Are you ready to bump your iPhone photography to the next level and become a first time camera buyer? It can be kind of scary to make that jump especially if you’re unfamiliar with cameras and everything that comes with them. Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered with my tips for a first time camera buyer. These are really good starting cameras and some of them I have even used personally and absolutely loved. I definitely recommend doing your own research so you can feel confident about your purchase as a first time camera buyer and about expanding your photography knowledge and skills!
Canon Rebel T7 $550 + 50mm 1.8 lens $125
I started taking photos with a Canon Rebel T2i. They have definitely changed a bit since I used that one! Hands down, these are really great starter cameras. They have everything on them like a regular DSLR but at a lower price point. Be aware, that there will be a lot of grain when you use a high ISO with these cameras, but for capturing everyday moments, and learning to use a big camera manually, I think they’re a great option.
Panasonic Lumix with Leica lens $1000
This is actually what I’m currently looking to purchase as a point-and-shoot size. But at the same time, they give me a manual camera experience which is perfect for trips with my family, keeping out at home to grab easily, and having good low light capabilities. You can always keep this in the manual. But if you know how to use a camera, then this will be a tiny treat that fits in your pocket.
Canon R, mirrorless system, body only $1000 + 50mm 1.8 RF lens $200
If as a first time camera buyer, you’re ready for a big camera, I think mirrorless is the way to go. Mirrorless is the next generation of cameras and their eye-tracking and clarity are pretty amazing. This is the Intro Full Frame Mirrorless from Canon. They use RF lenses, so if you’ve been using lenses that work with the Rebel or with other Canon cameras, you’ll probably need to invest in a new lens. Since this is a full-frame, it has great low-light capabilities and can handle higher ISO than the Rebel. I used this for a while professionally to decide if I wanted to switch from DSLR to mirrorless. I just recently dove into mirrorless with the R6s and I love them.
As you can see there are lots of different options in the camera market, but I recommend starting with these three and researching more from there. Then you can explore different cameras and options that feel right for your needs and skills.
If you need more photographer tips and information, check out my photographer blogs!
