Best Cameras for Beginners 2025: Our Top Picks to Help You Learn Fast

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Editor-in-Chief David Schloss and the Imaging Resource team

Everyone is a beginner in photography and videography at some point. The most expensive flagship models are what most people want—but rarely what most people need. Fortunately, even the lowest-priced cameras today perform exceptionally well for a beginner. There are no bad cameras these days.

Beginner cameras are often budget-friendly, designed for those stepping up from a smartphone or buying their first interchangeable-lens system. Prices stay low not just because of fewer features, but because manufacturers know that once you’re on their platform, you’ll likely stay there.

In this guide, we’ll get you up to speed on the best beginner cameras—the ones that make your photos and videos look like they came from gear far above your budget.


Why Trust Us?

The Imaging Resource staff has decades of combined experience with testing cameras of every category.

I have personally tested almost every camera in this list, and together with the Imaging Resource team we have shot with every camera here.

We don’t accept any payment for placement. Although our articles contain affiliate links, we provide unbiased reviews, and our recommendations are based on the quality of the products.


Best Cameras For Beginners: Our Picks at a Glance

The beginner camera market delivers remarkable value: lightweight bodies now pack advanced autofocus and uncropped 4K video, so first-time buyers can shoot polished photos and videos without a huge investment.

The Canon EOS R10 strikes the best balance of speed, autofocus, and hybrid features for most new shooters, while the Canon EOS R8 brings full-frame image quality to photographers ready to step up.

For creators who prioritize video or portability, options range from the pocketable Sony ZV-1 II to the Nikon Z30 and Sony a6700 for stronger video toolsets, while Fujifilm’s X-S20 and OM-5 add IBIS and creative controls for those who want to grow into more advanced workflows.

At the end of the day, you need a camera that suits your needs, and these cameras are designed to fit different needs.


Ultimate Full-Frame Starter (The Ultimate Choice)
Stock photo of the Canon EOS R8
Bottom Line

For those who want to experience full-frame, mirrorless photography, the EOS R8 provides an excellent starting point. The Canon EOS R8 is a very capable camera. In fact, it is our typical recommendation for many photographers and videographers looking to invest in a solid camera at a very reasonable price point. The camera has a 24.2MP APS-C sensor and is powered by the DIGIC X processor found in higher-price models. It provides outstanding stills and very impressive 4K video at 60 frames per second, 10-bit video, with a solid autofocus. The camera’s ISO range is 100-102400, and since it features

What We Think

The Canon EOS R8 brings full-frame performance to a compact, travel-friendly body, ideal for creators who want pro-level image quality without the bulk. Featuring a 24.2MP sensor and DIGIC X processor (the same as the R6 Mark II), it delivers superb dynamic range, fast autofocus, and impressive low-light capability.

With 40fps burst shooting and oversampled 4K 60p video, it’s a strong choice for hybrid shooters. Despite its lightweight build, it feels premium and reliable in hand. The bottom line is that the R8 is perfect for enthusiasts, vloggers, and travelers who want Canon’s renowned full-frame quality in a body that won’t weigh them down.

Reasons to Buy
  • Houses the same full-frame sensor and processor as the much more expensive EOS R6 Mark II.
  • Great autofocusing abilities.
  • Lightweight for a full-frame camera.
  • Solid video capabilities, including uncropped, oversampled 4K/60p.
Reasons to Avoid
  • Lacks in-body image stabilization (IBIS).
  • Shorter battery time due to the smaller LP-E17.
  • Lacks a dedicated AF joystick.
  • Single SD card slot.
Specifications
  • Sensor: 24.2MP Full-Frame CMOS Sensor.
  • Video: 4K/60p (oversampled from 6K, uncropped), Full HD (1080p)/180p.
  • Codecs: MP4 (H.264/H.265, AAC/LPCM), supports Canon Log 3.
  • Audio: Built-in stereo microphone, 3.5 mm external mic input, 3.5 mm headphone output
  • Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, USB-C, Micro-HDMI.
  • Storage: Single SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-II) card slot.
  • More Features: Dual Pixel CMOS AF II with subject detection (people, animals, vehicles), DIGIC X processor, 2.36m-Dot OLED EVF, vari-angle touchscreen.
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The Canon R8 would be my default answer for “what is the best camera for a beginner” if it had the In-Body Image Stabilization (IBIS) found in Canon’s more expensive cameras.

