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10 Best Beginner Cameras 2025 in the UK

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Canon EOS 2000D DSLR Camera and EF-S 18-55 mm f/3.5-5.6 IS II Lens - Black

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,201
Sensor Size
Lens Options
Video Capabilities
Sensor Size
With its APS-C sensor, this camera is more than capable of producing stunning prints at 6000 x 4000 resolution, perfect for large-format prints.
Lens Options
The camera's compatibility with various lenses, especially the recommended 'nifty-fifty', enhances its adaptability for different photography styles.
Video Capabilities
Despite being beginner-friendly, the camera's full HD video capture looks fantastic even on large screens, making it versatile for both photos and videos.

The Canon EOS 2000D DSLR Camera with the EF-S 18-55 mm f/3.5-5.6 IS II Lens is a solid choice for beginners stepping into the world of photography. It features a 24.1 MP APS-C CMOS sensor, which ensures good quality images with decent detail. The included 18-55mm lens provides flexibility for a variety of shots, from landscapes to portraits. The camera supports both automatic and manual controls, allowing new users to start with simplicity and gradually explore more complex settings as their skills improve.

The body and lens together weigh around 0.68 kilograms, making the camera relatively lightweight and portable for everyday use. The optical image stabilization in the lens helps in reducing blur, especially in low-light conditions or handheld shooting. The camera's video capabilities include Full HD video recording, which is adequate for basic video projects and vlogging. Built-in Wi-Fi allows for easy sharing and connectivity, a useful feature for social media enthusiasts.

However, there are some drawbacks to consider. The continuous shooting speed of 3 frames per second may be limiting for capturing fast-moving subjects. The lack of 4K video recording might be a downside for those looking to produce higher-quality videos. Additionally, the camera is not water-resistant, so users need to be cautious in adverse weather conditions. Despite these limitations, the Canon EOS 2000D offers a good balance of ease of use, image quality, and essential features, making it well-suited for beginners wanting to explore DSLR photography.

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,201
Sensor Size
Lens Options
Video Capabilities
Sensor Size
With its APS-C sensor, this camera is more than capable of producing stunning prints at 6000 x 4000 resolution, perfect for large-format prints.
Lens Options
The camera's compatibility with various lenses, especially the recommended 'nifty-fifty', enhances its adaptability for different photography styles.
Video Capabilities
Despite being beginner-friendly, the camera's full HD video capture looks fantastic even on large screens, making it versatile for both photos and videos.
#3

Sony Alpha 7 IV | Full-Frame Mirrorless Camera ( 33MP, Real-time autofocus, 10 fps, 4K60p, Vari-angle touch screen, Large capacity Z battery ), Black

Rating
9.4
Megapixels
Lens Options
Size and Weight
Megapixels
The 33-megapixel sensor captures details with incredible clarity, delivering lifelike images that astound every time.
Lens Options
The kit lens delivers average quality, suggesting the potential need for better lenses to maximize image quality.
Size and Weight
The camera feels sturdy with its metal housing, exuding quality, although it's not particularly lightweight.
Video Capabilities
The 4K recording at 60fps combined with in-body stabilization produces smooth, professional-grade footage, akin to a compact cinema camera.

The Sony Alpha 7 IV is a full-frame mirrorless camera that offers impressive specifications for beginners looking to dive into photography and videography. With a 33-megapixel sensor, this camera ensures high-definition images, even in low light conditions, thanks to its Exmor R sensor and Bionz XR processor. The real-time autofocus feature is particularly beneficial for beginners as it allows easy and precise tracking of subjects, including humans, animals, and birds, making it less daunting to capture sharp images and videos.

The 10 fps continuous shooting speed is great for capturing fast-moving subjects, while the 4K60p video capabilities offer high-quality cinematic footage, suitable for aspiring video creators. The vari-angle touchscreen and ergonomic design improve usability and comfort, which is essential for newcomers to photography. Additionally, the Alpha 7 IV supports live streaming in Full HD directly via USB-C, catering to those interested in vlogging or streaming content.

