13 Best Cameras for Amateur Photographers (June 2026!)

But having considered all the options, I’ve chosen the Sony a6100 as our Top Camera in this category.

At the end of this review, you’ll find some things to think about when choosing the best camera for you. There are many things to consider, but it’s an exciting choice to make.

I’ll never forget the first proper hobby camera I bought. I hope that as we dive into this review, you’ll find yours!

• Sony a6100
• Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV
• Panasonic Lumix DMC-G7
• Canon EOS Rebel T7i / 800D
• Sony ZV-1
• Canon EOS M50 Mark II
• Nikon D3500
• Panasonic Lumix GX85 (GX80)
• Panasonic Lumix FZ80D
• Canon EOS Rebel T100 / 4000D
• Canon EOS M100
• Pentax K-70
• Fujifilm X-T30 II

It’s fair to say that none of these cameras will disappoint. But only if you choose carefully according to what you need. Let’s have a look!

Every professional photographer was once an amateur photographer. And the range of interests and subject matters are almost limitless. So your needs will be unique to you. If I were looking for a great camera to use on holiday, but not yet calling myself a “professional,” I’d choose the Sony a6100. I know that I could rely on it for excellent image quality. I also know it would have controllability if I want to manipulate the exposure. And it’s so compact.

For those who think that their photography might get more serious, then the Canon Rebel T100 is a great pick. The same is true of the Nikon D3500, but it opens the door to the Nikon world instead. And finally, for something compact and mirrorless, then give the Panasonic LUMIX DC-FZ80 a look.

What are your priorities?

This will determine many of your choices. You’ll see from this review that some cameras excel at video recording. If that’s important to you, make it a priority. All these cameras feature built-in Wi-Fi. Other cameras have GPS and Near Field Communication (NFC). How much you want to use these features will have an impact on your choice.

Features to Look Out For

• Connectivity: Look for built-in Wi-Fi, USB, HDMI, Bluetooth, and NFC.
• Expandability: Hot shoe for flash, microphone, and earphone sockets.
• Lens Availability: Interchangeable mounts have different levels of lens availability.
• 4K Video: This is pretty much standard now. But beware that on some cameras, the image will be cropped. The smaller the sensor, the more serious this is. It also cuts down on how wide your wide-angle lenses are.
• Size: Some of these cameras are so compact you will literally carry any and everywhere. They are so compact.

Final Thoughts

That unique set of needs and wishes that you have? That makes choosing a camera exciting. It’s a golden age, really. All of these cameras deliver performance that was undreamed of when I bought my first digital camera 15 years ago.

Choose the camera that doesn’t just meet your needs. But maybe it excites you a bit too. Because of the way it looks or how it handles. Or you might have a particular liking for the way a particular camera manufacturer processes JPEGs. If you love how Sony photos look straight out of the camera, that’s a bonus.

Photography is a wonderful, creative, and enjoyable hobby. Find the camera that excites you the most. If you’re in need of some more inspiration, try our guide on beginner Sony cameras or the best cameras for jewelry photography next!