

2. Nikon CoolPix P900: another version from the CoolPix family, because they're just THAT good! It's comparable to the P510 or L840, but the zoom is even better here. The menu is a bit easier and less complex than it is on the P510 too, which is great if you really want to learn the basics and from the beginning! I also love the video feature on this camera - it takes incredible videos! It's also Wi-Fi enabled which is a step up from the P510, and definitely something to look for in a camera these days.

3. Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-HX400V: the bundle deal that you can get from Amazon for this camera is just beyond AMAZING! It comes with a ton of accessories, and for a great camera to be included it's a great deal coming in at just under $450. A lot of people (myself included) seem to think that Nikon or Canon are the only ways to go, but Sony makes incredible cameras. I tried this camera out and LOVED everything about it! I'd compare it to Nikon's CoolPix series; it's very lightweight, Wi-Fi enabled and takes gorgeous pictures. It's great to learn with because it, too, has menus and settings that can be a little more advanced and if you learn these, learning the settings of a DSLR later on will be much easier. Even better? It has a 50x zoom - that's just CRAZY good!

4. Sony a5100: if you want to go with a mirrorless camera, THIS is hands down *the* best one to buy! It isn't a DSLR, but it has detachable lenses. If you want to upgrade to a DSLR or just want to see if you'd like one, this is the best camera to buy. In fact, it's just as good as any DSLR on the market and for a great camera, it has a great price. If you're a vlogger, this is the best camera I've seen for videos too!

It has awesome features and considering how comparable it is to a DSLR, the weight of this camera is #1! It's SO light weight and so much easier to travel with (even if you have an extra lens or two) versus lugging a big and heavy DSLR where ever you go!

5. Panasonic LUMIX DMC-G7KS: another brand that makes awesome cameras is Panasonic - this Lumix doesn't have a huge megapixel camera like some of the others do (only 16 megapixels) but it does take awesome videos, and it has AF (auto focus) settings that are top notch. If you're more of a videographer and maybe want to step up from something like a GoPro, this is your best bet!

RELATED: The ULTIMATE GoPro Playlist!

6. Panasonic LUMIX DMC-FZ70: if you want some serious bang for your buck, this may be the perfect answer! It's $249.99 (!!!) and in almost 1,000 customer reviews, it has a 4.5 star rating. I don't own this camera, but I'm starting to think I should grab one! It has an incredible zoom feature and it's said to be one of the best for shooting in low light. Which, hello, if you're a blogger you know you deal with this more times than you'd probably hope for! It has a 60x optical zoom which is incredible for a camera like this. The reviews will likely make your decision for you after reading them alone!

DSLR Cameras:
 


1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5 // 6

1. Canon Rebel T6: while Canon vs. Nikon is totally a personal preference, this is one of the newer versions of the Rebel series and it's said to be one of the more basic DSLRs on the market. For a DSLR, it's very affordable and I know a few bloggers who have and love this camera. I have a Canon Rebel XSi and it's one of my favorite DSLRs! I tend to lean towards Nikon, but this is a great buy for SURE.

2. Canon EOS Rebel SL1: yes, another from the Rebel series because it's my favorite from Canon! This is one of the smaller Rebels which is great if you travel and take it places a lot. It isn't very heavy, and it's super compact. I really love the functionality of it - because it's just as easy to use as one of the non-DSLR cameras I spoke of earlier, but it's performance is top notch.

3. Nikon D5500: this camera is currently in-transit to me as we speak! I'm so excited to get this camera because I've heard such great things about it.
Nikon's 5 series is often compared to the 3 series; the main difference is that the 5 series has more compatibility options when it comes to Wi-Fi and HD settings. It also has a higher ISO setting and overall a great series. More on that 3 series next:

4. Nikon D3300: I've seen this camera in-store and held and played around with it to try and get a feel for it before I ultimately purchased my D5500. One thing I really did notice that I loved was the screen size - it has a large display which is a huge plus! Unlike most of the 3 series, this camera is Wi-Fi enabled and I've read a ton of great things about it's sport mode.

