Which camera to buy for a beginner in photography

2024 Author: Malcolm Clapton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:44

11 models for those who decide to change the smartphone camera for a serious device.

1. Canon EOS 200D

• Matrix: APS-C, 24.2 MP.
• Viewfinder: mirror (TTL), field of view - 95%.
• Display: 3 inches.
• Autonomy: 600 shots on a single charge.
• Price: 35,990 rubles for a Kit.

The Canon EOS 200D is often featured in lists of the best DSLRs for aspiring photographers. Its main advantages are compactness and support for Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and NFC wireless interfaces, thanks to which photos can be dropped into a folder on a cloud service using a smartphone.

With this camera you will develop. For example, after mastering shooting with a "whale" lens, you can purchase any other with a Canon EF / EF-S mount or appropriate adapters. And the Canon EOS 200D is also suitable for video, however, it shoots it at a resolution not higher than HD.

2. Nikon D3500

• Matrix: APS-C, 24.2 MP.
• Viewfinder: mirror (TTL), field of view - 95%.
• Display: 3 inches.
• Autonomy: 1,550 shots per charge.
• Price: 29,990 rubles for a Kit.

If for some reason you want a Nikon DSLR instead of Canon, or if you want to save some money, then the Nikon D3500 is for you. The camera is good for beginners: the system even has a dedicated Guide Mode.

It houses a 24.2-megapixel sensor optimized for low-light performance. It also supports shooting with a built-in flash, burst, taking five frames per second, and shooting HD-video. The trade-offs are the absence of a flip-down display, touch controls and 4K video shooting.

3. Fujifilm X-T100

• Matrix: APS-C, 24.2 MP.
• Viewfinder: electronic, field of view - 100%.
• Display: 3 inches.
• Autonomy: 430 shots per charge.
• Price: 39,990 for Kit.

Manufacturers often pay attention to specifications but forget about design. If you are looking for a nice looking camera, take a look at the retro-styled Fujifilm X-T100. In addition to external aesthetics, there is a reference to the era of film photography inside. For example, built-in algorithms allow you to shoot those very cozy and atmospheric shots in JPEG, without resorting to processing in RAW.

Fujifilm did not forget about the specifications: the 24.2-megapixel sensor is 14 times larger than, for example, in a smartphone. The camera has a flip-down screen and Wi-Fi module for fast image transfer. And don't miss the moment to take a shot: just shoot a 4K video, and then extract 8MP photos from it.

4. Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark III

• Matrix: MFT, 16, 1 Mp.
• Viewfinder: electronic, field of view - 100%.
• Display: 3 inches.
• Autonomy: 330 shots on a single charge.
• Price: 47,990 rubles for a Kit.

The sensor on this model is slightly smaller than on many other cameras, but don't jump to conclusions: the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark III can shoot great shots. This camera is nice looking, solidly built, and easy to operate: key settings are always visible thanks to the thumbwheels on the top of the camera.

One of the main advantages of the model is support for the 4/3 lens mount standard. More than 100 lenses have been designed for it, so the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark III is an excellent option for the first camera to grow.

5. Panasonic Lumix TZ80

• Matrix: 1/2, 3 inches, 18.1 megapixels.
• Viewfinder: electronic, field of view - 100%.
• Display: 3 inches.
• Autonomy: 320 shots on a single charge.
• Price: 23,990 rubles.

If you want to take it to the next level after shooting with your smartphone, but are not yet ready to buy a bulky DSLR or an expensive mirrorless camera, look towards smaller cameras like the Panasonic Lumix TZ80.

Despite its compactness, this is a serious device with an 18, 1-megapixel sensor, 30x zoom with OIS, a touch screen, Wi-Fi support and an Ultra HD shooting function.

6. Sony Alpha A7

• Matrix: Full frame, 24.3 Mp.
• Viewfinder: electronic, field of view - 100%.
• Display: 3 inches.
• Autonomy: 340 shots on a single charge.
• Price: 76,990 rubles per Kit.

