10 best budget cameras for beginner photographers in 2021

We tell you which camera to choose for a novice photographer, if the budget for the purchase is not more than 40 thousand rubles. The rating includes models costing from 18 thousand rubles: current DSLRs, functional compact cameras, as well as an inexpensive mirrorless camera with interchangeable lenses.
 
  Name
  Rating
  Nomination
1 Canon PowerShot SX540HS 4.78
Optimal price-quality ratio
2 Sony Alpha SLT-A58 Kit 4.75
Best DSLR
3 Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX80 Body 4.73
Best in all respects
4 Nikon D5100 Kit 4.68
The most popular. Best price
5 Nikon D3400 Kit 4.66
Highest photo resolution
6 Panasonic Lumix DC-FZ82 4.58
The biggest zoom
7 Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX60 4.55
8 Canon EOS 2000D Kit 4.51
9 Fujifilm XF10 4.50
The best camera for shooting in low light
10 Ricoh WG-6 4.45
The most reliable

Budget cameras, as a rule, are adapted specifically for amateur photos on vacation and at home. They are sharpened for shooting in automatic mode and are not at all suitable for novice photographers. But there are models that are inexpensive and adapted for professional use. Conventionally, they can be divided into several categories:

Mirrors of yesteryear Canon, Sony and Nikon. Due to the fact that the models can be 5-7 years old, they are already inexpensive and available for purchase by a novice photographer. Why SLR cameras are good: as your skills develop, you can upgrade your equipment by simply buying more lenses.

Advanced compact cameras. They should be with manual mode, wide settings, and possibly high sensitivity. If you're looking for a compact camera, look at models from the last few years, as options older than 5 years are only for hobbyists. There are good models canon, Sony, Panasonic, Fujifilm.

Entry level mirrorless cameras. Mirrorless models are considered the most expensive and convenient for professionals, but there are basic options that fit into the budget up to 40,000 rubles. In our rating there is such a model from Panasonic.

We've put together a list of the top ten cameras for beginner photographers, ranging in price from $18,000 to $40,000.

Top 10. Ricoh WG-6

Rating (2022): 4.45
The most reliable

The only camera in this rating with dust and moisture protection according to the IP68 standard. With this camera, you can shoot underwater without using an aquacase.

  • Average price: 36990 rubles.
  • Country: Japan
  • Type: compact
  • Matrix: 20 MP, 1/2.3
  • Sensitivity: 125-6400 ISO
  • Photo / video resolution: 5184x3888 / 3840x2160

Not the most popular camera, but worth the money and great as a first model for a beginner who would like to take up underwater photography. So, the camera is protected from water according to the IP68 standard, thanks to which it can be used for shooting underwater both on vacation and in the studio for staged photos. The device is endowed with a five-fold optical zoom, the ability to record video in 4K format at a frame rate of 25-30. The size is compact, the weight is only 246 grams, including batteries. The battery is enough to shoot 340 photos. If you are a beginner photographer and dream of shooting underwater, this model will be the best.

Pros and cons
  • Water and dust protection according to IP68
  • Video shooting in 4K
  • Light weight
  • Narrow selection of manual settings
  • No optical stabilization

Top 9. Fujifilm XF10

Rating (2022): 4.50
Accounted for 23 feedback from resources: Yandex Market
The best camera for shooting in low light

Inexpensive small camera with the makings of a professional. There are high resolution photos and videos and the ability to use ultra-high ISO, which makes the camera the best for taking photos in low light conditions.

  • Average price: 35990 rubles.
  • Country: Japan
  • Type: compact
  • Matrix: 24.2 MP, APS-C, CMOS
  • Sensitivity: 200-25600 ISO, Auto ISO
  • Photo / video resolution: 6000x4000 / 3840x2160

An excellent compact camera that is best suited for beginner photographers. It can not only capture family gatherings and travel vacations, but also become a working tool for a novice photographer with potential. The reviews praise the design solution, light weight and convenient size. Do not ignore the possibility of shooting video in 4K. In the dark, the quality of photos is amazing - even the larger and heavier competitors can not shoot as detailed and noise-free as the XF10 can. There are also disadvantages, for example, a bit high lower dynamic range, slow autofocus and unhurried operation of the camera itself.

Pros and cons
  • Small and light
  • Stylish
  • Works great for night photos
  • Video in 4K
  • Too high lower ISO limit
  • Slow autofocus

Top 8. Canon EOS 2000D Kit

Rating (2022): 4.51
Accounted for 64 feedback from resources: DNS, Otzovik, Yandex.Market
  • Average price: 29978 rubles.
  • Country: Japan
  • Type: mirror
  • Matrix: 24.7 MP, APS-C, CMOS
  • Sensitivity: 100-3200 ISO, Auto ISO
  • Photo / video resolution: 6000x4000 / 1920x1080

SLR camera with low price. The manufacturer positions it as an entry-level model, but the ability to change optics greatly expands its capabilities. A kit lens is included in the basic package, but professional photographers say that it is better to change it to, for example, 24mm ef-s or 50mm ef. This Canon has a ton of scene adjustments to help the novice shoot great shots. If you are looking for a good option to understand if you want to continue photography or if this is not your thing, then the EOS 2000D will be the best option: inexpensive, allows you to buy additional lenses to a new level, easy to operate even for beginners.

