8 best cameras for aspiring photographers

Review of the best according to the editorial board. On the selection criteria. This material is subjective and does not constitute advertising and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.

More and more people are using their smartphone to take photos. But his capabilities are sometimes not enough. At such moments, you want to get a full-fledged camera. At the same time, such a device should not be oversaturated with functions, and shooting with its help should for the most part be carried out in automatic mode. In short, it should be a camera for beginners. It is these devices that will be discussed in this article. We will tell you about both SLR and system cameras. Only compact models will be left overboard, which, with similar functionality, will cost significantly more. Maybe we will talk about them next time.

Rating of the best cameras for aspiring photographers

Nomination	a place	Name of product	price
Best DSLRs for aspiring photographers	1	Nikon D5300	RUB 29,590
	2	Canon EOS 80D	RUB 50,500
	3	Pentax K-70	RUB 44,990
	4	Sony Alpha ILCA-68	RUB 39 890
	5	Nikon D7100	RUB 45,990
	6	Canon EOS 100D	RUB 26,990
Best mirrorless cameras for aspiring photographers	1	Canon EOS M3	RUB 32,890
	2	Sony Alpha ILCE-6000	RUB 35,990

Best DSLRs for aspiring photographers

Nikon D5300

Rating: 4.9

One of the easiest SLR cameras to learn. Many beginners make their choice in her favor, having previously only photographed with a smartphone. The camera turned out to be relatively small, and its weight does not exceed 480 g (add to this the weight of the battery and the lens). The cost of this model together with the whale optics is 37 thousand rubles. This price tag cannot be called minimal. He says that the manufacturer did not save on all components. Indeed, he managed to equip his creation with a rotating LCD display. Also among the undoubted advantages of the camera is the wireless Wi-Fi module, thanks to which images can be instantly sent to any smartphone. It should be noted that there are ample opportunities in terms of video filming. The camera writes a picture with a resolution Full HD and a frequency of 60 frames / s. Moreover, there are stereo microphones here. If their capabilities seem small, then an external 'lapel' can be connected to the corresponding connector.

Otherwise, this is a typical budget SLR camera, of which there will be quite enough in our rating. Shooting here is carried out using a matrix with a crop factor of 1.5. The sensor resolution reaches 24.2 megapixels – this parameter will suit absolutely all novice photographers. Focusing is assisted by phase detection autofocus. Framing is done with a 95% field-of-view mirror viewfinder. The camera also includes a lithium-ion battery with a capacity of about 600 shots. In a word, this is a decent device that helps to master the basic photography skills without much difficulty.

Advantages

• Small size and weight;

• Built-in GPS;

• Affordable price tag;

• There is a wireless Wi-Fi module;

• There is a microphone input;

• Shooting video in Full HD with high frame rate;

• Sufficiently high matrix resolution;

• The LCD display has a rotating mechanism;

disadvantages

• Not the fastest autofocus;

• Not very high resolution LCD;

• Digital noise appears at high ISOs;

• The viewfinder has a field of view of only 95%;

Canon EOS 80D

Rating: 4.8

Already a substantially more expensive camera. The Japanese manufacturer asks for at least 61 thousand rubles. Perhaps, such a sum will be unaffordable for those who do not intend to earn money in the future with photography. But if we talk specifically about novice photographers, then they should understand that sooner or later such an amount will have to be spent. I am glad that this kind of money is being asked for a kit with a lens, albeit not the best one.

Inside this camera there is a traditional cropped matrix, the resolution of which reaches 24.2 megapixels. The maximum possible shooting here is with a sensitivity of ISO 25600. However, the working values ​​are significantly lower. The Canon EOS 80D differs from the cheaper cameras in its increased rate of fire – 7 photos can be created here per second. The maximum burst can be 25 frames (when saving images in RAW). Another important feature of the device is the mirror viewfinder, which has a 100% field of view. The camera comes with a BG-E14 battery pack, which has enough power to take at least 960 shots. This is an impressive result, unattainable for most entry-level DSLRs.

