The best cameras for beginners in 2023

Choosing a good camera for beginners is even more challenging than selecting the latest and greatest model in the market segment. These cameras often provide specialized features for beginners, helping them learn the nuances of advanced photography. However, regardless of how good the camera is, your skills are still very much needed.

View attachment 496 The secret to success is recognizing the most important features you need; and amplifying them.
Instead of leaving you alone in the world of Digital Mirrorless cameras, I’ll provide a simple guide to help you select the right tool for yourself. The secret to success is recognizing the most important features you need; and amplifying them. You won’t want to spend too much money on features you rarely use, which could be money spent on lenses.

• Best general camera: Fujifilm XT-200
• Best full-frame camera: Canon RP
• Best for bloggers: Sony A6400
• Best small mirrorless camera: Nikon Z50
• Most stable image quality: Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV

Choosing the best mirrorless camera for beginners​

It can be quite difficult to precisely understand the meaning of the term “mirrorless camera”; so we will quickly skim through this concept. If you have ever gone through the nuances of the debate between DSLR and mirrorless cameras, you can scroll directly down to the suggestions.

For those who don’t know, a mirrorless camera is identified by what it lacks: the mirror. DSLRs (and the film-based SLR predecessors) rely on mirrors inside the body to reflect light through the lens onto the autofocus sensor, and through the optical viewfinder.

DSLRs have dominated the digital camera market for many years before advanced CMOS image sensor technology changed the game.

Mirrorless cameras simply send light through the lens directly to the image sensor. That sensor sends a direct data feed to what it sees through the electronic viewfinder or the screen on the back of the camera. Cameras with interchangeable lenses have been operating like this for many years before mirrorless cameras with interchangeable lenses emerged.

Why are people craving mirrorless cameras?​

The absence of an internal mirror allows the camera to keep the lens closer to the sensor, often reducing the overall size of the camera.

Because mirrorless cameras depend on the primary image sensor for focusing, they also require less adjustment than DSLRs. That sensor-based focusing also allows the camera to exhibit more advanced focusing features, such as precise tracking and face detection.

Some newcomers also prefer this type of camera because the image they see in the viewfinder closely resembles the final result. You would see a simple reflection with a DSLR, but camera settings could result in an overexposed photo, while mirrorless cameras help minimize that.

In fact, they allow you to see in real-time how changing settings will affect your overall shot. That’s fantastic for learning purposes.

What’s not great about mirrorless cameras?​

The advantages that DSLRs have over mirrorless cameras have gradually diminished over the years. Some photographers still prefer the lag-free experience of looking through an optical viewfinder.

DSLRs also often accept older lenses. So, if you’re upgrading from a Canon EF or Nikon N system, your lenses may still work with a new DSLR. You will have to use an adapter if you want to attach them to a mirrorless camera.

Don’t overlook the features you want later on​

It’s easy to get caught up in the specifications when shopping. However, the best beginner camera isn’t always the most advanced camera on the market. Ideally, you would choose one that is easy to operate, with not too many buttons, dials, or a long, confusing menu screen.

For example, some Canon cameras have more than five menu screens detailing how to change focus settings. It’s great for professionals who know what they want, but can be overwhelming for newcomers.

As you hone your personal style, you may find out exactly what type of camera you want as you progress. However, initially, you want something with a comprehensive feature set that you can develop with, without becoming frustrated.

If you aspire to do professional work, you should also avoid buying something that you can only use as a backup, even after you’ve progressed. Buying a system can be quite expensive, so make your choice wisely from the beginning.

Overall best: Fujifilm XT-200​

The choice of experts for the best mirrorless camera for beginners is the Fujifilm XT-200. This DSLR embodies the classic SLR shape with a horizontal viewfinder and a grip on the right side.

Inside, you’ll find Fujifilm’s renowned 24-megapixel APS-C sensor, with color processing distinct from other digital sensors. This allows it to excel at capturing stunning images straight out of the camera without needing editing. It even simulates Fujifilm’s famous film stocks.

The 3.5-inch tilting screen exceeds its weight at this price point, and the camera provides you with tactile control through buttons that allow for ultra-quick navigation once you’re familiar with it.

View attachment 497 The 3.5-inch tilting screen exceeds its weight at this price point, and the camera provides you with tactile control through buttons that allow for ultra-quick navigation once you’re familiar with it.

Moving to full-frame mirrorless cameras​

When photographers talk about full-frame cameras, they’re usually referring to cameras with a sensor the size of an image taken with 35mm film. With such sensor size, your lenses function exactly as you would expect. If you’re using smaller lenses, the smaller chip can only capture part of the image circle; the resulting photos appear cropped.

This can make it challenging to achieve a true perspective or get that creamy, blurred background when shooting with fast lenses.

Many professionals use full-frame mirrorless cameras, but don’t let anyone convince you that they are absolutely necessary. There are many excellent APS-C options out there; several of those are included in this list. The best mirrorless camera for beginners relies on more factors than just pure image capability.

