Top 3 photo cameras for beginners

“Why are you buying a camera, you have a smartphone!”
How often I had to listen to this sentence when I turned the corner with my camera. Simply because it is a completely different feeling to take pictures with a camera. The smartphone is quickly pulled out.

Because you often have to set up the camera first, you perceive the landscape very differently, you walk through the world with different eyes. In addition, despite modern technology in our smartphones, the image quality of the camera is usually still better. But, what kind of camera is best to buy as a complete novice, if you have no idea about iso and exposure time!!? And what kind of camera? A system camera, or rather an SLR? Canon or Nikon? Or rather a Sony? In any case, the choice is huge.

If you’re just looking, here are the top 3 entry-level cameras:

Whether compact camera, system camera or SLR camera. Whether Sony, Canon or Nikon. At all levels, the range is large and extremely confusing. One camera seems more complex and complicated than the other. How are you supposed to know which camera is the best to start with?!

We have picked out three different cameras for you, from different manufacturers and different types of cameras, which we would rate as the best for beginners. It’s important to note that the order of the cameras is random and not based on any favoritism on our part.

1. Canon PowerShot G7X Mark II

This camera is the ideal “always with you” camera. Small, light and quickly at hand.

Some marginal data:

• Type: Compact camera
• Image sensor: 1 inch CMOS
• Zoom: optical 4.2x
• Total pixels: 20.1 MP
• ISO: 125-12’800
• Exposure time: 30 – 1/2’000
• Screen: 7.62 cm , 180º foldable, 1’040 000 pixels
• Continuous shooting: 8 fps
• Video resolution: 1080p (Full HD) 60 fps

Unlike many DSLR cameras, this model is very light and small, so it fits well in the hand. The quality of the pictures is also convincing, with razor-sharp images even in low-light conditions.

No desire for manuals? That’s no problem either, the camera menu explains itself and the camera quickly and quite well. The screen can be tilted upwards by 180º so that you, as the photographer, can also be in focus.

Since the camera has Wi-Fi, it’s super easy to export pictures to your phone via it, or optionally via the Canon app.

Of course, everything has its downside, including this camera….because it has a comparatively miserable battery life. However, this flaw could easily be solved with a second battery. The lens is also not interchangeable, which can be a disadvantage since you are limited and cannot always try something new.

Still great for beginners!

2. Sony Alpha 5100

You travel a lot, or want (just as an example) to mime the photographer at a basketball game? Then this camera might suit you!

Again, here are the most important peripheral facts:

• Type: System camera
• Image sensor: ASP-C CMOS
• Lens mount: Sony E
• Total pixels: 24.3 MP
• ISO: 100-25’600
• Exposure time: 30-1/4’000
• Screen: 7.6 cm, 180º tiltable, 921’600 pixels
• Continuous shooting: 6 fps
• Video resolution: 1080p (Full HD) , 60 fps

System cameras are not to be confused with SLR cameras, they are much more compact, handy and lighter than them. Unlike the Canon camera we just introduced, the lenses on this model are interchangeable.

The camera’s large and fast APS-C sensor guarantees very good pictures, even at dusk and at night, and the quality is convincing. The hybrid autofocus also works quickly and precisely, so fast-moving objects can be captured very well. The video quality is also very good, but not suitable for longer videos. Likewise, the camera overheats quickly, which means it cannot be used for too long either way. Another drawback is that this model does not have an electric viewfinder and hot shoe.

3. Nikon D3400:

This camera is not the cheapest camera, but one with probably the best price-performance ratio, but let’s start again with the most important facts:

• Type: Digital single-lens reflex camera
• Image sensor: APSU-C CMOS
• Lens mount: Nikon 7
• Total pixels: 24.2 MP
• ISO: 100-25’600
• Exposure time: 30-1/4000
• Screen: 7.5 cm, 921,000 pixels
• Continuous shooting: 5 fps
• Video resolution: 1080p (Full HD) 60 fps

Not in the mood to read again, not in the mood to scroll around all the time? Tadaaa, here is the “Guide Mode”, through which the camera practically explains itself.

What is important, but does not necessarily distinguish it from the other two, is the convincingly good image quality, in all lighting conditions. What clearly distinguishes it from the other two, however, is the possibility to include first slow-motion recordings in videos. The really long battery life, which does not decrease even after longer use, is also convincing.

Let’s move on to the disadvantages of this camera, don’t worry, they are all not serious. Unlike the previous cameras, the Nikon D3400 has no microphone port and touchscreen, also this is not a Wifi – camera. The pictures are still transferable, quickly and easily via the app “Snapbridge”!