As for video filming, it is here conducted with a frequency of 60 frames / s and a resolution Full HD. As in the previous reviewed version, there is also a microphone input. But not only! You can also connect headphones to the product, which allows you to immediately evaluate the quality of the sound being written. And the camera also has wireless Wi-Fi and NFC modules, which instantly synchronize with a smartphone. But there is no GPS here, which is somewhat disappointing. However, not all novice photographers need geotags in pictures.

Advantages

• The LCD is touch-sensitive and has a swivel mechanism;

• The set includes a battery pack;

• The shutter is able to operate at a speed of 1/8000 s;

• The camera is endowed with Wi-Fi and NFC modules;

• There is an audio output and a microphone input;

• Videos are written in Full HD and with high frequency;

• High shooting speed;

• The viewfinder has a 100% field of view;

• There is an auxiliary screen;

disadvantages

• High price;

• A 3-inch LCD has only a million pixels;

• There is no GPS;

Pentax K-70

Rating: 4.8

The Japanese company Pentax has relied on SLR cameras with a waterproof housing. Even a relatively inexpensive device like the K-70 possesses it. This DSLR is sold for 45 thousand rubles. It should be borne in mind that for that kind of money you can only buy a 'carcass'. But this is not a problem, as the Pentax range of optics for SLR cameras is incredibly wide. A used lens can be bought for very little money, which is good news.

This model got into our rating not only due to the waterproof case. Buyers have appreciated the 24-megapixel sensor used here with a crop factor of 1.5. In theory, here you can use sensitivity up to ISO 102400. Of course, lower values ​​are working, but even with them, the frames are very good even at night. This is also facilitated by the slower shutter speed provided by the built-in optical stabilizer – a wild rarity in SLR cameras. Nothing bad can be said about the AF system, which consists of 11 points, 9 of which are cross-type. The Japanese manufacturer did not economize on the viewfinder, which has a field of view of 100%. But the LCD display does not cause a feeling of delight – it has a too low resolution. But on the other hand, it has a repetitive mechanism, which makes it easier to shoot from inconvenient angles.

The camera cannot be called a rapid-fire camera. However, 6 frames / s is quite a decent parameter. It's only a shame that when saving images in RAW, the series will end after 10 photos. As for the shutter, it is able to operate as much as possible in 1/6000 s. The camera is also suitable for video shooting – the picture will be saved at 60 frames / s and 1080p resolution. Sound is allowed to be recorded from an external microphone. Not forgotten by the manufacturer and Wi-Fi, which allows you to transfer pictures to a smartphone, as well as use it for remote control.

Advantages

• The case is waterproof;

• Built-in optical image stabilization;

• High resolution CMOS matrix;

• Excellent DSLR viewfinder

• Fast shutter speed available;

• There is a wireless Wi-Fi module;

• There is a microphone input;

• The screen has a swivel mechanism;

• Not the highest cost;

disadvantages

• Low battery capacity;

• Video quality is inferior to Canon and Nikon cameras;

• Inconvenient ISO switching;

Sony Alpha ILCA-68

Rating: 4.7

The Japanese company Sony does not stop producing its SLR cameras. A good choice for the novice user is the Alpha ILCA-68. This model is sold for 40-42 thousand rubles. And this amount already includes a 'whale' lens! Inside this camera is a matrix with a crop factor of 1.5 and a resolution of 24 megapixels. The main difference between Sony products and competitors is the absence of a mirror in the usual sense of the word. Instead, it uses a thin, almost completely transparent film, the data from which falls only on the autofocus system. Because of this, the viewfinder is electronic, but you can get used to it quickly enough. And many users use a 2.7-inch LCD monitor with a rotary mechanism for framing. It's bad that it consists of only 460800 pixels – this is extremely small. There is also a second screen, which displays the current settings – you should look for it on the top panel.

