In a market full of options, it is difficult to make a decision on which camera to buy as a novice photographer.
As much as it is true that cameras are expensive tools, you may also find the best cheap photography cameras for beginners.
These cameras will compromise on the high-end features but will give you the basic experience of photography.
When deciding on which entry-level camera to buy, you should consider a few factors that will sync with your needs.
Best cheap photography cameras for beginners
Buying a cheap camera may mean different things to different people. To some, it is buying a camera that will serve you throughout the photography journey while to others it is buying a camera with the least price possible.
In this list, we are going to focus on budget-friendly cameras and what they can do for a beginner photographer:
Nikon D3200
The first camera to make it to the list of the best cheap photography cameras for beginners is the Nikon D3200. Nikon D3200 is a 24.2 MP entry-level DSLR camera with interchangeable lens capabilities. The camera targets photography beginners who are upgrading from smartphone photography to professional photography.
However, being a cheap photography camera for beginners, it has the least of features from Nikon’s line of cameras. Some of the features in the Nikon D3200 are the Nikon’s guide mode, Full HD videos with stereo audio, a 3″ monitor, and a 95% frame coverage viewfinder. As you grow in photography, you can buy some of the best Nikon D3200 lenses to upgrade your art.
Sony A6000
Unlike the Nikon D3500, Sony A6000 is manufactured with beginner videographers in mind. It shoots film at 1080p and has a high-quality screen to view what your camera is feeding to the memory card. The camera also takes decent pictures with its 20MP resolution and can take fast continuous shots with the press of the shutter button.
Having been released in 2014 the camera lacks 4K resolution but that means the price is way lower than newer cameras.
Fujifilm X-T200
Fujifilm X-T200 is the best entry-level mirrorless camera for beginners on a budget. The camera has a simple design with well-placed dials. With a 3.5-inch fully articulating touchscreen, the camera makes it easier to access its features.
On the downside, Fujifilm X-T200 has poor subject tracking in video. This means your video will easily lose focus when the subject is in motion.
Canon M50 Mark ii
If you seek to venture into travel and vlogging, Canon EOS M50 Mark II could be an ideal camera choice for you. The camera has great ergonomics that fit well in your hands.
The 3-inch fully articulating touch screen comes in handy when shooting up to 4K resolution videos. The camera can also capture fast action photos up to 10fps. With these capabilities, Canon M50 Mark II ranks among the best cheap photography cameras for beginners.
Nikon D3500
Nikon is one of the brand dominants of the camera market and therefore it is easier to get your hands on. Nikon D3500 was created with a novice photographer in mind. It gives you a smooth transition from a smartphone photographer to more sophisticated photography with ease. The gadget has a “Guide Mode” which makes the necessary settings to get you going. Eventually, you will learn how to adjust settings to your taste.
Nikon D3500 boasts of 24MP resolution which is perfect for taking photos. However, the camera is not great for videography.
What to consider when buying a cheap camera for photography beginners
We want to have the best of the things we invest in. These are the factors you should consider to determine the best cheap photography cameras for beginners;
Budget
This is the amount of cash you are willing to spend on a camera. Normally, a more advanced camera will cost you more than a camera with limited features.
Accessories
Beginner photography cameras usually come with kit lenses and a few basic tools to help you dive into photography instantly. However, you can upgrade your camera lenses to improve your image quality.
Purpose
If you are buying a camera with a business perspective, you will purchase a camera whose features are more oriented to your field. For instance, if you are interested in videography, you will consider a camera with a flipping live view screen.
Durability
As much as digital cameras are fragile, you should consider a camera that will withstand the environment you will expose it to. If you are taking photography in cold regions, you do not want to buy a camera that is not freeze resistant.
Connectivity
We are at an age where we no longer have to remove memory cards in order to transfer your footage. Having a camera that has Wi-Fi Connectivity will save you time transferring files and accessing more features that need connectivity. Therefore, when searching for the best cheap photography cameras for beginners, make sure it has at least Bluetooth capabilities.
Advantages of buying entry-level cameras for photography beginners
A journey of a million miles starts with the first step. A beginner photographer deciding to buy their first camera is the root of becoming a professional photographer. As much as you do not get great features enjoyed by high-end DSLR owners, owning an entry-level camera has the following advantages;
- They are cheaper compared to most digital cameras available.
- You practice the basics of photography and identify your stronghold
- They are user-friendly as they are similar to smartphones in many ways
- You capture higher quality memories with a dedicated camera compared to regular phones
- You can buy more advanced accessories such as lenses to capture more epic photos
Conclusion on the best cheap photography cameras for beginners
All digital cameras are manufactured with the purpose to capture great images. Having an expensive DSLR does not directly translate to greater images and vice versa. It all comes down to personal preferences in order to buy cheap photography cameras for beginners.
It is important for novice photographers to start with entry-level cameras to gather experience and confidence. When their vision is more clear and with some more money to invest, they can then advance to sophisticated cameras.
