How do I choose between cameras?

Why I Can’t Tell You Which Camera to Buy

I cannot simply tell you to buy a particular brand or model. I know that would be easy, but how can I know how you will answer all of the above questions? The great thing is that most cameras made by reputable brands can produce high-quality photographs. So whatever camera you choose, it can produce great photos … when you learn to use it well.

Which Camera is Best For Beginners?

Before we jump into more detail on the questions that will help you choose the best camera, let’s take a look at some different types of cameras.

There are four basic types of cameras to consider. These are:

• DSLR
• Mirrorless
• Bridge
• Compact

Each type of camera has significant differences. It’s important to understand some basic differences between these types of cameras. This will help you to make better decisions. I’ve kept the technicalities as straightforward as possible and provided links in the text that will help you learn more details if you wish.

The most significant differences between the various types of camera are:

• Weight and size
• Sensor size and resolution
• Lens quality and selection
• Autofocus speed and controls
• Durability
• Flash and accessories

What is a DSLR Camera?

A DSLR is a Digital Single Lens Reflex camera. The Digital part means this type of camera has a digital sensor that captures photographs. The SLR part refers to how you see through the camera. When you look through the viewfinder of a DSLR you are seeing through the lens that’s attached to the camera. 

Inside the camera is a prism and mirror that allows you to see through the lens. This is different than in mirrorless cameras. A DSLR provides the highest quality viewfinder. This is because it is optical and not electronic as viewfinders are on mirrorless and compact cameras.

You can change lenses on DSLR cameras. Nikon and Canon are the main companies that produce DSLR cameras and both have huge selections of lenses to choose from.

Sensors in different models of DSLR cameras come in various sizes. Higher end DSLR cameras have what are called Full Frame sensors. Cheaper, smaller models have what are called Crop Sensors. These are physically smaller than full-frame sensors. The cameras with crop sensors are usually smaller, lighter weight, and cheaper than full-frame models. Sensors in DSLR cameras have larger dimensions than in Bridge cameras and Compact cameras.

The physical size of a camera sensor is important because it affects the image quality. Generally, the larger the sensor the higher technical quality images it can produce. Sensors are also measured in megapixels. In most modern digital cameras the megapixel count is no longer as significant as it used to be. A very small sensor with a huge megapixel count will not produce such high quality images as a bigger sensor with fewer pixels. This is because the pixels on a larger sensor will be larger and more capable of producing higher quality images.

Learn More

To learn more about what a DSLR camera is, take a look at this article.

To learn more about different sensor sizes and how they affect image quality, take a look at this article.

What is a Mirrorless Camera?

As the name suggests, a mirrorless camera has no internal mirror. It also has no prism. When you look through the viewfinder of a mirrorless camera you are seeing an electronic image of what the camera’s lens points at. The quality of the viewfinder image depends on the quality of the mirrorless camera. Some mirrorless cameras do not have a viewfinder. You must use the monitor on the back of the camera to see the image.

As with DSLRs, mirrorless cameras have lenses you can change. Sensors in mirrorless cameras come in different sizes, much the same as with DSLRs.

Mirrorless cameras are often smaller and lighter than DSLR cameras. This is because they have no mirror or prism. The main producers of mirrorless cameras are Nikon, Canon, Sony, Panasonic, Fujifilm, and Olympus.

To learn more about what a mirrorless camera is, take a look at this article.

What is a Bridge Camera?

Traditionally a Bridge camera filled the gap between compact cameras and DSLR cameras. At a glance, they look like a DSLR. The main difference is that bridge cameras come with lenses you cannot interchange. They do usually have zoom lenses with a very broad range.

The convenience of such a zoom is great, but the image quality is not as good as with lenses made for DSLR and mirrorless cameras. Typically with any zoom lens, the broader the zoom range, from wide-angle to telephoto, the lower the image quality.

Bridge cameras have crop sensors. The main companies that produce this type of camera are Nikon, Canon, Samsung, Panasonic, Fujifilm, and Sony.

To learn more about Bridge cameras, take a look at this article.

What is a Compact Camera?

Compact cameras are also known as point-and-shoot cameras. They are small and designed to be used in automatic modes, making them quick and easy to use.

You cannot change the lens on this type of camera. They mainly have zoom lenses that vary can vary greatly from model to model. Compact cameras have small sensors, so produce lower image quality than cameras with larger sensors. Because these cameras are small there are few external controls making it more difficult to adjust settings.

Many companies still produce compact cameras even though they are not so popular now that phone cameras have improved so much. The main difference between a compact camera and a phone is the quality of the lens and sensor is better on a compact camera. There’s a huge range of compact cameras available. The lower-end cameras are hardly worth looking at because the quality is not much different than a phone camera. Higher quality compact cameras have good sensors and great lenses. They can produce high-resolution images.

To learn more about what a compact camera is, take a look at this article.

Now you have a better understanding of the different types of cameras available, I want to ask you some detailed questions. Your answers to these questions will help you choose the best camera for you.

1 – Why Do You Want A Camera?

Do you love taking photos with your phone but are finding you can’t capture pictures the way you want them to look? Are you often too far away? Is the quality of images you take on your phone frustrating you? These are all common reasons people buy cameras.

Maybe you are expecting your first baby. You might be retired and would like to make photography your newest hobby. Or are you planning some travel? If you are content in your garden and want to take photos of it and the birds that come to visit, a good camera can make it all the more enjoyable.

Thinking about why you want to take photographs can help you make decisions about the best camera to buy. What you use to photograph your travels, your baby or the flowers in your garden can be all the same. But you do have options between camera types that may make one better than another.

Think about why you want a camera and keep this in mind as you work through and answer the other questions here.

2 – What Will You Photograph The Most?

This is similar to question 1, but you need to be more specific with your answer as to what you will photograph the most. Will you use your camera to photograph one main subject? 

If you’ll use your camera mainly when you travel, a small, lightweight model will probably suit you best. If you want to mainly photograph products you sell online your camera will be on a tripod most of the time, so size and weight are not such an issue. 

