In this ultimate beginner photography camera guide, we’ll break down the five best beginner camera options for 2024 and beyond (and if you’re an intermediate photographer, we’ve got you covered with our list of the best intermediate cameras). Additionally, thanks to websites like MPB, buying a used digital camera has never been cheaper and easier. 

Who is MPB? It’s a trustworthy and innovative photography company offering high-quality used photo and video gear at affordable prices. Better yet, every camera and lens it sells is hand-inspected by highly-trained product specialists with years of experience and backed by a six-month warranty, allowing you to make your purchases confidently and worry-free.

What truly sets MPB apart, though, is its state-of-the-art online platform. It’s a revolutionary tool that has helped us save thousands of dollars buying, selling, and trading photography equipment over the years, and we believe it can do the same for you. With that in mind, it’s time to determine which beginner camera is right for you!

Check out the video above by Simon d’Entremont to discover more about which best beginner camera is right for you.

Table of Contents

Best All-Around Beginner Camera: Canon EOS R10

The Canon EOS R10 is an entry-level mirrorless camera released in 2022. Its combination of excellent photo and video features is why it holds the top spot on our list. Still photos boast outstanding image quality and bold and bright colors. At the same time, it has 4K video capabilities and can record slow-motion movies directly in the camera. 

Moreover, it was the first APS-C camera in the Canon EOS R lineup. As an APS-C camera, it’s more compact and portable than full-frame cameras, which is ideal for new photographers. Throw in its fast, accurate, and reliable Dual Pixel II autofocus, and it’s easy to see why the R10 is the best beginner camera in stores in 2024.

Now, here’s a closer look at the Canon EOS R10 specs and key features:

• Camera Type: Mirrorless
• Sensor: 24.2MP APS-C CMOS Sensor
• ISO: 100 – 32,000 (expandable to 100 – 51,200)
• Lens Mount: Canon RF Mount
• Speed: 23.0 fps
• Autofocus: 651 focus points
• Video: 4K/60p & 1080p/120p
• Size/Weight: 123 x 88 x 83 mm / 426 grams
• Battery Life: 450 shots
• Stabilization: No
• Touchscreen: Yes
• Weather-Sealed: No
• Used Canon EOS R10 Price: $699 – $739

Best Beginner Camera for Content Creators: Sony ZV-E10

The Sony ZV-E10 came out in 2021, and it’s held the title of best beginner camera for digital content creators ever since. What do we mean when we say content creators? We are specifically talking about hybrid photographers who create photo and video content for posting to social media platforms like YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, Twitch, etc. 

It beats the Canon R10 because of its superior video performance. It records uncropped 4K video from the full width of the sensor and has a fully articulating rear LCD, advanced audio controls, and live streaming capabilities. Overall, it’s also the best beginner camera for video. The ZV-E10 is a Sony E-mount mirrorless camera.  

Now, here’s a closer look at the Sony ZV-E10 specs and key features:

• Camera Type: Mirrorless
• Sensor: 24.2MP APS-C Exmor CMOS Sensor
• ISO: 100 – 32,000 (expandable to 50 – 51,200)
• Lens Mount: Sony E Mount
• Speed: 11.0 fps
• Autofocus: 425 focus points
• Video: 4K/30p & 1080p/120p
• Size/Weight: 115 x 64 x 45 mm / 343 grams
• Battery Life: 440 shots
• Stabilization: No
• Touchscreen: Yes
• Weather-Sealed: No
• Used Sony ZV-E10 Price: $514 – $584

Best Beginner Camera for Portability: Canon EOS M200

If size and portability are your top priority, you will love the Canon EOS M200. It’s an ultra-portable Canon EOS M mirrorless camera that debuted in 2019. Remarkably, when paired with a compact lens like the Canon EF-M 22mm f/2 STM, it’s smaller and lighter than many point-and-shoot cameras.

Its size makes the M200 a great camera for travel photography, day-to-day use, and children. Furthermore, built-in Wi-Fi lets you instantly transfer pictures and video clips to your mobile devices. As a video camera, it can record 4K video (with a 1.7x crop factor) and has a cool time-lapse movie mode.

Now, here’s a closer look at the Canon EOS M200 specs and key features:

• Camera Type: Mirrorless
• Sensor: 24.1MP APS-C CMOS Sensor
• ISO: 100 – 25,600
• Lens Mount: Canon EF-M Mount
• Speed: 6.1 fps
• Autofocus: 143 focus points
• Video: 4K/24p, 1080p/60p & 720p/120p
• Size/Weight: 108 x 67 x 35 mm / 299 grams
• Battery Life: 315 shots
• Stabilization: No
• Touchscreen: Yes
• Weather-Sealed: No
• Used Canon EOS M200 Price: $404 – $449

Best Beginner DSLR Camera: Nikon D3500

Despite the rapid rise of mirrorless cameras, DLSRs remain a popular choice for beginners because of their unbeatable prices. That said, the Nikon D3500 is the best beginner camera for people on a budget. It first hit shelves in 2018 and is one of the most sold Nikon DSLR cameras ever.

