If you want the best cameras for amateur photographers, there are many options. Aspiring photographers or amateurs looking for the best camera for their adventures will be glad to know that there is an abundance of choices to choose from.
Whether you’re a beginner looking to dip your toe into the photography waters and testing the waters with an entry-level camera or an amateur looking to invest in something a bit more serious, the perfect camera for your needs is out there.
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Our List of the 13 Best Cameras For Amateur Photographers
Photography has evolved, and with it so has the camera. You no longer need an expensive and bulky SLR to take great photographs. With the latest technology, cameras have become increasingly compact, powerful, and feature-packed; yet still highly affordable. The following list of the 13 best cameras for amateur photographers are specifically chosen and reviewed with the amateur photographer in mind.
Canon EOS Rebel SL3
The Canon EOS Rebel SL3 is the best entry-level camera for amateur photographers. It offers an impressive 24-megapixel resolution and exceptional auto-focus capabilities, with its fast and accurate dual pixel CMOS autofocus system. The camera also features Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, allowing you to transfer photos wirelessly to your smartphone or computer. Its lightweight, compact body makes it ideal for novice photographers to use as a starter model.
Features
• 24.1 Megapixel CMOS (APS-C) Sensor
• DIGIC 8 Image Processor
• Dual Pixel CMOS AF with Eye Detection AF
• 3.0″ Vari-Angle Touchscreen LCD
• Full HD Video at 60 fps
• Built-in Wi-Fi® and Bluetooth®
• ISO 100-25600 (expandable to 51200)
• Creative assist and Feature Assistant
Pros
• Excellent image quality
• Compact design
• Good low light performance
• Interchangeable lenses
• Affordable price
Cons
• No external microphone port
• Live view AF is slow
• Poor battery life
Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III
The Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III is an excellent APS-C format camera for amateur photographers. It offers a high-resolution 20-megapixel image sensor, 4K video recording, and a robust ergonomic design. The camera is equipped with a highly advanced 5-axis image stabilization system that reduces camera shake and offers up to 5.5-stops of exposure compensation. It also features an improved TruePic VIII autofocus system that determines a subject’s distance and angle, allowing it to better track a moving subject.
Features
• 20 MP Live MOS Sensor
• TruePic VIII Processor
• 5-Axis In-Body Image Stabilization
• High-Speed Focusing
• 4K Movie Mode
• Organic Light Emitting Diode Viewfinder
• Wi-Fi & Bluetooth Connectivity
• Dustproof, Splashproof and Freeze Proof to 14°F
Pros
• Amazing image quality
• 5-axis stabilization system
• High-speed focusing
• Robust weather sealed body
• High resolution viewfinder
Cons
• Limited autofocus points
• No built-in flash
• Relatively expensive
Sony Alpha a6000
The Sony Alpha a6000 is a capable mirrorless system camera for the amateur photographer. It features a 24.3-megapixel, APS-C size Exmor CMOS sensor and an impressive autofocus system with 178 AF points. You also get Wi-Fi and NFC support for wireless image transfer to a smartphone or tablet. The camera is further equipped with a tiltable LCD monitor and a built-in flash.
Features
• 24.3 MP APS-C Exmor CMOS Sensor
• BIONZ X Image Processor
• Fast Hybrid Autofocus System
• 1140k dots, 3.0″ Tilting LCD
• Built-in Flash and Hot Shoe
• Wi-Fi/NFC and QR code Connectivity
• Full HD Video up to 60 FPS
• ISO 100-25600
Pros
• Excellent image quality
• Fast and responsive autofocus
• Tilting LCD monitor
• Built-in Flash
• Wi-Fi and NFC
Cons
• No in-body image stabilization
• Poor battery life
• Limited lenses
Nikon D5600
The Nikon D5600 is an ideal camera for keen amateur photographers. The camera features a 24.2-megapixel DX-format CMOS sensor and is equipped with an updated version of Nikon’s SnapBridge technology. This allows for convenient and fast image transfer to a smartphone or tablet via Bluetooth LOW ENERGY connectivity. The camera also features a 3.2-inch fully articulated touch screen LCD monitor and an all-cross-type 39-point autofocus system.
Features
• 24.2MP DX-Format CMOS Sensor
• EXPEED 4 Image Processor
• 3.2″ Vari-Angle Touchscreen LCD
• Built-in Wi-Fi & Bluetooth
• 39-point Autofocus System
• Full HD 1080p Video Recording
• 5 fps Continuous Shooting
• ISO 100-25600 (expandable to 51200)
Pros
• Easy to use
• Excellent image quality
• Full HD Video Recording
• 39-point Autofocus System
• In-camera Time Lapse and HDR
Cons
• No 4K video
• No in-body image stabilization
• Limited lens selection
Panasonic Lumix GH5
The Panasonic Lumix GH5 is a powerful camera designed for the advanced amateur photographer. It features a 20.3-megapixel Micro Four Thirds sensor, a speedy autofocus system, and complete 4K video capabilities. The camera also offers a 3.2-inch touchscreen LCD monitor, built-in Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi, as well as an external microphone port.
