The Best Cameras for Beginning Photographers

Buying your first camera is a big commitment, but you usually know when the time is right. You have pored over your photos, picking apart what you see wrong with them that you could have fixed. Make it lighter. Make it brighter. Better composition. More color depth. If only you had the right equipment, you just know that the pictures would have turned out. . . perfectly. So now you find yourself looking for a camera with all the trimmings that can move your skills from amateur to beginner with Serious Equipment.

Looking at all the cameras for beginning photographers can be a challenge. We want to help you kick off (or continue) your love affair with all things photography, so The Smash Cake is here to help you decide which camera fits you best. We have created a list of cameras, prices, and all the details you will need to choose the best fit for your needs and wallet (and included a link to buy as well).

Perfect for True Beginners (or children)

We start off with YTBLF’s Digital Video Camera, currently listed very affordably at just over $320. It’s described as a perfect pick when choosing cameras for beginning photographers. This still and video camera has all the bells and whistles you need to be successful right away. With a 24x optical zoom, taking adorable family photos from across the room will be a snap – and so will snagging scenery photos from a distance as well. This camera has fully automatic focus, so you don’t have to worry about that while you work on photo composition and getting just the right shot and build your expertise more quickly. You can be sure the wide-angle lens will capture the shot you want as you scan the 3-inch LCD monitor, and the 128MB of internal storage will get you started. A removable disk is included for video functions, as well. Included in the YTBLF’s package is the camera, lens, telephoto lens, conventional lens, USB cable, TV cable, shoulder strap, backpack, battery, lithium battery, charging stand, adapter, and LED fill light.

Take it Up a Notch

The Canon Rebel series is another perfect jumping off point for beginning cake smash photographers, and we recommend you consider the Canon EOS REBEL T7 DSLR Camera. This camera comes with improved dual pixel capabilities as well as 2 lenses: the EF 18-55mm and the EF 75-300mm. This DSLR camera gives you more control over your images, and the Canon EOS Rebel T7 also comes with image stabilization feature to help you snag the perfect picture. The Rebel set also arrives equipped with 1080p video resolution and built-in WIFI capability so you can stream your videos or connect as a webcam. At $795, this Canon will be a camera you will love.

Another excellent camera that any cake smash photographer will adore is the Canon EOS 4000D DSLR. This camera and lens bundle is a superb value at $699. This bundle arrives with three lenses, and adapter for one lens, a shoulder bag and tripod, along with all of the lens caps, batteries, memory card and other accessories to make you look like a pro right away. This camera also comes with auto-focus, and the max resolution is 18.0 megapixels. The electronic viewfinder with a 2.7-inch screen makes it easy to see your subject, and the wireless Wi-Fi connection means you can seamlessly upload your pictures or videos quickly for editing. You can shoot at a continuous 3.0 frames per second, ensuring you will snag a shot of the little one with her eyes open - right before she plows head first into the cake.

Cameras with Cloud Support

The Nikon D3500 DX Format DSLR, $699, is a two-lens kit that is as simple as a point-and-shoot camera. This Nikon comes with a year subscription to the Creative Cloud Photography plan with Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom. Easier for beginners, this camera has no touch screen to add complication to the photography process. With full hd video resolution at 1080p, this is also usable for videoing. Stills and video can be quickly uploaded to a smart device using the Nikon app.

Love this camera but want more accessories? Check out this bundle for $949 that includes the D3500 but also arrives with a telephoto lens, tripod, camera case and strap, multiple filters and caps for all the lenses, as other amazing accessories to get you started with everything you could need for the D3500.

A step up, the Nikon D5600 24.2MP DSLR Camera is like the big brother to the D3500. Complete with all the great features of the D3500, but also with some others that are must-haves for the beginner photographer that is ready to step it up for $799. With a continuous shooting speed of 5.0 shots per second, you will never miss another one. The 5600 comes with auto and manual focus as well as a large ISO range of 100-25600, allowing for excellent light control. With Bluetooth and Wi-fi capabilities, this Nikon makes it easy to work with your pictures and videos again using the SnapBridge app from Nikon. Videos can be captured in time-lapse, adding to the capabilities of this simple but mighty option that makes our list of the best cameras for beginners.

If you are looking for a top-notch camera option, the Canon EOS 90D DSLR Camera is one to choose. This $1499 camera and accessory kit comes with an EF-S 18-135mm IS USM lens. With a continuous 10 frames per second capability, the fast speed capabilities will be an asset to a beginning photographer. At 32.4 megapixels max resolution and a video capture resolution of 2160p, this camera will help you produce amazing pictures and videos. This Canon has both manual and auto focus and an optical image stabilizer. Use the built-in Bluetooth and WI-FI to download the pictures easily. This smooth, fast model is a gem for beginning photographers who want an easy to use but high performing camera.

If You Have Lenses You Love

When cake smash photographers are looking to upgrade their camera body but already have lenses they love, the Sony Alpha a7 III Full Frame Mirrorless Digital Camera is a good option. With a 3-inch dot-tilting LCD touchscreen, photogs will have the controls at their fingertips. Built-in WI-FI and NFC capabilities mean your camera and smart devices can connect seamlessly. A huge, bundled kit of over 20 accessories to support the powerful Sony Alpha, you will have everything you need to take your photography skills to the next level. This camera’s capabilities include 2160p video capture resolution. Your videos and still shots will all be high quality when combined with the Steady Shot inside stabilization ability of the Alpha.

Another body only camera option that is one of the best cameras for beginners is the Canon EOS R Mirrorless Digital Camera. This huge bundle, at $1799, comes with 18 items in addition to the Canon EOS camera body. This Canon comes with a 3.1m dot swivel LCD touchscreen as well as an ISO range of 100-40000 that can be expanded up to 50-102400, providing a wide range of light sensitivity. The Mount Auto Focus Adapter included with the Canon is a great addition to this camera bundle, as this external accessory does not affect any lens use but instead provides full autofocus and picture stabilization capabilities since it is not optical. Like other cameras, this Canon also has Bluetooth and Wi-Fi built in, and the Canon connects to your devices with Canon’s Camera Connect app for ease of transition between devices. Perfect for capturing fast moving subjects, this camera has an 8 fps capability.

A Photographer Can Dream

If you are looking for inspiration, the Nikon D6 FX-Format Digital SLR Camera (body only) is swoon-worthy for any aspiring photographer. Clocking in at a stunning $6496, this Nikon works like a dream. With lightning-fast speed, you can snap off 14 frames per second with this beauty. Lightweight and amazing in low light, this Nikon is one to put on your future bucket list as you perfect your picture taking skills and want to shoot like a pro.

Picking the Perfect Camera

No matter which one you choose, picking a new camera that fits your skill level and how much time you are willing to commit to the learning process should rank high on your list of considerations. If you are not comfortable with lighting or changing out lenses often, you can still find a spectacular camera to meet your needs so you will never miss that perfect shot again. Looking at how many clicks per second can also be a good indicator if the camera is a good fit for what you want out of your photography. Ease of connectivity is something you likely will want to consider, but especially when you anticipate editing the look you just know you captured this time, with your new, upgraded camera. Happy shopping from The Smash Cake!