If you're new to photography you're probably wondering.... What do all these random numbers mean, why did I choose such an expensive hobby and what camera should I get for starters? To get yourself rolling without breaking the bank there are a few things to keep in mind. As well as your DSLR, your lens is also an important variable. Countless reviews are made about every lens, including *sharpness tests (always check sharpness), aberrations and more. Second, be sure to remember that camera gear has solid resale value! So if you want to upgrade your gear in the future, take care of it! Because in a year when you're looking to find a higher quality camera you can cash out on your assets and ease the financial burden of leveling up. That includes watching your cameras shutter count as you go.
So without further ado, in no particular order, here are our 5 choices for starter cameras:
1. Sony A6000 Mirrorless Camera
Get creative with Sony's powerful A6000. Lightweight, fits in your pocket, solid mega pixels... what more could you want? This stylish little camera is a great option for about $600 with a stock 16-50mm lens. It's a portable and powerful setup you can always keep on hand. And with a screen that folds out you can be discrete to capture those candid moments.
Technical information
24 Mega Pixels
APS-C (23.5 x 15.6 mm) Sensor
11 fps Continuous Shooting
3" inch screen
Weighs 344g
Uses Sony E-Mount Lenses
2. Canon EOS Rebel SL2 DSLR Camera
This is the lightweight, easy to use, option from Canon has a solid 24 mega pixels and the powerful Duel Pixel CMOS Auto Focus. Syncs up to your phone with Wi-Fi®, NFC and Bluetooth® connectivity so you can create and upload on the spot! With a LCD screen that flips out and touch screen capabilities you can easily create vlogs and capture interesting angles. About $600USD gets you a body and 18-55mm stock lens.
Technical information
24.4 Mega Pixels
APS-C (23.5 x 15.6 mm ) Sensor
5 fps Continuous Shooting
3" inch LCD with touch screen and flip out capabilities
Weighs 406g
Duel Pixel CMOS Auto Focus
3. Nikon D7200
Nikon D7200 comes fully loaded with easy access buttons for all your features, great low light capabilities and strong auto focus. 6 FPS with up to 100 shots of continuous buffer, 24.2 mega pixels, DX sensor, 765g (1.6lb), and loaded with all those glorious in camera Nikon features. Definitely an amazing camera to start out on for the price. Nikon has tons of cheap and cheerful lenses to use in combination with this camera as well. Body comes in for about $625 USD online.
Technical information
24.2 mega pixels
6 fps Continuous Shooting
Weighs 765g
51 pt auto focus
full HD 1080p video (though the video auto focus isn't the best)
4. Pentax K-50
The follow up to the Pentax K-30 the Pentax K-50 this is a perfect starter camera. With a solid 16 megapixels, continuous 6 fps, improved processing speed, and completely weather sealed you're ready to face the elements. With up to 120 variations for color styles you can fit the camera to your personality. Coming in at $270USD for the body, the weather seal and setting adjustment at your finger tips makes it already worth while. Built in SR (in body image stabilization) will help you keep that ISO down with handheld photos.
Technical information
16 megapixels
APS-C (23.7 x 15.7 mm) Sensor
6 fps continuous shooting
build in SR (image stabilization)
Weather Sealed
Weighs 650g (1.43lbs)
5. Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark II
A stylish mirrorless system from the Olympus OM-D series, this camera has the feel of a vintage film camera. With a magnesium alloy body, textured hand grip and pronounced thumb grip it feels solid to hold and shoot with. High ISO capabilities up to 25600 works in collaboration with the TruePic VII Processor. Built in image stabilization for both stills and video. Strong auto focus using the Olympus FAST (Frequent Acceleration Sensor Technology) system.
Technical information
16 megapixels
Micro Four Thirds sensor
8.5fps continuous shooting
5 axis image stabilization
Weighs 342g
