Selecting your first camera – kickstart of your happy journey. 

Science has changed the dynamics of the world and made our lives comfortable. With time, events are generated and stored in our naturally built hardware “brain” which we refer to as memories. We always desire to reminisce and share those beautiful moments in the same way they were created. Fortunately, science has made this easy with the invention of cameras and provided a means for capturing these very moments to share with generations to come.

Different types of cameras are used for different purposes, such as taking instant photos with basic point-and-shoot cameras or capturing live quality moments with DSLRs. Camera selection depends on features, benefits, and requirements, either for professional use or for beginners. Below are the cameras listed after thorough research specifically suitable for beginners or first-time users (note that cameras are available in every phone, I am talking about getting real cameras as first users and enjoying photography). You can go through the following details for each camera, analyze the features, benefits, pros, and cons and make your judgment based on your need. Furthermore, a buying guideline highlighting key essential features is also available below to assist you in making a suitable selection.

Types of Cameras:

Currently, every mobile phone comes with a camera. For those who wish to pursue photography on an advanced level, choosing the right camera is imperative. There are various types of cameras and the following are the main categories:

1. Point and Shoot Cameras
2. Bridge Cameras
3. DSLRs Cameras
4. Mirrorless Cameras

1. Point and Shoot Cameras:

Each type of camera has its own merits and demerits to consider while making a selection. A point and shoot camera is a digital camera that is small in size and suitable for everyday use, as well as for taking family photos.

Merits / Advantages / Pros:

These cameras are portable and small in size as the camera lens is permanently attached to the body. With the significant improvements in quality, point and shoot cameras are available with advanced features. With variable focal lengths and manual settings, they can capture the details that are required based on the focal lengths or wide-angle settings. These cameras are less expensive and suit your budget.

Demerits / Disadvantages / Cons:

Due to their small size and weight, these cameras have small size sensors, which cannot produce a higher quality image than other types. Shutter speed is also slow in comparison to the other cameras which results in more time between you press the shutter and the moment the camera captures the picture.

Your Choice:

You should choose a point-and-shoot camera if you plan on buying your first camera, have no experience taking photos, and plan to record everyday moments with reasonable quality.

List of best Point and Shoot Cameras:

You have chosen the type of camera and now are confused about what model to buy since there are a lot of options available. You don’t need to worry, as I have made this easier by doing thorough research and selecting the models for you:

• Sony W800
• Canon IXUS 185
• Kodak Pixpro FZ53

Sony W800:

Sony W800 is one of the good options among point-and-shoot cameras, providing high-quality results. The camera is compact and has 20 megapixels for wide-angle photos. It captures multiple images at high speed and has an overall 5x optical zoom that focuses and magnifies the image five times the original without deteriorating the quality. It is more sensitive to other cameras of this category hence requires more care while handling the camera.

Canon IXUS 185:

Canon IXUS 185 is also a better option for beginners to start with digital cameras. The camera comes with a feature of 20 megapixels to capture better details of the surroundings. It has the option of 8x optical zoom that ensures better focus to take more widen detail while magnifying the image 8 times the original. Though the camera is easy to use however bevelled screen edge makes it more prone to dust and dirt which requires frequent cleaning in detail.

Kodak Pixpro FZ53:

Kodak Pixpro FZ53 is a lightweight model and fits perfectly in a pocket, which makes it more convenient for everyday use. In addition, the camera has a 5x optical zoom feature for magnifying the image five times its original size. The camera has 16 megapixel sensor to capture minimal details. Control is a bit difficult as it takes time to get familiar with features and is difficult to operate due to the small size of buttons.

2. Bridge Cameras:

Bridge cameras are digital cameras with manual controls and modified features. They are an upgraded version of point-and-shoot cameras and establish a bridge between them and the traditional DSLR-type cameras.

Merits / Advantages / Pros:

These cameras are an advanced version of point-and-shoot cameras and have better control. You can expect high-quality results in comparison to point-and-shoot cameras. Cameras have a certain degree of manual control within the build of lenses capable of zooming for long ranges. Bridge cameras have view finding capabilities that help the photographer to compose and focus the pictures in a more effective manner. In addition, they possess telephoto coverage which makes them more advanced in capturing far distance images. Bridge cameras come in one piece as there are no separate parts which makes them portable to carry.