Ditching IBIS was a tradeoff needed to make the camera smaller, lighter, and less expensive than its sibling models, but it requires more careful shooting. That’s not a bad thing for a beginner. Learning to use the right shutter speed and aperture, and knowing when to use a tripod, is crucial.

But if planning to do handheld video work, it’s not the best choice.

The subject detect autofocus comes right from Canon’s higher-end models, and so does the processor, so it’s fast and accurate, which is why it’s still a go-to pick when people ask for a camera to buy.

Ultimate Video-Focused APS-C
Stock image of the Sony A6700
Bottom Line

The Sony A6700 is a compact and powerful camera that is capable of recording great images and videos. It borrows heavily on the tech from the pro-sports Sony a9 camera. The 6700 has a 26 megapixel Exmor R Crop BSI CMOS Sensor.  Sony excels in making cameras with great autofocusing abilities, even in affordable cameras like this. The Sony A6700 can shoot 10-bit ultra-high-definition 4 K up to 120 frames per second, and you can shoot up to 11 frames per second with autofocus.  That makes it a very capable camera for shooting fast action and even wildlife photography. The

Reasons to Buy
  • Class-leading auto-focusing abilities.
  • Excellent video capabilities.
  • 5-axis in-body image stabilization (IBIS)
  • Good Image Quality.
Reasons to Avoid
  • The menu system can be a little counterintuitive.
  • Significant crop at 4K/120p slow-motion mode.
  • Single SD card slot.
  • A rolling shutter might be visible when panning quickly.
Specifications
  • Sensor: 26.0MP APS-C Exmor R BSI CMOS Sensor.
  • Video: 4K/60p (oversampled from 6K, uncropped), 4K/120p (with 1.58x crop), Full HD (1080p)/240p.
  • Codecs: XAVC S, XAVC HS (H.265/HEVC, H.264/MPEG-4), supports S-Log3, S-Cinetone, HLG.
  • Audio: Built-in stereo microphone, 3.5 mm external mic input, 3.5 mm headphone output
  • Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, USB-C, Micro-HDMI.
  • Storage: Single SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-II) card slot.
  • More Features: BIONZ XR Processor & AI Processing Unit, 5-Axis In-Body Image Stabilization (IBIS), AI-powered subject recognition AF, vari-angle touchscreen.
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The Sony a6700 is the company’s flagship APS-C camera, with the autofocus system and image stabilization found on the full-frame sports camera, the a9.

It has exceptional subject autofocus and pro-quality video resolutions. I particularly like the In Body Image Stabilization (IBIS), which works as well as almost any camera on the market.

The a6700 is starting to show its age, as newer cameras, even entry-level ones like this, now have AI-driven subject-detection autofocus.

Ultimate Hybrid Photo + Video
Stock image of the Fujifilm X-S20
Bottom Line

The Fujifilm X-S20 is powered by the X-Processor 5 imaging engine and a 26.1-megapixel APS-C X-Trans CMOS 4 sensor, capable of delivering sharp, images and video. It’s a great camera for still photography, yet has some of the best video features at its price. Fujifilm’s color science has a dedicated fan base, and with improved autofocus, subject detection, and upgraded video specifications, the Fujifilm X-S20 makes for a pretty decent offering. The camera offers enhanced autofocus, a 5-axis IBIS rated up to 7 stops, F-Log / F-Log2 video profiles, and a fully articulating touchscreen. The X-S20 can record 6.2K at

