Getting the best photos while traveling can sometimes feel impossible. Although smartphones can produce high-quality photos most of the time, having a good camera to travel with is a great investment and can help you achieve the shots that you may not necessarily be able to nab on your smart device. While some cameras can be pricey, here are a few budget-friendly picks that are great for beginner and advanced photographers.
Our Top 16 Picks for Beginner Cameras
- Sony A6000
- NIKON D3500
- Canon EOS 4000D/Rebel T100
- Olympus E-M10 MARK II
- Sony RX100
- Olympus TG-5
- Canon PowerShot ELPH 180
- Panasonic LUMIX DMC-T530
- KODAK PIXPro Astro Zoom AZ421
- Canon PowerShot SX420
- Saneen Digital Camera
- Canon PowerShot ELPH 170
- Panasonic LUMIX FZ80 4K Digital Camera
- Sony DSCW800/B 20.1 MP Digital Camera
- Nikon COOLPIX B500
- Olympus Tough TG-6 Waterproof Camera
Sony A6000
Though DSLR cameras have been all the rave over the last few years, mirrorless cameras are climbing in popularity every day. The Sony A6000 is one of the top mirrorless cameras to choose from. Both compact and lightweight, this camera shoots 11 frames per second and has WiFi connectivity. It performs well in low light and produces pretty high-quality videos and pictures.
NIKON D3500
If you are more interested in a DSLR camera, the Nikon D3500 should be on your list. At nearly eight pounds, this easy-to-use camera lets users get clear, sharp photos every time they take a shot. Ideal for travel, this camera has Bluetooth capability and several other benefits to help those who are just getting started.
Canon EOS 4000D/Rebel T100
Another DSLR camera that is popular amongst beginners and is great for any budget is the Canon EOS 4000D/Rebel T100. Equipped with all of the great things that you want in a DSLR camera— like an optical image stabilizer, WiFi connectivity, and lightweight to travel with — you’ll want to check this camera out when on the hunt for your next pick.
Olympus E-M10 MARK II
Coming in right under the $500 mark, the Olympus E-M10 Mark II is a top choice for beginners. Weighing a little over one pound, this camera is easy to travel with and delivers awesome photo quality. You also get full HD video, image stabilization, WiFi capability, and much more.
Sony RX100
Weighing less than one pound, the Sony RX100 is a heavy-hitter for a cheap price. This ultra slim camera has wide range ISO sensitivity, multi-frame noise reduction, and sweep panorama mode. Offering manual and autofocus, raw image capture, and more, this camera is a great place to start for anyone looking to have beginner’s luck.
Olympus TG-5
Though you may not think of the Olympus brand when you start searching for your first camera, you want to keep the TG-5 in mind when shopping in the near future. Waterproof up to 50 feet, equipped with an anti-fog lens and freezeproof to 14 degrees, these features are just a few of the best qualities that this camera has.
Canon PowerShot ELPH 180
A true steal and deal, the Canon PowerShot ELPH 180 is a sleek, slim, and compact design that will deliver stunning photos with every shot. Shooting 720p HD videos, Smart AUTO chooses the appropriate settings for you and 8x magnification, this under $200 camera is a convenient choice for the beginner.
Panasonic LUMIX DMC-T530
The Panasonic LUMIX DMC-T530 is a great choice to consider for those who need a tough camera. Made for active lifestyles and travelers, this camera is waterproof up to 26 feet, shockproof to five feet, and freezeproof to 14 degrees. It also has an extended built-in memory for when your SD card gets full, an optical image stabilizer, and so much more. A great deal for anyone who wants an effective, yet affordable camera choice.
KODAK PIXPro Astro Zoom AZ421
When you think of a long-lasting, dependable camera brand, Kodak just may be one of the first brands to come to mind. Thus, giving the Kodak PIXPRO Astro Zoom AZ421 a bit of consideration for a beginner camera should just feel right. With clear 16-megapixel close-ups, panorama or HD videos, post-editing features, 42x optical zoom, and more, the PIXPRO has a lot to offer.
Canon PowerShot SX420
Just like the PowerShot ELPH 180, the Canon PowerShot SX420 is a great camera for beginners and a great price, too. Offering up 42x optical zoom and optical image stabilizer, built-in WiFi, HD video, and built-in NFC, it’s no surprise that it’s caught the attention of many beginner photographers.
Saneen Digital Camera
The Saneen Digital Camera is an excellent choice for beginners, offering a range of features that make it easy to capture high-quality images. With a 64MP resolution and 4K video capabilities, this camera delivers sharp, detailed photos and videos. Its user-friendly interface and lightweight design make it ideal for those just starting in photography.
Canon PowerShot ELPH 170
The Canon PowerShot ELPH 170 IS, in eye-catching blue, is a pocket-sized powerhouse that’s perfect for snap-happy shutterbugs. Don’t let its diminutive size fool you – this little gem packs a punch with its 20-megapixel CCD sensor and DIGIC 4+ image processor.
Panasonic LUMIX FZ80 4K Digital Camera
The Panasonic LUMIX FZ80 is an excellent choice for beginners who want more advanced features. This bridge camera offers a powerful 60x optical zoom and 4K video capabilities, making it versatile enough for various photography styles.
Sony DSCW800/B 20.1 MP Digital Camera
Sony DSCW800/B is a compact, affordable option for those in the early stages of their photography journey. With its 20.1MP Super HAD CCD sensor and 5x optical zoom, this camera offers good image quality in a user-friendly package. The Sony DSCW800/B is an excellent choice for beginners who want a reliable, easy-to-use camera for everyday photography.
Nikon COOLPIX B500
Nikon’s COOLPIX B500 is a versatile bridge camera with an outstanding balance of features and ease of use. With its 16MP CMOS sensor and impressive 40x optical zoom, this camera is perfect for beginners who want to explore different types of photography.
Olympus Tough TG-6 Waterproof Camera
For adventurous beginners, the Olympus Tough TG-6 is an excellent choice. This rugged, waterproof camera is designed to withstand harsh conditions while still delivering high-quality images.