Features
• 20.1MP Digital Live MOS Sensor
• Venus Engine Image Processor
• 3.2″ 1.62m-Dot Free-Angle Touchscreen
• UHD 4K Video Recording at 24/30p
• 5-Axis Sensor Stabilization; Dual I.S. 2
• Internal 4:2:2 10-Bit 4K Video
• Built-in Wi-Fi & Bluetooth
• 6K PHOTO & 4K PHOTO Modes
Pros
• Marvelous image quality
• 5-axis sensor stabilization
• 4K video with full pixel readout
• Dual I.S. 2
• External microphone port
Cons
• Modest battery life
• Continuous autofocus can struggle
• Autofocus tracking can be unreliable
Canon EOS 80D
The Canon EOS 80D is a great camera for the amateur photographer looking to take their photography to the next level. It features a full-frame 24.2-megapixel CMOS sensor and Canon’s Dual Pixel AF system. This combination delivers exceptional autofocus performance and excellent image quality. The camera also offers a fast 7 frames per second burst shooting speed and a 3-inch vari-angle touchscreen LCD monitor.
Features
• 24.2MP APS-C CMOS Sensor
• DIGIC 6 Image Processor
• Dual Pixel CMOS AF
• 3.0″ 1.04m-Dot Vari-Angle Touchscreen
• Full HD 1080p Video Recording
• 45-Point All Cross-Type AF System
• Built-In Wi-Fi with NFC
• 7 fps Shooting and ISO 25600
Pros
• Great image quality
• Good low light performance
• Fast autofocus and tracking
• Dual pixel AF system
• Fast burst shooting speed
Cons
• No 4K video
• No built-in flash
• Limited lens selection
Sony Alpha a7 III
If you’re looking for a full-frame camera for your amateur photography, then the Sony Alpha a7 III is worth considering. This mirrorless system camera features a 24.2-megapixel sensor and offers 14-bit RAW shooting to maximize image quality and dynamic range. The camera is equipped with a Fast Hybrid Autofocus system with 693 phase-detection points, allowing you to quickly track moving subjects. It also features a tilting touch LCD monitor and a 5-axis image stabilization system.
Features
• 24.2MP Full-Frame Exmor R BSI CMOS Sensor
• BIONZ X Image Processor
• 921.6K-Dot Tru-Finder OLED EVF
• 3.0″ Tilting Touchscreen LCD
• Fast Hybrid AF with 693 Phase-Detect Points
• 5-Axis SteadyShot INSIDE Image Stabilization
• UHD 4K30p Video with HLG & S-Log3 Gammas
• Built-In Wi-Fi and NFC
Pros
• Excellent image quality
• Fast and accurate autofocus
• Tilting touch LCD monitor
• 5-axis image stabilization
• 4K Video
Cons
• Poor battery life
• Expensive
• Limited lens selection
Sony Alpha a6300
The Sony Alpha a6300 is the ideal choice for advanced amateur photographers. It features a 24.2-megapixel APS-C Exmor CMOS sensor and a high-speed autofocus system with 425 phase-detection points. The camera is equipped with a large 3-inch OLED viewfinder and a fully articulated 3-inch LCD monitor. It is also equipped with Wi-Fi and NFC for image transfer to a smartphone.
Features
• 24.2MP APS-C Exmor CMOS Sensor
• BIONZ X Image Processor
• 3″ 921.6k-Dot Tilting LCD Monitor
• XGA 2.36M-Dot OLED Electronic Viewfinder
• 425-Point Hybrid AF System with Fast Facial Recognition
• UHD 4K Video Recording in XAVC S
• Built-In Wi-Fi & NFC
• Up to 8 fps Shooting & ISO 51200
Pros
• Excellent image quality
• Fast and accurate autofocus
• Fully articulated LCD monitor
• 4K video recording
• Wi-Fi & NFC
Cons
• Battery life is poor
• Limited lens selection
• Limited 4K video frame rate
Canon EOS M6 Mark II
The Canon EOS M6 Mark II is a great choice for the amateur photographer. This entry-level mirrorless camera packs a powerful punch with its 32.5-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor and its advanced DIGIC 8 image processor. The camera offers excellent autofocus performance and is equipped with Canon’s Dual Pixel CMOS AF and Eye Detection AF. It also features a 3-inch tiltable LCD monitor and built-in Wi-Fi/NFC capability.
