A number of aspiring photographers start their photography journey with a smartphone, thanks to the smartphone manufacturers who develop and market their smartphones primarily by showcasing their triple or quad camera setup. The offering saves money and helps aspiring photographers easily explore aspects of photography. These beginners start photography as a hobby and eventually, after receiving many accolades from friends, decide to promote their passion from smartphone photography to DSLR/mirrorless photography.
Now, when it comes to buying your first DSLR camera as a photographer, choose the camera that would be your companion for the next few years as you grow in the field. Of course, look for an affordable one, and don’t spend your hard-earned money during your initial days, but that doesn’t mean you should go for the cheapest possible camera. So, if you’re one of those aspiring photographers looking for an affordable DSLR camera to kick off your photography passion, here are some recommendations from our side but first, let’s understand what to look for when you’re buying your first camera?
- Simple controls:
The expert at anything was once a beginner. So, while buying your first camera, take a good look at its functions and modes. Prefer the one with the most straightforward controls as it will help you boost your confidence and adapt to the basics in a short time.
- Resolution & Sensor Size:
The resolution intimates the maximum size of images that a camera can capture, while the sensor size indicates the image quality. A number of entry-level cameras lie between 16MP to 24 MP, and companies try to attract buyers by highlighting more on megapixels, but the whole game depends on sensor size. So, prefer a camera with a larger sensor size as it produces more attractive tones and depth.
- Interchangeable Lenses:
When buying a camera, you’re investing in an entire ecosystem, including lenses and accessories. Do a little research on the lens support and mount systems because a large number of cameras support only their native lenses, which means if you buy a Canon EF mount camera, then you’ll have to stick with EF mount lenses. So, look for a camera that supports Interchangeable Lenses.
Nikon D3500 (Price – ₹53,950)
Type: DSLR Sensor: APS-C Megapixels: 24.2MP Screen: 3.0-inch, 921k, fixed ISO Range: 100-25600 Max burst speed: 5fps Max video resolution: 1080p (Full HD)
Nikon D3500 is one of the best entry-level cameras for aspiring photographers as it includes a dedicated Guide shooting Mode that acts as an interactive guide to photography and camera settings. Nikon D3500’s guide mode, which appears on the rear LCD screen, works as a digitutor and gives access to various frequently used and valuable camera functions. The camera is compact for an SLR and features a wide handgrip with the trademark Nikon red stripe. It sports a top-quality 24.2MP APS-C sensor and offers an 11-point focus module along with a solid autofocus system to help you click extraordinary images. The Nikon D3500 camera is less expensive, but at the same time, it offers equally appealing features. So, if you’re more into photography rather than videography, then D3500 may be the perfect match for you as it provides a retouch menu for quick image adjustments in the camera and comes up with long battery life.
Canon EOS M50 / Mark II (Price – ₹58,995)
Type: Mirrorless Sensor: APS-C Megapixels: 24.1MP Screen: 3in vari-angle touchscreen, 1040k dots ISO Range: 100-25600 (Extended: 100 to 51200) Max burst speed: 10fps Max video resolution: 4K UHD
Canon EOS M50 / Mark II is the most popular entry-level camera from the house of Canon. The Mark II is recently replacing the original M50 with very few noticeable updates. The M50 / Mark II has a built-in viewfinder which is rare to find in many similarly priced mirrorless cameras. The versatile camera has a simple user interface and a unique Dual Pixel Autofocus system. The compact and lightweight camera has a number of features for vlogging, including live YouTube streaming and vertical video support. The EOS M50 / Mark II camera provides a 24-megapixel APS-C sensor with a 4K video recording option making it the tailor-made camera for casual and aspiring photographers. If you’re considering a camera for everyday photography, the Canon EOS M50 Mark II is a reliable option, but if you are getting an older version at a fairly discounted price, go for it, as most of the features are identical.