Reasons to Buy
  • Excellent in-body image stabilization (IBIS).
  • Improved battery timing due to the NP-W235 battery.
  • Good video performance.
  • Fujifilm’s widely-appreciated image quality.
Reasons to Avoid
  • Small and low-resolution electronic (2.34 million dots) viewfinder.
  • Single SD card.
  • Uses a Micro-HDMI port.
Specifications
  • Sensor: 26.1MP APS-C X-Trans CMOS 4 Sensor
  • Video: 6.2K/30p, 4K/60p, Full HD (1080p)/240p (10-bit internal)
  • Codecs: Apple ProRes, Blackmagic RAW (via HDMI), F-Log2, H.265/HEVC, H.264/MPEG-4
  • Audio: Built-in stereo microphone, 3.5 mm external mic input, headphone output
  • Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, USB-C, Micro-HDMI
  • Storage: Single SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-II) card slot
  • More Features: 5-Axis In-Body Image Stabilization (IBIS), X-Processor 5, dedicated “Vlog” mode on dial, subject-detection AF (animals, birds, cars, etc.), vari-angle touchscreen
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Fujifilm’s X-Series cameras are all built around the APS-C sensor, which allows them to be very small and very powerful. Fujifilm is known for its analog design, something I really like. Dials and switches all look like an old-school film camera.

The processor in X-S20 is more than fast enough for high-speed still photography, and it’s the most powerful video camera in Fujifilm’s lineup by price. With a long history as a manufacturer of film, its cameras have simulation modes that make your images. Looks like they were shot in different styles of cinema. It’s a feature that Fujifilm fans love.

I’m surprised by how powerful the video capabilities are in the X-S20. Handheld footage is amazing, particularly thanks to the seven stops of In-Body Image Stabilization in this camera.

The only tradeoff in this beginner camera is the viewfinder. It’s lower resolution than many competitors, which can make composing images more difficult.

If you’re looking for a good beginner camera for both still and video, this is the best bargain in Fujifilm’s lineup, and in all beginner cameras.

Best Overall
Product image of the Canon EOS R100
Bottom Line

The Canon EOS R10  strikes the balance between performance and price. It produces excellent image quality and has great shooting speed. It uses the same autofocus technology as Canon’s more expensive bodies, and the DIGIC X processor gives it the power perform like more expensive cameras too. It utilizes the advanced Dual Pixel CMOS AF II system, which offers 651 automatic Autofocus points. The camera also has a 2.36m-dot OLED electronic viewfinder and a 3.0″ vari-angle LCD. The Canon EOS R10 has a 24.2 Megapixel APS-C sensor can shoot up to 23 frames per second in its best resolution raw

What We Think

The Canon EOS R10 has advanced autofocus, fast bursts, and high-quality 4K capture into a compact APS-C mirrorless body. Its 24.2-megapixel sensor, paired with Canon’s Dual Pixel AF II, delivers fast, accurate tracking. So if you shoot portraits, wildlife, and even sports, these features will come in handy.

The body design borrows ergonomics from Canon’s higher-end R-series, giving it a solid grip and intuitive control layout without adding unnecessary weight.

Although it lacks in-body stabilization, the R10 stands out for its responsiveness and overall performance in both stills and video work. Oversampled 4K/30p video is sharp and detailed, while 15 fps mechanical bursts give it versatility far beyond its price point. It’s a capable hybrid camera for creators who need reliable autofocus and professional-grade handling in an affordable package.