5. Pentax K-50: like I mentioned earlier, a lot of people don't look past Nikon or Canon but this Pentax seems to be an amazing buy. It's said to have great auto focus and most people in it's reviews have found that the photos are super sharp which is a huge plus! I looked a lot at this camera and although I decided to go with a different camera, this one will still be on my list for the future!

6. Canon EOS Rebel T5: Amazon has this really great bundle deal with the camera and a TON of accessories for $469! That's a serious deal for another awesome camera, #winning! This is just a little different than the Canon Revel T6 I mentioned, but an equally awesome camera for the price. It's great for those who are new to the DSLR world - one of the many reasons I love the Rebel series, and that's coming from someone who leans toward Nikon!

Amazon has so many amazing cameras, camera accessories and probably the best bundle deals I've ever seen. Most of them are available with Amazon Prime too - if you don't have Prime, sign up today and trust me your life will be changed in the best way! ;)

Do you have a favorite camera?
XOXO

52 comments:

  1. This is a really useful post. A new camera is quite an upgrade from my little snap and go camera. Thanks very much.

    ReplyDelete
  2. I need a new camera! I will check these out, thanks for sharing!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Cameras have come a long way in a short time in my world. I love my'good' camera but often resort to my cell camera the most. I need to study more about photography using my good camera.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Picking the perfect camera is SO HARD! It took months for me to finally settle on the Canon SL1. I love it!
    xo Jessica
    www.whatsfordinneresq.com

    ReplyDelete
  5. I love my Nikon D750. Every single time I use it, I fall in love all over again. :) I'm a Nikon girl and I started off with a D80. I still love my beginner camera too.

    ReplyDelete
  6. This is so informative! Thank you for sharing! I have a Nikon D3200 from about 4 years ago, and I love it still! :)

    ReplyDelete
  7. I use a Cannon Rebel and love it. I think in a year or so, I will venture up to a newer Rebel. Thanks for sharing this

    ReplyDelete
  8. My hubs loves the DSLR Cannon Rebel whereas I am more non-DSLR with the Sony cyber shot

    ReplyDelete
  9. This is perfect timing. We are researching purchasing a new camera. So mind blowing with all different ones out there. Will be saving and showing this to my husband. Can't tell you how great this is.

    ReplyDelete
  10. I have a Canon Rebel and love it. It was super easy to learn and takes GREAT Photos.

    ReplyDelete
  11. I just bought a Canon Rebel T6! The battery is actually charging as we speak. lol
    Abbie E.
    www.abulouslife.com

    ReplyDelete
  12. I'm pinning this article to look through later. I am on the hunt for a new camera but I am totally overwhelmed with all of the choices!

    ReplyDelete
  13. I did get a new camera for Christmas but my 12 year old has been using it recently and has decided that she likes photography. This will be handy when I buy her a more basic camera, thank you

    ReplyDelete
  14. Those are all excellent cameras! I just upgraded to the canon t6i and I absolutely love it!

    ReplyDelete
  15. Having a good camera is so nice and you end up using it more than you think!

    ReplyDelete
  16. These are all great camera options. I've saved a few of your pics above on Amazon so I am good to go when I'm ready to upgrade my camera

    ReplyDelete
  17. What a great guide! I have a rebel and it has been amazing!

    ReplyDelete
  18. I absolutely love my SL1. Throw in a good lens and you're set for a while!

    ReplyDelete
  19. I have a friend who is looking to purchase a new camera. I am sharing this list with her.

    ReplyDelete
  20. Great round up here! I used a Nikon D50 for over 10 years until it found it's resting place a few months ago. I recently upgraded to the Canon Rebel T6i and am loving it, especially the WiFi remote which is life changing!

    http://www.insearchofsheila.com

    ReplyDelete
  21. The entire Canon Rebel series will never let you down!

    ReplyDelete
  22. I got the Rebel T3i a couple years ago and still love it. I know it's just a little outdated, but it is far superior to my phone's camera.

    ReplyDelete
  23. We actually use an olympus camera and its amazing. I love it!

    ReplyDelete
  24. I have a Canon Rebel T6 and I love it! It's such a good camera for my lifestyle blogging. I had a T5 but upgraded.

