How to choose a camera for a beginning photographer

The photographer's work is extraordinary and interesting. It requires special knowledge and skills. However, the most important thing for a beginner is to choose the right camera. Before you start filming, you should figure out what equipment you need to purchase for the job. What technical parameters should you pay attention to and what features should the necessary equipment have? Let's find out!

Characteristics important for a beginner

To choose one or another device, you need to familiarize yourself with the basic features of most models needed by a novice photographer. These include the following.

Manual settings

This function is considered very important. The settings should be simple and within easy reach so that an inexperienced person does not spend hours searching for them. The most primitive budget options do not have the ability to manually configure basic parameters.

Background blur feature

This is not just a special effect or a photographer's trick. This is a real artistic technique that allows you to highlight the main object in the image. The ability to shoot with a blurred background should be in the arsenal of even a novice specialist.This function depends on the size of the matrix, the larger they are, the better. However, high resolution affects the cost. DSLR and mirrorless models are equipped with a photo sensor of good quality and suitable size.

Lens

Of course, any camera is equipped with a lens, but here we are talking about interchangeable options. Modern system cameras - mirrorless cameras - have the ability to independently select this part for work and install it. By and large, the quality of photography depends 50% on the lens. This applies to both DSLR and mirrorless devices.

The main advantage of interchangeable elements is that you can choose the part for a specific shoot. This is very convenient, especially for beginners who have not yet mastered all the intricacies of the profession.

What type of camera to choose

Next on the list is which type of device will be optimal.

There are three types of cameras:

• professional;
• semi-professional;
• amateur.

The first option is absolutely not necessary for a novice master. Of course, its many features contribute to creating the perfect image. Nevertheless, it is the criterion in question that is a double-edged sword. On the one hand, the miracle device is already equipped with all the necessary functions, on the other hand, it will be impossible to use them without special skills. Simply put, a novice master will not even be able to activate all the settings, let alone use them.

As for semi-professional models, it all depends on the level of the photographer. Most of these devices, like their professional counterparts, are designed for experienced photographers. Therefore, many beginners will find it extremely difficult to understand them.

The best option would be a DSLR camera for amateurs. The quality of her photographs, if you do not need to print large-sized photos onto posters and banners, is no worse than semi-professional ones. Therefore, there is no doubt that this is the best solution. Moreover, amateur DSLRs are easy to operate. The matrix size in mid-price segment models is the same. In the category of such equipment there is also a premium class, which is practically not inferior to the most expensive products.

Is it worth buying an expensive model right away?

Having weighed all the pros and cons, the conclusion suggests itself. There is no need to buy expensive equipment. In addition, an inexperienced specialist can ruin pictures by setting it up incorrectly.

On the contrary, professional photographers recommend purchasing models from last season and the season before last. They argue that, in most cases, the latest variants are not much different from their predecessors. The price difference between the models of the new and previous collections is likely to be significant.

The best cameras for beginners

Taking into account all of the above factors, as well as based on reviews from professionals, we can safely recommend three models of devices that are ideal for beginning photographers.

Canon EOS 650D

This is the best option from the Japanese transnational company Canon, a leader in the production of photographic equipment. It is ideal for amateurs and inexperienced professionals. This version is equipped with a touch screen, by the way, the first among mirror models.

Advantages Canon EOS 650 D:

• high speed;
• the ability to take five frames per second;
• Precise autofocus allows you to focus on the subject very quickly;
• rotating touch screen;
• the presence of artistic filters that allow you to create additional effects;
• microphone jack on the outside;
• excellent picture quality even in bad weather conditions.

Nikon D5200

Nikon is considered another undisputed leader in the production of photographic equipment. This Japanese brand produces cameras and lenses. Its 5200 model is one of the best DSLRs for beginners.

DPReview.

Advantages:

• high quality materials and functional characteristics - allow you to take excellent pictures;
• simple and accessible control;
• uninterrupted operation of automation;
• perfect autofocus system;
• presence of a rotating display;
• clear and convenient menu on the screen;
• the presence of a programmable DOF button - it is this that allows you to see sharp areas before the image is taken;
• small body;
• the presence of functions that allow you to process images.

Nikon D 3400

The device is equipped with a high-quality AF-P DX Nikkor 18–55mm lens. The camera is characterized by simple, but very convenient controls. In addition to the auto mode, this unique device is equipped with a training function for amateurs.

The most significant advantages:

• as in professional models, there is an automatic mode for insuring movements in the frame - even if the person being filmed moves, this will not be reflected in the image;
• a matrix with an expansion of 24.2 megapixels allows you to take sharp and clear pictures;
• built-in optical stabilization will prevent the frame from blurring, even if the photographer’s hands are shaking - micro-blurring can also occur from vibrations of the camera itself, so this function is simply irreplaceable;
• autofocus is silent during video recording;
• the ability to use interchangeable lenses;
• compact size;
• resource to take up to 740 frames without recharging;
• function of transferring photos to a tablet or smartphone.

Having analyzed all the recommendations, I would like to summarize: A beginner photographer does not need to buy an expensive professional camera. At first, you can get by with a good amateur camera. This will save time and money.