Reasons to Buy
  • Great Autofocusing abilities.
  • High shooting speed of 23 fps using the electronic shutter.
  • Quality uncropped 4K/30p video oversampled from 6K.
  • Comfortable Ergonomics.
Reasons to Avoid
  • Lacks in-body Image Stabilization.
  • Significant crop while shooting 4K/60p mode.
  • Lacks a headphone jack for audio monitoring during video recording.
  • Smaller Electronic Viewfinder compared to higher-end cameras.
Specifications
  • Sensor: 24.2MP APS-C CMOS Sensor.
  • Video: 4K/60p (cropped), 4K/30p (oversampled from 6K, uncropped), Full HD (1080p)/120p.
  • Codecs: MP4 (H.264/H.265, AAC/LPCM).
  • Audio: Built-in stereo microphone, 3.5 mm external mic input.
  • Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, USB-C, Micro-HDMI.
  • Storage: Single SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-II) card slot.
  • More Features: Dual Pixel CMOS AF II with subject detection (people, animals, vehicles), DIGIC X processor, 2.36m-Dot OLED EVF, vari-angle touchscreen.
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The Canon R10 is a mix of two of my favorite beginner cameras, the R100 and the R8. Essentially an R8 with an APS-C sensor instead of full-frame, the R10 can capture images up to 23 frames per second with an electronic shutter.

While APS-C performs more poorly in low light than a full-frame sensor, the R10 has excellent In-Body Image Stabilization, which allows for slower handheld shutter speeds. The lower the shutter speed, the less noise, so the IBIS evens out the loss of low-light image quality compared to a full-frame camera.

For someone looking to get into the Canon ecosystem, this is a particularly excellent choice.

Best Travel / Outdoor Beginner
image of OM System OM-5
Bottom Line

The OM System OM-5 is a tough little camera that takes a lot of features from the much expensive OM-1.  OM-5 is more targeted towards content creators than some other OM Systems camears. OM Systems cameras are known for their weather and dust sealing.  Based on a 20.4MP Live MOS Micro Four Thirds Sensor, the camera is powered by OM’s TruePic IX Image Processor, which produces colors OM System fans rave about. The Micro Four Thirds format is smaller than APS-C, which allows for smaller bodies than even APS-C sensor models, but Micro Four Thirds suffers in low light compared

What We Think

The OM System OM-5 carries on Olympus’s reputation for durable, travel-ready cameras in a smaller, lighter form. Its 20-megapixel Micro Four Thirds sensor pairs with a highly effective five-axis in-body image stabilization system that allows sharp handheld shots in low light or at slower shutter speeds. The body is weather-sealed against dust and moisture, and the controls are comfortably laid out for quick adjustments in the field.

It’s a camera designed for photographers who want portability without giving up control. Features like Live ND filters and high-res shot modes  extend its versatility for landscapes and long exposures. It may not compete with larger sensors in pure image quality, but its balance of stabilization, compact size, and rugged build make it one of the best options for travel and outdoor work under $1,000.

Reasons to Buy
  • Best-in-class IP53-rated weather sealing.
  • Excellent in-body image stabilization (IBIS).
  • Light-weight and convenient to carry.
  • Offers many features, including computational photography.
Reasons to Avoid
  • Smaller sensor size and only a 20.4MP resolution.
  • Limited video capacity.
  • Lacks AI-driven subject-detection.
Specifications
  • Sensor: 20.4MP Micro Four Thirds Live MOS Sensor
  • Video: DCI/UHD 4K/30p, Full HD (1080p)/120p
  • Codecs: MOV (MPEG-4 AVC/H.264), supports OM-Log400
  • Audio: Built-in stereo microphone, 3.5 mm external mic input
  • Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Micro-USB, Micro-HDMI
  • Storage: Single SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-II) card slot
  • More Features: 5-Axis In-Body Image Stabilization (up to 7.5 stops with Sync IS), IP53 weather-sealed design, Handheld High Res Shot (50MP), Live ND, Starry Sky AF, Pro Capture
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OM System is the current incarnation of Olympus, which has roots dating back to the beginning of the film camera. Olympus was one of the pioneers of mirrorless cameras, with a range of models way before anyone else got into the market.

While I still love the OM-5, it hasn’t been updated in years, and the technology is starting to show its age. Autofocus used to be one of the best in the class, but other systems have exceeded its performance with newer cameras.