Pros and cons
  • Simple and easy control
  • Can change optics
  • High resolution photo
  • Video of mediocre quality
  • Most flashes and synchronizers will not work

Top 7. Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX60

Rating (2022): 4.55
Accounted for 90 reviews from resources: DNS, Onliner, Yandex.Market, Otzovik
  • Average price: 22200 rubles.
  • Country: Japan
  • Type: compact
  • Matrix: 20.4 MP, 1/2.3
  • Sensitivity: 80-3200 ISO
  • Photo / video resolution: 5184x3888 / 1920x1080

One of the smallest and lightest cameras suitable for beginner photographers. The model is inexpensive, but with potential. There is a semi-manual mode, where you adjust only some of the parameters, and the rest is set by AI to achieve the best photo quality. Thanks to this, it is easier for beginners to get used to the abundance of settings, to understand what is responsible for what and how changing a certain indicator affects the final photo. There is also a fully manual mode. This model is often bought for travel photography. It is easy to put up with the shortcomings, if you remember that the device is from the budget segment.The main disadvantages: noise in poor light, weak battery, unhurried camera work, no dust protection.

Pros and cons
  • Small and light (272 grams with battery)
  • Adapted for beginners
  • There is a semi-manual mode
  • Poor photo quality in low light
  • Doesn't hold a charge
  • Slow work

Top 6. Panasonic Lumix DC-FZ82

Rating (2022): 4.58
Accounted for 112 reviews from resources: Yandex.Market, ROZETKA, DNS
The biggest zoom

A camera that can zoom in as much as 60 times. Other models with the same zoom cost more.

  • Average price: 32990 rubles.
  • Country: Japan
  • Type: compact
  • Matrix: 18.9 MP, 1/2.3
  • Sensitivity: 80-3200 ISO
  • Photo / video resolution: 4896x3672 / 3840x2160

One of the best ultras for beginners and advanced photographers. The device has many possibilities, thanks to which it can be used in different scenarios: shooting landscapes and portraits, hunting for animals. The only important limitation: the sensor size does not give good photos in low light conditions. There is Wi-Fi, through which it is convenient to upload photos directly to a smartphone or PC. Videos can be shot in 4K resolution. The case is of high quality, the assembly is good - there are no backlashes, gaps, squeaks. In the reviews, experienced owners advise this model for purchase by beginners, as well as those who need the highest possible zoom in the budget price range.

Pros and cons
  • Approximation up to the 60s
  • There is Wi-Fi
  • High definition video
  • Photo quality suffers greatly when shooting in low light
  • small viewfinder

Top 5. Nikon D3400 Kit

Rating (2022): 4.66
Accounted for 77 reviews from resources: Yandex.Market, Otzovik, DNS
Highest photo resolution

An inexpensive SLR camera that captures photos at a resolution of 6000x4000.Other participants in the rating are characterized by a slightly lower resolution.

  • Average price: 21900 rubles.
  • Country: Japan
  • Type: mirror
  • Matrix: 24.7 MP, APS-C, CMOS
  • Sensitivity: 100-3200 ISO, Auto ISO
  • Photo / video resolution: 6000x4000 / 1920x1080

Budget SLR camera with long battery life and good image stabilization. There are many settings in manual mode, the menu is intuitive, there are tips for beginners. The assembly is of high quality despite the fact that the model is one of the most inexpensive. Even in the "Auto" mode, the photos come out good. The whale lens is simple, but it will please you with the quality of shooting, especially with stabilization. Professional photographers recommend starting with it. Over time, you will understand what you are missing and buy the right optics. Focusing is accurate and tenacious, which is rare in the budget price range. Among the shortcomings: no Wi-Fi, but only Bluetooth, the complete lens has a small zoom.

Pros and cons
  • Great price
  • Good kit lens with stabilization
  • Precise Focus
  • Handheld blur-free shots
  • No WiFi
  • Problems with software for transferring photos to a smartphone
  • Small zoom

Top 4. Nikon D5100 Kit

Rating (2022): 4.68
Accounted for 306 reviews from resources: Onliner, DNS, IRecommned, Yandex.Market
The most popular

This camera gets more attention than any other from the top of the best budget models for beginners. The statistics are confirmed by data from the Yandex.Wordstat service.

Best price

The most budget model in our top. The closest camera with similar specifications costs 22% more than this one.

