Looking to take a dive into photography? Want to start making money doing something fun? Tired of shooting with that smart phone? Here is a list of cameras that are perfect for beginner photographers in 2022.
How I chose these cameras
This list has been curated for beginner photographers based on the following assumptions:
Budget is going to be the most important. Like with most new endeavors, the initial cost is always going to be one of the biggest obstacles. These cameras can be had for $500 - $1200.
Buying New and Used are options. The second hand camera market is full of great deals. By buying used, you can put more money towards other necessary items, like lenses and memory cards.
These cameras are all great for General Photography.
This camera will be temporary. The idea is to get you shooting quickly. All cameras takes pictures. You just need to "get your feet wet". If after a year or so you still love photography, you can upgrade.
Full Frame Cameras
Sony A7III
Why I chose it
Cost - Can be found used from $900-1200.
24MP
Impressive Autofocus
Lens selection - In addition to Sony, there are many 3rd party manufacturers that produce lenses for the E mount. Sony users have many budget options to choose from when compared to Nikon and Canon.
Video - Capable of 4K at 30 fps
Dual Card slots
Things to be aware of
Age - the A7III was released in 2018. It is still a capable camera, but has since been replaced by the A7 IV. Keep in mind that it may no longer be support with firmware updates in the future.
Price - This camera is at the high end of our budget constraints.
Nikon Z5
Why I chose it
Cost - Can be had New starting around $1100 and Used starting around $800.
24MP
Modern Technology - in body image stabilization, EVF, USB charging, Wi-Fi/Bluetooth connectivity, etc.
Video - Capable of 4K at 30 fps
Dual Card slots
Lens selection - The Z5 is capable of using the modern Z lenses and the legacy F mount lenses (via FTZ adapter).
Things to be aware of
Continuous shooting - The Z5 can shoot up to 4.5 frames per second. This is not ideal if you are looking to shoot Sports/Actions/Wildlife.
4K Crop - There is a 1.7x crop factor when shooting in 4K
Nikon D750
Why I chose it
Cost - Can be had used starting around $600.
24MP
Lens selection - Nikon has been producing Full Frame glass for decades. There is a vast selection of Full Frame lenses to choose from. With most Nikon users moving to Mirrorless, the used market is flooded with high quality glass at a discount.
Dual Card slots
Things to be aware of
Age - The D750 was released in 2014. It is several generations behind the most current Nikon models, like the D780 or Z6II.
Autofocus - The autofocus is sub par when compared to modern cameras. This might be a deciding factor if you are looking to do Sports/Wildlife/Action photography.
Video - Video tops out at 1080p at 60fps.
Canon 5D Mark III
Why I chose it
Cost - Can be had used starting around $600.
Lens selection - In addition to Native Canon lenses, there are many 3rd party options to choose from.
Dual Card slots
Things to be aware of
Age - The 5D Mark III was released in 2012. It is several generations behind the most recent Canon models, such as the 5D Mark IV and R5/R6.
22MP
Autofocus - The autofocus is is sub par when compared to modern cameras. This might be a deciding factor if you are looking to do Sports/Wildlife/Action photography.
Continuous shooting - The 5D Mark III can shoot up to 6
frames per second. This is not ideal if you are looking to shoot Sports/Actions/Wildlife.
Video - Video tops out at 1080p at 60fps.
APS-C or Crop Sensor Cameras
Fuji X-T3
Why I chose it
Cost - Can be had Used starting around $800
26MP - Higher than the "standard" 24MP
Continuous Shooting - Up to 30fps (Electronic shutter, 1.25x Crop)
Modern Technology - EVF, USB charging, Wi-Fi/Bluetooth connectivity, etc.
Video - Capable of 4K at 60 fps
Dual Card slots
Film Simulations
Things to be aware of
4K Crop - There is a 1.18x crop factor when shooting in 4K 60 fps.
No in-body stabilization
Age - The X-T3 was released in 2018 and has since been replaced by the X-T4 and soon to be X-T5
Canon 90D
Why I chose it
Cost - Can be had New starting around $1200 or Used starting around $800.
34MP - High MP count for a APS-C sensor camera.
Continuous Shooting - Up to 11 fps
Modern Technology - Wi-Fi/Bluetooth connectivity, etc.
Video - Capable of 4K at 30 fps
Lens selection - In addition to Native Canon lenses, there are many 3rd party options to choose from.
Things to be aware of
Single Card Slot
No in-body stabilization
Sony A6400
Why I chose it
Cost - Can be had New starting around $900 or Used starting around $700
Continuous Shooting - Up to 11 fps.
24MP
Great Autofocus
Modern Technology - EVF, USB charging, Wi-Fi/Bluetooth connectivity, etc.
Video - Capable of 4K at 30 fps
Lens selection - In addition to Sony, there are many 3rd party manufacturers that produce lenses for the E mount. Sony users have many budget options to choose from when compared to Nikon and Canon.
Things to be aware of
No in-body stabilization
4K Crop - 1.2x crop in 4k 30 fps
Ergonomics can be an issue for some
Single Card Slot
Nikon Z50
Why I chose it
Cost - Can be had New starting around $850 or Used starting around $600.
Continuous Shooting - Up to 11 fps.
Modern Technology - EVF, USB charging, Wi-Fi/Bluetooth connectivity, etc.
Video - Capable of 4K at 30 fps
Lens selection - The Z50 is capable of using the modern Z lenses and the legacy F mount lenses (via FTZ adapter).
Things to be aware of
Continuous shooting - The Z5 can shoot up to 4.5 frames per second. This is not ideal if you are looking to shoot Sports/Actions/Wildlife.
20MP - Lower than the "standard" of 24MP
No in-body stabilization
Single Card slot
Native DX Lens Selection - As of this writing, there is a limited selection of Native DX lenses.
Nikon D500
Why I chose it
Cost - Can be found Used starting around $800.
Continuous shooting capability - 10 FPS
Dual Card slots
Lens selection - Nikon has been producing DX/Full Frame glass for decades. There is a vast selection of Full Frame lenses to choose from. With most Nikon users moving to Mirrorless, the used market is flooded with high quality glass at a discount.
Video - Capable of 4K at 30 fps
Things to be aware of
20MP - Lower than the "standard" of 24MP.
Age - Released in 2016.
Discontinued by Nikon - Support may be an issue.
Many D500s on the used market have high shutter counts.
Conclusion
The point of these camera recommendations is to get you started in photography as quickly as possible. These cameras are not the latest or greatest offerings Sony, Nikon or Canon has to offer. But, they will allow you to experience some professional grade offerings while saving money.
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