The world of DSLR cameras is a complicated and confusing place for the uninitiated. It’s rife with jargon and spec numbers, and the pros and cons of different cameras can be hard to decipher. This buying guide is your comprehensive guide to all things digital DSLR cameras for beginners, including advice on the best brands, the latest models, and how to choose one that fits your needs best.

Top 5 DSLR Cameras for Beginners

Sony Alpha A6000 Mirrorless Camera

Sony’s A6000 is an entry-level camera that has dominated the E-Mount market since its release in 2013. Although it’s now almost six years old, the A6000 continues to be one of all Sony’s best entry-level cameras because of its impressive performance and price — often found on sale for $200 or less.

Sony’s A6000 is a small camera that packs a big punch with 24.3 megapixels and can be viewed numerous ways. The electronic viewfinder is lower-resolution than most competitors, but you can tilt it up and down for convenience. The 921,000 dots on the tiltable LCD screen are less than high-end digital cameras, but they still give you a good viewing experience.

Canon EOS M50 Mark II Mirrorless Digital Camera

When should you upgrade your camera to the EOS M50? When you want top-notch performance in a compact, user-friendly body that can endure all elements. With Dual Pixel CMOS AF, you get quick and precise autofocus in both photos and videos. The camera also offers full HD video recording at 60p, perfect for capturing fast subjects like wildlife or kids.

While the Canon EOS M50 performs well in 1080p, it is not a good choice for 4K. The camera does not offer Dual Pixel AF, and the crop factor makes the video unusable with live view.

The Canon EOS M50 Mark II is a cute, easy-to-use camera with many techs packed into a small body. From its 24.1MP sensor to 10fps shooting and a high-quality EVF, the M50 Mark II is a solid choice for photographers who want an upgrade from their smartphone or point-and-shoot but aren’t quite ready for a DSLR.

Panasonic LUMIX G100 4k Mirrorless Camera

The Panasonic Lumix G100 is designed for the photographer or vlogger who wants a simple, easy-to-use camera to capture high-quality images and videos. Its 14-megapixel sensor and full HD video capabilities make it easy to produce professional-looking content without any of the hassles. Plus, with its flip-out display and electronic viewfinder, it’s perfect for photographers and vloggers on the go.

Every button and the dial is designed to allow you to capture the best videos possible. With a few easy adjustments, you can film in any weather and low-light settings — whether the environment is a day in the park or an evening concert. So go ahead, take your camera everywhere — it’ll be ready when you need it most.

Sony ZV-E10 Mirrorless Camera

While other cameras can recreate that image, none will do so with the same performance in all facets. The Sony ZV-E10 is the best compact camera that you can buy for $500. Its sizeable internal microphone is excellent, and its autofocus is also top-notch.

This may not be the perfect camera for anyone looking to take pro-level vlog footage, but it’s an easy choice for those new to video content. It lacks features that would certainly be nice to have — such as in-body image stabilization and touch control menus — but it has a lot going for it.

Fujifilm X-T200 Mirrorless Digital Camera

The Fujifilm X-T200 is the camera you wish had been around all of your life. It’s compact, lightweight, and has the same form factor as an old-school 35mm film camera. What’s more, it features a large 3.5-inch vari-angle touchscreen with twice the resolution of most digital cameras on the market today. This screen gives you details you couldn’t even see on standard smartphones just a few years ago.

Whether you’re just starting or are looking to upgrade to a new model, the Fujifilm X-T200 Mirrorless Digital Camera is your versatile companion. Brimming with superb functionality and packed with features, this camera has everything you need for all of your adventures!