Demerits / Disadvantages / Cons:

A simple rule applies: as the features get improved the cost goes high. The same is for bridge cameras as they are more expensive than point-and-shoot cameras. There is no option for an interchangeable lens hence there is no room for advancement of inbuilt features. The focus is a bit slower when compared to advanced types of cameras and may not result in quality photos while taking large-size prints.

Your Choice:

If you are interested in photography and want to take it to the next level, the bridge camera is for you. It is the best choice in order to capture specific details especially far distant images. This camera is a great companion while having trips to hilly areas, walking through the forest to capture wildlife, or recording any event like sports.

List of best Bridge Cameras:

Following are some of the models of bridge cameras identified which will make your selection easier:

• Panasonic FZ1000
• Sony Cyber shot RX10 IV
• Nikon P950

Panasonic FZ1000:

The Panasonic FZ1000, released in 2014, is an old model, but it has better benefits in the category of bridge cameras. This camera features 20 megapixels and can produce twelve frames per second with a better frame rate of 12 frames per second. Additionally, the camera has Wi-Fi connectivity, produces 4K-quality videos, and performs well in low light. Even though it is a bit heavy at 831 grams, it is still lighter than most bridge cameras. Although it lacks touch controls and is a bit old, it is still in production and a good option for beginners.

Sony Cyber Shot RX10 IV:

The Sony Cyber-Shot RX10 IV is one of the good bridge camera models released in 2017. A key feature is the availability of a high-quality LCD screen and the option to capture more frames per second with an overall frame rate of 24 fps. Other features include a 21-megapixel sensor, inbuilt Wi-Fi connectivity, and recording 4K quality videos. The camera has limited touch control and is very bulky to handle having an overall weight of 1095g.

Nikon P950:

Nikon P950 is the latest announced camera released in 2020 with improved features and control. Additional features include enhanced zooming for close-up pictures and quality performance in low-light situations. The camera lacks a better frame rate and megapixel that is 7ps and 20MP however has better control in capturing distant images with clarity. The camera produces videos in 4K quality but has shutter lag. The product is heavy with an overall weight of 1005g and a bit expensive for beginners.

3. DSLR Cameras:

DSLR cameras are advanced cameras with high-tech controls and wide options of features. These cameras come in two parts, body and lens also termed professional cameras. They are a one-time investment of life as they feature upgrading facilities through the interchangeability of lenses.

Merits / Advantages / Pros:

A DSLR camera is the most advanced camera, superior to a bridge camera. They capture high-quality pictures that capture minute details of the surroundings and capture moments as they happen. These cameras have options to interchange the lens and boost the image capturing capabilities that provide users to experience creativity. DSLR cameras have large sensors that result in better resolution and produce high-quality prints. Furthermore, DSLR cameras come with several features includes shutter speed adjustment modes. One can either choose a fast shutter speed to capture every movement such as capturing each water drop or a slow shutter speed to record the blurring movement of wings.

Demerits / Disadvantages / Cons:

DSLR cameras have different integrated components which makes them bulky and requires separate arrangements, like a bag to carry while traveling. Due to their size and sensitive nature, these cameras require extra care when handling. DSLR cameras are complex to use, especially for beginners and require a thorough study of guidelines. Even though they possess many features, they are expensive for average users.

Your Choice:

DSLR cameras are advanced cameras and should be your option only if you have a serious interest in photography and want to pursue photography as your hobby or as a professional career. You can use DSLR cameras for any purpose, whether it is to capture everyday life’s moments, special occasions, vacations, trips, or for a professional career. Your only requirement is a passion for photography.

List of best DSLR Cameras:

Following are some of the DSLR cameras identified as one of the best models based on use by the people and their reviews:

• Canon EOS 800D
• Nikon D3500
• Canon 250D

Canon EOS 800D:

Canon EOS 800D, released in 2017, is one of the top choices among DSLR cameras when it comes to quality results and output. The key features are primarily its ability to capture a higher number of high-quality shots in a fraction of a second, with an overall frame rate of 6fps and a 24-megapixel sensor. Other features are better auto focus, built-in Wi-Fi, touch screen and option for screen movement. In contrast, it has a much heavier weight of 532g (body and battery only) and a shorter battery life than the others.

