The Best Entry-Level Digital Cameras for Photographers

To Know:

As a photography enthusiast who's always on the lookout for the latest and greatest gear, I can confidently say that the X-T5 from Fujifilm is a camera worth getting excited about. With its lightweight yet sturdy construction and intuitive, dial-based interface, this camera is designed to deliver stunning results right out of the box. The X-T5 features a 40-megapixel X-Trans 5 HR sensor that captures crisp and clear images, and its seven-stop in-body image stabilization system ensures that your shots are always sharp and steady. Plus, with features like Pixel Shift Multi-Shot mode for 160-megapixel files, a three-way tilting LCD with 1.84 million pixels, and an impressive action-freezing shutter speed of up to 1/180,000 sec from the electronic shutter, this camera offers incredible versatility and performance. And if you're looking to capture more than just stills, the X-T5 can record up to 6.2K in 4:2:2 10-bit color internally or 12-bit Apple ProRes RAW and Blackmagic RAW via HDMI.

What We Love:

Insane Results

The X-T5 provides unparalleled image quality, boasting an impressive 40.2-megapixel X-Trans 5 HR CMOS sensor in an incredibly lightweight and portable body. Despite its size, X-T5's image processing algorithm ensures detailed results across the native ISO range, now extended to ISO 125.

The Colors

The log-profile screen grabs from the video seem almost too good to be true; they boast natural colors and realistic detail. Beautiful straight out of the camera.

In-Body Stabilization

Thanks to X-T5’s in-body image stabilization (IBIS) system, quality-sapping camera shake will be a thing of the past – even in low-light conditions.

The Details:

Brand: Fujifilm

Camera Type: Mirrorless Digital Camera

Best For: JPGs straight out of camera, actually good at photos and video, street photography, great built-in film emulation, vlogging, landscapes, easy transfer to phone, auto focus face/ eye tracking

To Know:

If you're an entry-level photographer searching for your first camera, the Sony Alpha a7 III Mirrorless Digital Camera is a fantastic option. Designed for both photo and video, this well-rounded camera is ideal for various working situations. With its full-frame 24.2MP Exmor R BSI CMOS sensor and BIONZ X image processor, the a7 III delivers impressive speed and low-light performance, making it easy to capture stunning images and videos in any lighting condition. Whether you're shooting fast-paced action or slow, moody landscapes, the a7 III's 10 fps continuous shooting rate and improved autofocus performance ensure you can easily capture every moment.

What We love

Crazy Great Dynamic Range

With 15 stops of dynamic range, you can fully clamp down any scene with precise clarity.

A Flip-Out Screen

An excellent camera that has a flip-out screen for easy recording and vlogging sequences.

Incredible Picture

Incredible 4k 16-bit raw output over HDMI with no recording limits for ultra-amazing-looking footage.

The Details:

Brand: Sony

Product Type: Mirrorless Camera

Best For: More advanced photographers.

To Know:

If you're a beginner photographer looking for a powerful and easy-to-use camera, the X-T30 II from Fujifilm is an excellent option. With its vintage-inspired design and cutting-edge technology, this camera combines the best of both worlds to deliver exceptional performance and stunning results. Featuring a 26.1MP back-illuminated X-Trans sensor and X-Processor 4 imaging engine, the X-T30 II is capable of autofocusing down to -7EV in just 0.02 seconds, producing detail-packed images with vibrant colors. And if you're just starting out, the Advanced SR Auto mode makes it easy to pick up and start creating immediately. Of course, if you're looking to take more control over your output, the X-T30 II has plenty of features and functions to fit your creative style and mood. And when it comes time to share your work with the world, the X-T30 II makes it easy with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity.

What We Love:

Easy To use

Powerful autofocus makes sharp images a breeze, including the strong face and eye detection AF with a new Face Selection option.

The Colors

If you don't mind shooting in JPEGs, this camera body has 18 Film Simulation modes, including PROVIA/Standard, Velvia/Vivid, and ASTIA/Soft. Why edit pictures if it's don't for you in the camera body?

The Details:

Brand: Fujifilm

Camera Type: Mirrorless Digital Camera

Best For: JPGs straight out of the camera and intuitive ease of use for all photography levels.

To Know:

This sleek-yet-fully-featured APS-C-format mirrorless camera is designed with speed and flexibility in mind, making it a powerful tool for photographers and videographers alike. With its 5-axis image stabilization and Real-Time Eye AF tracking for human, animal, and movie modes, the a6600 delivers crystal-clear shots with pinpoint accuracy, no matter what you're shooting. And with its long-lasting battery, you won't have to worry about running out of juice in the middle of a shoot. Plus, with unlimited 4K video recording, Mic, and headphones jacks, the a6600 is the perfect tool for capturing high-quality video footage.

What We love

Real-Time Eye AF

With a half-press of the shutter button, the camera can automatically detect the subject's eyes and activate Eye AF in all autofocus modes.

Easy Wifi Transfer

Control your camera or transfer files to your device for fast and easy sharing without the need for a computer.