The high price tag of full-frame cameras is usually due to the fact that they are used by professionals. However, there are relatively affordable devices in this category, such as the Sony Alpha A7. Thanks to its large sensor, this camera can deliver image quality not available in other models in this collection.

When you buy the Sony Alpha 7, you get a 24.3-megapixel sensor, HD video shooting and Wi-Fi support. It is also smaller and lighter than most other full-frame cameras.

7. Fujifilm X-T3

• Matrix: APS-C, 26.1 megapixels.
• Viewfinder: electronic, field of view - 100%.
• Display: 3 inches.
• Autonomy: 390 shots per charge.
• Price: 114 788 rubles for Kit.

Fujifilm X-T3 is one of the best all-round mirrorless cameras with professional camera performance. It is perfect for shooting at high shutter speeds, for example, sports events. Autofocus captures the subject in 0.06 seconds, and the burst mode clicks up to 30 frames per second. The X-T3 can take 26.1-megapixel stills and 4K video.

Most of the settings are available on mechanical dials. This means you don't have to take your eyes off the viewfinder in the process. Another plus for outdoor sports photography is moisture protection.

8. Sony RX10 IV

• Matrix: 1 inch, 21 megapixels.
• Viewfinder: electronic, field of view - 100%.
• Display: 3 inches.
• Autonomy: 400 shots per charge.
• Price: 129,990 rubles.

If you plan to shoot animals in the habitat or something else at a great distance, then you need a camera with a powerful zoom. This is provided by long telephoto lenses, which can cost a fortune if purchased separately for your DSLRs and mirrorless cameras. The Sony RX10 IV is already equipped with the right lens for beginners.

A lens with a focal length of 8, 8-220 mm will provide 25x optical zoom. And an autofocus speed of 0.03 seconds, together with a 24.1-megapixel sensor and 24 FPS continuous shooting, will allow you to get the most detailed shots of animals in motion. The camera is protected from dust and moisture.

9. Sony RX100 IV

• Matrix: 1 inch, 20, 1 Mp.
• Viewfinder: electronic, field of view - 100%.
• Display: 3 inches.
• Autonomy: 280 shots on a single charge.
• Price: 64,990 rubles.

The RX100 IV is an easy-to-use camera with serious specifications: a 20-megapixel sensor, f / 1, 8-f / 2, 8 lens, 3x zoom and fast autofocus. The model is also suitable for video shooting: the RX100 IV can record 4K video or slow-motion video at 960 frames per second.

Best of all, the camera is very compact and fits even in a pocket, making it the perfect travel camera. The RX100 series includes six models in different budget categories. If you want a good zoom, you have to take the sixth.

10. Ricoh GR II

• Matrix: APS-C, 16.2 megapixels.
• Viewfinder: optical, sold separately.
• Display: 3 inches.
• Autonomy: 290 shots per charge.
• Price: 39 988 rubles.

The Ricoh GR II is popular with street photographers in the first place, and for good reason. These include understated styling, high build quality, affordability and a fixed 28mm focal length lens. With it, shooting with the Ricoh GR II is as easy as shooting with a smartphone, but the footage is better.

The 16.2-megapixel sensor is physically larger than the camera module of a smartphone, which means it gives a more detailed picture and works better in low light. Fast focusing, full manual control, 300-shot autonomy, Wi-Fi support and HD video shooting are additional advantages that are why street photographers buy the Ricoh GR II.

11. Sony Alpha a6400

• Matrix: APS-C, 24.2 MP.
• Viewfinder: electronic, field of view - 100%.
• Display: 3 inches.
• Autonomy: 360 shots on a single charge.
• Price: 72,990 rubles.

The Sony Alpha a6400 has been designed with the needs of vloggers in mind, so you can capture great shots and shoot professional 4K video with it.

Sony claims this model has the fastest autofocus speed at just 0.02 seconds. The focus points are scattered over 84% of the frame from the 24-megapixel sensor, and the eye tracking function allows autofocus to adapt to the person moving in front of the camera. Also, for the convenience of shooting yourself on the camera, a screen is provided that rotates 180 degrees.