The BEST Beginner Cameras: $75 to $1,700

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Cameras Mentioned:
$1,700 Canon R8: SDP.io/R8
$120 Instant Fujifilm SQ1: SDP.io/SQ1
$75 CampSnap: SDP.io/campsnap
$600 Sony ZVE-10 SDP.io/zve10
$600-2000 Fujifilm x100 series: sdp.io/x100
Do you want to buy your first camera and don't know where to begin? Tony and Chelsea cover a few different cameras at different price points, what they wil be good for, and which type of photographer will enjoy them. Whether you want some casual photos of your friends, a fun camera for a party, or a camera that can photograph sports and wildlife, we have suggestions for you!

[@TonyAndChelsea]

Want your own website? Go to squarespace.com/Chelsea & save 10% off your first website or domain with code “Chelsea" Cameras Mentioned: $1,700 Canon R8: SDP.io/R8 $120 Instant Fujifilm SQ1: SDP.io/SQ1 $75 CampSnap: SDP.io/campsnap $600 Sony ZVE-10 SDP.io/zve10 $600-2000 Fujifilm x100 series: sdp.io/x100

[@connorpattinson93]

In your opinion, is the Canon R50 a good beginner camera and what lenses would you suggest for a beginner to buy? I got a Canon R50 which I bought as part of the 'content creator' kit and it came with a 18-45mm kit lens. I do want to buy another lens for the camera, but I do not what to look for. Also, I want to future-proof my lens purchases so I can use them on other Canon camera bodies, if I decide to upgrade it in the future.

[@hrpickinstuff]

Nikon D50 with a f/50 1.8 mm with the CCD sensor. To this day, this is the camer that surprised me the most. The best bang for the buck. I paid $60 for the entire setup. I took vacation photos in high humidity, and the camera held up and produced amazing photos. I bought 2 Nikon 50 camera bodies I never want to be without a D50 the vintage color you get is appealing.

[@bastian.michel]

My first DSLR 20 years ago. Lovely.

[@redauwg911]

Also has a flash sync of 1/500 sec, Not many cameras can do that.

[@rezzoc91]

For the same price I bought a Nikon d200 from a charity (I know it's luck) and with a 18-55 vrii I had a blast

[@PJ-om2wq]

I was recently asked to source a camera for my 16 year old nephew. I got him a like new Nikon D7200 with an 18-55mm VR2 kit lens from MPB. He loves it. I know that this isn't the most amazing lens but they're small and light and actually have very good image quality, and it gets him started.

[@oAurAoo]

Small and light is underrated. many people would immediately give up photography if they started with a full dslr and 70-200. If it's too heavy it will be left at home.

[@PJ-om2wq]

@oAurAoo the other beauty of a D7200 is that it works with some really nice, but cheap AF-D prime lenses. A 50mm F/1.8 is cheap and a pretty good portrait lens on a DX camera.

[@odysseusreturns9133]

In the balancing act between fun, versatility, compactness, value for money, and compactness for travel, it is worth looking at micro four thirds systems from Panasonic and Olympus. My recently acquired Panasonic GX7 is tempting my away from my Nikon set up and it even has a flip screen for casual street photography.

[@stevesmith76]

Olympus OM10 is the sweet spot for me. Extremely huge lens selection and very affordable too. Also the Olympus TG6 is hard to beat as an all weather/waterproof macro capable compact easy to carry camera.

[@StaleLumpia]

My beginner/current camera is a Canon r50. I love it for what it is and what I use it for. I really enjoy my camera 😊

[@mthivier]

My first camera was a Canon AE1, which I bought new in 1977. It accompanied me everywhere I went, and remained my only camera until I finally upgraded to digital in 2004.

[@wildbillgreen]

Great camera!

[@ChristopherMarshburn]

I had the Canon AE-1 Program. Very fancy having autoexposure. I loved it. Took some amazing travel slides.

[@flowerconstancy1580]

First and ONLY camera I still love and use daily. Nikon D80. Used lenses cheap. Lovely images.

[@AndyfromDoncaster]

Fascinating conversation guys. Wow, I too have been asked that question many times over the years. Like you both say, it’s a difficult one to answer. I’ve certainly seen photography evolve. As a retired professional photographer of 50+ years I still have many of my old cameras. They’re now in two glass cabinets at my house. The very first proper one was a Zenith B with a F3.5 Industar lens, couldn’t afford the E model. I have my old Nikons, several Hasselblads a twin lens Rolleicord and a Sinar P with a selection of lenses. 90mm wide, 150mm standard and a 210mm tele. along with many antique Kodak models. In the 1990’s I bought one of the first Leaf digital backs. I still have that too. Best wishes from me here.😀

[@stanleysadventres]

I would love a video of yall going through your collection of cameras and just talking a bit about each of them!