Best full-frame camera: Canon RP​

This Canon camera is affordable, offering excellent 26.2-megapixel resolution for just under $1000 (retail price). It can shoot 2160p video and uses Canon's face tracking autofocus system. The body feels like a DSLR, making it an easy transition if you want to switch.

It also performs excellently with a huge array of EF lenses if you have a simple adapter to go with it.

View attachment 498 This Canon camera is affordable, offering excellent 26.2-megapixel resolution for just under $1000 (retail price).

For ambitious Vloggers​

If you're self-shooting, there are a few things to consider. First, you need something lightweight. If you’re holding a Gorillapod weighed down by the full weight on your arm, you don’t need an additional bulky camera.

You’ll also want to make sure you have a robust screen. Look for a screen that can flip forward but still provide a solid connection to the body without sticking out too far; moveable screens are nice, while fixed ones tend to be brittle—trust me.

And of course, you’ll want to ensure that the camera records high-quality video. Nowadays, people won’t click links or subscribe to channels with shaky footage or pixelated scenes.

Best camera for bloggers: Sony A6400​

This isn't the latest addition to the Sony A6X00 lineup, but you can find it at a reasonable price including a lens, and it offers plenty of opportunities for growth. The sensor features Sony's 4D focus system; this is very detailed when it comes to focusing on faces, even when you’re moving around.

The screen flips up to face you, so it won’t awkwardly glare off to the side of the camera. Plus, it shoots stunning 4K footage of your lovely face.

View attachment 499 The screen flips up to face you, so it won’t awkwardly glare off to the side of the camera. Plus, it shoots stunning 4K footage of your lovely face.

A small mirrorless camera for beginners​

DSLRs have a large mirror box inside the body, taking up a lot of space, while mirrorless cameras do not. Therefore, they tend to be smaller; but that's not always the case. Large sensors, wide lens mounts, and various electronics can make mirrorless bodies bulk up to about the size of a DSLR.

You want a small camera, but make sure it also includes the features you want and feels comfortable to hold. If a camera is too small, your hand can really cramp when handled. As you move to better quality lenses, they tend to get larger, incorporating heavier glass.

In that case, you want something substantial to counterbalance the weight of the lens; this is related to its balance.

Best small mirrorless camera: Nikon Z50​

This isn’t the smallest mirrorless camera on the market, but the Nikon Z50 is smart in how it utilizes space. The whole device weighs in at just under 14 ounces, which is a small number compared to some DSLRs. Despite its small size, it still offers plenty of tactile controls and a sturdy grip along with a 20.9-megapixel sensor and an advanced AF system.

View attachment 500 Despite its small size, it still offers plenty of tactile controls and a sturdy grip along with a 20.9-megapixel sensor and an advanced AF system.

Maintaining stability through image stabilization​

You cannot change the laws of physics. They state that too much camera shaking will lead to blurry images. Fortunately, these advanced cameras feature multiple cutting-edge technologies inside to prevent image disruptions. Some rely on lenses with built-in stabilization. They work effectively but often come at a higher price than non-stabilized glass.

However, some cameras offer built-in image stabilization systems. They typically need to use moving sensors inside the body. You’ll often hear these systems rated according to a number of stops. Those measurements have a specific meaning, but they are also relative. You just need to know that higher numbers are often better.

Camera with the most stable image: Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV​

This camera is small yet impressive in specifications. The micro 4/3 sensor moves in five different directions to attempt and counteract the movement of your hands as you press the shutter. Therefore, it is the best camera for beginners looking for image stabilization.

Shake adjustment is promised up to 4.5 stops; this is among the best available. Even though it’s small, you also get a solid collection of tactile controls, including a mode dial and control knobs.

View attachment 501 This camera is small yet impressive in specifications.

Frequently Asked Questions​

Do professional photographers use mirrorless cameras?​

The answer is yes. Mirrorless cameras have overtaken DSLRs in nearly every niche at this point. With advanced autofocus tracking features, excellent image quality, and an increasingly growing selection of lenses, the arguments against them are minimal. Even professional sports photographers are starting to transition to mirrorless, which is quite a change!

What are the advantages and disadvantages of mirrorless cameras?​

If you prefer a lag-free optical viewfinder, nothing beats a DSLR. You’ll also find that you have far better battery life with a DSLR since it doesn’t draw as much power for the screen.

However, when it comes to advantages, there are many. Autofocus tracking surpasses what you’ll find in DSLRs, and previewing images in real-time through the viewfinder can be an excellent learning tool.

Final thoughts on the best mirrorless camera for beginners​

Don’t hesitate to give mirrorless cameras a try. Now is the time to do so. The market is saturated with the best mirrorless cameras for beginners; it will help you learn and then help you shine as your skills are honed.

Even if you can't afford a new camera, there are many excellent used options available in the secondary market. The Sony A7 II? Still fantastic. Whatever you get, make sure to get out there and shoot until you can't stand it anymore. However, you probably won’t get bored.