The Best Budget Cameras for Beginners 2025

There’s never been a better time to dive into photography. Whether you’re hoping to turn your hobby into a career or just want to take your holiday snaps to the next level, having the right camera makes all the difference.

But getting started doesn’t mean emptying your bank account. In 2025, the market is brimming with affordable, feature-rich cameras that are perfect for beginners eager to develop their craft.

The ideal beginner camera strikes a balance: it should be easy to use, versatile enough to grow with you, and of course budget-friendly. The good news? There are brilliant options out there across all types: mirrorless, DSLR, and even compact point-and-shoots.

In this guide, we’ll explore the best budget cameras for beginners this year, with detailed insights into what makes each one special, how they compare, and why they deserve your consideration.

Whether you’re keen on portraits, landscapes, vlogging, or travel, there’s something here to match your style and goals.

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What to Look for in a Beginner Camera

Before we jump into recommendations, let’s quickly highlight the key features that matter most when buying your first camera:

• Ease of use: Intuitive menus, guided modes, and touchscreens make learning easier.

• Image quality: A good sensor is essential for sharp, vibrant images.

• Interchangeable lenses: Offers flexibility and room to grow (mirrorless or DSLR).

• Video capability: For budding content creators or vloggers.

• Autofocus: Fast and reliable autofocus helps you nail the shot every time.

• Connectivity: Wi-Fi/Bluetooth for transferring images to your phone or sharing online.

  
  

1. Canon EOS R50

Best mirrorless camera for beginners overall

• Type: Mirrorless

• Sensor: 24.2MP APS-C

• Video: 4K 30fps (no crop)

• Price: Approx. £750 with kit lens

  
  

The Canon EOS R50 hits the sweet spot for beginners. It’s lightweight, compact, and designed

with usability in mind. The guided user interface walks you through camera settings as you shoot, making it perfect if you’re still learning the ropes.

Image quality is superb thanks to the 24.2MP sensor and Canon’s reliable colour science. Autofocus is quick and accurate, especially with face and eye detection, which is great for portraits and video.

While it’s more expensive than some DSLRs, the R50 is future proof, with access to Canon’s growing range of RF lenses. If you want a camera that can grow with you and one that’s fantastic for video too this is a top pick.

2. Nikon Z30

Best for beginner vloggers and content creators

• Type: Mirrorless

• Sensor: 20.9MP APS-C

• Video: 4K 30fps, Full HD 120fps

• Price: Approx. £679 body only / £799 with 16-50mm kit lens

  
  

Designed specifically with vloggers and content creators in mind, the Nikon Z30 is a compact, no frills mirrorless camera that punches well above its weight. It has no electronic viewfinder, which helps keep the price down but for video shooters and casual photographers, it’s a solid trade off.

The vari angle touchscreen makes it perfect for filming yourself, and the camera’s built in stereo mic or optional external mic input make for decent sound. Autofocus is responsive, and the 20.9MP sensor delivers crisp, clean stills.

If you're planning to shoot lots of video content, the Z30 should be high on your list.

3. Sony ZV E10

Best all rounder for hybrid shooters

• Type: Mirrorless

• Sensor: 24.2MP APS-C

• Video: 4K 30fps, S&Q up to 120fps

• Price: Approx. £770 with kit lens

  
  

Sony's ZV E10 is another hybrid mirrorless camera that appeals to both budding photographers and content creators. It shares a lot of its DNA with the excellent A6100 but adds features specifically for vloggers like a dedicated background defocus button and a product showcase mode.

What makes the ZV E10 stand out is its excellent autofocus system Sony’s real time eye tracking is arguably the best in its class. You also get USB C charging, a flip out screen, and microphone input, making this a very capable package.

It’s compact, powerful, and versatile a brilliant all rounder for beginners who want to experiment with both stills and video.

4. Canon EOS 2000D (Rebel T7)

Best DSLR for beginners on a tight budget

• Type: DSLR

• Sensor: 24.1MP APS C

• Video: Full HD 1080p

• Price: Approx. £429 with 18–55mm lens

  
  

If you prefer the feel of a traditional DSLR and want to keep costs as low as possible the Canon EOS 2000D is a reliable starting point. It may lack modern bells and whistles, but it still produces great results with Canon’s tried and true 24.1MP sensor.

You get access to a wide range of EF and EF S lenses, many of which are available second hand at affordable prices. The battery life is excellent compared to mirrorless options, and it feels sturdy in hand.

The user interface is beginner friendly, and there’s a built in guide mode to help you understand settings. While the video capabilities are limited, this is still a great entry level choice for learning photography basics.

5. Fujifilm X-T30 II

Best for photography focused beginners

• Type: Mirrorless

• Sensor: 26.1MP APS-C X-Trans

• Video: 4K 30fps

• Price: Approx. £899 with 15–45mm kit lens

  
  

If you’re drawn to photography as an art form, the Fujifilm X-T30 II is a gorgeous and powerful camera that combines retro style with advanced features. While it sits at the higher end of the “budget” category, it offers stunning image quality and intuitive controls.

Fujifilm’s film simulations are legendary and allow you to create beautiful, nuanced photos straight out of camera. The dials give you a more tactile shooting experience, perfect for those who want to learn manual controls.

While it’s capable of solid 4K video, it really shines as a photographer’s tool ideal for street, travel, and portrait work.

6. Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV

Best compact and stylish camera for beginners

• Type: Mirrorless

• Sensor: 20MP Micro Four Thirds

• Video: 4K 30fps

• Price: Approx. £699 with 14–42mm lens

  
  

For a camera that’s compact, stylish, and fun to use, the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV is a standout. It’s perfect for those who want something lightweight and portable without sacrificing quality.

The camera’s in body image stabilisation helps keep shots sharp even in low light or when shooting handheld video. The flip down touchscreen is ideal for selfies or vlogging, and the Art Filters provide a creative playground for new users.

While Micro Four Thirds sensors are smaller than APS-C, the difference in image quality for beginners is negligible and the trade off is a much smaller camera body.

Final Thoughts: Your First Camera Matters But Don’t Overthink It

Choosing your first camera is an exciting step in your creative journey. It’s easy to get caught up in specs and comparisons, but remember: the best camera is the one that inspires you to go out and shoot. All the cameras on this list are capable of producing beautiful images, helping you build skills and confidence along the way.

Think about your goals. Want to vlog? Prioritise flip screens and 4K video. Love stills? Go for strong image quality and manual control. Prefer compact gear? Look for lightweight mirrorless bodies. And remember used or refurbished models can offer even more value for your budget.

Photography isn’t just about gear it’s about vision, passion, and the joy of seeing the world through a lens. Start with what you have, learn as you go, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Every shot is a step forward.

— Eliot Ford, Photography & Camera Gear | The Tech Advisor