[@reporter919]

Best edit ever @ 8:45.

[@bastian.michel]

mFT, unbeatable for price, size, weight and lens selection.

[@cristibaluta]

Used ones, there's no more small mfts

[@danielx555]

I just bought my nephew a refurbished Canon r100 with an 18 to 45 and a 55 to 210 pair of RF zoom lenses for $399. Directly from Canon. So he can register it. I have one of these and I use it for traveling. It has the full Canon menu, it has a ton of good abilities, and I'm hoping he keeps it when he gets a bigger camera in the future.

[@Gremlack13]

I kind of like that camp snap camera. The pictures you showed have the feel of old school point and shoot film cameras. I like that nostalgic look for things like spending time with friends and family.

[@linnophoto]

Tony & Chelsea, this is off topic: when I had purchased my Sony A7RIII and had shelved it because of its complex menu, Tony save me by putting out a vide so easy to follow because you teach like a GPS navigation. The other day I attended Clifford Pickett's online LrC class mainly about file organization but it was hard for me to follow. Tony, please help because this guy had a brilliant ideas but I'm not so smart to follow his way of teaching but I have seen you teach and I followed like a puppy. Please please do one just file organization only. Thank you so much for your dedication.

[@GP996_LB]

R8 + RF28 F2.8 pancake lens is the perfect lightweight combo. That lens is sharp AF

[@rezzoc91]

I use the 24-240 on my R5, it's a blast! I might get the 600mm f11 t'ho in the future, you never know...

[@credos97]

I learnt photography with the Stylus 1s. The sensor is not big but it has a 24-300 F2.8 zoom integrated, and fast autofocus. Everything can be controlled manually, it's absolutely not a toy camera. I did literally every kind of photography with it. I printed 3200 ISO shots - they're perfectly fine in an 10*15cm format after a little bit of lightroom. It's very lightweight and fits in a jacket pocket. I'm pretty sure it can be found at about $300 used, and it's the perfect camera to start photography !

[@Paul_Wetor]

I have about thirty cameras. Big, small, medium, fancy, bridge, point-and-shoot, Nikon, Canon, Lumix. They are all good for various reasons. But the camera I carry most is my Lumix ZS50. It's pocket sized, has an EVF and a long zoom, and is good in low light. It's perfect for times when photo needs are random. When I need a better image, I'll use the Lumix FZ300. My fancier cameras work great when I'm at home and I only need to carry that bigger camera to my car. As an example, my passion is riding on a certain tall ship. If I'm up on deck and not much is happening, it's the ZS50 I use. But if I'm in an event like the parade of sail, it's my FZ300. I'd love to take my best cameras when I travel, but I have too much to carry as it is.

[@TheGanntak]

My first camera was a Lumix FZ72 bridge cam, loved it stuck with Lumix and got a GX85 which was a cool little camera but then moved to the G90 which i have to this day. You guys need to show more love to the Micro Four Thirds Community!

[@arcticr]

Constructive criticism from arctic Norway. Does background «music» make information better ? if so does the quality of music matter ? Do background «music» validate your claims ? Does the quality of «background music » matter or does it improve the information, simply because it makes for a more cinematic experience ? I sure hope you’re having a good laugh reading, as i am writing this rant. In all seriousness though , I thoroughly enjoy your content. Loved your video from Norway btw… Please do not bury good information in disturbing background music ❣️ Keep shooting straight 📸

[@jbkweddingfilms8904]

I always recommend getting a used Sony A7iii and 35 or 50mm. A7iii’s usually sell for around $1000 maybe even as low as 7 or 8. A great lens is the 55mm Zeiss or Sony 35mm I also love the Zeiss Batis 25mm.

[@MarkMark]

Oooh that [not-]disposable camera looks like fun! I've been enjoying my [or, rather, partner's, we are both learning to share;] x-m5. I also thought that old m43 cameras (e.g. panasonic GX1 or olympus epl-5, with a tiny but very mighty panasonic Lumix G 20mm 1.7) were a lot of fun. I think my favorite is still my X-E4 (compact, capable, interchangeable lenses), but I think it's kind of hard to get these days.

