Collection: Cameras

The best beginner camera is one that is easy to use and gives much better photos than a phone. A compact camera like the Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark III is simple, pocket-sized and great for everyday shooting. If you want to learn more and change lenses later, an entry-level mirrorless camera like the Fujifilm X-M5 is a good choice.

A mirrorless camera has a larger sensor and interchangeable lenses, so you can switch lenses for portraits, landscapes or sports. A compact camera has a fixed lens and is smaller and simpler, which makes it ideal for travel and daily use. Mirrorless gives more control and growth, while compact gives more convenience.

Sensor size affects image quality, especially in low light. Full-frame sensors are the largest and give the best low-light results, APS-C sensors are smaller but cheaper and lighter, and 1-inch sensors are the smallest of the three but still far better than a phone. Fujifilm X-series cameras use APS-C sensors, while the G7 X III and RX100 VII use 1-inch sensors.

For travel, choose a camera that is light, compact and flexible. The Sony RX100 VII offers a long 24-200mm zoom in a pocket-sized body, and the Canon PowerShot SX740 HS has a very long zoom for distant subjects. The Fujifilm X100VI is a favourite for street and travel photography because of its fixed lens and classic design.

Look for 4K video, reliable autofocus and a flip screen so you can see yourself while filming. The Canon PowerShot V1 is designed around video, the Canon G7 X Mark III is popular for YouTube and live streaming, and the Fujifilm X-M5 is a compact mirrorless option for creators. A microphone input is also useful for better sound.

At minimum, buy a fast memory card and a spare battery. A tripod or tripod grip helps with video, group shots and low-light photos, and a camera bag or case protects your gear. If you shoot a lot of video, an external microphone and a lens cleaning kit are also worth adding.

Most people do not need more than 20 to 26 megapixels. That resolution is plenty for social media, prints and everyday photos. Higher resolution, like the 40MP sensor in the Fujifilm X100VI, helps when you crop heavily or make large prints, but it also creates bigger files that need more storage.