A camera that will be best suited for photographing birds or wildlife might be different than one used mainly for macro photography. For birds and wildlife, you need a good quality telephoto lens or a selection of them. For macro photography, you need a specialist lens and possibly some other accessories.

If you will photograph subjects in action, like sport, birds, or young children you’ll want to take photos in rapid succession. The burst rate of the camera must be considered. This is how quickly and what number of images a camera can take in Burst mode.

Street photographers generally like to use smaller cameras and lenses. This is because it means they can remain less conspicuous. A small compact camera may suit you well.

3 – Where Will You Use Your Camera the Most?

The location you will use your camera can have some influence on your choice. The size of a camera that’s always used in a studio or some other place where you don’t need to carry it far is not so important. If you want to take your camera on long hikes or pack it when you travel, the size and weight of your camera will be more noticeable.

Will you take your camera when you go boating or visit the beach? Or do you like storm chasing to taking photos in wet weather? You’ll need a camera with good weather sealing if you do. This is also an advantage if you will take photos a lot in dry, dusty places. A well-sealed camera will ward off the elements well. Dust and moisture, especially saltwater, are hard on camera gear.

If your camera is likely to get knocked about when you take it places you need to consider this too. Do you like rock climbing, mountain biking, or other activities that will result in wear and tear on a camera? Choosing a camera body made from alloy will be a better option than a plastic body.

Generally, compact and bridge cameras have plastic bodies that are not so rugged. Some companies do make a few compact models designed to be tougher and that have better weather-sealing than most.

4 – Do You Have Time to Learn to Use Your Camera?

The more complicated your camera is, the longer it can take to learn to get the best results from it. You need to consider whether you have time to learn to use it properly.

Digital cameras are super automated. It’s pretty easy to pick up a compact camera or the highest-end mirrorless camera or DSLR and capture some good snapshots. If this is how you want to use a camera, a good compact camera will probably suit you well.

I’ve taught many owners of mirrorless and DSLR cameras to progress and mature beyond taking photos in auto mode. Most of them have been taking photos with their expensive cameras for a while and become frustrated. They know they should be getting better photos. With some teaching and encouragement, they become much more confident and creative with their cameras. This is very satisfying to experience as I teach people during our photography workshops and with my photography mentoring program.

These days it’s easier than ever to learn to use a camera well. But it does take time and commitment. Often people think when they buy a great camera they’ll be able to easily take great photos. A good camera does not necessarily take a good photograph. A good photographer does. 

Whatever choice you make about buying a camera, the degree to which you learn to use it will certainly impact the quality of your photographs. If you don’t have time to learn to use a camera, then opting for a good quality compact camera or a bridge camera is probably the best option. If you’re going to invest in a DSLR or mirrorless camera then at least take an online course to get you started. 

Learn More

I also have an e-zine on my Buy Me A Coffee page that is a guide on how to transition from using a phone camera to a real camera.

5 – Will You Use Your Camera for Work?

Planning to run a photography business requires more serious thought into what camera to buy. You’ll need to consider spending more on a camera that is robust and last the distance. When you work as a photographer your camera will be being used a lot more than if you only use it as a hobby. At least, it should be!

A working camera needs to withstand more wear and tear. You’ll be pulling it out of your camera bag and putting it back in more frequently. You’ll possibly be exposing it to the elements and changing weather conditions more than you would if it is not being used for work. Professional photographers often don’t have much say in where or when they take their photos. We must follow the direction of our clients and provide them with the photos they are paying for. So your camera must stand up to it.

You’ll want a robust camera body and lenses. Opting for a metal alloy body and higher-end lenses is best. This level of gear costs more, but it is designed to take the knocks professional use often entails.

I’m always very careful with my camera gear. I don’t like having it break or having to replace it too frequently. Even so, much of my gear is well worn. It looks a bit rough around the edges. But it’s built to take the frequent use and stands up to it. No matter how careful you are with your camera gear, it’s going to get a bit dinged up through regular use.

Tax Deductable?

If you have your own business you may well be able to get a tax deduction on camera gear, if you can work it in as a work tool. Every business needs photos. Check with your accountant if it’s possible to include a camera purchase as a tax deduction.

You can rule out a bridge camera or compact if you’re wanting a camera to use professionally. Turning up to an assignment with either of these types of cameras will not project a professional image. They’ll also not provide the technical quality that you’ll need.

6 – What Camera Accessories Might You Need?

This is not a trick question, but it might be a tricky one to answer. From the myriads of camera accessories available, how will you know which ones you’ll need?

The important thing to consider when choosing a camera is which accessories are specific to the camera, or the brand of camera, you are buying. 

Buying a DSLR or mirrorless camera you’ll need to consider the range of lenses available for the model of camera you want. Some brands, like Nikon, Canon, and Sony, have more extensive ranges of lenses available.

The other main aspect of lenses is that cameras with different sensor sizes take different lenses. You can’t use a lens designed for a crop sensor camera on a full frame camera. So, if you’re looking to buy a camera body with a crop sensor, you’ll need to think about the prospect of upgrading to a full frame camera in the future. If you do this you’ll need to replace all your lenses. I’ve discussed this more in question #13.

Will You Need a Flash?

Another important one is the flash. A good camera and flash combination allows for the two pieces of equipment to communicate with each other. Then you can control the flash from within the camera menu. This may seem difficult to understand, but trust me, it’s important. 

Many 3rd party flash systems are now available, so you may not need to buy the same brand of flash as your camera is. They can still communicate well enough. If you are going to need to use flash a lot, then it’s an important consideration when buying a camera. There are far too many options for me to go into in this article.

A remote controller or remote app is another accessory that may need to be dedicated to your camera. Some cameras will come with a remote control. Many will not. Some smartphone apps for cameras are well designed and easy to use. Many, unfortunately, are not. If you are wanting to use your camera in ways that would benefit from using a remote, then this is something you need to consider before you buy. 

Using a remote control to focus and trigger your camera is essential if you want to take selfies. A remote is also helpful when you take long exposures. It allows you to trigger the shutter without touching the camera so the risk of camera shake is reduced.