[@TimLucasdesign]

Another good option for the R8 is the RF 28mm pancake. It 's sharp, fast (F2.8) and TINY. It makes the total package about the size of the Fuji X100.

[@keepmovn8039]

Still using my 60d with different lenses and accesories. Its the experince and moment that counts. I know em really well, like an old friend.

[@video-carl]

An interesting selection. Given the audience you're aiming this video at, I'd suggest stepping them thru a typical SD card workflow

[@celeselopez7373]

I have a nikon 5600 that I really like. I use it for bird and wildlife photography with my 100-400 tamron lens. I am happy with the pics that i am able to get. My issue is that I need more reach. I'm having problem with my shoulder and so if I upgrade my lens it has to be the lightest I can get on a budget. I also have a canon 7d with a 100-400 lens. That thing is a beast and limits how long i can hike with it. Great for inclement weather though

[@pimpingkek4947]

My first camera was a Hasselblad 907x in 2021. Phenomenal device to learn photography on. For the price you pay, it's kinda bare bones. None the less, it's a great technical machine to get in the weeds into photography with.

[@IJV-X1]

My all around camera is now for a year is the Sony RX100m7, its a compact. I take it with me like if it is my wallet. Just all the time... Long zoom lens, picture quality...not to bad. And usable in my photobooks and online. Descreet, small, fun, 2nd hand i bought it for 600USD. I never took so much pictures like last year. Im doing photography for 5 years now. The fact I take it with me is really importand to me. More then the picture quality. NO CAMERA NO PHOTOS (Photography is my hobby, not my job). So I would recommend this camera.

[@PhotoTrekr]

Not a beginner, but I almost bought a Fuji instant camera just for fun around the holidays with family. My pocket camera is the Sony RX100 VII. Older models can be found at a discount and you aren't stuck with one focal length. And no one will be tempted to steal your camera unless they are a pickpocket.

[@truthseeker6804]

canon r50 has viewfinder and is a better recommendation over zve10. and there's also sigma and tamron lenses.

[@GuusStemerding]

Id argue for beginenrs the sony ecosystem is more accessible because there are simply more and cheaper tamron/sigma lenser, and even the sony native lenses are cheaper and really quite good

[@truthseeker6804]

@@GuusStemerding all the lenses a beginner would require is available in both system. but a viewfinder isn't in the zve10 and its essential for photos, also sony also has horrible dim low res screens, unusable in sunlight

[@steveschnetzler5471]

I like a LUMIX TZ101 pocket or their new (updated) TZ99(ZS99). Long zoom range, lots of features, small enough for the jocket pocket. Thanks.

[@v8soarer1991]

Last year I gave my 10yr old daughter my Nikon D5200 with a 11 - 105mm dx lens to inspire "something" when i go out and take photos. She maybe taking shots of flowers, rocks, dog's and cats, ants, insects that are around me. The 70 - 200mm f4 is the limit of her weight when holding the camera. She was the centre of attention at a recent indoor party with the 20mm 1.8g. When i move to the Z7ii/iii or z9. She can "Borrow" my D500

[@MoChuang343]

Sub $100 besides the campsnap and instax, I would've loved a shout out for old digicams and bridge cams. If you just want to get away from your phone, you can get a pretty good prosumer digi or bridge from like 2010 for under $100 that will outperform the campsnap and give you a more flexible zoom range. The campsnap has its own niche, but most bridge cameras will give you those manual controls to get more creative at a super low budget.

[@miliggi]

For a beginner like me the ZV-E10 is a great choice, because apparently it's Sony's most-sold camera. This means there's a lot of them in the second-hand market.

[@LillaTwiggy]

I still use my Nikon 3100 released in 2010. It’s not great in low light but in every other way it’s taught me so much about photography, and I love the colours straight out of camera. . I’m really up for an upgrade, but dislike a view finder with an LCD screen. I am a bit old fashioned like that. I mostly take stills, garden, architecture and occasional for travel and family shots.

[@adama1294]

Have had a Fuji X-10 now for quite a while and while I would love to upgrade, it make great photos.

[@niveketihw1897]

Gently used Nikon D5400 (I think that's the right number) was my starter camera several years ago. Got it with three lenses and all kinds of accessories.

[@robharris5245]

I'm still using a Canon 760d. Would love to upgrade to a Canon R series unfortunately funds don't allow at the moment.

[@AlexLancashirePersonalView]

I still love the Canon M5 with the 18/55 lens. Had one when they first came out and I keep looking at eBay thinking of buying another. Had the M6 also but missed and EVF on that although I loved the 32mp sensor. I use an M6 mk2 and an original M with, again 30mp sensor.