Nikon designed it specifically for beginners, and its various automatic and semi-automatic shooting modes are perfect for learning the basics of photography. In addition, its simple button layout and intuitive menu system make it easy for new photographers to quickly and easily adjust camera settings. 

Now, here’s a closer look at the Nikon D3500 specs and key features:

• Camera Type: DSLR
• Sensor: 24.2MP DX-Format APS-C CMOS Sensor
• ISO: 100 – 12,800 (expandable to 100 – 25,600)
• Lens Mount: Nikon F Mount
• Speed: 5.0 fps
• Autofocus: 11 focus points
• Video: 1080p @ 60, 30, & 24 fps
• Size/Weight: 124 x 97 x 70 mm / 365 grams
• Battery Life: 1550 shots
• Stabilization: No
• Touchscreen: No
• Weather-Sealed: No
• Used Nikon D3500 Price: $304 – $419

Best Beginner Micro Four Thirds Camera: Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV

Lastly, the best beginner camera for people searching for a micro four thirds camera is the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV. It launched in 2020 and is the only camera discussed in this article with in-body image stabilization (IBIS). The IBIS boosts its low-light performance and handheld video quality, making it a good camera for action and adventure photographers.

While the E-M10 Mark IV comes in black and silver, the silver model is particularly popular because it mimics the look and feel of old-school film cameras. Its stylish design and solid photo and video specs make it a trendy camera for beginners in 2024.

Now, here’s a closer look at the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV specs and key features:

• Camera Type: Mirrorless
• Sensor: 20.3MP Live MOS MFT CMOS Sensor
• ISO: 200 – 25,600 (expandable to 100 – 25,600)
• Lens Mount: Micro Four Thirds Mount
• Speed: 15.0 fps
• Autofocus: 121 focus points
• Video: 4K/30p & 1080p/60p
• Size/Weight: 122 x 84 x 49 mm / 383 grams
• Battery Life: 360 shots
• Stabilization: Yes
• Touchscreen: Yes
• Weather-Sealed: No
• Used Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV Price: $569 – $654

More of the Best Cameras for Beginners

While those are some of the best beginner cameras on the market today, they aren’t the only ones. Check out the list below to compare and contrast them with other popular DSLR and mirrorless cameras for beginners. All of them are currently available at MPB.

• Sony Alpha a6100
• Canon EOS R100
• Nikon Z fc
• Fujifilm X-T30
• Panasonic Lumix DC-GH5

Our articles might have affiliate links and the occasional sponsored content, but don’t sweat it – if you buy something, we get a little kickback at no extra cost to you, and we only hype products we truly believe in!

Learn More:

• 5 Reasons Why the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III is the Best Micro Four Thirds Camera for 2024
• Best Beginner Camera for 2024

Hero photo by Pixel-Shot via Shutterstock

The post Best Beginner Camera for 2024 appeared first on Photography Talk.

Below, we’ll share five reasons why the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III is the best micro four thirds camera for 2024. Its strengths include its powerful photo and video capabilities, outstanding lens compatibility, and more. Additionally, thanks to innovative online platforms like MPB, buying a used MFT camera has never been cheaper and easier than it is today.

Who is MPB? It is a trustworthy and reliable online platform selling pre-owned photography and videography gear at unbeatable prices. Better yet, all of its cameras and lenses are carefully hand-inspected by knowledgeable product specialists with years of experience and backed by six-month warranties, allowing you to make your purchases confidently and worry-free.

We are huge supporters of MPB because, over the years, we’ve saved thousands of dollars buying, selling, and trading equipment on their one-of-a-kind online marketplace. If you are considering upgrading your camera kit and want to save money, visit their website today. Now, continue reading to discover if the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III suits you and your needs! 

Check out the video above by Robin Wong to learn more about this best micro four thirds camera.

Table of Contents

• The Image Sensor and Processor of This Best Micro Four Thirds Camera
• The Continuous Shooting of This Best Micro Four Thirds Camera
• The 4K Video of This Best Micro Four Thirds Camera
• The Image Stabilization of This Best Micro Four Thirds Camera
• The Lens Compatibility of This Best Micro Four Thirds Camera
• Final Thoughts on Micro Four Thirds Cameras

The Image Sensor and Processor of This Best Micro Four Thirds Camera

The Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III is a mirrorless camera that came out in 2020, replacing the E-M1 Mark II. Its environmentally-sealed body is built around a 20.4-megapixel four thirds sensor and a TruePic IX image processor. The pair delivers high-resolution photos and videos with fantastic sharpness and enhances the camera’s speed.