7 –  What Will You Use Your Photos For?

Posting photos to social media does not require high-resolution images. Some social media platforms automatically reduce image quality when you upload. So even high-quality photos don’t look great.

Producing large prints for the wall is not something a phone or compact camera is ideal for. These cameras have small sensors and low-quality lenses, so produce photos that only look OK when viewed on a small monitor, like a phone.

At the other extreme, large, high-resolution sensors will be more than sufficient for most prints. The biggest advantage of high-resolution images is that you can crop them and not lose significant image quality when you come to make a print. The larger the camera sensor and the higher the resolution, the more you can crop before image quality is compromised.

Bridge cameras and compacts are adequate if you’re only posting your images on social media or you only want to view them on a monitor. If you want to print your photos, the higher the quality sensor you can afford, the better prints you’ll receive. This also depends on how the photos are edited and how well they are printed.

8 – Do You Want To Edit Your Photos?

As with printing your photos, when you want to edit them, you’ll want a high-quality image to start with. The higher the image quality, the better it will stand up to editing.

This is the biggest frustration I have when I use my phone to take photos. I cannot apply many edits before the image quality starts to break down. This is because the sensor is small and low quality, compared to the sensor in my camera. So even applying a couple of filters, then zooming in, I can see pixelization happening in the photo. 

The combination of sensor size and the number of pixels it contains influences how much editing you can do to an image before it starts to break down. The quality of the exposure also affects this, no matter how good the sensor is. Working with a poorly exposed image it can start to lose technical quality even with very little editing.

If you don’t have time to edit your photos, using a compact camera or bridge camera set to save jpg files will be fine. If you want to edit, the higher quality sensor and lenses you can afford, the better.

9 – What Size Are Your Hands?

This is one of the most important, but unconsidered aspects of buying a new camera. You want your camera to feel comfortable when you are holding it. If it’s too big, or if it’s too small, you’ll not enjoy using it so much. 

When you are used to using a camera it should feel like it’s part of you. So if it’s unnaturally large or small, it never will. 

If you have large hands and use a small camera you may inadvertently press buttons you don’t want to. If you have small hands and a large camera body, your fingers may not be able to comfortably reach the buttons they need to.

There are also other ergonomic considerations. A small camera body has less space for external controls. This means you’ll need to dig into the menu more often to make changes. Larger cameras, like DSLRs with full-frame sensors, are geared more towards photographers who like to control their settings.

The best way to discover if a camera is comfortable in your hands is to use it for a while. In larger cities, you can often find companies that rent out camera equipment. If you have photographer friends, ask if you can use their cameras to see if they are a good fit for your hands. Alternatively, you can go to a camera store and pick up a range of cameras to see how they feel.

10 – Will You Take Selfies With Your Camera?

Self portraits, or selfies, have become one of the most popular forms of photography. This is due to phones having front-facing cameras and the internet having morphed into a place where people like to show off. 

Most people will use their phones to take selfies, even if they have a camera. If you are more serious about taking self portraits for printing or other purposes than posting them online, you’ll need to consider a few things.

You’ll want a camera that has a flip-out monitor that can be seen when you’re in front of the camera. Not all flip-out monitors are designed for this. Some will not rotate sufficiently to become forward facing.

The other key thing you need to use that makes taking selfies easier is a remote control or app. As I mentioned in #6, some cameras have dedicated remotes and others do not. Many cameras have apps now, but not all camera apps are created equally. Some are problematic and clunky. Connecting a smartphone app and camera should be very straightforward, but it’s not always. Test this before buying a camera if it’s something important to you.

11- Is There One Camera Brand Your Prefer?

Do you already own a Canon, Nikon, Sony, or another brand of camera? If you are upgrading because you don’t like it, choose a different brand. Otherwise, stick with it.

When you are already used to using a particular brand of camera, it’s often easier to stick with that brand. You’ll find the external layout and feel of the camera may be similar. This is especially so if you’re upgrading from one DSLR model to another, or one mirrorless to another. Even switching between different camera styles of the same brand, the menu systems will probably be familiar to you. This makes it quicker and easier to get used to using your new camera.

12 – Will You Buy Online or In a Store?

Online shopping is so convenient, but it does not provide you with a hands on experience before you buy. Unless I know the model of camera, I’d never buy online. I want to hold a camera in my hands before I buy it.

The other advantage of walking into a camera store is that you can ask the staff lots of questions. This is especially helpful when the staff are knowledgeable about the cameras they sell. A camera store is the best place to find these people. You won’t often find them in big box stores that sell cameras.

A good camera salesperson will answer your questions and be able to make comparisons between different models and brands. They’ll also help you configure a camera you buy from them.

13 – What’s Your Budget?

For most of us, this is an important question that gets considered before any others. I’ve left it until last on this list because it’s an inevitable consideration. But it’s still important to work through the other questions and not only make your choice of what camera to buy on price alone.

Whether you decide on a full frame camera or one with a crop sensor, a Nikon, a Canon, a Sony, or another brand. Research prices. 

Opting for secondhand is a good option if you’re on a tight budget. Camera technology changes have slowed significantly in the past few years. It’s often easy to pick up a great camera that’s hardly been used. Some people love to have the latest camera gear. Some of them spend more time looking at cameras and talking about the latest and greatest than using them. 

By buying a used camera you can often get a higher grade camera than if you buy a new one. When you’re starting out in photography you will not need all the latest technology. Once you practice for a while, a few years or more, you may then be ready to upgrade your camera. If you start with a slightly older, higher-end camera, upgrading will be more straightforward.

Choosing a Camera for Beginners

Hopefully now you have a clear understanding of what’s involved when you want to buy a beginner’s camera. You don’t need to start with the latest and greatest. You may not need the more expensive professional model. These cameras may not actually suit your needs and may hold you back.

I had a workshop participant once who had a wonderful, professional Canon DSLR and two big zoom lenses. When she was enrolling for the workshop online she told me she’d had the camera for some time but hardly ever used it. When I met her, I knew why. She was petite. 