[@indie-travel-stories]

I’ve been taking photos for several decades and recently got the R8. I don’t think it’s a beginners camera though. It has so many modes and is quite complex to use successfully. I had to switch the auto focus off and getting the camera to focus and expose for the part of the image you want is quite tricky, even after a few months use.

[@russelljohn5258]

My first camera, a Graflex RB 2.25 X 3.25 , second camera a Kodak 4x5 view, 3rd Crown Graphic 4x5, 4th a Leica IIf, 5th Fujica ST801, 6th Evolt 500, then many Oly digital cameras, last camera ZWO ASI 533 MC Pro. Next maybe a new OM SYS, as have lots of MFT lenses I don't like big heavy cameras unless they are 4x5 format.

[@charlesdavidson4815]

My first camera, my dad gave me in 1975; a Kodak Retina IIIc.

[@larryaltrich4056]

Canon 5d MK IV will do everything. You can also get a canon 40d for around 50.00 and learn the basics.

[@ivanbuckingham2302]

Can you please do an app review for the top three brands. Nikon Snapbridge works well for me but are the Sony and Canon apps better? I told a friend that I'd recommend a camera for him but the most important thing for him is transferring the images onto his phone so he can post to the socials.

[@shravan419]

Happy Nikon D3300 owner here 😊

[@klungnesberg]

I cant descide going with Sony or Canon! I Think the romoured RC seems so apeeling, but i dont know when it will be released! I like video, is the clog3 and slog3 really different? Is the clog3 harder to color grade?

[@HitnRunTony]

I upgraded to an R6 Mark II this past year. Sadly it was right before the rumors of the Mark III 🤦‍♂️

[@TheRealTonyCastillo]

Love your stuff!!

[@chelseanorthrup8787]

Thanks!

[@martink8080]

What is the current best beginner underwater camera? A dedicated waterproof or a waterproof case for an ordinary camera? If that, hard or soft case?

[@bastian.michel]

Olympus TG6 used.

[@petervautmans199]

I got a used, like new, fujifilm XH1, with batterypack, some small stuff and the Viltrox 56mm f1.4 for 800 and a used 18-55 kitlens for 150, so great setup for less then 1000. If you are on a budget, buy last years gear used and don't look back. Meanwhile i got a used XPro2 body for 600 and a new 23mm f2.0.

[@yungdadi]

Good video

[@pedrocolombo6300]

What is a good compact camera for EDC, that can also be used for wildlife Just by changing lens? Budget up to 2000usd. Thanks a lot for any answer :)

[@mjr333]

Nikon has a crazy 28-400mm zoom lens if you want the most versatile lens on the market.

[@QuicknStraight]

If you want instant, get a hybrid so you have the option of doing other things with the photos later. And there's a place for a good compact in between the Instax and the Fuji X100. The ZV-1 is also a good option for folks who want good stills and video. And kit lenses on cheaper ILCs are often better than you give them credit for. And, with all due respect, Canon RF lenses are inferior to many of the old Ef/EF-S lenses!

[@thomasthiele3948]

Hello, thats interesting. Please tell me some of the RF lenses that are inferiour to EF lenses. I only have the RF 24-240, but around 30 EF lenses. Help me to avoid buying the wrong RF lens. Do you mean optical quality or mechanical quality?

[@tomhills1690]

May I add a good used one Canon EOS Rebel XT? You can buy a used 18-55mm EFS lens, or as a used kit. You can get a kit deal around $70 with shipping included. It totally beats the $70 scam camera. I bought my body only copy with about $35.00. The Rebel XT color is very good, on par with the classic Full Frame Canon EOS 5D classic. Canon EOS Rebel XT was actually my first digital camera that I bought in 2006 with $800 from Costco, and I sold it in 2008 when upgrading. This old Rebel XT has a good color rendition, even in RAW that probably beats some 2020 models. BTW you can go for Canon EOS Rebel XTi with a little more on price with better resolution.

[@cristibaluta]

It's insane, you guys have notifications ON on your phones?

[@sylvestersim423]

I owned Nikon Z62... my primary photos would be kids, astro.. what lens would you recommend ? thanks in advance

[@BobK58]

Pentax!

