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10 Best Beginner Cameras 2025 in the UK

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Canon EOS 2000D DSLR Camera and EF-S 18-55 mm f/3.5-5.6 IS II Lens - Black

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,242
Sensor Size
Lens Options
Video Capabilities
Sensor Size
With its APS-C sensor, this camera is more than capable of producing stunning prints at 6000 x 4000 resolution, perfect for large-format prints.
Lens Options
The camera's compatibility with various lenses, especially the recommended 'nifty-fifty', enhances its adaptability for different photography styles.
Video Capabilities
Despite being beginner-friendly, the camera's full HD video capture looks fantastic even on large screens, making it versatile for both photos and videos.

The Canon EOS 2000D DSLR Camera with the EF-S 18-55 mm f/3.5-5.6 IS II Lens is a solid choice for beginners stepping into the world of photography. It features a 24.1 MP APS-C CMOS sensor, which ensures good quality images with decent detail. The included 18-55mm lens provides flexibility for a variety of shots, from landscapes to portraits. The camera supports both automatic and manual controls, allowing new users to start with simplicity and gradually explore more complex settings as their skills improve.

The body and lens together weigh around 0.68 kilograms, making the camera relatively lightweight and portable for everyday use. The optical image stabilization in the lens helps in reducing blur, especially in low-light conditions or handheld shooting. The camera's video capabilities include Full HD video recording, which is adequate for basic video projects and vlogging. Built-in Wi-Fi allows for easy sharing and connectivity, a useful feature for social media enthusiasts.

However, there are some drawbacks to consider. The continuous shooting speed of 3 frames per second may be limiting for capturing fast-moving subjects. The lack of 4K video recording might be a downside for those looking to produce higher-quality videos. Additionally, the camera is not water-resistant, so users need to be cautious in adverse weather conditions. Despite these limitations, the Canon EOS 2000D offers a good balance of ease of use, image quality, and essential features, making it well-suited for beginners wanting to explore DSLR photography.

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,242
Sensor Size
Lens Options
Video Capabilities
Sensor Size
With its APS-C sensor, this camera is more than capable of producing stunning prints at 6000 x 4000 resolution, perfect for large-format prints.
Lens Options
The camera's compatibility with various lenses, especially the recommended 'nifty-fifty', enhances its adaptability for different photography styles.
Video Capabilities
Despite being beginner-friendly, the camera's full HD video capture looks fantastic even on large screens, making it versatile for both photos and videos.
#3

Sony Alpha 7 III | Full-Frame Mirrorless Camera with Sony 28-70 mm f/3.5-5.6 Zoom Lens ( Fast 0.02s AF, 5-axis in-body optical image stabilisation, 4K HLG, Large Battery Capacity )

Rating
9.4
Lens Options
Size and Weight
Video Capabilities
Lens Options
The 28-70mm kit lens is decent for starters, but the real magic happens when paired with better glass.
Size and Weight
While the A7 III is consumer-oriented and cheaper than higher-end models, it still provides portability, durability, and reliability.
Video Capabilities
The camera operates well at high ISO and in low light, with excellent autofocus being a real strong point.

The Sony Alpha 7 III is a feature-rich full-frame mirrorless camera that could be appealing to beginners moving into more advanced photography. It boasts a 24 MP sensor, providing high-quality images, especially in low-light conditions due to its impressive ISO range of 100-51200. The camera comes with a versatile Sony 28-70mm f/3.5-5.6 zoom lens, which is great for everyday use and helps beginners explore different focal lengths.

While the camera supports manual controls, which are crucial for learning and creativity, its advanced features like Real-Time tracking and Eye AF simplify autofocus, making it easier for novice photographers to get sharp images consistently. Additionally, the 5-axis in-body optical image stabilization is beneficial for steady shots, reducing blur due to camera shake. Video enthusiasts will find its 4K HDR movie recording capability appealing, offering professional videomaking options without pixel binning.

