While it can be tempting to go all-out and buy a DSLR or top-spec mirrorless camera off the bat, a selection of lenses for different effects, lighting equipment, and more, a less expensive route to go down is to purchase an entry-level camera. By going for a lower-spec and more affordable option first, you can learn the basics of photography and also find out where your particular interests lie, whether this is shooting live events, landscapes, portraits, or something else.  By finding this out first and taking the time to learn, you can make a more informed decision later on about purchasing the best camera and kit for you.  Below, you can find ZDNet’s top choices for beginner cameras in 2022.  Must read:

The best vlogging camerasThe best camerasThe best DSLR cameraThe best webcamsThe best camera phonesThe best security camerasThe best camera accessories

A good entry-level DSLRBundled with case, strap, and memory storage Canon EF-S 18-55mm lens

Currently on sale at Walmart is a Canon bundle that has everything a new photographer needs. This offer stands out for its value for money: $629.99 gets you a Canon EOS 250D DSLR camera (also known as a Rebel SL3), an 18 - 55mm lens, a battery pack and charger, neck strap, creative filter set, camera bag, a cleaning kit, and a 64GB storage card.  The camera itself is a lightweight, versatile DSLR containing a 24.1MP CMOS sensor and a DIGIC 8 image processor, and an optical viewfinder. You can shoot video in up to 4K. Pros:

Excellent value for moneyA complete kit with bag, memory card, and more

Cons:

You will want to pick up another lens or two

16MP Live CMOS sensor14 - 42mm lens (f/3.5-5.6) 4K UHD video capture

The Panasonic Lumix G7 mirrorless camera is a popular device that has been compared to some of the best mid-range DSLRs on the market. If you want a high-grade camera as a beginner and are also interested in streaming or videography, the Lumix G7 is a solid option. The camera comes with a 16MP Live CMOS sensor, Wi-Fi connectivity, and Venus Engine 9 image processor. The G7 is capable of shooting at 8fps (AF & ISO 25600), or 4K UHD video at 30/24fps.  Pros:

PortableCrisp, quality imagesTouchscreen

Cons:

Limited range lens (14 - 42mm)

Affordable Travel-friendly40x zoom

For years, the Nikon COOLPIX range has been known for being entry-level, user-friendly cameras.  As a beginner in the photography world, you could do worse than opt for one, such as the Nikon Red COOLPIX B500, a small point-and-shoot camera that will introduce you slowly to some of the foundations of photography. This camera comes with a 16-megapixel CMOS sensor, a 40x zoom (extendable, but be wary of potential image degradation), Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, and vibration reduction. There’s also a handy remote control function via a mobile app. Pros:

A great option for novice and beginner photographersInbuilt zoom

Cons:

Basic functionality and image qualityLimited storage - you will need to buy a memory card

20.1MP CMOS sensorFull HD video captureBundle includes kit, bag, memory card

Currently on sale at Walmart with a hefty discount is the Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-RX100 III. This camera is equipped with a 20.1MP Exmor CMOS sensor, a BIONZ X image processor, viewfinder, Wi-Fi connectivity, and a speedy 24 - 70mm f/1.8-2.8 lens. The bundle also includes a carry case, a spare battery, 64 GB memory card and reader, a wrist strap, and cleaning products.  Pros:

Powerful lens for a compactModern pop-up viewfinder

Cons:

Not the best option for low-light photographyLCD screen

18 - 55mm and 70 - 300mm lens pack24.2MP DX-Format CMOS sensor Full HD 1080p video recording at 60fps

The Nikon D3500 is a DSLR for photographers who want to learn more and have progressed beyond the basics of compact designs and point-and-shoot cameras.  This entry-level DSLR comes with a 24.2MP DX-Format CMOS sensor, EXPEED 4 image processor, Bluetooth connectivity, strong video capture function, and is capable of 5fps image capture with an ISO range of 100-25600. As a bonus, you are given two lenses: an 18 - 55mm and a 70 - 300mm telephoto lens. The vendor has also included a Guide mode, useful for learning as you shoot and raising your photography to the next level. Pros:

Two lenses includedIn-camera special effects

Cons:

LCD screenNot the cheapest option for beginners

My first camera was a basic Olympus point-and-shoot, and while it was very limited, I was able to take it backpacking and it was the best hands-on education I could have wanted in learning the basics of photography.  I’ve since moved on to a Canon and professional-grade kit, but at the start, all you need is a camera with enough functionality to make you explore features, including depth of field, ISO, lighting, and framing. When we chose these products, functionality and affordability were first in our minds. 

Aperture: A camera’s aperture lets light in and its size is recorded with f-stops or f-numbers. Shutter speed: The shutter speed determines how long a camera’s sensor is exposed to light (exposure time). Generally, you want higher shutter speeds for motion/action photography. ISO: ISOs can be set to change how sensitive your camera is to light. A higher ISO is for higher sensitivity, and a low ISO setting reduces sensitivity. Exposure: Exposure is how much light reaches a camera sensor.Bokeh: Bokeh is the blurry background effect you often see in professional photos. This can be achieved with lenses or during the editing process. Depth of field: Depth of field is the distance between the closest and furthest objects that are still sharp. You can change this by tweaking your aperture settings or by switching lenses. Burst: Burst modes are used to simultaneously capture images in quick succession. You could use this mode to capture a bride walking down the aisle, for example, but there may be a subsequent delay in shooting as they are processed. RAW: RAW is a file format – like JPG or PNG – which photographers often prefer. Images are not compressed and so these source images save a lot of information. During editing, the more information, the better. Noise: Noise is the term used to describe distortion in images that can appear as specks or grain.

AdobeShutterfly guidesYouTube: photography basics in 10 minutesYouTube: photography mistakes to avoid, and how to solve themUdemy beginner courses and masterclasses

Other alternatives worth considering are below.