Looking to buy your first camera? If you’re like me, lacking any expertise about cameras, you’re probably wondering, What’s best camera for beginners? Continue reading to find out.
“Live. Create. Tell the Story. Repeat.”
Man has told stories since the beginning of time. A narrative, whether true, fictitious or designed to interest, can inspire countless people to be brave, to connect with one another or simply to dream.
Prior to the invention of the first camera in the early 1800’s, people would rely on the skill and talent of painters, carvers, sculptors, etc. to illustrate the world around us. Fast forward to present day, the markets are inundated with some of the most sophisticated devices to capture images and to record stories digitally.
So, what if you’re looking to buy your first DSLR camera? What’s the best starter camera for beginners?
Like most people before making an expensive purchase, I spent months researching different brands of cameras. The most important considerations for me were quality and, of course, cost. Let me just state, THERE ARE SO MANY INCREDIBLE CAMERAS! However, after playing around with a few Sony’s, Canon’s, Nikon’s, Panasonic’s, etc., the Canon cameras stood out to me as the most user-friendly for a beginner, and that is what ultimately sold me.
Former Kit
In preparation for a big trip to Brazil for the 2016 Summer Olympics, I purchased my first DSLR camera, as part of a bundle from Amazon. Being that I was on a tight budget, a bundle was perfect because it not only included the camera but the kit-lenses and accessories as well! In my opinion, the Canon cameras are the best for beginners because you can easily learn the technical side of photography, without needing to dive deep into the menu to find functions. Most of the essential camera settings can be manipulated right on the face or buttons of the camera’s outer body.
At this point, I hadn’t began blogging. I only used this camera for photography.
Once I decided I would give travel vlogging a try in 2017, I purchased, on Amazon, the GoPro Hero 5. This was the beginner camera I used to begin my “vlogging career.” Although the GoPro can be somewhat one-dimensional, it was simple to manipulate and very user-friendly. I loved it!
I no longer use the GoPro to vlog entire videos. However, I still use it when filming action or water activities. A GoPro is a valuable piece of equipment in a vlogger’s arsenal. That is why I highly recommend that you consider purchasing one, especially as a beginner camera. Also, there are tons of cool GoPro accessories that can add more interesting and different perspectives to your films.
Current Camera Kit
Everything in this current set-up, I’ve used extensively and would recommend to any beginner looking for a blogging camera. The items are NOT cheap but also not terribly expensive.
The Canon G7X is my current vlogging camera. I love it for its portability and video and sound quality. In my opinion, it’s sold at a reasonable price considering all of its capabilities. The Canon G7X would also make a great beginner camera! Someday, I hope to upgrade to a more semi-professional camera setup. However, my Canon G7X has been amazing so far. I highly recommend it.
Also, I recently upgraded my Canon Rebel T5 for the Canon 80D, which I’m obsessed with. The biggest difference is probably its wifi capabilities. The Canon 80D, also sold for a reasonable price, is the hardware I mainly use for photography and for recording videos at home, for example. The wifi enables me to take photos while traveling solo, which has been a game changer. The Canon G7X also has wifi capabilities.
One thing I’ve learned over the years, however, is that having quality camera lenses are more valuable than the camera body itself. The Amazon bundles come with basic and inexpensive lenses. But if you really want to step-up your photography game, investing in quality lenses, instead of in expensive cameras, is the way to go.
My beginner camera bundle included the Canon 18-55mm & 75-300mm kit lenses. Since, I’ve added the Canon 50mm f/1.8 & 24mm f/2.8 lenses to my kit. Both are well-priced and perfect for travel photography. The 50mm is nice for those dreamy, portrait shots, whereas, the 24mm is great for landscape and wider shots.
Future Wishlist Kit
Now, I’d be remised if I didn’t mention how purchasing these items require a substantial amount of money and, therefore, sacrifice. I blogged on my GoPro for 1 year before upgrading to my Canon G7X. Trust me, I understand the gravity of making large purchasing decisions. With that said, purchasing the right equipment for your vlogs means nothing if you’re lacking in the story-telling qualities necessary to be compelling to viewers. So, don’t sweat it! Start small, as I did. First, focus on improving your vlogging and editing skills. Once you’ve undoubtedly improved, then you’ll start to feel more confident about making those expensive purchases. You’ll start to view your upgraded camera kits as investments, which they are!
I am where you are; I am still learning too! As I continue to sharpen my skills, I still dream of things I’d wish to add to my vlogging gear. Check them out below!
I hope you’ve found this article helpful in making some of those financial and personal decisions to start blogging. If you’d like to see some examples of what it looks like to vlog with the beginner camera items from my current kit, check out my YouTube videos here. You can also see some examples of my photography at my Instagram here.
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Hi, guys! I’d love to know what cameras you’re using or thinking of purchasing? What are some of your most important considerations? Feels free to share and perhaps help others, who may also be stuck with making the right decisions. 😊