As in the Pentax product discussed above, it also uses an optical motion stabilizer. This allows you to save on optics by purchasing less advanced lenses. The absence of a mirror here made it possible to increase the shooting speed – it is 8 frames / s. But the shutter is not the best used here. However, 1/4000 sec is enough for most budding photographers. Video is recorded here at 60 frames / s and resolution Full HD. Unfortunately, the sound will have to be recorded either through the built-in microphone, or with the help of some external recorder. Another unpleasant feature of the device is the lack of Wi-Fi and any other wireless modules.

Advantages

• High burst shooting speed;

• The price cannot be called prohibitive;

• High resolution CMOS matrix;

• An optical image stabilizer has been implemented;

• The electronic viewfinder has a 100% field of view;

• There is an additional screen;

• The LCD display has a rotating mechanism;

disadvantages

• Not the longest battery life;

• No microphone input;

• There are no wireless modules;

• Not the fastest shutter;

• Low resolution LCD screen;

Nikon D7100

Rating: 4.6

One of the most advanced cameras for amateur photographers. For this model, complete with 'whale' optics in Russian retail, they ask about 65 thousand rubles. Like the cameras reviewed earlier in this rating, the Nikon D7100 has a 24.1 megapixel CMOS sensor. Framing is proposed using a traditional mirror viewfinder, which has a maximum field of view. Also for this purpose, you can use the LCD display, the diagonal of which is 3.2 inches. This screen consists of 1.22 million pixels, which can be considered a very good parameter. But the LCD also has a drawback. The fact is that it is firmly mounted in the body, which complicates shooting from non-standard angles. There is also a second screen here, but it only serves to show the current settings.

The device can take pictures at a speed of 6 frames / s. The video is shot here with the resolution Full HD, but the frequency will be only 30 frames / s. Nevertheless, the manufacturer has provided its device with both a microphone input and an audio output. Also, the camera has a connector to which an external GPS receiver is connected.

Otherwise, this is an ordinary SLR camera, which is unlikely to interest a professional. It uses phase detection autofocus, which is not ideal. Light sensitivity here is limited to ISO 25600.

Advantages

• High resolution matrix;

• A large number of controls;

• There is an audio output and a microphone input;

• Good video quality;

• Long enough autonomous work;

• There is an auxiliary screen;

• The viewfinder pleases with a 100% field of view;

• The screen consists of a large number of pixels;

disadvantages

• The LCD has no swivel mechanism;

• High price;

• Not the widest ISO operating range;

• There are no wireless modules;

Canon EOS 100D

Rating: 4.5

The cheapest DSLR for beginners in our ranking. Its cost does not exceed 28-29 thousand rubles. From such an inexpensive camera, one should not expect any wide possibilities. The screen of this camera has a good resolution, but it lacks a rotating mechanism, which makes its presence not so useful. However, the novice photographer will love the ability to select settings via the touch pad. There is no second display here at all. And the DSLR viewfinder, as you might guess, offers only a 95 percent field of view.

Inside this device is a CMOS-matrix with a crop factor of 1.6 and a resolution of 18 megapixels. It is not recommended to bump up the ISO unless you want to face a lot of noise. The camera does not know how to shoot quickly – in burst mode, no more than four photos are created per second. The manufacturer saved even on wireless modules – they are simply not there. Finally, the battery can also upset the buyer, the capacity of which is enough for about 380 shots. In short, you should look towards the Canon EOS 100D only if you have allocated no more than 28 thousand rubles for the purchase of a camera. Otherwise, you need to choose a device that has one and a half to two times the price tag.

Advantages

• Not the largest dimensions and weight;

• Reliable construction;

• Not very high cost;

• The video is written with a fairly good quality;

• Decent touchscreen LCD;

disadvantages

• The complete lens is terrible;

• Short strap;

• No microphone input;

• There are no wireless modules;

• Low shooting speed;

• Autofocus consists of a minimum number of points;

Best mirrorless cameras for aspiring photographers

Canon EOS M3

Rating: 4.7

A very decent mirrorless camera for the aspiring photographer, the body of which can be painted in black, green, blue and white. On the top panel of this unit there are two wheels that change the shooting modes and exposure by default. Of the other controls, only buttons are present here. This will scare away professionals who need to change ISO, aperture and shutter speed as quickly as possible. It is also noticeable here that the system camera was created for those who most often will shoot on full automatic.