The camera is relatively compact and lightweight, weighing 0.65 kg, making it portable for daily activities, though it might feel bulky to some beginners used to smaller cameras. While the product ranks well in mirrorless camera sales and has favorable customer reviews, a downside is its model year of 2018, which could mean missing out on newer technological advancements. Furthermore, beginners should be aware that its full-frame format may require an investment in compatible lenses for specific photography needs. This camera fits well with advanced users, but beginners who are eager to learn and grow with a powerful tool will also benefit, provided they are prepared for the learning curve associated with complex features.

Rating
9.4
Lens Options
Size and Weight
Video Capabilities
Lens Options
The 28-70mm kit lens is decent for starters, but the real magic happens when paired with better glass.
Size and Weight
While the A7 III is consumer-oriented and cheaper than higher-end models, it still provides portability, durability, and reliability.
Video Capabilities
The camera operates well at high ISO and in low light, with excellent autofocus being a real strong point.

Buying Guide for the Best Beginner Cameras

Choosing a beginner camera can be an exciting journey into the world of photography. The right camera will help you capture beautiful moments and develop your skills. When selecting a camera, consider what you want to photograph, whether it's landscapes, portraits, or action shots. Think about how portable you need the camera to be and how much control you want over the settings. Understanding the key specifications will help you make an informed decision that aligns with your photography goals.
Sensor SizeThe sensor size in a camera is crucial because it affects the quality of the images you capture. Larger sensors generally produce better image quality, especially in low light, and offer more depth of field control. Common sensor sizes include full-frame, APS-C, and Micro Four Thirds. Full-frame sensors are larger and provide superior image quality, but they are often found in more expensive and bulkier cameras. APS-C sensors are smaller but still offer excellent quality and are more common in beginner cameras. Micro Four Thirds sensors are even smaller, making the cameras more compact and lightweight, which is great for travel. If you're just starting, an APS-C sensor is a good balance between quality and size.
MegapixelsMegapixels refer to the resolution of the camera's sensor, indicating how many millions of pixels the sensor can capture. More megapixels mean you can print larger photos without losing detail, but they don't necessarily mean better image quality. For most beginners, a camera with 16 to 24 megapixels is more than sufficient. This range allows for high-quality prints and cropping flexibility without overwhelming file sizes. Consider your needs: if you plan to print large photos or crop heavily, aim for the higher end of this range.
Lens OptionsThe ability to change lenses is a significant advantage of many cameras, allowing you to adapt to different photography styles and conditions. Some cameras come with a fixed lens, which can be limiting but also simplifies the learning process. Interchangeable lens cameras, like DSLRs and mirrorless models, offer more flexibility and growth potential. If you want to explore various types of photography, such as macro or telephoto, consider a camera with interchangeable lenses. For those who prefer simplicity, a high-quality fixed lens camera might be the best choice.
Manual ControlsManual controls allow you to adjust settings like shutter speed, aperture, and ISO, giving you more creative control over your photos. Cameras with full manual controls are ideal for learning photography fundamentals and experimenting with different techniques. However, they can be overwhelming for complete beginners. Many beginner cameras offer a mix of automatic and manual modes, which is perfect for gradually learning how to use these settings. If you're eager to learn and experiment, look for a camera with comprehensive manual controls.
Size and WeightThe size and weight of a camera can significantly impact your shooting experience, especially if you plan to carry it around frequently. Smaller, lighter cameras are more portable and less cumbersome, making them ideal for travel and everyday use. However, they might have fewer features or smaller sensors. Larger cameras often offer better ergonomics and more advanced features but can be heavy and bulky. Consider how you plan to use the camera: if portability is a priority, opt for a compact model. If you don't mind the extra weight for better performance, a larger camera might be suitable.
Video CapabilitiesMany beginner cameras also offer video recording capabilities, which can be a great addition if you're interested in capturing moving images. Look for features like resolution (Full HD or 4K), frame rates, and autofocus performance during video recording. Full HD is sufficient for most casual video needs, but 4K offers higher quality and future-proofs your investment. If video is a significant interest, ensure the camera has good video autofocus and stabilization features. Decide based on how much you plan to use the camera for video versus still photography.