I recommend it mostly for photographers who want maximum reach with telephoto lenses, as the small sensor magnifies lens focal lengths. You can use a lens the size of a full-frame medium telephoto lens and get super-telephoto reach.

After Olympus became OM System, it stopped producing cutting-edge models and regular updates, so we have some concerns about the long-term viability of the brand. Still, it’s a great system to dip your toes into the beginner camera pool.

Best Solid APS-C Option
Stock photo of the Nikon Z50 II
Bottom Line

The Nikon Z50 II is the second genration of Nikon’s APS-C do-everything camera. Powered by the EXPEED 7 Image Processor, the Nikon Z50  II has a much improved auto-focus system over the original model, able to perform subject detection for nine different subject types including people, animals, vehicles, and insects. The eye-detection autofocus is snappier and more accurate than its predecessor, by quite a lot.  The Nikon Z50 II can shoot Ultra High Definition 4 K videos at up to 60 frames per second (with a crop) and High Definition at up to 120 frames per second. It has a

Reasons to Buy
  • Excellent image quality.
  • Sharp viewfinder.
  • Comfortable grip and solid build quality.
  • Uncropped 4k recording at 30.
Reasons to Avoid
  • Lacks In-body stabilization (IBIS).
  • Lacks USB-C.
  • While the autofocus is good, it isn’t the best in its class.
Specifications
  • Sensor: 20.9MP APS-C (Nikon’s DX-Format) CMOS Sensor.
  • Video: 4K/30p (uncropped), Full HD (1080p)/120p.
  • Codecs: MOV, MP4 (H.264/MPEG-4).
  • Audio: Built-in stereo microphone, 3.5 mm external mic input.
  • Storage: Single SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-I) card slot.
  • Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Micro-USB, Micro-HDMI (Type D).
  • Features: 2.36m-Dot OLED EVF, tilting touchscreen LCD (flips down for vlogging), Eye Detection AF, EXPEED 6 processor.
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The Nikon Z50 II is my favorite beginner camera in Nikon’s lineup, and I usually recommend it above the company’s full-frame beginner cameras. Priced lower than the Z5-series full-frame cameras, the Z50 II is an affordable camera that performs well above its price. In fact, it’s largely an APS-C version of Nikon’s excellent full-frame Z5 II camera.

The Z50 II is a small-sized body that still has enough grip that it doesn’t feel like I might drop it.

In-Body Image Stabilization (IBIS) is excellent, and the autofocus system comes right from the more expensive Nikon models. The result is a small-but-comfortable camera that performs like its higher-end siblings, but at a much lower price.

Best Vlogging / Live Creators
Stock photo of the Nikon Z30
Bottom Line

The Nikon Z30 is an affordable camera with great specifications for its price. It’s another camera in this category that has video-first features, but still is an excellent still photography camera. It uses a 20.9-megapixel APS-C sensor that can record Ultra High Definition 4 K, up to 30p. You can also record full High definition 120p for slow-motion playback. The camera can record for up to 2 hours and 15 minutes and supports live streaming at full High Definition 60p or 4K 30p. Its 20.9MP CMOS sensor captures images at up to 11 frames per second, allowing you to capture

What We Think

The Nikon Z30 is an APS-C mirrorless camera designed for vloggers and content creators who need interchangeable lenses and better image control than a smartphone can provide. It uses a 20.9-megapixel DX-format CMOS sensor paired with the EXPEED 6 processor and records 4K UHD video up to 30 fps with no crop. The camera includes a fully articulating touchscreen, eye- and face-detection autofocus, built-in stereo microphones, and USB-C power delivery for extended shooting. It lacks an electronic viewfinder but remains lightweight and compact for handheld or tripod-mounted use.

