15 best cameras for beginner photographers in 2020

Compared to classic DSLRs for beginners, the model is clearly striving for the big leagues. 45 cross-type dots are used by the camera to achieve perfect sharpness when looking through the viewfinder. There is no direct focus point selection. The swivel screen with electronic level will not allow the horizon to collapse, even if the photographer is shooting from an uncomfortable position. Settings can be controlled remotely via a smartphone running the Canon Camera Connect app. An important point: for this model, the location function is not available.

The comments are actively discussing the pros and cons of the device. On the positive note, the transformation of the LCD into a full-fledged control element, high image quality at ISO up to 3200, 1080p video recording at 60 frames / sec in NTSC format. In addition, there is a digital video stabilization mode and a 3.5 mm audio jack for an external microphone. There is no input for monitor headphones. There is also no dust and moisture protection.

As the reviewers say, this is an excellent representative of the "anti-crisis" DSLRs with the potential to move from amateur photography to a more serious level. The owner will be able to enthusiastically experiment with all manual settings, shoot with a blurry background in moderately difficult conditions. After exploring the capabilities of a whale lens, you can switch to fast optics and take a fresh look at the camera.

There is a lot of talk on the net about the speed of work.Don't be put off by the slow loading of information on the screen after activating the device, the camera is ready to shoot after half a second after switching on (this already includes the time spent on autofocus). With proper reaction, you will not miss a single valuable dynamic frame. But here's another point: in RAW format, a series of 7 shots is taken at a speed of 3 frames / sec., And then the clipboard is filled. You have to wait until the photos are saved on the memory card. There is a way out - shoot in JPEG at maximum quality.

A mid-range DSLR that can be a great “learning device” for beginners, and is also guaranteed to not get lost among advanced gadgets. Studying the Canon EOS 80D Kit can take a very long time - sorting through all the possible modes and functions (especially with an extended set of lenses) can captivate novice photographers for several days. However, the result of such a "harsh" study can exceed all expectations: naturally talented beginner photographers can see impressive results from the very first work.

But purely technically, the Canon EOS 80D Kit does not bring anything new to the middle link. While other semi-budget cameras are equipped with the ability to shoot video in 4k, this model serves as a passing improvement of the earlier EOS 70D, and, alas, does not show anything more.

Advantages:

• availability of wireless connectivity with other devices;
• good dynamic design at low ISOs;
• the presence of a built-in interval timer (dedicated to fans of shooting time-lapses).

Flaws:

• has purely average technical capabilities;
• high price.

The camera weighs only 450 g with parameters of 122.4x92.6x69.8 cm (length, width, height, respectively). The creators thoughtfully approached the development of a camera for beginners. This model provides the solution that beginners are looking for at the beginning of their journey: the maximum set of technical features at an affordable price. DSLR with swivel touch display supports NFC, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, shoots at 5 frames per second, CMOS AF sensor smoothly tracks the subject of the video. It's nice to have these features and technologies from the world of professional photography on an amateur camera.

Users also liked the new graphical interface. Colored icons suggest what effect you will achieve when adjusting the aperture and shutter speed. This makes life a lot easier during the learning phase, and later you can switch to the standard view. On sale there are models in black, white and silver, so that the DSLR easily turns into a fashion accessory.

The camera has a full-frame CMOS sensor 24x36 mm with a resolution of 24 megapixels. Combined with Expeed 3 processor – this guarantees high image detail and minimal noise at ISO up to 3200. The large sensor makes it possible to flexibly work out the depth of field in the frame, and this is a big plus for portrait scenes. Working with a pair of SD drives opens up additional opportunities for the photographer: you can set up data recording one by one, as the media fills up, or in parallel to two flash drives. And you can also spread the JPG record on one card, and RAW on the next one, in order to pull everything you need from the frames.

Positive impressions in the reviews are centered around the ergonomic body, the high quality viewfinder and the quiet video shooting mode. The relative disadvantages include large dimensions, but for full-frame SLR devices this is a variant of the norm. You will also have to get used to the features of autofocus: its points are grouped close to the center of the frame.

