10 hobby cameras for starting photographers

So, you want to take up photography? Great choice! Photography is one of the most fulfilling hobbies out there. It's a great way to be creative, see things in new ways, and produce something tangible that you can be proud of. But where do you start? You could go out and buy a fancy camera right away, but it's better to start slow. The best way to learn how to take photos is by practicing on an inexpensive hobby camera. So if you're just starting out, check out my guide for the 10 best cameras for starting photographers. They don't cost a lot but they'll help set you off on the right foot with your new hobby.

1. Canon T6i

24.2MP APS-C CMOS sensor

  • 19-point autofocus system

  • Hybrid CMOS AF III focus system (live view)

  • 7560 pixel RGB + IR metering sensor with skin tone detection

  • 3" fully articulating touchscreen LCD

  • 5 fps continuous shooting

  • 1080/30p video

  • Wi-Fi with NFC

2. Canon EOS Rebel T7 DSLR

24.1MP APS-C CMOS Sensor
• 3.0″ LCD Monitor
• Full HD 1080/30p Video Recording
• 9-Point AF with Center Cross-Type Point
• ISO 100-6400
• Built-In Wi-Fi with NFC
• Scene Intelligent Auto Mode
• Creative Filters and Creative Auto Modes

3. Nikon D3500

24.2MP DX-Format CMOS Sensor
• No Optical Low-Pass Filter
• Native ISO 100-25600
• 3.0″ LCD Monitor
• Full HD 1080p Video Recording at 60 fps
• Multi-CAM 1000 11-Point AF System
• Bluetooth Connectivity
• Guide Mode and Special Effects

4. Panasonic LUMIX GX85

16MP Live MOS Sensor
• Micro Four Thirds System
• 3.0″ Dot Tilting Touchscreen LCD
• UHD 4K Video Recording at 30/24 fps
• Built-In Wi-Fi Connectivity
• ISO 25600
• 5-Axis Image Stabilization, Dual I.S.

5. Panasonic Lumix FZ80

18.1MP 1/2.3″ MOS Sensor
• 20-1200mm (35mm Equivalent)
• 1.166m-Dot Electronic Viewfinder
• 3.0″ Touchscreen LCD Monitor
• 4K UHD Video Recording at 30 fps
• Built-In Wi-Fi Connectivity
• ISO 6400, 10 fps Shooting, 4K Photo Mode
• Post Focus and Focus Stacking

6. Nikon D5600

24.2MP DX-Format CMOS Sensor
• EXPEED 4 Image Processor
• 3.2″ Vari-Angle Touchscreen
• Full HD 1080p Video Recording at 60 fps
• Multi-CAM 4800DX 39-Point AF Sensor
• ISO 100-25600
• Bluetooth and Wi-Fi with NFC
• Time-Lapse Movie Recording

7. Canon EOS T100/4000D

18MP APS-C CMOS sensor.

  • DIGIC4+ processor.

  • ISO 100-6400 (exp. to 12800)

  • Full HD (1080p) video recording, up to 30fps.

  • Video Snapshot mode.

  • 3fps burst mode.

  • 9-point AF system.

  • Pentamirror optical viewfinder, approx. 95% coverage.

8. Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark III

16.1MP Four-Thirds Live MOS Sensor
• UHD 4K30 Recording; Clips Video Mode
• 2.36m-Dot 1.23x Electronic Viewfinder
• 3.0″ Tilting Touchscreen LCD
• In-Body 5-Axis Image Stabilization
• 121-Point Contrast-Detect AF System
• ISO 25600
• Built-In Wi-Fi; Silent Shutter Setting

9. Canon EOS M50

24.1MP APS-C CMOS Sensor
• DIGIC 8 Image Processor
• 2.36m-Dot OLED Electronic Viewfinder
• 3.0″ Vari-Angle Touchscreen
• UHD 4K and HD 720p120 Video Recording
• Built-In Wi-Fi with NFC, Bluetooth
• Dual Pixel CMOS AF
• Extended ISO 51200
• Combination 5-Axis Image Stabilization

10. Canon EOS M100

24.2MP APS-C CMOS Sensor
• DIGIC 7 Image Processor
• 3.0″ Tilting Touchscreen LCD
• Full HD 1080p Video Recording at 60 fps
• Built-In Wi-Fi with NFC, Bluetooth
• Dual Pixel CMOS AF
• ISO 25600
• Creative Assist and Self Portrait Mode

The resolution for most of these cameras sits at 24 megapixels, more than enough for most people looking to get into this field!

When it comes to photography, there are many different things you can do. Some people enjoy taking pictures of people and landscapes, while others like to capture wildlife or pets. Whatever your preference may be, I have found that these 10 cameras have proven to be the best for starting photographers:

Conclusion

While these are all good options, remember that they’re really just suggestions, the best camera is the one that feels right for you. Take your time shopping around and seeing what matches up with your expectations of a perfect starter camera. You can also reach out to friends or family who have more experience in photography if you get confused! And don’t forget to check out my other blogs for photographers, there are so many variables other than gear that can improve your photographic game. Happy shooting!

Sehaj Deo

Sehaj Deo is a photographer currently based in Toronto & Montreal, Canada.

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