As the workshop progressed I noticed her struggling with the large camera and lenses. She told me she’d bought this gear on recommendation from a professional photographer friend who had the same equipment and loved it. Sadly, for her, this was poor advice. She would have used her camera more frequently and enjoyed photography more with a smaller camera and lenses.

I can’t tell you the best camera to buy, but these questions will point you in the right direction. Take your time to consider them. If you can, try out some different styles and models of cameras.

Conclusion – Which Camera is Best for Beginners?

Do you live somewhere you can rent cameras? Check out the range of cameras available for rent. Then spend a day with each one that fits within your budget and the answers to the other questions on this list. Otherwise, spend some time in a few different camera stores picking up cameras and asking questions.

Point and shoot style compact cameras will be the cheapest. They’ll also produce lower resolution and technical quality. As you move up the price range, the quality should also improve.

Bridge cameras and compacts are very convenient. They are small and lightweight so you’re more likely to take them with you and use them. However, the drawback is that the image quality may not be as high as you want. There are also fewer accessories available for these types of cameras.

Mirrorless and DSLR cameras provide more flexibility. You can accessorize to your heart’s content. Although doing so will not necessarily enable you to take better photos. Take into account your budget and think of camera ergonomics. Then work your way through answers to the other questions. Then you will be in a better position to buy your first digital camera.

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If you’re in the market for a new way to take photos in 2024, this camera buying guide is a must-read!

Choosing a new camera used to be so easy. With a limited selection, your decision usually just revolved around price.

Nowadays, there are hundreds of models to choose from, and to make matters even more confusing, your smartphone already takes pretty good photos!

With all the technical jargon surrounding photography terms and the parts of a camera, making a decision can be intimidating.

That’s where this guide will come in handy ;-)

Here at Shotkit, we’ve got over 100 years of combined photography experience.

We can definitely help find the right camera for you… so let’s get stuck in!

Recommended Cameras for all Budgets in 2024

 

What to look for when Buying a Camera

Shopping for a camera can quickly become complicated. As with most things, the more options you have, the less likely you are to make a decision.

In this camera guide, I’ve made sure to include all the factors that can help you choose from the top cameras available this year.

However, if you’re in a rush, here’s a quick summary of the essentials:

5 Most Important Factors when Choosing a New Camera

1. Image quality that’s better than your camera phone

By reading camera reviews, you should be able to make this decision. There’s no point in carrying around a camera if it doesn’t take a nicer looking image than your phone, or at least offer features that your phone does not.

2. Ergonomics that suit your hands

If you’re unable to go to your local camera store to actually hold the camera, you’ll just have to make an educated decision based on the reviews you read. Is it big enough? Does it have a pronounced grip? Do the essential buttons look far enough apart?

3. Size that suits your habits

This is an important one. Are you a parent that’s always got a child in tow? If so, your camera should probably be light and/or compact. Do you usually carry a bag around with you? You could get away with something larger. Do you travel a lot? etc etc

4. Availability of lenses that suit your budget and future needs

If you choose a compact camera with a fixed lens, there’s no need to consider this. If you opt for an interchangeable lens camera, take a look at the other lenses on offer. Are they in your price range? Are there focal lengths you need? Are second hand lenses available?

5. The latest model within your budget

With camera technology moving so fast, I always recommend investing in the latest cameras. If your budget can’t stretch to the absolute latest, there are often bargains to be found with a previous model, but try and avoid anything older than this. There’s also the option of second hand… but, caveat emptor!

We wrote a guide on how to buy & sell used camera equipment that you may find useful. Also, keep in mind that although you can get cameras under $300, I recommend investing a little more than this to ensure it can produce better images than your smartphone.

DSLR Cameras

DSLR stands for ‘Digital Single Lens Reflex’, which basically means that the camera uses the same lens for framing, focusing and taking a photograph.

None of this is really relevant to you as a first-time camera buyer, though – what is important is that DSLR cameras are still the most popular camera for amateurs and professional photographers here in 2024.

DSLRs are versatile, have good ergonomics, great battery life, and most importantly, they work with a wide variety of interchangeable lenses.

Entry-level models are available for budget prices, and you can get some great bargains on the second-hand market too.

On the minus side, they’re bigger, heavier, and don’t offer the best in auto-focus (and various other) technologies, like the other types of cameras below.

DSLR cameras feature APS-C or ‘full frame sensors’ – more on that below.

Mirrorless Cameras

A mirrorless camera doesn’t have the mirror that’s found inside a DSLR camera, which gives it various advantages. They can have fixed or interchangeable lenses.

I’ve written an entire article on DSLR vs mirrorless cameras, but to sum up:

Mirrorless cameras offer more useful technology, making your shooting experience simpler than DSLRs. They are also better value for money.

They’re usually smaller and lighter than DSLRs, making them a great choice if you travel a lot.

The general consensus is that mirrorless cameras are the future, and DSLRs are a dying breed… but that’s not to say the technology is perfect yet.

For the advantages they offer, mirrorless models suffer from poor battery life (around half the duration of the equivalent DSLR), and a shooting experience that’s a little… well… soulless!

However, if shooting with a ‘mini computer’ doesn’t deter you, my recommendation would be to go for a mirrorless camera, whether it’s your first camera or you’re upgrading.

Mirrorless cameras also feature APS-C or full frame sensors.

Micro Four Thirds Cameras

Micro Four Thirds cameras (aka Micro 4/3, MFT or M4/3) are a type of mirrorless camera that cover a wide variety of styles and options, but their common feature is their sensor size.

We’ll discuss why the size of the camera’s sensor is important below, but all you need to know at this point is that a Micro Four Thirds camera is like a ‘mini’ interchangeable lens camera.

Ergonomically speaking, Micro Four Thirds sensor cameras look like shrunken down DSLRs or mirrorless cameras, and their lenses are smaller, lighter and cheaper.

One thing to note: having a smaller camera system isn’t always good for everyone, with cramped controls and a less-pronounced grip often hindering those with bigger hands.