Reasons to Buy

Compact and lightweight body ideal for vlogging

No crop in 4K recording

Fully articulating screen with good touch response

Reliable autofocus with eye detection

USB-C power delivery for long shooting sessions

Reasons to Avoid

No in-body image stabilization

No viewfinder for traditional shooting

Single card slot with slower UHS-I speeds

Limited weather sealing

Shorter battery life compared to larger Z bodies

Specifications
  • Sensor: 20.9MP APS-C CMOS
  • Lens mount: Nikon Z
  • Video: 4K/30p, Full HD 120p
  • Screen: 3.0-inch vari-angle LCD
  • Audio: Stereo mics; 3.5mm mic input; headphone jack
  • Stabilization: Digital only
  • Dimensions: 128 × 73.5 × 59.5 mm (5.04 × 2.89 × 2.34 in)
  • Weight: 405 g (0.89 lbs) with battery and card
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The Nikon Z30 is a particularly good camera for Nikon shooters. The APS-C sensor is small enough to allow the Z30 to be really compact. It’s a great size to toss into your camera bag for a trip around town, but it’s good enough to take on a vacation and bring home amazing images.

It’s particularly strong in video, which makes it great. Choose if that vacation has must-capture video memories, or if you’re planning to make social media content.

The Z30’s 11-frames-per-second capture rate makes it great for anything from peewee sports to your dog sprinting across the dog run.

Like many budget cameras, it has no In-Body Image Stabilization, which makes it harder to use in low-light and fast-moving situations. That means it will take more skill to use it than a camera with stabilization, but learning skills is the point of beginner cameras for many newcomers. For an affordable go-anywhere camera, though, it’s a great choice.

Best Compact Vlogging Camera
Stock photo of the Sony ZV-1 II
Bottom Line

The Sony ZV-1 II is ant option for anyone looking to purchase a reasonably priced, ultra-small camera for making videos/vlogging. Weighing in at 292 grams, the camera is light and is the perfect size for one-handed shooting.    This point-and-shoot-style camera features a 20.1 megapixel 1″ Exmor RS BSI APS-C sensor, which is capable of producing excellent images and video, with very few artifacts.   The camera comes with an 18-50 mm f/1.8-4.0 Zeiss lens, which covers wide-angle to medium length shooting.   The Sony ZV-1 II’s autofocus features detection for multiple types of subjects including humans, animals, birds, and

Reasons to Buy
  • High Quality Sony video.
  • Compact and lightweight.
  • Reliable Autofocusing abilities.
  • Fully articulating screen.
  • Solid built-in stereo microphone and a port for an external microphone.
Reasons to Avoid
  • No Image Stabilization (IBIS).
  • Lack of an Electronic Viewfinder.
  • Limited manual controls and buttons.
  • No headphone jack to monitor audio levels.
Specifications
  • Sensor: 20.1MP 1″, Type Exmor RS BSI CMOS Sensor.
  • Lens: ZEISS Vario-Sonnar T* 18-50mm (35mm Equivalent) f/1.8-4 Lens.
  • Video: 4K/30p, Full HD (1080p)/120p.
  • Codecs: XAVC S (H.264).
  • Features: Cinematic Vlog setting, Product Showcase mode, Background Defocus, Soft Skin Effect, Multi-Face Recognition.
  • Audio: Built-in 3-capsule directional microphone with windscreen, 3.5 mm external mic input.
  • Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, USB-C, Micro-HDMI.
  • Storage: Single SD/SDHC/SDXC/Memory Stick Duo Hybrid card slot.
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The ZV-E1 II is a perfect choice for the beginner who prioritizes small size over interchangeable lenses, and I have one in my studio. It’s also a camera designed primarily for vlogging, so it offers impressive video autofocus and specs. If you’re looking for a compact camera to use for a YouTube channel or even to do a lot of selfie videos, it’s a good choice.

There are a few gotchas with this camera, though. There is no In Body Image Stabilization (IBIS), which was found on the original camera. Since it’s designed for handheld selfie-style photo and video work, the lack of IBIS can be a problem.