Nikon D3500:

The Nikon D3500, released in 2018, is one of the most popular DSLR cameras among professionals. It has excellent combinations of sensors which results in high performance and overall high-quality results. Key features include 24 megapixels, capability to produce quality five frames per second and overall better focus to capture images. Some cons to consider as the camera lacks a touch screen, flip screen, 4K quality video, and Wi-Fi but Bluetooth is available. Overall less in weight about 415g (body and battery only) which makes this camera a handy selection.

Canon 250D:

Canon 250D released in 2019, another better option in the range of DSLR cameras for good quality results and low budget. It is a lightweight camera having a weight of 451g (body and battery only) with additional features. Key features include 24 megapixels and the capability to produce quality five frames per second. Additional features are the availability of a moveable screen as required, an option to capture 4K videos and Wi-Fi connectivity. One of the drawbacks to consider is the performance in low light scenarios otherwise it is overall a good selection.

4. Mirrorless Cameras:

Mirrorless cameras are the latest advanced type of camera and have become increasingly popular in recent years. They have almost the same features as DSLR but the main difference is the absence of a mirror (a technical component in DSLR cameras reflects the image to the viewfinder for preview before taking a shot).

Merits / Advantages / Pros:

Mirrorless cameras have been developed to create ease of handling by reducing the size and weight of the camera. As with DSLR cameras, they have interchangeable lenses and come in a variety of components. However, overall the main body of the camera is much compact and lighter due to the absence of a mirror. The image is displayed electronically on the screen, and you do not have to look through a lens optically to take a good picture. From the perspective of getting quality pictures, mirrorless cameras result in the same quality as mentioned above for DSLR cameras.

Demerits / Disadvantages / Cons:

In comparison to DSLR cameras, mirrorless cameras have more electronic features, which makes them more expensive and require more budget. To make the compact size of cameras, the sensor size is reduced than sensors in DSLR cameras which may impact capturing minuscule details and low light performance. Mirrorless cameras are complex as DSLR cameras and require proper study of guidelines before use. In addition, the users will not experience the optical view option which according to some photographers is the essence of photography.

Your Choice:

Mirrorless cameras are advanced compared to DSLR cameras. These cameras should be your option if the handling is your concern due to weight.

List of best Mirrorless Cameras:

Following are some of the models of mirrorless cameras and can be considered if mirrorless camera is your choice:

• Sony a6000
• Nikon Z50
• Fujifilm X-T4

Sony a6000:

The Sony A6000 is one of the most well-known mirrorless cameras, released in 2014. Though old in release but has a long time of experience with proven results as experienced by professionals. Key features include 24 megapixels and better capability to produce quality images with a frame rate of 11 fps. Being an old model, it does not have a touch screen and cannot record 4K quality videos. However, it is less expensive in the range of mirrorless cameras and light in weight i.e. 453g that makes it a good option to invest in.

Nikon Z50:

Nikon’s Z50, released in 2019, is a compact and neat camera that is one of the best options for users. Apart from producing quality results and great handling, other key features are 20.9 megapixels and the enhanced ability to capture 5 frames per second. Most importantly, it has a great viewfinder making it more comfortable to focus the image and set the frame. Additionally, the camera includes a touch screen with an adjustable screen, options to produce 4K quality video, and inbuilt Wi-Fi connectivity. Overall, it weighs 446g but requires extra effort to ensure stabilized control through proper handling.

Fujifilm X-T4:

Fujifilm’s X-T4 released in 2020 is a recent advanced model that has better stabilization than others. The camera has improved features and produces better quality results. Key features include 26 megapixels which make it more capable of capturing better in-depth details of surroundings. Furthermore, it has an accelerated frame rate of 15 frames per second, which means more frames per second. It comes with an articulating screen to enable precise adjustments. It is a bulky camera having an overall weight of 607g and it is also an expensive option for beginners.

Each category or type of camera as mentioned above is an advancement of the predecessor. The selection of a category is based on your interest, budget, type of usage, and requirement. However, the choice of a camera within each category is up to you.