MFT cameras only have MFT sensors, which does limit their abilities, as we’ll learn below.

However, Micro Four Thirds cameras are still a popular choice for beginners through to professional photographers, here in 2024

Compact Cameras (aka Point-and-Shoot Cameras)

Compact cameras are hugely popular, and for good reason – their diminutive dimensions make them portable and convenient to have with you every day, much like your camera phone. They are often feature-packed yet easy to use making hem the best camera for beginners.

Since modern smartphones can take such good quality photos, it’s important to select a compact camera with better image quality, or features that your phone doesn’t possess.

These features could be a zoom lens, better low light shooting capabilities, faster burst shooting, RAW capture, etc.

Some people (including me!) simply prefer holding a ‘real’ camera to take photos, rather than a phone, and a small camera usually means you’re more likely to have it with you in your pocket or bag.

The line between compacts and small mirrorless cameras is blurred, but the strict definition of a ‘point-and-shoot camera’ is one with a fixed lens (i.e. you can’t change it for another lens.)

This limitation greatly simplifies the photography process and can make it a lot more enjoyable for those who aren’t interested in multiple lens options.

Bridge Cameras

Smaller than DSLRs but larger than compact cameras, they fill the gap nicely, offering high magnification zoom lenses (fixed, not interchangeable) and manual controls, but without the bulk of a fully-fledged DSLR.

Bridge Cameras are a great all-in-one option, and popular with enthusiast photographers who don’t want to worry about changing lenses, but still want the flexibility of a long-range zoom.

They typically have small image sensors similar to compact cameras, and seldom have an optical viewfinder (OVF), opting instead for an electronic viewfinder (EVF) and the rear LCD screen to take photos.

Action Cameras

These are usually small, waterproof and rugged, with video capture as their primary focus.

I wouldn’t recommend buying an action camera just for photography, since image quality is usually worse than the average smart phone, and images often look distorted due to the ‘fish-eye’ angle of view.

The beauty of smaller GoPro-type action cameras is that they can be mounted on your body or helmet, giving a unique first-person-perspective.

You can also get rugged and waterproof compact cameras, but these usually only offer comparable image quality to modern smartphones.

Price (Value for Money)

When buying a camera, it’s important to be realistic with your budget.

Spending too little will result in a camera with mediocre image quality, and spending too much… well, that’ll leave a dent in your wallet!

Unless you want something with similar image quality to most modern smartphones, you need to spend around $500 or more on a new camera.

If you’re prepared to buy an older model, you can get great bang for your buck, but the technology will already out of date.

I’d always recommend investing in the latest model where possible.

As for buying second hand, you need to be careful. DSLR cameras have a ‘shutter life’, based on the number of photos that have already been taken, and replacement parts can be expensive.

Second-hand mirrorless cameras have less moving parts that can fail, but if they’re out of warranty, you could still be left with a costly repair bill when something goes wrong.

What about camera bundles? While there are some great offers out there (check out this Nikon D5600 bundle for example), most bundles tend to include a lot of camera accessories that you’ll probably never use… or are low quality and will break after a couple of uses.

My advice is to spend the money on a recent camera model, and if you are tempted by a bundle, get one that includes a lens or two.

So, what do you get when you spend more money on a camera?

In general, you benefit from the ability to shoot faster, larger photos in lower light (without using a flash). Build quality will also be better.

If you’re not a professional photographer, I’d recommending spending between $500~1,000 on an interchangeable lens camera.

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When you have more money, you should invest in new lenses to expand your possibilities.

If you’re not interested in lenses, spend the money on an advanced compact camera with a fixed lens, preferably the latest model.

Image Quality

Unless you’ve actually used the camera before, it can be hard to judge the quality of images it produces.

I’d recommend reading online reviews on sites like this, and buyer reviews on Amazon.

Another thing to consider is that the image quality of a camera depends a lot on the lens attached to it.

If you opt for a fixed-lens camera, you obviously have no choice in the matter, but for interchangeable lens models, the lens you choose is very important.

Most entry-level DSLR and mirrorless models come with ‘kit lenses’. This is usually a cheaply-made mid-range zoom lens with a slow, variable aperture. In short, it’s usually pretty crappy!

A kit lens can be a good way to get used to your new camera, but I’d recommend you invest in an affordable prime lens and a better quality zoom as soon as your budget allows. (See: prime vs zoom lens.)

In general, image quality increases the more you spend on a camera, up to around the $1,000 mark. From this price upwards, any improvement in image quality becomes more vague, except when shooting in low light.

(One of the main reasons professional photographers spend so much on cameras, is that more expensive models usually offer much better ability to capture good quality images in lower light.)

In summary, if you stick to the best digital cameras recommended in this guide, you don’t need to worry about image quality :-)

Size and Ergonomics

The size of a camera and how it feels in your hands is a seldom-discussed factor… but it’s actually really important.

The smallest compact cameras aren’t suited to big hands or older fingers lacking dexterity. At the other end of the scale, you won’t want to bring your camera out with you if it’s too big and bulky.

Size is more of a personal preference, and also very subjective. What’s considered big to a beginner, will probably seem small to a professional!

Personally, I love slightly larger compact cameras which suit my big hands. I also prefer mirrorless models with a more pronounced grip, which usually makes them slightly bigger.

A camera’s ergonomics relates to not only how it feels in your hand, but also button placement.

Some small cameras may feel OK to hold, but their buttons are too close together, rendering them awkward to use.

If you’re unable to get to a camera store in person, I recommend reading reviews and judging the size of a camera by its dimensions compared to your smartphone.

Sensor Size

Digital cameras use a sensor to ‘record’ images. There are various types of sensor available for each type of camera, making it a rather confusing topic.

If you’re just getting started with photography, there’s no real need to obsess over sensor size – just use the other factors listed in this guide as a reference to buy your first camera.

For everyone else, here’s what you need to know – the larger the sensor, the better the image quality, especially in low light.

Also, the larger the sensor, the greater your ability to ‘blur the background’ (blur can also be added in Lightroom), but this is also highly dependent on the lens you attach to your camera.