Time-lapse video shooting or, in other words, “Time Lapse” is implemented here - slow-motion frame-by-frame shooting with automatically set time intervals between frames. In this mode, auto exposure leveling is available, which is important when shooting for many hours with changes in lighting. The owner has the opportunity to record Full HD video 1920x1080 at up to 60 frames / sec. The video settings are very conveniently located - this is a whole separate tab in the menu. For high-quality sound recording, you can attach an external microphone to the 3.5 mm jack, besides, its sensitivity is manually adjusted in the camera menu.

If you choose a DSLR for years, this one is just right for complex operation - there is dust and moisture protection. The owners highlight many subtle settings that confuse the beginner, but in the future will serve as a space for creative experimentation. Therefore, Nikon's "semi-professional" is considered the best device with the prospect of development in the field of photo and videography.

The information screen is designed with the beginner photographer in mind to comfortably get used to the SLR camera. Several themes are provided, a large icon for displaying the opening / closing of the aperture, highlighting overexposed areas, the “?” with help and advice for specific shooting situations in Guide mode. The "i" button takes you to the quick menu, through which you can control ISO, autofocus, white balance.

The EN-EL14a 1230 mAh battery has proven itself very well. The declared 1550 frames on a single charge are confirmed by practice, while users do not deny themselves either long bursts or the use of built-in flash and Live View mode, and also easily connect to a smartphone via a wireless interface. Commentators also note a wide range of photo processing options right in the device: brightness, effects, cropping, correcting distorted perspective, etc.

An amateur-level camera, created in the image and likeness of the D3300 model.Despite the already brilliant ergonomics of the mentioned camera, the Nikon D5300 Body was worked out additionally, fortunately, not for the worse. The main changes affected the internal filling and related technical characteristics. The resolution of the new matrix was 24.78 megapixels, which clearly indicates an internal corporate struggle for every hundredth of a pixel in order to improve the final photo result. The painstaking work on the balance of settings is designed for the same effect in order to enhance color reproduction and related aspects. Another qualitative leap was made in the “weak link” of all budget-middle Nikon DSLRs: good sensitivity finally allows you to shoot at ISO 1600, bypassing the graininess and quality loss. Given this amount of useful work, buying a Nikon D5300 Body can be an excellent financial investment.

Advantages:

• adjustment of the sensitivity of the matrix and the possibility of high-quality shooting at ISO 1600;
• the presence of a time-lapse function;
• high quality photos.

Flaws:

• still the same slow Live View mode.

Some users claim that the redesigned version of the Alpha ILCA-77 Kit is still professional, although it lacks many key features. In fact, the light version of the device is a device of a completely different level, closer to beginners or amateurs than to true masters of photography.

As in all models from Sony, the Alpha ILCA-68 Kit clearly stands out all the characteristic features of the branded device - this is a small 2.7-inch swivel screen, a reduced overall width, and a lightweight body in this way, which adds convenience when taking pictures. By the way, you can shoot high-quality photos at ISO values ​​up to 1600 and only in jpeg format. If noise reduction still somehow works here, it is completely absent in the RAW format, which is more convenient for subsequent processing (and storage). 24 megapixel resolutions are realized perfectly - with the right settings, you can achieve an excellent balance of color depth and naturalness, which is so lacking in many competitive cameras.

At Pentax, we see the most respectful approach to the buyer and ergonomics. The manufacturer supplements the package with three interchangeable grips of different configurations so that each photographer can adapt the body to his hand. To do this, you only need a hex wrench and a minute of free time. A lot of installation options in the menu, a large number of function buttons on the camera are a guarantee of a fun pastime for fans of the brand and photography enthusiasts.

The matrix was "brought" to ISO 819 200: of course, at the maximum values ​​of sensitivity, the picture will be noisy. The point here is different - you get the highest quality at medium and low shutter speeds. It follows from the reviews that on a PC monitor, noise clearly manifests itself with ISO6400, and photo printing on A3 format shows a decent picture even with ISO 12800.Fans of landscape photography will love the automatic horizon leveling function: the matrix can correct the tilt angle up to 1.5⁰.