    ReplyDelete
  25. i have a super old/basic Rebel (t3i) and need to upgrade soon! Thanks for this roundup, I'm going to look at the Nikon options for sure! x

    ReplyDelete
  26. I am pinning this because I totally need a good camera.

    ReplyDelete
  27. I've been hoping to purchase a better camera soon so this post is so helpful! I've been eying the Sony a5100 but it's out of my budget :( It's nice to see so many other options of cameras I can buy instead :)

    ReplyDelete
  28. So much yes! This is a fantastic article and I am totally sharing it on my social media. I get these questions all the time.

    ReplyDelete
  29. Love this list of cameras for beginners. I've been really interested in learning photography but not sure of the place to start. Definitely need to look into these more.

    ReplyDelete
  30. I personally have a canon rebel and I love it! A good camera is a great investment.

    ReplyDelete
  31. I bought myself a Canon DSLR a couple of years ago. I loved it until I bought my Sony mirrorless, which I love.

    ReplyDelete
  32. Great suggestions! I love my Canon Rebel!

    ReplyDelete
  33. This is such a good guide. Definitely saving this for later when I'm needing a new camera.

    Greta | www.gretahollar.com

    ReplyDelete
  34. These are all great cameras! I love my Nikon DSLR and it takes the best pictures for my blog as well as amazing pictures of my kids.

    ReplyDelete
  35. I use the Sony a1500 and I love it! It's a great started camera for me until I'm ready for a DSLR.

    ReplyDelete
  36. This is such a helpful post! I have the nikon d5300 and love it - what are the differences between the 5300 and 5500?

    ReplyDelete
  37. What an awesome guide! I have a Nikon camera and it's amazing!
    Katie | www.millennialonthemove.com

    ReplyDelete
  38. Finding a great camera is so important. This is a great overview of the pros and cons of different cameras. I will be sure to share this post with a friend.

    ReplyDelete
  39. I have the CoolPix right now, and have used it for my blog photos for the last 7 years. I am getting ready to move up to a DSLR You post helps. I have been torn between a Canon and a Nikon, but if the Nikon CoolPix helps to feel comfy with the bigger cam I am down!!

    ReplyDelete
  40. I live for my Canon Rebel DSLR camera! I've been a Canon girl since I first started getting into photography. I absolutely love their brand.

    ReplyDelete
  41. I have + LOVE my Canon Rebel t6i...but there are SO many choices!!!!

    Coming Up Roses

    ReplyDelete
  42. I've had several cameras over the last few years including a Nikon D40. I adored my Nikon DSLR and still use it from time to time since it takes SUCH good pictures, but I much prefer my Sony A6000 mirrorless. It's just SO much smaller than the Nikon, which means I can throw it in my purse when we're traveling and not have to worry about the weight killing my shoulder all day while we sightsee. Great list!

    ReplyDelete
  43. You have some great choices here. I LOVE my Nikon DSLR!

    ReplyDelete
  44. We just got the Canon T6 as our first DSLR a few months ago, and it's been so fun to learn on! But all of these are great choices. Next we'll probably go mirrorless, but something about that aperture sound makes my heart sing :)

    ReplyDelete
  45. I love my Rebel! I have an older one, and every time I go in to a store and play with a newer one, I can hardly tell a difference!

    ReplyDelete
  46. Great list of cameras! I love my Nikon DSLR a lot, though I'm only just starting to play around with it more!

    | diaryofasouthernmillennial.com

    ReplyDelete
  47. Love this post and so helpful! I hope to upgrade my camera this year and there's so much to think about!

    ReplyDelete
  48. This is such a helpful list!!! I am going to need a new camera soon, so I am definitely going to refer to this!

    ReplyDelete
  49. Thanks for this awesome roundup! I got the Canon Rebel T5 for Christmas last year and it was one of the best presents I've ever gotten!

    ReplyDelete
  50. "This list is incredibly helpful! As I'll be in the market for a new camera soon, I'm definitely bookmarking this for future reference. Thank you for providing such valuable insights!" Cheap SMM Provider

    ReplyDelete
  51. https://www.deals4ryou.in/2023/11/best-camera-for-capturing-your-best.html

    ReplyDelete