Here are the 3 main lenses you’re likely to come across while shopping for a digital camera:

• 1 Inch (or smaller) – commonly found in budget compact cameras
• APS-C – found in advanced compacts, mirrorless and DSLRs
• Full Frame – found in advanced compacts, mirrorless and DSLRs

Professional photographers commonly use full frame or advanced APS-C sensor cameras.

If you have the budget, a full frame camera is a wonderful investment, but remember that full frame lenses are more expensive too.

My recommendation to most beginners and enthusiast photographers is to buy an APS-C sensor camera. These offer good size/weight advantages, great image quality, more affordable lenses, and excellent value for money.

The size of the sensor on an interchangeable lens camera will also dictate something called the ‘crop factor’.

Without wanting to get too technical, APS-C sensors ‘multiply’ the focal length of your lenses. A lens that says ’35mm’ may give you an actual focal length of 50mm.

This is great for shooting subjects that are far away, since you’re essentially getting more ‘reach’ on every lens you own.

On the flip side, if you want to get the widest possible lens, you’re a bit more limited with an APS-C sensor.

There’s also a difference in the ‘creaminess’ of out of focus areas (aka ‘bokeh’), and a difference in available dynamic range when choosing APS-C vs a full frame… but this is getting in to nerd-territory, so don’t worry about it for now!

Since this article is to help you find the best digital camera, I won’t go too deep into all the various lens options.

Interchangeable lenses are a whole world of fun and creative opportunity, but the myriad of options can sometimes be unnecessary to photographers.

The main decision you need to make at this point is whether you’re happy to have a ‘fixed’ lens on the end of your camera, or if you want the flexibility of interchangeable lenses.

• Fixed Lens Cameras

These feature either a zoom or a fixed focal length lens (aka a ‘prime’), but either way, you’re stuck with that one lens.

Many point-and-shoot cameras have fixed lenses, as do bridge cameras.

I own a fixed length compact (Fujifilm X100V), and love the simplicity and efficiency of a single lens. Check the review here.

• Interchangeable Lens Cameras

When shopping for your first camera, it’s important to check both the availability and the pricing of lenses.

There are own-brand or ‘native’ lenses that are usually the most expensive, and arguably the best quality options, and there are often several third-party options too.

Being able to use different lenses vastly expands your creative opportunities. In some cases, it also lets you shoot a photo that wouldn’t have been possible otherwise.

Canon and Nikon offer the largest selection of lenses for their DSLRs, but the smallest selection for their mirrorless cameras here in 2024.

Sony and Fujifilm offer a much larger selection of lenses for the mirrorless system.

Speed and Performance

This relates to autofocus speed, frames per second (FPS), and the startup time and general operational speed of the camera.

Most modern cameras around the $500 mark and upward have good enough auto-focus speed for casual use.

DSLRs and mirrorless cameras typically offer better performance than compacts and bridge cameras, although it depends on the model.

In general, you need to spend a lot more on a compact camera for it to rival the speed of a larger model.

FPS refers to the number of photos you can take in a row by holding down the shutter button during continuous (aka ‘burst’) mode.

A higher FPS (anything over 5) can be useful for capturing fast moving subjects, but it needs to be coupled with decent autofocus tracking performance to ensure your shots are in focus.

DSLRs that offer high FPS are generally over $1,000, but this isn’t the case with mirrorless – the Sony a6000, for example, costs under $500 and features an impressive 10FPS.

Being able to fire off hundreds of frames isn’t always a good thing – you’ll have lots more photos to examine while editing, and there’s also the question of how fast your buffer can ‘clear’ (i.e. how long the camera will be ‘locked up’ while writing all the images to the memory card).

The overall speed of the camera’s operation is another important factor to consider. Typically, DSLRs ‘wake up’ faster than mirrorless and point-and-shoot cameras.

Video Performance

All digital cameras shoot video these days, with some offering high-end features such as 4K Ultra HD resolution, multiple frame rates, super slow-motion, high speed recording and time-lapse.

If you choose a model with interchangeable lenses, it’s not hard to get video quality that can rival the very best YouTubers and short-film makers.

The main features to consider if you’re serious about capturing high quality video on your digital camera are:

• Frame rates – 24fps and 30fps are standard. 60fps and higher is great for slow-motion footage.
• Image Stabilization – whether in-body, or in-lens (OIS), image stabilization is essential if you plan to shoot video without a tripod or gimbal.
• 4k video – more resolution = better image quality and the ability to crop more heavily. If this is a feature, just make sure that it can record 4k at 24fps and 30fps.
• External mic input – to get the best audio, you need to be able to plug in an external mic.
• Recording duration – many DSLRs have a limit to how much they can record at one time.
• Rotating LCD – to film yourself, or just to save your neck from craning over all the time while shooting.
• Clean HDMI out – to record to external capture devices.

When choosing a camera for video, try and be honest with yourself…

Are you likely to use a bulky DSLR or mirrorless to capture the occasional footage of your kids playing around?… Or is it more realistic to assume your smartphone will be your first choice?

Personally speaking, I seldom press the record button on any of my cameras. The iPhone can already record high-quality 4k video, so I really don’t see the need.

In addition, editing video can be a painfully slow experience, especially if you don’t own a powerful computer.

Camera Brands

Although there isn’t really any noticeable difference in the image quality you can expect from the various brands, there are still small nuances to be aware of when choosing your first camera.

Each brand offers its own selection of native lenses which can influence the look of your photos, and in some niche cases, it can determine what exactly you’re able to shoot.

In addition, some brands only produce APS-C sensor cameras, with others only producing mirrorless models.

Let’s take a look at the four main camera brands and their characteristics, starting with the main 2 names in the industry: Canon & Nikon:

Canon

The biggest photography brand in the world, catering to all kinds of photographer, from absolute beginners to the best professionals in the world.

Canon is known for having the widest selection of lenses, including EF, EF-S, EF-M, and R lenses, with the holy grail being any lens with the iconic ‘red ring’, also known as L-series lenses.