The Details:

Brand: Sony

Product Type: Mirrorless Camera

Best For: Photographers needing a battery sufficient lifestyle camera.

To Know:

Professional photographers covet Leica cameras, which are ultra-high-end gear. What makes the Q2 so wonderful is its devotion to manual settings and clean design, which is great for beginners with a fatter wallet. They're known as the Ferraris or Bugattis of the camera world, and it's a well-deserved title. Leica is known for heirloom-quality craftsmanship, near-peerless optics, and astronomically high prices. They're also a bit of a snob's delight. For better or worse, most Leica cameras have peculiar quirks that set them apart from the competition.

What We Love:

With a prime lens and fast autofocus, the Leica Q2 is the only camera in its class to feature IP protective sealing, rating of 52, against dust and spray water.

The Details:

Brand: Leica

Product Type: Point-and-shoot

Best For: Portraits with extra-sharp images and that sweet, creamy bokeh made possible by low-light aperture lenses.

To Know:

Great for beginners but far from basic. This best-selling Fujifilm machine is so popular for a reason. With its 26.1-megapixel, back-illuminated X-Trans 5 stacked sensor and X-Processor 5, this camera delivers outstanding performance in any lighting condition, with a 14-stop dynamic range that ensures your shots are always perfectly exposed. And with 6.2K 30P full sensor 3:2 recording options, you'll have all the tools to create stunning videos showcasing your vision. For stills photographers, the X-H2S features an AI-powered advanced autofocus system that ensures you'll never miss a moment, no matter how fast-paced the action gets.

What We Love:

Professional Video Features

In case you need something with video as well, this camera has the capacity to record in Open Gate 3:2, 4K/120P, and Full HD/240P resolutions and frame rates, so you can ensure you're capturing the highest quality footage for any project.

Fast AF In All Conditions

Its AI-driven Subject Detection Autofocus feature ensures you'll never miss a shot again—even in dimly lit conditions as low as -7EV.

The Speed You Need

X-H2S delivers powerful performance, suitable for any professional photographer or filmmaker.

The Details:

Brand: Fujifilm

Product Type: Mirrorless Digital Camera

Best For: Hybrid shooters. The do-all X-H2S from Fuji meets the needs of even the most demanding creator. Excelling in both video and still images.

To Know:

If you're considering upgrading from a simple point-and-shoot camera to a more sophisticated configuration, yet you still desire the tangible touch and ergonomic structure of traditional manual cameras, the X-S20 could be your ideal solution. This impressive piece of technology delivers exceptional performance at an affordable price, complete with professional-grade features for photo and video capture. Despite the Fujifilm X-S20 featuring an APS-C sensor system, it maintains the renowned quality associated with the Fujifilm brand. In fact, it can be argued that this device is on track to surpass its popular predecessor, the X-S10.

What We Love:

Versatile, Compact, Hybrid

Consider the X-S20 a more agile and hybrid-compatible counterpart to Fujifilm's X-T5, equipped with remarkable photography skills and noteworthy vlogging capabilities. It's a compact device packed with reliable features for versatile creators, providing the adaptability of an interchangeable lens mount to handle an assortment of focal lengths.

4K Video

You can shoot breathtaking 6.2K/30P, 4K/60P 4:2:2 10bit footage right in the camera (pretty unreal for this compact size), and even livestream in 4K for some seriously sharp broadcasts.

2x Better Battery

Additionally, the X-S20 can pride itself on having double the battery life of its predecessor, the X-S10, a considerable advantage for extended, day-long shoots when charging options may be scarce.

The Details:

Brand: Fujifilm

Product Type: Mirrorless Camera

Best For: Creatives wanting an affordable option for an all-around fantastic camera for both video and photo.

To Know:

The GR lens features our unique optical technology, which ensures that your photos always look their best. GR III boasts a slim optical system consisting of 6 elements 4 groups with a focal length of 18.3 mm (approx. 28 mm in 35 mm equivalent focal length) and an aperture of F2.8, providing stunningly sharp and detailed images.

With a high-resolution, wide dynamic range APS-C format CMOS image sensor (approx. 24.24 effective megapixels), the GR III can handle large-sized prints and anti-aliasing (AA) filterless construction that utilizes the characteristics of the high-resolution lens for high-definition detail reproduction. Both the image sensor and lens are also optimized for the best possible image quality, ensuring that your photos look stunning every time.

What We Love:

Sharp Image

The GR lens has been imbued with our unique optical technology that always aims to provide high image quality. GR III uses a slim optical system consisting of 6 elements 4 groups with a focal length of 18.3 mm (approx. 28 mm in 35 mm equivalent focal length) and an aperture of F2.8.

Quick Start-Up!

Never miss a shot, baby! A high-output motor drives the lens barrel to move from a retracted position to the shooting position quickly.

The Details:

Brand: Ricoh

Product Type: Point-and-Shoot

Best For: Photographers wanting a high-powered compact camera that acts fast for lifestyles and fast shooting.