If you’re ready to start your content creator journey but are unsure what camera to get, you’ve come to the right place. Choosing a beginner camera can be intimidating, with so many choices flooding the market.
The good news is that you do not need to break the bank to start making money as a digital nomad. All of the cameras on this list are under $1000 and packed with advanced features. The best camera for beginners is one that will fit your needs.
Let’s dive in and look at the best cameras for beginners in 2022.
1. Canon G7X Mark II
Great for beginner vloggers and aspiring content creators.
With its compact design and notable image qualities, it’s easy to see why the Canon G7 X Mark II is a favourite among beginner content creators. Many popular YouTubers start with a G7 X. Its sleek design includes a tilting LCD touch screen, which is excellent for taking selfies or vloggers who need to see their shots as they record. The lens’s manual control ring also provides quick access to camera settings.
Capture stunning footage with the 20.1 MP 1″ CMOS sensor and integrated DIGIC 7 image processor, providing crisp, clear images with an impressively wide dynamic range. Built-in Wi-FI (NFC) allows you to upload your content directly to a mobile device effortlessly.
The Camera Connect app turns any smartphone into a wireless controller, expanding the capabilities of this beginner camera. Content creators will enjoy time-saving features like the ability to preview and make RAW file adjustments on screen. With so many options, it’s easy to see why the G7 X Mark II is one of the best cameras for beginners.
Key Features / Specs
- Image Resolution: 1 Inch CMOS, 20.1 MP
- Video Resolution: 1080p Full HD
- Aperture: f/1.8-2.8 with 4.2x optical zoom
- Focus Type: Auto Focus
- Other Features: RAW+JPEG, built-in WiFi, auto-focus.
2. Canon EOS Rebel SL3 DLSR Camera
Perfect camera to learn photography and videography.
The Canon EOS Rebel SL3 DSLR strikes the perfect balance between portability and capability. It’s currently the smallest EOS DSLR camera, making it an excellent choice for content creators who are on the go. Its integrated vari-angle touch screen is great for composing and reviewing your shots. You can also tap anywhere on the screen, and the camera will automatically focus on the selected location.
Creating amazing content is easy with the 24.1 MP CMOS (APC-C) sensor, which records beautiful 4K video. The DIGIC 8 image processor will help you capture sharp and lifelike images in any lighting condition. With WiFi and Bluetooth capability, content creators will like the ability to transfer files wirelessly or share them on social media.
The Canon EOS Rebel SL3 DSLR functionality and reliability make it an exceptional camera for beginners. The fast and accurate Dual Pixel CMOS AF ensures that the subject is always focused. In this mode, the EOS Rebel SL3 uses eye detection technology to automatically determine where to focus based on eye movements. Another standout feature is Creative Assist, which helps you find the desired image style.
Key Features / Specs
- Image Resolution: APS-C CMOS, 24.1 MP
- Video Resolution: 4K Video
- Aperture: Varies with lens selection
- Focus Type: 9 Point auto-focus system
- Other Features: Optical viewfinder, WiFi and Bluetooth compatible, Eye detection AF.
3. Canon G7 X Mark III
Has G7 X Mark II options with the addition of 4K and external audio support.
Retaining the sleek and functional design of the Canon G7 X Mark II, the Mark III builds on the success of its predecessor. The Canon G7 X Mark III is equipped to live stream directly within the camera, allowing you to quickly view your content with the tilting LCD touch screen. Shoot in vertical mode and create epic Instagram or Tik Tok content without the need to crop the frame later in post-production.
The 1″ CMOS sensor records vivid and dynamic 20.1 MP images and 4K video. One big difference between the Mark II and the Mark III is the ability to use an external mic. Previously, this was not an option, and it enhances the capabilities of this camera in any environment.
The Canon G7 X Mark III is well-rounded and loaded with features that make it a fantastic camera for beginners. Wirelessly upload your content to a mobile device using the Camera Connect app, which can also turn any smartphone into a wireless controller. Content creators will appreciate all of the beloved attributes from the G series that have been further expanded on in this latest iteration.
Key Features / Specs
- Image Resolution: 1 Inch CMOS, 20.1 MP
- Video Resolution: 4K at 30 Fps
- Aperture: f/1.8-2.8 with 4.2x optical zoom
- Focus Type: Auto Focus
- Other Features: RAW+JPEG, built-in WiFi, auto-focus, live streaming.
4. Sony ZV-1 Digital Camera
Impressive camera control settings and autofocus system.
The Sony ZV-1 digital camera was designed with content creators in mind. The side flip screen and directional 3-capsule microphone are optimized for front-facing recording. Vloggers will appreciate the Product Showcase settings that create smooth and focused transitions between the subject and objects brought into the frame. The Soft Skin Effect in the ZV-1 optimizes skin tones and can be used to soften and smooth the face.
Record outstanding footage with the 20.1 MP 1″ Exmor RD CMOS sensor. The BIONZ X image processor allows for improved speed and continuous shooting up to 24 fps. Easily isolate a subject or record in low-light conditions with the large aperture ZEISS Vario-Sonnar T* 24-70mm lens. Are you looking to achieve the desired Bokeh effect? With the Background Defocus Switch, the look is achieved in seconds.
Like many of the cameras for beginners listed here, the Sony ZV-1 features built-in Bluetooth and WiFi for quick file transfers. Using Sony’s Smart Remote Control app, turn any phone into a controller for shutter control and view images live.
Key Features / Specs
- Image Resolution: 1 Inch CMOS, 20.1 MP
- Video Resolution: UHD 4K at 30/24 Fps
- Aperture: f/1.8-2.8
- Focus Type: 315 phase detection-point auto focus
- Other Features: Video still captures, external audio support, anti-distortion electronic shutter, live streaming.
5. Canon EOS M50 Mirrorless Video Creator Kit
Excellent choice for vloggers with the ability to interchange lenses.
Starting out as a content creator can be overwhelming, so Canon created the EOS M50 Mirrorless Video Creator Kit. It has everything you need to get started, including an EF-M 15-45mm lens, Rode VideoMicGO microphone, and a SanDisk Ultra memory card. A huge benefit of the EOS M50 is the interchangeable lenses, increasing its functionality for different shooting scenarios.
The 24.1 MP APS-C CMOS sensor and DIGIC 8 image processor work in tandem to achieve optimal performance for images and videos. In addition to incredible image quality, it records in UHD 4K at 23.98 fps or full HD 1080p and 720p. View your content live on the large 3-inch vari-angle touch screen, which is great for quick AF adjustments utilizing Touch and Drag.
This beginner camera kit is a great choice to start your career as a content creator Creators will love the fast and improved Dual Pixel autofocus system that ensures you never miss a moment. The included Rode microphone is excellent for vloggers who need clear audio in any setting.
Key Features / Specs
- Image Resolution: APS-C CMOS, 24.1 MP
- Video Resolution: UHD 4K at 30/24 Fps
- Aperture: f/3.5-6.3 (With included lens)
- Focus Type: Dual Pixel CMOS Autofocus
- Other Features: Video still capture, external audio support, anti-distortion electronic shutter, live streaming.
How to Make Money With Your Beginner Camera
I hope this guide made choosing the perfect beginner camera less stressful. Interested in content creation but don’t know where to start? Check out my brand new 10 Day Creator Challenge here!
Let’s get lost in the next one!
This guide links some of my favourite products and services to use as a content creator. I have partnered with these companies and earn a small fee from each purchase at no additional cost to you.