Canon DSLR lenses are generally slightly less expensive than Nikon, and there are more specialty lenses – exotic prime lenses with f/1.2 apertures, super tele-photos, tilt-shifts, and other varieties more applicable to professional photographers.

For beginners, there’s a wide selection of affordable lenses, including some excellent options that start from only $100.

Canon produce a diverse selection of cameras (1), with their core sales coming from compacts and DSLRs. You can pick up a great entry-level Canon DSLR for around $500.

One area that Canon is playing catch-up is mirrorless – their first full frame mirrorless model was released relatively recently (in 2018), and their lens selection is still small and expensive.

I’d recommend Canon for compacts and DSLRs. If you’re a professional or have deeper pockets, their mirrorless R-series cameras are a good option too.

Nikon

Another hugely popular photography brand, albeit much smaller than Canon.

Nikon caters to all photographers, offering some of the best entry-level DSLRs for beginners, all the way up to incredible flagship bodies for professionals (2).

Nikon also offers a huge selection of DSLR lenses, although smaller than that of Canon. For beginners, there are many affordable lenses on offer, starting from around $100.

Nikon produces ‘DX’ and ‘FX’ format lenses, which refer their compatibility with APS-C and full frame sensor formats, respectively.

You’ll find a diverse selection of Nikon cameras, with the most popular being compacts and DSLRs. You can pick up an excellent entry-level Nikon DSLR for around $500.

Nikon’s foray into the world of full frame mirrorless was also relatively recent (2018), and their body and lens selection is limited and expensive.

(Similar to Canon, you have the option of ‘adapting’ the existing selection of DSLR lenses to be used on the latest mirrorless camera bodies.)

I’d recommend Nikon for their excellent D-series DSLRs. If you’re a professional or have deeper pockets, their mirrorless Z-series cameras are also impressive.

Sony

Sony is the key player when it comes to mirrorless and premium point-and-shoot cameras.

Their Cyber-shot line of compact cameras is still hugely popular, with new models being released several times a year (3).

Sony cameras are known for having the latest fancy technology, with their range of Alpha mirrorless cameras dominating the industry in auto-focus performance.

Sony full frame mirrorless cameras also offer the best battery life out of any other brand in the industry.

Sony offer a broad selection of lenses, but it pales in comparison to that of Nikon and Canon. Lenses are typically more expensive too, with less options for beginners.

However, you can still choose from a range of affordable entry-level APS-C mirrorless cameras, and some truly class-leading Sony Alpha full frame cameras, if your budget allows.

Fujifilm

Another key player in the world of mirrorless, Fujifilm is perhaps best known for its instant cameras and film stock.

A key distinction of Fujifilm mirrorless cameras is their APS-C sensor size.

They also produce medium format sensor cameras (larger than full frame), but they don’t produce anything with a full frame sensor.

The hugely popular Fujifilm X-series cameras feature a unique retro-inspired look, as well as ‘film simulations’, which accurately replicate popular Fuji film stock. This makes them a popular choice if you want to skip the photo editing process.

Fujifilm offer some excellent lenses, although the selection is not as broad as that of Sony.

In addition, due to the ‘crop-factor’ of their APS-C sensor cameras, you’ll need to take into account a focal length multiplication factor of 1.5x when selecting lenses.

While Fujifilm offer a fine selection of cameras (4) with new models appearing several times a year, their entry-level offerings start at a slightly higher price than those released by Sony.

The aesthetics of Fuji cameras is a big reason to invest in this brand – their cameras look and feel great, and have earned legions of devoted fans.

Resolution (Number of Megapixels)

The resolution of digital cameras is measured in megapixels – one megapixel = one million pixels.

When it comes to digital cameras, a high number of megapixels matters most when ‘cropping into’ a photo, or if you plan to print large pictures.

Photos with more megapixels have more detail, but are consequently larger in file size, meaning they can take longer to edit, send, store, and handle in general.

Most cameras have the option to choose lower resolutions if desired, which can be handy when transferring to smart devices to share online.

People often mistakenly evaluate a camera’s image quality by the number of megapixels, but this is not the case. Pixel size is more important, and this is governed by the size of the image sensor.

Your fancy smartphone with 50 megapixels will never compete with a great DSLR with ‘only’ 24 megapixels, since the DSLR sensor is much bigger.

Don’t make the number of megapixels be a determining factor when shopping for a camera.

Unless you plan to print large, highly detailed prints, there’s little need to invest in a camera with more than 20-odd megapixels.

Other Features

These are the features that will help you make your final decision when choosing a new camera.

None of them are essential, and only you will know whether they’re truly important when making your final decision.

• Long Battery Life – mirrorless and point-and-shoot cameras typically have much shorter battery life than DSLRs.
• Manual Shooting Modes – if you’re interested in learning about photography, a camera with a Manual shooting mode is essential.
• Auto Modes – how much you can leave to the camera’s ‘brain’.
• High Frame Rate – being able to shoot multiple consecutive photos can be useful for capturing fast-moving action
• High ISO Performance – helps you capture images in low light without using a flash.
• Rotating/Tilting LCD Screen – useful for selfies and getting experimental with your compositions.
• Dual Memory Card Slots – instant backup, but only really relevant if you’re a professional.
• Mic Input/Output – required if you’re serious about video recording.
• Film Simulations – unique to Fujifilm cameras, but other brands offer creative effects and filters.
• Touch Screen – being able to use smartphone gestures on your camera can be fun.
• Eye/Face Tracking Autofocus System – advanced autofocus technology that’s limited to mirrorless cameras.
• Electronic Viewfinder – an ‘EVF’ can display more information than an ‘OVF’, and offers a WYSIWYG view.
• Image Stabilization – essential for smoother video recording and handheld shooting.
• Weatherproofing / Dustproofing – useful if you travel a lot or shoot in all weather.
• RAW Image Format – RAW files offer more flexibility when editing. See RAW vs JPEG.
• Wifi, Bluetooth, NFC – transfer images wirelessly to your devices, and/or control your camera remotely.

