Ideas to shop around
Directions rather than one particular thing, for when you’d rather choose. Some come with a few that fit.
Mirrorless Cameras by Brand
Mirrorless is where every major brand now puts its new development, so it is the best place for a beginner to start. Pick by brand strength: Canon and Nikon for easy handling and big lens ranges, Sony for autofocus and video, Fujifilm for color and styling, Panasonic and OM System for small bodies and lenses.
9 that fit · about $569.99 – $1,199.95
Canon EOS R100 Mirrorless Camera with 18-45mm Lens (bundle listing)about $569.99 · amazon.com
Canon EOS R50 Mirrorless Camera with 18-45mm Lens (bundle listing)about $849 · amazon.com
Nikon Z30 Mirrorless Camera with 16-50mm Lens (bundle listing)about $734.95 · amazon.com
Nikon Z50II Mirrorless Camera with 16-50mm Lens (bundle listing)about $1,159.95 · amazon.com
Sony ZV-E10 Mirrorless Camera with 16-50mm Lensabout $898 · amazon.com
Sony Alpha a6100 Mirrorless Camera with 16-50mm Lensabout $948 · amazon.com
Fujifilm X-T30 II Mirrorless Camera with 15-45mm Lens (bundle with SD card)about $1,199.95 · amazon.com
Panasonic Lumix G100 Mirrorless Cameraabout $747.99 · amazon.com
OM System OM-D E-M10 Mark IV with 14-42mm Lens (bundle listing)about $908.99 · amazon.com
DSLRs and Compact Cameras
Not every first camera needs to be mirrorless. DSLRs cost the least and have huge lens options on the used market. Compacts fit in a pocket and need no lens decisions.
5 that fit · about $499 – $1,498
Canon EOS Rebel T7 DSLR with 18-55mm Lensabout $499 · amazon.com
Nikon D3500 DSLR with 18-55mm Lensabout $549 · amazon.com
Sony ZV-1F Vlog Cameraabout $598 · amazon.com
Panasonic Lumix ZS99 Compact Travel Cameraabout $599 · amazon.com
Sony RX100 VII Premium Compact Cameraabout $1,498 · amazon.com
First Lenses to Add
The kit lens that comes with a camera is fine to start. A 50mm or 35mm f/1.8 to f/2 prime is the usual first upgrade, because it gives sharper images, blurry backgrounds and better low light shots. Match the lens to the camera mount.
9 that fit · about $169 – $699
Canon RF 50mm f/1.8 STM Lensabout $199 · amazon.com
Nikon NIKKOR Z 40mm f/2 Lensabout $226.95 · amazon.com
Sony FE 50mm f/1.8 Lensabout $248 · amazon.com
Sigma 30mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary Lens for Sony E (bundle listing)about $344 · amazon.com
Fujifilm Fujinon XF 35mm f/2 R WR Lensabout $449 · amazon.com
Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM Lensabout $169 · amazon.com
Canon RF-S 18-150mm f/3.5-6.3 IS STM Lensabout $569 · amazon.com
Tamron 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3 Di III-A VC VXD Lens for Sony Eabout $699 · amazon.com
Sigma 16mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary Lens for Sony Eabout $414 · amazon.com
Memory, Cleaning and Protection
Small accessories that every new camera owner ends up needing.
8 that fit · about $13.49 – $51.99
SanDisk 128GB Extreme PRO SD Cardabout $51.99 · amazon.com
Anker USB-C SD Card Readerabout $14.99 · amazon.com
Think Tank Memory Card and Battery Walletabout $21.75 · amazon.com
Giottos Rocket Air Blaster, Largeabout $21.95 · amazon.com
Zeiss Lens Cleaning Kitabout $13.49 · amazon.com
K&F Concept 4 in 1 Lens Cleaning Kitabout $19.99 · amazon.com
Hoya Alpha 58mm Circular Polarizer Filterabout $19.98 · amazon.com
K&F Concept 67mm UV, CPL and ND Filter Kitabout $39.49 · amazon.com
Tripods, Straps and Bags
To carry and steady the camera.
5 that fit · about $35.99 – $99.99
K&F Concept 64 inch Lightweight Travel Tripodabout $49.99 · amazon.com
Joby GorillaPod 3K Flexible Tripodabout $99.99 · amazon.com
Lowepro Nova 140 AW II Camera Bagabout $69.95 · amazon.com
MegaGear Sierra Full-Grain Leather Camera Strapabout $35.99 · amazon.com
Peak Design Capture Camera Clip V3about $76.95 · amazon.com
Books to Learn From
The best gift for a new photographer who wants to improve faster.
4 that fit · about $9.27 – $21.50
National Geographic Photo Basicsabout $9.27 · amazon.com
Understanding Exposure by Bryan Petersonabout $15.03 · amazon.com
Digital Photography Complete Courseabout $16.51 · amazon.com
Bryan Peterson's Understanding Composition Field Guideabout $21.50 · amazon.com