[@chodzsiepowoczymy1892]

Fujifilm x100v and x100vi are fix lens hipster cameras. For starters I would recommend something with interchangeable lens because beginners often don't know what they want and have to change camera later instead of buying only a new lens. In Fujifilm lineup cameras like xt30, xt30 mk II, xe4, xs20, xs20, xt50 are much better for beginners IMHO - size is similar to x100vi but you can change lenses. And some of them have that retro look like x100vi too. And some are cheaper too

[@colinstock325]

Agree. I have the x100v and the auto-focus is barely adequate. The last thing a beginner needs is doubts about focusing.

[@chodzsiepowoczymy1892]

@colinstock325 probably newer models like xt50 and xs20 will have better AF. But as we all know fujifilm is not know for good AF... I've never had newer Fuji, I only own xt20

[@jimslagle5540]

Sony A6700 + Sigma 18-50mm F2.8 DC DN | C

[@Mamo878]

I'm still a little unclear, who is sponsoring this video again?

[@indie-travel-stories]

Lol, go back and watch the last x years vids if you are still unclear 😂

[@juliaojapelto]

Aeronautical or geometrical or something, like SpaceX, I think.

[@careylymanjones]

I have two non-negotiables, when it comes to a camera system - good AF and good budget lenses. NOBODY beats Sony. Canon's good lenses are not budget, and their budget lenses are not good. At least nowhere near as good as the Sigma and Tamron lenses available for Sony. Which is why Canon bans third-party AF lenses for full-frame R mount.

[@blekenbleu]

What happened to grading? e.g. 7:29

[@logtothebase2]

If you to do a companion Video on what you shouldn't get, the X100 series would be in both video's.

[@badbasic]

No X-M5? Seems like a lot of value, body+kit for 900$. Awesome internals, tiny and looks nice.

[@Mamo878]

Yeah, good idea. And it could be a good substitute for the too-hard-to-get and costly X100V or VI. Plus, interchangeable lenses!

[@truthseeker6804]

r8 is just an amazing value for money camera. still no competitors for versatility at that price.

[@bastian.michel]

Camera is awesome.... But man... Buy a f2.8 zoom on Canon and the price advantage is done.

[@truthseeker6804]

@@bastian.michel rf 28-70 f2.8 and 16-28 f2.8 both good price

[@FlappySock]

No ibis

[@kamisorix5072]

if you got some hard cash I would recommend the Hasselblad 907x + 100c. So even after you decide photography isn't your jam you still got something beautiful to look at.

[@JoelKreider]

Hahaha! Yes. If it can’t be practical, it can be beautiful.

[@Mamo878]

Got two for the kids!

[@AndyfromDoncaster]

Ha ha I’ve got my old Hasselblads in glass cabinets at home. 😀

[@kamisorix5072]

@@AndyfromDoncaster don't you love looking at it? XD

[@AndyfromDoncaster]

@@kamisorix5072 ha ha yes. I’ve got the 503CM with the 80mm Planar and the super wide SWC. 38mm Biogon They look great !

[@Hellseeker1]

I just wished people could understand that your phone will never replace a real camera. It's just physics, bigger sensor with a bigger lense means more light means better sharper pictures. You have full control with a real camera. National Geographic, Architectural, Sports and Advertisement photographers don't shoot with phones. Weird huh?

[@thesharpercoder]

I don’t understand why manufacturers make “right handed / right eyed” cameras like the Fuji X-100. Those cameras are awkward to use for left eye shooter, which is about one third of photographers.

[@dougdoris8622]

Nikon Z50ii is a great mirrorless camera. About $1000.00

[@juliaojapelto]

And kit lenses for it are amazingly good (16-50 and 50-250 mm).

[@Hellseeker1]

Bro I just was shopping for Camera straps the other day, Target, Best Buy, and Micro Center had literally nothing. They all got huge sections for phone covers and no camera gear besides some overpriced generic chinese stuff. At least National Camera had stuff thank god. It's actually pretty sad to be honest.

[@soumikkar5049]

How about dji Osmo Pocket 3?

[@Mamo878]

Nope. That's really a video camera and doesn't teach anyone about actual real stills photography. Might as well just use a smartphone camera if you don't want to learn about photography.

[@nykq]

Nikon D750

[@80-80.]

Anything full frame should do. Then you don’t need to make a costly switch a couple of years later.

[@BrianKilgore-b4d]

"typically not very sharp" is not true. -- BAK --

[@HagaishiSama]

No Sony a6400?!?! The blasphemy

[@Mamo878]

Yeah, that would be a good substitute for the Canon R8. Beginners absolutely do not need a full frame camera. Plus, proprietary Canon lenses are expensive whereas there are all kinds of terrific and affordable Sony and third-party lenses available.