Cameras and Gear

Camera recommendations and market analysis.

The Best Camera for Beginners

I believe that the best camera for beginners today is typically a fixed-lens bridge camera or a point-and-shoot. In the past, I have suggested to people that the first camera they purchase should be an entry-level DSLR or other interchangeable lens camera. However, it appears that the majority of camera makers are abandoning the sub-thousand-dollar interchangeable lens camera market in favor of the high end market.

I recently used Canon’s entry-level DSLR, the EOS T7, and it was not a positive experience. In many ways, the experience was inferior to that of a cell phone camera, and it felt antiquated. It also appeared as if the manufacturer developed the camera as a low-effort, entry-level product.

Canon is discontinuing its EOS M line of interchangeable-lens mirrorless cameras, which was formerly a very capable system. They are moving on to the EOS R full frame system, which is more expensive.

In contrast, the market for budget-friendly point-and-shoot cameras has greatly improved with the introduction of optical image stabilization and computational photography features. A point-and-shoot camera with a one-inch sensor gives an excellent experience for a variety of everyday situations. Bridge cameras are becoming increasingly competent. There is also a world of premium point-and-shoot or fixed-lens cameras that have become quite good. So I sold my interchangeable lens system save for film cameras and switched to fixed lens cameras for most of my hobby work.

See also: film-photography for photo collections.