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There’s a famous saying from photographer and director Chase Jarvis that says, “the best camera is the one you have with you”, and for many of us that means our phones. But, we’re going to put it out there: if you’re trying to put a bit more intent into your photography, it’s worth upgrading to a proper camera. Entry-level models in 2021 are far better than the old DSLR sitting in the back of your cupboard and now we’re out of lockdown, you can head out into the world to test your skills.
What camera should I start my photography with?
If you’re just starting out, focus (pun intended) on two things. The best beginner camera will be one that is both affordable and versatile. You’ll want to be able to switch lenses and control your camera’s settings – be prepared to spend at least £500 and possibly up to £800 to get a good brand-new model with a kit lens. Every camera in this roundup comes with a standard zoom kit lens, and the option to change lenses.
Don’t look down on older versions too. These cameras will cost less and deliver similar results (often from the same sensor and tech). The differences tend to just come down to smarter autofocus tech or 4K video capabilities. Unless you’re taking videos too, new features can make shooting easier or quicker but won’t change your results.
There’s also nothing wrong with buying second-hand, just go through a reputable source like Wex Photo Video or MPB – these retailers offer a 12-month and six-month warranty, respectively.
Is mirrorless or DSLR better for beginners?
Go for mirrorless. The DSLR vs mirrorless debate may still be raging on, but in reality the whole camera market has shifted to mirrorless models. These deliver the same image quality, but just don’t use an internal mirror. They’re replacing SLR models and are the future of camera tech, especially as they’re often lighter, less of a faff to use and have the newest high-tech processors.
There is a lot to choose from too, with every major manufacturer – including Canon, Nikon, Sony, Fujifilm, Panasonic and Olympus – making an entry-level mirrorless system. Any files from these cameras will also be compatible with the best photo editing apps and software that allow you to tweak and adjust your pics.
How we tested
We tried out the best beginner cameras by using them with the included kit lens, taking several close-up, wide-angle and portrait shots in good lighting and low light conditions to evaluate autofocus and speed. We shot a lot of portraits in and around home in lockdown; moody architectural snaps (albeit of the next door block of flats), and Instagram-worthy ‘aesthetic’ photos of our morning coffee.
We inspected all the images on desktop editing software too, checking sharpness, detail and colour quality. We assessed the design, ergonomics, controls and portability of the models we tested too, and the below picks are a combination of testing and some of the best-selling and top-rated options we found online.
Key features to consider
Initially, all the jargon will sound a bit confusing. If you haven’t got your head around intimidating terms like aperture, shutter speed, f-stops, focal lengths, and ISO, don’t worry. It’ll start to make sense as you learn more. For now, focus on these specs.
Lens options
The key thing is to start out with a ‘do-it-all’ kit lens, included with every model on this list. With that, you’ll be able to work out if you prefer wide or telephoto shots and what matters to you. If you gravitate towards naturalistic street photography, you’ll want to build out your kit with ‘prime’ lenses at around the 35mm focal length. Aiming to capture the grandeur of distant wildlife or scenery? You may end up looking at longer and sharper zooms.
The point is, as your skill improves, you’ll want to add new lenses to your kit. It’s worth checking that the brand you pick has a decent selection of glass within your budget (as they can start at around £150 but get a lot more expensive). It’s all well-and-good picking up a new Nikon Z 50, for instance, but there are very few lenses available on this system – for now.
Sensor
The image sensor on most of the cameras below will be around 14 times larger than that on your smartphone (depending on what you’ve got). That’s a huge step up, especially as a bigger sensor means higher resolution and better low light performance. Some photographers may swear by “full-frame” while others prefer “APS-C” or “Micro Four Thirds” (MFT). In truth, there are benefits and drawbacks to each kind. All those on this list are either APS-C or MFT (which is a little smaller) – and you won’t notice a huge difference between the two.
Storage
You’ll need an SD card to store your shots, and the camera won’t come with a memory card. Get a decent one from a brand like Sandisk or Lexar and you’ll be able to trust that your shots are stored safely.
Battery life
On average, the battery life for an entry-level mirrorless camera is about 300 shots. High-end ones can sometimes manage double that, but 300 is typical for cameras that you’re starting out with. Our recommendation? Grab an extra battery or two so you don’t get caught out.
Ergonomics
The way a camera feels in your hand is really important – if you don’t like picking it up, you’re not going to use it much and you won’t get any photos to rival those of your mate who carries a vintage camera everywhere. Before you buy, have a look at where all the controls are and consider if you’ll be comfortable with the weight around your neck or in your hand. Think about the screen and viewfinder too, many have both an electronic viewfinder to look through and a rear screen.
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