Features
• 32.5MP APS-C CMOS Sensor
• DIGIC 8 Image Processor
• 3.0″ 1.04m-Dot Tilting LCD Touchscreen
• UHD 4K Video at 24/25/30p; Full HD at 120p
• Dual Pixel CMOS AF with Eye Detection AF
• ISO 100-25600; 10 fps Shooting
• Built-In Wi-Fi and NFC
Pros
• Fantastic image quality
• Fast and accurate autofocus
• Tilting touch LCD monitor
• 4K video recording
• Wi-Fi & NFC
Cons
• No built-in flash
• Poor battery life
• Limited lens selection
Fujifilm X-T3
The Fujifilm X-T3 is an excellent choice for the advanced amateur photographer. It offers a 26.1-megapixel APS-C X-Trans CMOS 4 sensor and an X-Processor 4 image processor. The camera is equipped with an advanced autofocus system with 2.16 million phase-detection points and 425 contrast-detection points. It also features a 3.2-inch rotating touchscreen LCD monitor and an optical viewfinder.
Features
• 26.1MP APS-C X-Trans CMOS 4 Sensor
• X-Processor 4
• 3.69M-Dot EVF with 0.75x Magnification
• 3.2″ 1.04m-Dot Tilting LCD Touchscreen
• UHD 4K60p 10-Bit Video Recording
• 4K HDR and F-Log Gamma
• Advanced Hybrid AF System with 2.16M Phase-Detect Points
• Bluetooth 4.2 and Wi-Fi
Pros
• Great image quality
• Fast and accurate autofocus
• Tilting touch LCD monitor
• 4K video recording
• Wi-Fi & Bluetooth
Cons
• Poor battery life
• No built-in flash
• Limited lens selection
Nikon Z50
The Nikon Z50 is a good choice for amateur photographers stepping up to a mirrorless camera. It offers a 20.9-megapixel DX-format sensor and is equipped with a Niko 4D focus autofocus system with 209 phase-detection points. It also features a 180-degree tiltable touchscreen LCD monitor, built-in Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and NFC, as well as 4K video recording.
Features
• 20.9MP DX-Format CMOS Sensor
• EXPEED 6 Image Processor
• UHD 4K30p Video; N-Log & Raw Support
• Built-In Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and NFC
• 209-Point Hybrid AF System
• 2.36m-Dot OLED Electronic Viewfinder
• 3.2″ 1.04m-Dot Tilting Touchscreen LCD
Pros
• Excellent image quality
• Fast and accurate autofocus
• Tilting touch LCD monitor
• 4K video recording
• Wi-Fi, Bluetooth & NFC
Cons
• Poor battery life
• No built-in flash
• Limited lens selection
GoPro HERO7
If you’re looking for the perfect camera for capturing action and adventure, then the GoPro HERO7 is an excellent choice. This rugged camera is waterproof down to 33 feet and is equipped with 4K video recording, built-in image stabilization, and an advanced image processor. It also features Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and a touchscreen LCD monitor.
Features
• 12MP Sensor & 4K60 Video; Burst up to 30 fps
• Waterproof to 33ft Without a Housing
• Advanced Video Stabilization
• Voice Control
• TimeWarp Video
• Touch Zoom
• 2″ LCD Touch Screen & Rear Touch Screen
• Built-In Wi-Fi & Bluetooth
Pros
• Excellent video quality
• Compact and waterproof
• Advanced image stabilization
• Built-in image processing
• Wi-Fi, Bluetooth & LCD display
Cons
• Poor battery life
• Limited lens selection
• Poor low light performance
Fujifilm X100V
The Fujifilm X100V is an excellent choice for the amateur photographer looking for a compact camera. It features a 26.1-megapixel APS-C X-Trans CMOS 4 sensor and an X-Processor 4 image processor. It also offers a hybrid autofocus system with 91 AF points and 4K video recording. The camera is further equipped with a 3-inch tilting touchscreen LCD monitor, a 0.5-inch OLED viewfinder, and a built-in flash.
Features
• 26.1MP APS-C X-Trans CMOS 4 Sensor
• X-Processor 4 Image Processor
• Fujinon 23mm f/2 Fixed Lens (35mm Equivalent)
• Hybrid Autofocus System with 91 AF Points
• UHD 4K30p Video Recording
• 3.0″ 1.04m-Dot Tilting Touchscreen LCD
• 0.5″ 3.69m-Dot OLED Electronic Viewfinder
• Built-In Flash; Bluetooth and Wi-Fi
Pros
• Fantastic image quality
• Fast and accurate autofocus
• Tilting touch LCD monitor
• 4K video recording
• Wi-Fi & Bluetooth
Cons
• Poor battery life
• No external microphone port
• Limited lens selection
Conclusion on the Best Cameras For Amateur Photographers
In our opinion these are the best cameras for amateur photographers. Whether you’re a beginner or a keen amateur photographers, there is a perfect camera for your needs. There are countless options available, from entry-level cameras to full-frame and mirrorless system cameras.
The cameras featured in this list are specifically chosen with the amateur photographer in mind, as they offer great features and performance at an affordable price. With the help of this guide, you should be able to find the best camera for your photographic needs.
