"I recommend this camera to anyone starting their photography journey" – these budget beginner cameras just got cheaper
Start your photography journey for less – get these beginner-friendly mirrorless cameras
Photography can get expensive fast, but your first camera and lens don't have to be.
These three cameras are ideal for learning the ropes and come with a versatile lens perfect for everyday shooting, travel, landscapes, portraits, and more. With these deals, you can save up to £.
The Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV in silver + 14‑42mm f/3.5-5.6 is now just £564.37 on Amazon – you save £334.63 off its £899 RRP.
The Canon EOS R100 + 18-45mm f/4.5-6.3 + 75-300mm f/4.5-6.3 is now just £719 at Wex – you save £100 off its original £819 price.
The Sony A6100 + 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 is now just £639 on Amazon – you save £60 off its £699 RRP.
A stylish Micro Four Thirds mirrorless with a 20.3MP sensor, in-body 5-axis stabilization, and a 180° flip-down touchscreen. It shoots 4K/30P and 15 frames per second in a lightweight, retro-inspired body.
A compact mirrorless camera with a 24.1MP APS-C sensor, guided menus, and Canon's Face+ Tracking autofocus. Lightweight and user-friendly, it's the easiest way into Canon's mirrorless system.
Price Match: £719 at London Camera Exchange, £719 at Park Cameras
A fast, lightweight APS-C mirrorless with 24.2MP resolution, 11 frames per second burst shooting, and Sony's incredible Real-Time Tracking AF (autofocus). It captures crisp 4K video and has a 180° flip-up touchscreen.
Olympus M-D E-M10 Mark IV
Best cheap retro camera
Beautifully designed and packed with modern features, the OM-D E-M10 Mark IV is ideal if you value creativity and classic styling.
Its 20.3MP Micro Four Thirds sensor, paired with 5-axis in-body stabilization, produces remarkably sharp results even when shooting challenging low-light situations handheld.
The tilting touchscreen and tactile dials encourage manual experimentation, and the high range of compatible lenses opens up endless photographic possibilities.
It's a superb choice if you want a lightweight, versatile tool for everyday shooting.
Canon EOS R100
Best cheap beginner camera
If you want a straightforward, capable camera to learn on, the Canon EOS R100 is a fantastic starting point.
Its 24.1MP APS-C sensor delivers crisp, detailed images with pleasing color straight out of the camera, while Canon's Face+ Tracking autofocus helps keep subjects sharp with minimal effort.
The guided menus make it easy to understand exposure settings. It's compact, lightweight, and compatible with Canon's expanding RF lens system – giving you room to explore different genres without overcomplicating your setup.
Please note: If you mainly want to shoot video, the R100 is not the camera for you, as fixed screen and cropped 4K video, limiting flexibility.
Sony A6100
Best cheap travel camera
The Sony A6100 remains one of the most capable APS-C cameras for beginners who want a bit more control.
Its lightning-fast autofocus system tracks subjects effortlessly, while the 11 frames per second continuous shooting makes it great for action, wildlife, or street photography. You get 24.2MP image quality with excellent dynamic range and low-light performance, plus 4K video if you decide to explore motion later.
Its compact build and long-lasting battery make it a brilliant choice for travel or anyone who prefers to stay light on their feet without sacrificing image quality.
Browse the best cheap cameras and the best camera for beginners.
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Kim is a photographer, editor and writer with work published internationally. She holds a Master's degree in Photography and Media and was formerly Technique Editor at Digital Photographer, focusing on the art and science of photography. Kim covers everything from breaking industry news and camera gear to the stories shaping photography today. Blending technical expertise with visual insight, she explores photography's time-honored yet ever-evolving role in culture.
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