Shooting here is carried out using a matrix, the resolution of which is 24.2 megapixels, and the crop factor is 1.6. This is a very good parameter for a mirrorless camera, the cost of which does not exceed 34 thousand rubles. (including 'whale' optics). The creators have tried to reduce the size and weight of the device as much as possible. As a result, Canon EOS M3 with a battery and without a lens weighs no more than 366 g. Unfortunately, in order to achieve this parameter, the Japanese had to reduce the battery capacity, so a full charge is only enough for 250-300 shots. However, most mirrorless cameras on the market have this problem.

The camera shoots video at 1080p and 30 frames per second. Downscaling to 720p raises the frame rate to the traditional 60fps. The sound can be recorded both with the built-in microphone and through some kind of 'gun' or 'lapel'. This device also has Wi-Fi. This module will be useful in case of shooting yourself with a tripod, when the smartphone will act as a remote control.

Of course, this model cannot be called ideal. There is no viewfinder, which means that you will have to regularly use the tilting LCD display. Also, the camera is by no means a high-speed camera – the burst mode here lasts only a second, during which 5 frames are created (in the case of saving images in RAW format). The camera also has other disadvantages, which are no longer so significant.

Advantages

• High resolution CMOS matrix;

• Good video quality;

• There is a wireless Wi-Fi module;

• There is a microphone input;

• The LCD is not only rotatable, but also touch-sensitive;

• A good hybrid autofocus is used;

• Relatively small size and weight;

disadvantages

• Video is recorded at maximum frequency only in HD resolution;

• Overpriced;

• Loud shutter release;

• Not the best burst mode;

• Not the longest battery life;

Sony Alpha ILCE-6000

Rating: 4.6

Another camera for novice photographers from Sony in our ranking, this time mirrorless. Japanese engineers managed to reduce the weight of the camera to 285 g. This, of course, does not include the lens, which can be as massive as you like, and the battery. It is surprising that the manufacturer did not deprive the device of its usual attributes. For example, there is a viewfinder here, albeit in electronic form. Also on the back is a 3-inch LCD display with 921K pixels. In some cases, neither one nor the other element can be used for cropping. For example, this situation can happen when filming yourself for a video blog. Fortunately, this problem can be solved using Wi-Fi – the wireless module helps you monitor the shooting from your smartphone. You can also use it to quickly post photos to social networks.

As a matrix, the already familiar CMOS sensor with a resolution of 24.3 megapixels and a crop factor of 1.5 is used here. A beginner photographer will definitely not need more. Also, the camera is able to please with a wide range of photosensitivity. And most of the ISO values, which is important, are quite working. Finally, this is the fastest-firing camera in our ranking – it takes 11 frames per second.

This camera, which sells for 40-42 thousand rubles, differs from other mirrorless cameras in its futuristic design. It also lasts a little longer than competitors – a full battery charge is enough to take about 360 photos. Perhaps this is ideal for a beginner. It is a pity that the amount may seem overwhelming to someone.

Advantages

• Shooting video with a resolution Full HD and a rate of 60 frames / s;

• Wide range of sensitivity values;

• Small size and weight;

• High burst shooting speed;

• The LCD display is equipped with a rotating mechanism;

• There is a good electronic viewfinder;

• High resolution matrix;

• Good working hybrid autofocus;

• There are wireless modules Wi-Fi and NFC;

disadvantages

• No microphone input;

• The cost is not low;

• There is no optical stabilizer;

Conclusion

It may seem to you that if you have a smartphone, all the devices considered in this rating do not make much sense. However, the owners of such cameras will not agree with you. Holidays, outdoor recreation, country trips – it is better to shoot all these events with a full-fledged camera. So you get better quality photos, and you want to print them, preserving memorable frames for almost centuries (digital images are much easier to lose).

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Attention! This rating is subjective and does not constitute an advertisement and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.