Camera brands try to compete by introducing fancy new features, but my advice is to make your decision based on the core elements mentioned in this article.

While it’s important not to go too crazy with accessories when purchasing your first camera, there are a few things that I consider essential:

• Software – you need to learn how to edit photos if you want them to stand out. I recommend Adobe Lightroom, but there are also many good alternatives.
• Memory Card – get the fastest one you can afford, and a fast memory card reader. See memory card guide.
• Spare Batteries – especially for mirrorless cameras.
• Screen Protector – cheap way to prolong the life of your camera’s rear LCD screen.
• Camera strap – see our guide to the best camera straps
• Camera bag – not necessary for point-and-shoot cameras. See our guide to camera bags.

… and that’s it :-)

A common mistake made by beginners is buying everything in the bargain bin at the local camera store, but in reality, very few accessories are actually required at first.

When you start developing your style and realise what kind of photography interests you, that’s where some of the following accessories will become useful.

Optional Camera Accessories

I’ve tried to list these in order of importance to the average beginner photographer who’s looking to expand his/her repertoire:

• Tripod – for long exposure photography or simply getting a sharper shot. See best travel tripods.
• Filters – attach to the front of your lens for various purposes, including UV, ND, Polarizing, etc.
• Cleaning accessories – consider a lens pen, rocket blower and microfiber cloth.
• Battery grip – to extend the battery duration and/or to give large hands more to hold onto.
• External flash – the tiny one on top of your camera gives unflattering results.
• Remote Control – to trigger your camera from a distance. Good for selfies and group shots.

Remember – the more accessories you have, the heavier your camera bag… and the less likely you are to take your camera with you!

Photography is all about simplicity – it’s best when it’s just you and the camera. Don’t go overboard with gadgets ;-)

Photographers have a name for buying camera gear just for the sake of it – ‘Gear Acquisition Syndrome’, or G.A.S. for short!

Make sure you don’t develop a bad case of GAS…

Where to Buy your first Camera

Following a recent poll in the Shotkit Facebook Group, I learned that people buy cameras from a wide variety of local high street shops and online retailers.

My preference is to buy from Amazon, B&H Photo and Moment.

Amazon is great if you have Prime; B&H Photo is great if you need something specific related to photography; and Moment is unbeatable for its personal service and occasional special offers.

Pro tip: Moment actually have a ‘Clearance’ section with massive discounts, which is somewhat hidden away on their website – you can see the latest deals here.

Obviously, you can’t touch and feel products if you purchase online, but at least all the online retailers mentioned above have free returns, allowing you to try out the camera and exchange it for another if necessary.

Camera Buying Guide FAQ

What sort of digital camera should I buy?

If you’ve been asking yourself “What camera should I buy?” here’s my take. Buying your first camera can be a little intimidating, so I’ve got two pieces of advice that will help you pick the right camera for you. The first two things that you should consider are your budget and your goals as a photographer.

Aspiring pro photographers and committed hobbyists should pick up a DSLR or a mirrorless camera. Either way, it should have interchangeable lenses. These cameras can be more expensive, but consider it an investment in your career and your art.

If you’re just looking for a camera to capture memories on a family vacation, you can pick up something a bit more lightweight like a pocket camera. Pocket cameras are much more affordable, but they lack the technical power of more expensive gear. The important thing is to pick the camera that suits your needs.

Videographers should look for cameras that can shoot 4K and and have a few options for frame rate like 24 FPS for the cinematic look and higher frame rates for things like slow motion shots.

Can you buy a digital camera through your business? 

Buying a camera is a great idea for small business owners.

If you’re a business owner and you use a camera as part of your work, you can expense the cost of photography equipment. However, keep in mind that the tax breaks you get vary from location to location and even industry to industry.

If you happen to work for a larger company, you still might be able to pick up a camera through your employer. You could need a camera while working in a marketing department or to document certain aspects of your work. I’d say your best bet is to reach out to your marketing department or talk with your finance department about expensing the purchase of a camera.

Is buying a camera worth it?

Yes, buying a camera is definitely worth it! You’ll get high-quality pictures with more creative freedom, as some camera settings aren’t available on smartphones.

Are expensive cameras worth it?

Yes, expensive cameras are worth it. However, you won’t be able to get the most out of an expensive camera if you don’t have some experience. If you’re just starting out, choosing an affordable option first is best.

How to choose a digital SLR?

To choose a digital SLR camera, you need to keep a few factors in mind. These factors include the sensor size, megapixels, and price, among other things.

What sort of digital camera should I buy?

Regarding what digital camera you should buy, there’s no one-size-fits-all option. Essentially, it all comes down to your needs. Use an affordable entry-level camera if you’re a hobbyist or a beginner.

On the other hand, if you want high-quality results, pick a professional camera like the Sony A7R IV or Nikon Z9.

Can you buy a digital camera through your business?

Yes, it’s possible to buy a camera through your business. However, it’ll be a company purchase for company needs such as product photography, marketing, or documenting events.

If you want to purchase a digital camera for your personal use, then you’ll have to pay for it yourself.

Final Words

If you’ve read this far, you should be MUCH better informed to go camera shopping!

Don’t worry too much about the various camera types on offer here in 2024 – at the end of the day, you can get a great image on a compact, mirrorless or DSLR.

It’s easy to get caught up in camera sensors, zoom lenses, image stabilization, shutter speed, camera body type, exposure settings, optical zoom, viewfinder features, video quality, kit lenses, video mode, sensor sizes, zoom range, and every other variable under the sun.

Just remember this – every camera is different, but your skill as a photographer is far more important than the camera body.

Buy a camera, learn how to use it, and experiment until you reach its limitations. Then, and only then, think about upgrading.

Leave me a comment below if you have any questions, and happy snapping!

References: (1) https://www.usa.canon.com/internet/portal/us/home/products/groups/cameras
(2) https://www.nikonusa.com/en/nikon-products/cameras.page (3) https://www.sony.com/electronics/interchangeable-lens-camera-products/t/interchangeable-lens-cameras (4) https://www.fujifilm.com/products/digital_cameras/

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