The other limitation is that the sensor in the camera is smaller than those in APS-C and full-frame cameras, so it has more noise in low-light situations. It is still much better than a smartphone’s image quality.

It’s a perfect camera for use in a studio of a YouTube or social media creator, where the camera can be mounted to a tripod. There’s exceptional face detection AF, and a product mode that switches focus.

Best True Beginner (Budget)
Stock photo of the Canon EOS R100
Bottom Line

The Canon EOS R100  is a budget-friendly camear with simple beginner-friendly controls.

It features a 24.1-megapixel APS-C  sensor and a solid dual-pixel autofocus system found in the company’s higher-end cameras.

Its autofocus system features 3,975 autofocus points and covers 143 autofocus zones, also supporting automatic subject detection and Eye Detection AF. 

Its DIGIC 8 Processor is more powerful than other Canon beginner cameras, and the camera can even shoot 4K video at 24p. 

 It also offers decent ergonomics, especially for people with smaller hands. It lacks touchscreen functionality and has a slightly “analog” look.

What We Think

The Canon EOS R100 is the easiest and most affordable way to start using Canon’s RF cameras. It has a 24MP APS-C sensor and a simple design that’s easy to learn, even for beginners. The controls are straightforward, and the image quality is a big step up from a phone.

It’s a minimalistic camera designed for learning photography basics and capturing moments without distractions. Autofocus is consistent, exposure metering is reliable, and Canon’s color science helps make images look natural straight out of camera. Though limited in video features, the R100 provides an affordable path into the RF ecosystem with upgrade potential as a user’s skills grow.

Reasons to Buy
  • Affordable
  • Compact
  • Excellent Canon color science
Reasons to Avoid
  • No IBIS
  • Limited 4K (24p only)
  • Fixed screen
Specifications
  • Sensor: 24.1MP APS-C CMOS
  • Lens mount: Canon RF
  • Video: 4K/24p (cropped), Full HD 60p
  • Screen: 3.0-inch fixed LCD
  • Audio: No mic input, no headphone jack
  • Stabilization: None
  • Dimensions: 116 × 86 × 69 mm (4.6 × 3.4 × 2.7 in)
  • Weight: 356 g (0.78 lbs) with battery and card
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I often recommend the Canon R100. It’s two years old, which is a long time in digital camera development, but it’s a strong performer.

I like that it has a 24-megapixel sensor for high-res images, and it also has the same AF system used in Canon’s more expensive R10 and R50 models.

Its autofocus system features 3,975 autofocus points and covers 143 autofocus zones, also supporting automatic subject detection and Eye Detection AF. 

With excellent image quality and good autofocus, this camera mostly sacrifices in-body image Stabilization (IBIS), something that’s key to handheld shooting in low light. If this camera is used carefully, the lack of IBIS is no issue, but that might make it need a bit more practice to get the best results.


Comparison Table

CameraSensorVideo ResolutionIn-Body StabilizationBurst SpeedWeightIdeal For
Canon EOS R1024.2MP APS-C4K/30p (6K oversampled)No23 fps (electronic)429gBeginners who want fast AF and hybrid video performance
Canon EOS R10024.1MP APS-C4K/24p (cropped)No6.5 fps356gEntry-level users seeking simplicity and value
Sony ZV-1 II20.1MP 1″4K/30pDigital IS24 fps292gOn-the-go vloggers and travel creators
Nikon Z3020.9MP APS-C4K/30pDigital IS11 fps405gYouTubers and streamers needing clean HDMI output
Fujifilm X-S2026.1MP APS-C6.2K/30p, 4K/60pYes20 fps491gCreators wanting cinematic color and IBIS
Canon EOS R824.2MP Full-Frame4K/60p (no crop)Digital IS40 fps (electronic)461gBeginners upgrading to full-frame performance
Sony a670026MP APS-C4K/120p, 10-bitYes11 fps493gAdvanced hybrid shooters and filmmakers
OM System OM-520.4MP Micro Four Thirds4K/30pYes30 fps (electronic)414gTravelers and outdoor shooters
Nikon Z50 II20.9MP APS-C4K/30pDigital IS11 fps450gHobbyists upgrading from smartphones

What’s the first thing a beginner photographer should consider when buying a camera?

