If you are looking to get involved in the world of photography, it may be an intimidating and overwhelming place to get started. With so many cameras to choose from and all of the different features, buttons, and equipment, it is sometimes hard to know what camera is best to begin with. Just as with any new hobby, you may be a little skeptical about buying a $1000 device and not enjoying it after a month or two.
Here, we introduce a few of the latest cameras around $200. Each one offers slightly different features, but is among the best on the market right now. We provide a lot of information on the kind of results you can expect from them in order to help you decide if they are going to be your gateway into the wonderful world of photography, helping you move on and upgrade from your smartphone to take much better quality images.
Top 3 Budget Cameras for Beginners
Last update on 2025-02-09 / Affiliate links / As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
1. Nikon D3500
Type: DSLR | Sensor: APS-C CMOS, 24.2MP | Lens mount: Nikon F | Screen: 3-inch, 921K dots | Viewfinder: Optical | Continuous shooting: 5fps | Movies: 1080p |
The Nikon D3400 was a hugely popular DSLR camera that had a lot of success when it was first released. And with the introduction of the D3500, that same excitement has stayed with this model range, as this new camera offers a lot of the same features as its predecessor but at a much more affordable price.
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Nikon D3500 W/ AF-P DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR Black | $412.99 |
Last update on 2025-02-08 / Affiliate links / As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The D3500 has now dropped so much in price that it has become the more obvious camera to buy. Compared to the older Nikon D3400 there have been a few key changes made such as the newly developed APS-C sensor that is much more responsive yet still having the same 24MP. The battery life has been improved now boasting 1550 frames per charge compared to the D3400’s still very impressive 1200 shots per charge.
The grip has been slightly redesigned providing better performances that are also benefited from the new lightweight body. The D3500 has the edge over its older brother making it an amazing first-time buyers camera.
2. Sony Cyber-shot WX220
Type: Compact | Sensor: CMOS, 18.2MP | Lens mount: N/A | Screen: 2.7-inch, 460K dots | Viewfinder: N/A | Continuous shooting: 10fps | Movies: 1080/60p |
It may be getting pretty old now, but the grandparent of cameras still remains one of the best value compact cameras available. It is a great all-rounder perfect for beginners offering an amazing balance between performance, zoom range, and image quality, and due to it being one of the older models on the market it can be found at an absolute bargain price.
Targeted specifically at smartphone upgraders, the Sony WX220 isn’t best suited for the more control-oriented people out there. It has a simple menu system and there aren’t many buttons featured on the body of this compact camera. No thumb rest or front grip is found on the camera, but you do get a lightweight body that is small enough to fit inside any pocket.
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Sony DSCWX220/B 18.2 MP Digital Camera with 2.7-Inch LCD (Black) | $229.99 |
Last update on 2025-02-08 / Affiliate links / As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Despite its small size, the Sony WX220 still contains an impressive 10x optical zoom. This isn’t the longest by far but is not seen much on these smaller models, and is much further than what you would get from a smartphone, at much better photo quality.
This optical zoom has been paired with an 18.2MP CMOS sensor and image stabilization that helps to deliver bright images that have lots of good detail and a great spectrum of color. There is a little image smoothening that can be found, especially at longer zoom lengths, but this isn’t very noticeable at normal sharing sizes.
This camera is a solid performer overall and ticks lots of boxes but also doesn’t break the bank making it well worth a look at as your first camera.
3. Olympus PEN E-PL9
Type: Mirrorless | Sensor size: Micro Four Thirds | Resolution: 16.1MP | Viewfinder: N/A | Monitor: 3.0-inch tilting touchscreen, 1,040K dots | Autofocus: 121-point AF, 1 cross-type | Maximum continuous shooting rate: 8.6fps | Movies: 4K/30p |
The PEN E-PL9 may now have been succeeded by the newer Olympus Pen E-PL10 but it can still perform on a similar level to some of the new models, offering a lot of the same features as its successor. Due to the release of this new model, the prices for the E-PL9 have fallen, making it a real bargain. If you are in the market for a camera that is both stylish and has a huge range of lenses available then the E-PL9 could be the camera you have been looking for.
This camera due to the compact design and friendly looks makes it the perfect camera for taking snaps of people and portraits. Sadly, this camera does lack a built-in viewfinder, but if you have recently upgraded from a smartphone camera this won’t be much of an issue for you. The beginner-friendly controls and straightforward handling make it the perfect model for inexperienced users.
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OM SYSTEM OLYMPUS PEN E-PL10 White Camera Body with Silver M.Zuiko Digital 14-42mm F3.5-5.6 EZ Lens,... |
Last update on 2025-02-08 / Affiliate links / As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The 16.1MP Live MOS Micro Four Thirds sensor has been tried and tested ensuring it captures nice shots in nearly any situation it is faced with. Although it has a smaller size, that doesn’t mean that it isn’t powerful, with its 3-axis image stabilization system you are always given a helping hand taking shots even in low light situations.
At the current price of these quality mirrorless cameras, there really aren’t many others that can compete with the interchangeable lenses that the camera offers along with the range of features that it modestly boasts.
Conclusion
Overall, there are a lot of choices that can be made when buying a new camera for the first time, and there really isn’t a bad choice. It is all about your existing knowledge and what level of gear you’re comfortable investing it as you learn your craft. You may want to start with one of the more affordable models highlighted above, and upgrade to a more advanced camera and accessories such as lenses and tripods for travel once you’ve gained confidence and have polished your skills.
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What camera do you use? Let us know if you have a favorite model to recommend in the comments below!