One area where this speed is immediately noticeable is in the camera’s autofocus (AF). Advanced AF modes include face/eye detection (for portrait photography), subject tracking (for action photography), and Starry Sky (for astrophotography). Moreover, the AF uses machine learning to constantly improve the AF performance. 

Now, here’s an in-depth look at the key features and specs of this Best Micro Four Thirds Camera: 

• Camera Type: Mirrorless
• Sensor: 20.4MP Live MOS Four Thirds CMOS Sensor
• ISO: 200 – 25,600 (expandable to 64 – 25,600)
• Lens Mount: Micro Four Thirds Mount
• Speed: 60.0 fps
• Autofocus: 121 focus points
• Video: 4K/30p & 1080p/60p
• Size/Weight: 134 x 91 x 69 mm / 580 grams
• Battery Life: 420 shots
• Stabilization: Yes
• Touchscreen: Yes
• Weather-Sealed: Yes
• Used Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III Price: $754 – $909

The Continuous Shooting of This Best Micro Four Thirds Camera

The speed is also extremely apparent during continuous burst shooting. When working with the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III’s electronic shutter, it can shoot 60 frames per second (fps) using single-shot AF and 18 fps using continuous AF. At 60 fps, the buffer is 50 RAW frames; at 18 fps, it’s 90 RAW frames.

If you prefer using the camera’s mechanical shutter, you can capture up to 101 RAW frames at a maximum continuous shooting speed of 15 fps. These impressive numbers make the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III the best micro four thirds camera for action, sports, and wildlife photography. 

The 4K Video of This Best Micro Four Thirds Camera

When you switch the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III to video mode, the first spec that jumps out is its 4K video capabilities. It can record both UHD (3840 x 2160) and DCI (4096 x 2160) 4K. UHD footage tops out at 4K/30p and DCI footage at 4K/24p. Furthermore, the video dynamic range is boosted thanks to the camera’s OM-Log professional video format. OM-Log gives you more control when filming and makes color correcting easier during post-production.

This best micro four thirds camera also has 1080p/60p and 720p/60p frame rates. Other highlight-worthy video features include a fully articulated LCD, a time-lapse mode, dual memory card slots, and various useful audio controls. Its overall video package makes the E-M1 Mark III a great camera for entry-level and enthusiast YouTubers and vloggers.

The Image Stabilization of This Best Micro Four Thirds Camera

Another thing we love about the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III is the all-new in-body image stabilization (IBIS). Because of their smaller size, most micro four thirds cameras omit IBIS, but there are so many advantages of having it. For starters, it significantly improves low-light performance. 

On top of that, it reduces camera shake, leading to smoother and steadier handheld videos. The IBIS of this best micro four thirds camera adds up to seven stops of exposure to photos and videos (7.5 stops when paired with a lens with optical image stabilization).

The Lens Compatibility of This Best Micro Four Thirds Camera

Lastly, the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III uses the micro four thirds lens mount. It boasts hundreds of native lenses to choose from, including telephoto lenses, wide-angle lenses, prime lenses, zoom lenses, and macro lenses. Good lens adaptors are also available for people who want to use non-native lenses.

Here’s a quick list of some of the best Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III lenses for photo and video to pair with this best micro four thirds camera.

• Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 60mm f/2.8 Macro
• Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 7-14mm f/2.8 PRO
• Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-100mm f/4 IS PRO
• Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 100-400mm f5-6.3 IS
• Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 300mm f/4 IS PRO

Final Thoughts on Micro Four Thirds Cameras

There you are, five reasons why the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III is the best micro four thirds camera for 2024! While no doubt everyone would benefit from working with it, it’s especially ideal for hybrid content creators due to its wonderful combination of photo/video features. 

Do you want to compare the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III against other micro four thirds cameras before making a final decision? Check out the list below of popular Olympus and Panasonic cameras on sale now at MPB: 

• OM System OM-1
• OM System OM-5
• Olympus PEN-F
• Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH5 II
• Panasonic Lumix DC-GX9

Heads up: Clicking on our affiliate links and exploring our sponsored content helps us at no extra cost to you, and we only recommend gear we’re absolutely crazy about!

Learn More:

• 5 Reasons Why the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III is the Best Micro Four Thirds Camera for 2024
• Best Beginner Camera for 2024

The post 5 Reasons Why the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III is the Best Micro Four Thirds Camera for 2024 appeared first on Photography Talk.