Fujifilm X-T200 (Price – ₹66,999)
Type: Mirrorless Sensor: APS-C Megapixels: 24.2MP Screen: 3.5in vari-angle touchscreen, 2760k dots ISO Range: 100-51200 Max burst speed: 8fps Max video resolution: 4K
The old-school looking X-T200 35mm SLR film camera from Fujifilm is feature-packed with great controls and is one of the best mirrorless beginners’ cameras in the current market. The Japanese multinational camera company has put a lot of work into making the X-T200 as its previous version, X-T100, was a letdown for most buyers. The stylish X-T200 camera is offered in three finishes, dark silver, silver and champagne gold. The camera has an electronic viewfinder and can shoot excellent 4K videos. The camera offers one of the largest LCDs (3.5 inches diagonal) you’ll find in a consumer camera and an improved hybrid AF system comprising the whole frame, together with updated face and eye detection. The fine starter camera for aspiring photographers is a little costly compared to its rivals, but it offers access to the X series of lenses, one of the highest-quality lenses for mirrorless cameras.
Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV
Type: Mirrorless Sensor: Micro Four Thirds Megapixels: 20.3MP Screen: 3-inch 180-degree tilting touchscreen, 1037k dots ISO Range: 200 to 25600 (Extended: 100 to 25600) Max burst speed: 8.7fps Max video resolution: 4K UHD
Olympus is famous for making travel-friendly mirrorless cameras, and if you travel often and like to click attractive images on the go, then you should definitely consider buying the new pocket-sized powerhouse camera, Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV. The camera lags in advanced features but offers plenty of assistive shooting modes, which helps the user click brilliant stills. The lightweight Mark IV is designed explicitly for smartphone switchers, and it retains the 4K video option and attractive styling from its predecessor Mark III. The Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV has one of the widest lens catalogues on the market, and if you’re looking for the first camera of your life, this camera will surely make your photography experience memorable. The plastic-build camera is small enough to carry around anywhere and is considered one of the best cameras for vloggers, travellers and aspiring photographers.
Sony A6000 (Price – ₹48,990)
Type: Mirrorless Sensor: Micro Four Thirds Megapixels: 20.3MP Screen: 3-inch 180-degree tilting touchscreen, 1037k dots ISO Range: 200 to 25600 (Extended: 100 to 25600) Max burst speed: 8.7fps Max video resolution: 4K UHD
The award-winning Sony A6000 is one of the oldest devices on the list. Sony first launched the A6000 camera about 6-years ago, and even after a half-decade, it is still one of the best entry-level cameras from Sony. The company is still manufacturing it, which confirms the camera will not disappear any time soon. The widely available camera has a tiny body that packs a 24.3MP image sensor and electronic viewfinder. The A6000 camera can capture detailed photos at up to 11fps but fails to record 4K movies, but if you can manage without some of the latest innovative features and photography is your primary focus, this camera is a strong alternative.
Nikon Z50 (Price – ₹85,995)
Type: Mirrorless Sensor: APS-C CMOS Megapixels: 20.9MP Screen: 3.2-inch tilted touchscreen, 1040K dots ISO Range: 100 to 51200 (Extended: 100 to 2,04,800) Max burst speed: 11fps Max video resolution: 4K UHD at 30p
The small and lightweight Nikon Z50 shares the same DNA as Nikon’s full-frame Z6 and Z7 cameras. The highly versatile camera instantly grabs aspiring photographers attention as it’s from one of the trusted companies and has a good grip along with good external controls. The beginner-friendly entry-level mirrorless camera from Nikon is an ideal option for travellers and aspiring photographers. The main selling point of the Nikon Z50 is its ability to shoot 4K videos and impressive APS-C sensor, which lets you connect with dedicated Nikon Z series lenses. Along with these features, the Z50 offers a burst speed of 11fps, a decent electronic viewfinder and a helpful tiltable screen. The all-rounder Nikon Z50 is a bit expensive compared to its competitors but is an excellent option for aspiring photographers as it could last longer.
Panasonic Lumix G100
Type: Mirrorless Sensor: Micro Four Thirds Megapixels: 20.3MP Screen: 3-inch vari-angle, 1840k dots ISO Range: 200 to 25600 (Extended: 100 to 25600) Max burst speed: 10fps Max video resolution: 4K UHD at 30p
Panasonic’s latest compact vlogging camera, Lumix G100, is one of the best beginner cameras for aspiring photographers and content creators. The highly versatile camera has an approachable button layout that lets you quickly capture high-quality videos in 4K/30p and excellent 20.3MP stills. The super-small Lumix G100 camera offers Nokia developed OVO Audio technology, which enables you to capture better-sounding audio without any external microphones, and it is the first camera in the world to incorporate OVO technology. The camera also offers five-axis hybrid image stabilization and built-in flash, making it a perfect first camera for vloggers and aspiring photographers.