Beginner cameras, explained without the jargon

Pick a first camera that fits the photos you want to take

Plain picks and side-by-side comparisons of beginner DSLRs, mirrorless cameras, big-zoom bridge cameras and waterproof cameras from Canon, Nikon, Fujifilm, Panasonic and more. Start with the kind of photos you want, or the camera you are weighing.

Latest guides

  • Canon EOS M50 Mark II + EF-M 15-45mm is STM Kit Black
    Head to Head

    Canon EOS M50 vs EOS R100: Which to Buy?

    Canon EOS M50 vs EOS R100: compare the screen, lenses and video features, then choose the camera that fits how you shoot and what you plan to grow into.

  • Nikon COOLPIX P950
    Zoom & Waterproof Cameras

    Best Bridge Cameras With a Big Zoom

    Compare the best bridge cameras for long-distance photos, from a 125x Nikon zoom to lighter 40x and 52x options, with help choosing for wildlife and travel.

  • Nikon Z50 II (Two-Lens Kit)
    Zoom & Waterproof Cameras

    Best Cameras for Birding and Backyard Birds

    Compare the best camera for birding, from long-zoom bridge models to mirrorless kits with bird detection. Find the right reach and setup for your backyard.

  • Nikon Z50 II (Two-Lens Kit)
    DSLR & Mirrorless Cameras

    Best Cameras for Sports Photography

    Find the best camera for sports photography, with picks for fast action, long reach, and first-time buyers. Compare autofocus, burst rates, lenses, and controls.

  • Canon EOS R50 Kit (RF-S 18-45mm)
    DSLR & Mirrorless Cameras

    Best Canon Cameras for Beginners

    Compare Canon cameras for beginners, from mirrorless kits with autofocus features to pocket cameras with built-in zoom, and choose the right fit for you.

  • Canon EOS Rebel T7 Double Zoom Kit
    DSLR & Mirrorless Cameras

    Best DSLR for Beginners: How to Choose One

    Find the best DSLR for beginners by comparing starter kits, viewfinders, autofocus, lenses and video features, then choose a camera that fits how you shoot.

  • Fujifilm X-T30 III Kit
    DSLR & Mirrorless Cameras

    Best Fujifilm Cameras for Beginners

    Compare the best Fujifilm camera for beginners by controls, lens flexibility, video features and size. Find a first camera that fits how you want to shoot.

  • Sigma 30mm f/1.4 DC DN (Sony E)
    Lenses & Add-Ons

    Best Lenses for the Sony A6400

    Find the best lens for Sony A6400 photos, from a flexible everyday zoom to bright primes for portraits, wide scenes, video and distant subjects.