Before choosing a camera, think about how you’ll use it, not just what you plan to shoot.

If you plan to shoot nothing but still images, you won’t need a camera with a lot of video features. If you plan to travel, the smallest camera might be the best camera. If you’re looking to master camera settings a camera with more analog controls would be your best bet.

For creators focused on video or social media, cameras with 4K capture features is the best choice.

Some smaller cameras omit in-body stabilization or use smaller sensors, which can make low-light or handheld shooting more challenging — but those tradeoffs also encourage you to learn core photography skills early.

Should I start with a mirrorless or DSLR camera?

All of the cameras in our guide are mirrorless or all-in-one cameras. Manufacturers ahve stopped making new DSLR cameras, and while you can stil find the at camera retaillers and big box stores at low prices, we think they’re ultimately the wrong place to start in photogrpahy, as there is nowhere to go when you outgrow the cameras.

 

How important are megapixels for beginners?

Not very. Anything above 20 megapixels is more than enough for online image sharing and even for  printing large photos.

Focus instead on sensor size , lens options, and ease of use. A full-frame sensor has better overall image quality than APS-C, which has better overall image quality than Micro Four Thirds (all else being equal.)

There’s also a tradeoff between sensor size and image quality. If all three sensors have the same resolution, the full frame camera will have the least “noise” in low light, followed by the smaller APS-C size sensor, and followed by Micro Four Thirds.

However, all three of theses sensor types can produce amazing images, and they’re all (much) better than the sensor

What does “interchangeable lenses” mean, and do I need them?

Interchangeable lens systems mean, as it sounds, that you can put different lenses on your camera to get different looks. The benefit of an Interchanable Lens Camera (ILC) is that you can buy different lenses for different subject types. Want to shoot landscapes? A widea-angle lens is right choice. Shooting sports? A telephoto lens will give you the reach.

ILC also referrs to mirrorless cameras and DSLRs alike, since they both have lenses that can be swapped out but it usually refers to mirrorless cameras these days.

Should I care about 4K video if I only plan to shoot photos?

Even if you’re not planning to make having 4K video capabilities future proofs your purchase. Video looks better in 4K than HD so even if you are just capturing videos of your candid moments, they’ll better in the years to come than HD.

Do I need image stabilization?

As a beginner, In-Body Image Stabilization (IBIS) is a very handy tool, but it’s not a dealbreaker. Many affordable beginner cameras keep the prices down by skipping IBIS. Most of the cameras in history had no IBIS, so it’s a benefit, not a requirement.

Having no IBIS also helps you learn the fundamentals of shutter speed and aperture, as you’ll need the right settings to get sharp images.

If you want to go out and shoot with the best results without having to think about manual settings, a camera with IBIS is a better choice.

How much should I budget for accessories?

Set aside at least $100 for  like a memory card, extra battery, and a decent bag. A small tripod and an external microphone (if you shoot video) are worthwhile next purcahses. Budgeting 15–20% of your total spend for accessories will make your shooting experience much smoother.

Can I still learn photography with a smartphone?

Absolutely. Learning composition, light, and timing doesn’t depend on the gear. A dedicated camera simply gives you more control and teaches you how those controls interact with each other. The key is to practice, review your images, and experiment with different settings.

How do I future-proof my first camera?

Buy into a system, not just a camera. Choose a brand with a strong lens lineup and accessories that match your interests. Ergonomics and camera controls are more important than most people realize. All of the manufacturers take different approaches to the ergonomics, menus, and camera controls of their systems.

Visit your local camera store, or ask a photographer friend to show you around their camera to make sure you like the shooting style of that brand.