  • Average price: 17990 rubles.
  • Country: Japan
  • Type: mirror
  • Matrix: 16.9 MP, APS-C, CMOS
  • Sensitivity: 100-6400 ISO, Auto ISO
  • Photo / video resolution: 4928x3264 / 1920x1080

One of the cheapest DSLRs, which is deservedly in the top of the best models for beginners. It is bought not only for its low price, but also because it has a swivel screen, a good battery, and quiet operation. Novice users admit that learning the settings took 3-4 hours, and after that, the management and selection of settings did not raise any questions. The model seems heavy - the weight is more than 500 grams with a battery, but after a week the owners get used to it. The device is suitable for amateur shooting, and for travel use, and for starting a career as a photographer. Experienced users note that more recent generations of Nikon are more expensive, but are characterized by more noise in the pictures.

Pros and cons
  • Almost no noise in the photo
  • Convenient control and easy setup
  • Long battery life
  • The handle is too small for a large hand
  • Insufficiently secure battery cover
  • Video is poor quality

Top 3. Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX80 Body

Rating (2022): 4.73
Accounted for 49 reviews from resources: ROZETKA, Yandex.Market, DNS
Best in all respects

Light as a compact and functional as a DSLR, this camera deserves the title of the best in all respects. The device can take high-quality photos and videos.

  • Average price: 40990 rubles.
  • Country: Japan
  • Type: mirrorless
  • Matrix: 16.84 MP, 4/3
  • Sensitivity: 100-25600 ISO
  • Photo / video resolution: 4592x3448 / 3840x2160

The best camera in this list. It is more expensive than others, but is considered budget in the category of mirrorless cameras with interchangeable lenses. The model was released in 2016 and does not lose its relevance.In the reviews, experts note that the device is great for both taking photos and recording videos. One of the main advantages of this Panasonic is the built-in stabilizer, which saves the picture from blurring even in difficult conditions. At a shutter speed of 15, you can shoot fairly sharp handheld shots, while competitors in the same conditions with a shutter speed of 40 produce blurry photos, no matter how hard you try. Of the minuses: there is no microphone output, the battery charge can barely withstand 2 hours of shooting, matrix noise in the shadows.

Pros and cons
  • Wide settings
  • Excellent video and photo quality
  • Sharp shots in difficult conditions
  • No microphone output
  • Noise in dark areas of the frame
  • Slow focusing in 4K mode

Top 2. Sony Alpha SLT-A58 Kit

Rating (2022): 4.75
Accounted for 324 feedback from resources: DNS, ROZETKA, Otzovik, Yandex.Market, M.Video, Svyaznoy
Best DSLR

This model has received the highest marks from experts and experienced photographers. It has wide ISO settings, high photo resolution and a lot of manual settings.

  • Average price: 23850 rubles.
  • Country: Japan
  • Type: mirror
  • Matrix: 20.4 MP, APS-C, CMOS
  • Sensitivity: 100-25600 ISO
  • Photo / video resolution: 5456x3632 / 1920x1080

The best budget SLR camera with optical stabilization, high photo resolution, large ISO range. The screen rotates in two planes, which makes it convenient for shooting from different angles. A kit lens is quite suitable for beginners: its capabilities are enough to start a career, and at first you don’t need to change optics. The menu is simple, even a novice photographer will quickly figure it out.The DSLR is fast: it clicks frames quickly one after another, and this is an important advantage compared to even more expensive competitors. But, making a choice in favor of this camera, remember that branded accessories are very expensive, and a standard shoe does not allow you to install simple and inexpensive flashes. Professional photographers believe that the system sets too high ISO values ​​in automatic mode.

Pros and cons
  • Swivel screen
  • Fast work
  • Good stock lens
  • Expensive accessories
  • Plastic bayonet
  • Noisy descent

See also:

Top 1. Canon PowerShot SX540HS

Rating (2022): 4.78
Accounted for 146 reviews from resources: DNS, Citylink, Otzovik, DNS, ROZETKA, Yandex.Market
Optimal price-quality ratio

A successful model that is inexpensive, but provides good opportunities for a novice photographer. Analogues from other manufacturers are either worse in performance or more expensive.

  • Average price: 24990 rubles.
  • Country: Japan
  • Type: compact
  • Matrix: 21.1 MP, BSI CMOS
  • Sensitivity: 80-3200 ISO, Auto ISO
  • Photo / video resolution: 5184x3888 / 1920x1080

A progressive camera for beginners and beyond. Despite the fact that the model is budget, it is in demand even among professional photographers. The main distinguishing feature of the model is a large zoom. You can zoom in 50 times, but the larger the zoom, the lower the image quality. Professionals buy this Canon for hunting birds and other animals, and beginners buy it for the sake of versatility and good output photos even on auto settings. There are a lot of manual settings, making the model an excellent training tool for beginners. The battery is rather weak - enough for 200 shots.

Pros and cons
  • Huge zoom 50x
  • Wide manual settings
  • Adjustable flash output
  • Low battery life
  • UV filter needs an adapter
  • You can’t upload pictures to the cloud directly from the camera
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