Categories: Lifestyle

10 Affordable Cameras For Beginner Photographers

If you’re looking to get into photography then you’re probably looking for affordable cameras to get you started. There are many choices to make depending on the kind of features you want, a digital or DSLR camera, and arguably most importantly – the price. Depending on your level of commitment to getting into photography you may want to start off smaller before shelling out $600-700. However, having a nice camera can usually come in handy for some special occasions or you can always find another young, striving photographer to buy it off of you. Regardless, when looking for affordable cameras as a beginner photographer you want to do some research.  Here are 10 affordable cameras that are great for beginner photographers!

1. Kodak PIXPRO Astro Zoom 16MP Digital Camera with 42X Optical Zoom and 3” LCD Screen

If truly looking for affordable cameras to start photography, this Kodak PIXPRO is a very affordable option. It takes very good photos with a 16.1-megapixel CCD sensor as well as a massive 42x optical zoom! It’s a digital camera that uses standard SD/SDHC memory cards at least class 4 that are no larger than 32 GB. The 24mm wide-angle lens helps you capture your subject in the frame easily. A good choice if looking to start small when you’re a beginner photographer.

2. Sony Cyber-shot WX220 Digital Camera (Black)

Although this is a simpler camera this Sony camera could still be a good choice when looking for affordable cameras as a beginner photographer. Even without being a DSLR, this Sony Cyber-shot would be a good choice for being a really portable camera that takes pretty great photos. It’s great in low-light environments and has a solid zoom range of about 10x! The menu is a little small and confusing but after some practice, it won’t be a problem. If you’re a beginner photographer looking for affordable cameras then this Sony cyber-shot will give you a pretty solid digital camera without upsetting your bank account.

3. Panasonic Lumix FZ80 4K Digital Camera, 18.1 Megapixel Video Camera, 60x Zoom DC VARIO 20-1200mm Lens, F2.8-5.9 Aperture

If you’re looking for affordable cameras as a beginner photographer and don’t mind or possibly prefer digital cameras over DSLR then this Panasonic Lumix is a great choice. It has a crisp 4k photo and video capture resolution for beautiful photos/videos. One of the benefits of digital cameras is their ability for quick and accurate focusing and automatic stabilization. The camera can connect to the wi-fi and then connect to a mobile device like your phone for a quick transfer of photos/videos that you just took! A solid choice when looking for affordable cameras to start your journey into photography!

4. Canon EOS 2000D DSLR Camera & EF-S 18-15 mm f/3.5-5.6 IS II Lens, Black

An important distinction is whether you want to start with a digital camera or a DSLR. A DSLR is a digital single-lens reflex camera which essentially means the camera has a mirror(s) inside to reflect the light into an optical viewfinder so you can see the in-time image of your photo. There’s no lag between what you’re seeing and what picture you take. Another great aspect of DSLR cameras is the interchangeable lenses! This allows you to use zoom, wider lenses, etc. for a much wider variety of photography.  This Canon EOS 2000D is a great start for a DSLR camera as it is relatively affordable (compared to other DSLR cameras) and takes quality photos.

5. Panasonic Lumix FZ300 Long Zoom Digital Camera – 12.1 Megapixel, ½.3-inch Sensor, 4K Video

Some prefer digital (mirrorless) cameras to DSLRs because it can be easier to break those mirrors inside DSLRs which effectively trash the camera. If you’re willing to spend a little more on a digital camera then this Panasonic Lumix FZ300 would be a great choice. It has ultra-resolution 4K photos and videos and a huge 24x zoom! When looking at affordable cameras for beginners this would be a great choice if you want to go with a digital, mirrorless camera. 

6. Canon EOS Rebel T7 DSLR Camera with 18-55mm Lens, Built-in Wif-Fi, 24.1 MP CMOS Sensor

The Canon EOS Rebel T7 makes a great choice for beginner photographers with its easy use and many great functions! It has a very high, 24.1 megapixel CMOS sensor to give you very high-quality photos and videos with vibrant colors and details! The ISO range (the camera’s sensitivity to light) is slightly lower on this camera than other affordable cameras as it maxes out at around 6400. Overall though it’s a solid DSLR camera great for beginner photographers!

7. Nikon D3500 24MP DSLR Camera with AF-P DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR Lens

This is a really easy-to-use DSLR for beginner photographers that are looking for affordable cameras. It has got a compact and comfortable design ideal for traveling and taking pictures on-the-go. This camera also takes 1080p Full HD videos with monaural sound. It has really fast autofocus to capture those candid moments faster than with other affordable cameras!

See Also

8. Canon EOS 250D (Rebel SL3), 18-55mm F/3.5-5.6 III Lens

Another solid choice in affordable cameras if you want a reliable DSLR. This Canon Rebel SL3 comes with an 18-55mm zoom lens that is great to start out on. It allows manual or auto-focus for your photos/videos and wi-fi connection between your mobile device for fast photo transfer. It also has a touchscreen that is moveable and “vari-angle” so you can capture unique angles while still seeing the touch screen! This is a great starter set when looking for affordable cameras to get into photography.

9. Pentax K-70 Weather-Sealed DSLR Camera, Body Only

I know what you’re thinking: Why would I just want the body of a camera? And that’s a valid point when looking for affordable cameras as a beginner photographer. The reason this camera is on this list is that if for some reason you had a photographer friend with the right spare lens, or found the proper lens on another site for a deal then overall you’d get a fantastic camera for a relatively cheap price. This Pentax K-70 is a dustproof and weather-resistant camera body making it great for outdoor treks without fear of breaking your nice camera. It also has a shake reduction mechanism to further help with travel photos! It has a vari-angle LCD monitor, 24 megapixels sensor, and a whopping max ISO of 102,400! If you can work out the lens part then this Pentax K-70 camera body is worth it!

10. Nikon D5600 DX-Format DIgital SLR w/ AF-P DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR

The last of these affordable cameras on this list will be the powerful Nikon D5600. There are two links above because, like the camera before, you can just purchase the body of this camera for relatively cheap. However, if you’re serious about getting into photography then spending the extra $130 or so will be worth it. The camera has a 24.2-megapixel resolution as well as a 3.1x optical zoom. The max ISO is at 25,600 and has a quick auto-focus for your photos and videos. This camera comes with a variety of great features for taking specific pictures and really getting creative with your photography. If you want a fantastic, well-rounded camera to last you a good while then this Nikon D5600 is a great choice.

What kind of features, price, and brands do you look for in affordable cameras for beginner photographers? Share with us in the comments!

Featured Image Source: Photo by Portuguese Gravity on Unsplash
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Samuel Anderson

I have a passion for helping others and see journalism as a great way to reach and impact many people. Born in Texas but raised in the San Francisco Bay Area! Then with a short detour in Boulder, Colorado to get my bachelor's in Journalism with a minor in political science. I'm a determined, motivated individual striving to make a difference in this world. I have hopes to play a role in the continued development of journalism and in maximizing efforts to inform and inspire the public. Check out my articles on Society19!

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