One of the most interesting features of a DSRL camera is the viewfinder - it displays 100% of the frame area. The field of view is slightly darkened, which will seem an advantage in bright light and a relative disadvantage in the dark. The manufacturer claims to have used hundreds of seals for the magnesium body, so the SLR camera will withstand even the conditions of a tropical downpour with dignity.

Now about the main thing - the quality of photos. Implemented technology "Pixel Shift Resolution" with a movable matrix mount. Thus, image stabilization and the highest clarity in all details are achieved. To get an ultra-clear frame, the camera seems to “stitch” 4 shots - the result is sharp and more voluminous. Users suggest that you get the perfect effect when shooting static: objects, architecture, landscapes, especially in combination with a tripod, self-timer, remote control and mirror lockup.

The device is small and comfortable, the grip is thought out to the smallest detail: three fingers of the right hand rest on the front part, and on the opposite side there is an expressive protrusion for the thumb.The control wheels remain as large as on older models - a very practical move. The camera is not much larger than a smartphone in terms of dimensions and weight, it fits in a pocket and a handbag, even during a long excursion, the owner will not experience any discomfort from carrying. The standard M.Zuiko Digital ED 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 EZ lens is a miniature "pancake", that is, the diameter exceeds the length.

In the Advanced Photo menu, beginners will try their hand at collage mode (stitching multiple frames), Live Time (shooting with a shutter speed "bulb"), multiple exposure (a series of photos and their sequential overlay), HDR (high dynamic range), silent shooting (only electronic shutter), panorama, distortion correction, focus bracketing (expansion of depth of field).

Introducing a camera stylized as a classic film technique. At the base of the "carcass" is plastic, and on top - aluminum with an anodized black, gold or black-silver color. Aesthetes will definitely be satisfied with the appearance of the device. The electronic viewfinder has a diopter adjustment wheel so that photographers with vision problems do not experience discomfort.

All Fujifilm mirrorless cameras have built-in presets (saved settings) with an imitation of the legendary branded film. It is very interesting to experiment with film effect modeling in photo and video mode, PROVIA / STANDARD, VELVIA / VIVID, ASTIA / SOFT, CLASSIC CHROME, PRO Neg Hi, PRO Neg variations are available. Std, Sepia and five monochromes.Conclusion: despite all the vintage "atmosphere", the device is quite accessible to the understanding of the new generation with their love for smartphones, blogs and video broadcasts. Auto mode and scene programs give a very decent result.

The main advantage of the new DIGIC 8 processor is the ability to shoot video in 4K format (3840x2160 pixels at 25 fps). Note that this is not a flagship model, but equipment for amateurs at an adequate price. There is an autofocus function for the eyes, but it only works with stationary people, in classic portrait photography, for example. In general, there are 3 methods of autofocus here: zone, on the selected point and tracking the object.

The owners call the inability to recharge the battery via USB an annoying trifle, for this purpose a network charger is used. Lightweight polycarbonate body and compact dimensions allow you to carry the model even in your hands, even in a jacket pocket. The buyer can choose from two color versions: in the usual black design and expressive white with gray accents. The bright device looks non-standard and attracts the attention of passers-by, especially when combined with a proprietary silver lens.

Let's start with the main advantage of a mirrorless camera, namely, the shooting speed, which reaches 11 frames / sec.Mirror analogues at a similar price are simply not able to give such indicators. Further - more: Sony engineers have created an "open" E mount, that is, third-party optics developers can develop fully compatible lenses. The working length of the mount is very small, only 18 mm, which means that any optic from your arsenal will work with the adapter.

4D focus, which replaced contrast autofocus, has become a real breakthrough in mirrorless technology. Its essence lies in the improved operation of automation, immediately in 4 dimensions. 179 phase detection sensors interact with the object, which cover 92% of the width and 91% of the height of the frame, the distance to the object is also controlled, and the future direction of movement in the next second is taken into account. Tracking focus works excellently with a trajectory of movement of any complexity. The best choice for dynamic scenes.