However, the camera is relatively heavy at 0.99 kilograms, which might be cumbersome for some beginners. The extensive manual controls may require a learning curve, but they also offer room for growth as users become more familiar with the camera’s functionalities. The inclusion of a large capacity Z battery ensures longer shooting sessions without frequent interruptions. This camera is an excellent choice for imaging enthusiasts, creators, and professionals, yet it might be slightly overwhelming for absolute beginners due to its advanced features and higher price point.

Rating
9.4
Megapixels
Lens Options
Size and Weight
Megapixels
The 33-megapixel sensor captures details with incredible clarity, delivering lifelike images that astound every time.
Lens Options
The kit lens delivers average quality, suggesting the potential need for better lenses to maximize image quality.
Size and Weight
The camera feels sturdy with its metal housing, exuding quality, although it's not particularly lightweight.
Video Capabilities
The 4K recording at 60fps combined with in-body stabilization produces smooth, professional-grade footage, akin to a compact cinema camera.

Buying Guide for the Best Beginner Cameras

Choosing a beginner camera can be an exciting journey into the world of photography. The right camera will help you capture beautiful moments and develop your skills. When selecting a camera, consider what you want to photograph, whether it's landscapes, portraits, or action shots. Think about how portable you need the camera to be and how much control you want over the settings. Understanding the key specifications will help you make an informed decision that aligns with your photography goals.
Sensor SizeThe sensor size in a camera is crucial because it affects the quality of the images you capture. Larger sensors generally produce better image quality, especially in low light, and offer more depth of field control. Common sensor sizes include full-frame, APS-C, and Micro Four Thirds. Full-frame sensors are larger and provide superior image quality, but they are often found in more expensive and bulkier cameras. APS-C sensors are smaller but still offer excellent quality and are more common in beginner cameras. Micro Four Thirds sensors are even smaller, making the cameras more compact and lightweight, which is great for travel. If you're just starting, an APS-C sensor is a good balance between quality and size.
MegapixelsMegapixels refer to the resolution of the camera's sensor, indicating how many millions of pixels the sensor can capture. More megapixels mean you can print larger photos without losing detail, but they don't necessarily mean better image quality. For most beginners, a camera with 16 to 24 megapixels is more than sufficient. This range allows for high-quality prints and cropping flexibility without overwhelming file sizes. Consider your needs: if you plan to print large photos or crop heavily, aim for the higher end of this range.
Lens OptionsThe ability to change lenses is a significant advantage of many cameras, allowing you to adapt to different photography styles and conditions. Some cameras come with a fixed lens, which can be limiting but also simplifies the learning process. Interchangeable lens cameras, like DSLRs and mirrorless models, offer more flexibility and growth potential. If you want to explore various types of photography, such as macro or telephoto, consider a camera with interchangeable lenses. For those who prefer simplicity, a high-quality fixed lens camera might be the best choice.
Manual ControlsManual controls allow you to adjust settings like shutter speed, aperture, and ISO, giving you more creative control over your photos. Cameras with full manual controls are ideal for learning photography fundamentals and experimenting with different techniques. However, they can be overwhelming for complete beginners. Many beginner cameras offer a mix of automatic and manual modes, which is perfect for gradually learning how to use these settings. If you're eager to learn and experiment, look for a camera with comprehensive manual controls.
Size and WeightThe size and weight of a camera can significantly impact your shooting experience, especially if you plan to carry it around frequently. Smaller, lighter cameras are more portable and less cumbersome, making them ideal for travel and everyday use. However, they might have fewer features or smaller sensors. Larger cameras often offer better ergonomics and more advanced features but can be heavy and bulky. Consider how you plan to use the camera: if portability is a priority, opt for a compact model. If you don't mind the extra weight for better performance, a larger camera might be suitable.
Video CapabilitiesMany beginner cameras also offer video recording capabilities, which can be a great addition if you're interested in capturing moving images. Look for features like resolution (Full HD or 4K), frame rates, and autofocus performance during video recording. Full HD is sufficient for most casual video needs, but 4K offers higher quality and future-proofs your investment. If video is a significant interest, ensure the camera has good video autofocus and stabilization features. Decide based on how much you plan to use the camera for video versus still photography.