It doesn’t matter what level you are: a beginner, an intermediate, or a professional. Buying the best camera for needs might vary from individual to individual because of different types of users. Let’s see what type you are.
We always get stuck when there are many options available for a particular product, be it a camera or any other thing in the world. Since our topic is a camera, it’ll be a crime to think of other things, lol. Let’s don’t waste time and see how we can easily find the best camera for our requirements.
Before I walk you through my ‘camera buying guide,’ I want to help you identify your type
Learners: Who are learners?
Everything starts from learning. If you’re at the first step of camera learning, you’re most likely to fall in this category. I also put those people in this category who are taking one step further from a smartphone’s camera to a digital camera. Therefore, I had to pick some affordable cameras yet advanced in this section. You can easily develop your skills from these entry-level digital cameras.
Enthusiast: Who are enthusiast camera users?
Enthusiasts are those who might already have their cameras and be searching for a better one. Since these types are curious, they generally want to upgrade. If you belong to this section, I have some of the best cameras for you in this guide.
Vlogging: Who falls in this category?
For those who travel and love vlogging—whether it is for their personal use or Youtube, I’ve picked some traveling digital cameras. With these cameras, you will be able to capture whatever you see around. You can hang them wherever you want and post them wherever you want. They won’t disappoint you.
Point and shoot: Who are these types?
Something that doesn’t require manual settings. Yes, it is for those who want everything to be automatic. If you think you’re the type, you probably want a simple point-and-shoot camera. In this category, I’ve included some affordable yet powerful enough to handle heavy tasks too. These cameras can be used by your whole family as well, be it a kid or grandpa of your family.
Action Camera: What does that mean?
Everyone wants to be Akshay Kumar or any other action hero. In other words, so much action and adventure in someone’s life. These types generally look for tiny cameras to use on a helmet, surfboard, handlebar, or other similar things. The type requires just a press of a button to start functioning, such as start and stop recording.
Professional: Are you a pro or turning pro?
These digital cameras are high-end and usually expensive cameras, as they offer advanced features and technologies. If you are from this category, I have some high-tech cameras for you yet affordable.
Once you figure your type out, it’s time to answer some more questions – which I want you to ask yourself
Your purpose: What is your purpose?
If you’re interested in making your career through photography, you need a DSLR camera or mirrorless camera. If you do, it must be your hobby. Since it is your hobby, you need a general-purpose camera as long as you want it for photography. On the contrary, if you want it for filmmaking or vlogging, you will need a video-orientated mirrorless camera.
Your skill level: Who good are you at photography?
Let’s say you’re an entry-level or still learning how to operate a camera; any entry-level DLSR or mirrorless camera will work. It is because of their interchangeable lenses; moreover, manual controls to improve your skills. However, if you want it to be simple without getting into technicalities, a point-and-shoot camera will be good enough.
Budget: How much do you want to spend?
Since We’re Indians, spending money on something becomes very important. Therefore, I advise you guys don’t buy any unnecessary camera until you need it or pay for the features you don’t require. Once you know your budget, read my camera buying guide that includes all types of digital cameras.
Now, I am 100% sure that you know your type and what type of camera you want; let me simplify this guide.
- point and shoot camera
- camera for beginners
- camera for kids
- cameras for vlogging
- waterproof camera
- bridge camera
- mirrorless camera
- DSLR
- professional camera
- DSLR vs. mirrorless cameras
- 4K camera for filmmaking
1. Nikon D3500 – For Learners
Simple, nice-looking, and affordable
Highlights:
- DLSR Type
- 24.2 Megapixels, (6,000 x 4,000)px image size
- Nikon F Lens mount
- 3-inch fixed, 921,000 dots screen
- Optical Viewfinder
- Full HD Video Resolution (max)
- APS-C Sensor
- Best for Beginners
Pros & Cons:
What I like:
- Excellent design, ergonomics feel
- Image quality is incredible
- Easy controls
- Continuous shooting up to 5fps
- It is affordable, value for money
I don’t like:
- It has a fixed rear screen.
Overview:
The Nikon D3500 has been my all-time favorite camera for the beginners category. Even though it is a DLSR camera, its simplicity and controls can surprise you. Moreover, Its image quality is unbeatable for the price. It is equipped with a 24-megapixel camera to deliver high-quality and sharp images.
I like its AF-P retracting kit lens for super-fast focus in live view. You don’t need to use autofocus or on-sensor phase-detection. Considering all the advanced features and easy controls, the D3500 is my top recommendation for learners. However, I wish it had an adjustable rear screen and 4K video shoot capability. Other than that, It is powerful and offers so many features.
2. Fujifilm X-S10 – For Enthusiast
Get ready all Enthusiasts to have fun with this Fujifilm’s x-S10. It’s a pro-level digital camera that can give your photography a boost.
Highlights:
- Mirrorless type
- APS-C sensor
- 26.1 Megapixels
- Fujifilm X lens mount
- 3-inch touchscreen
- EVF 2,360k Viewfinder
- Continuous shooting speed up to 30/8fps
- 4K Video resolution
Pros & Cons:
What I like:
- Its touchscreen
- Fantastic design and build quality
- Perfect image stabilisation
What I don’t:
- It doesn’t support 4K 60p.
Overview:
The Fujifilm X-S10 is my favorite pick for all enthusiasts photographers. Unlike most expensive models, it has more controls to offer. When you hold the X-S10 in your hand, you’ll feel the real build quality of it. I love the fact that it has a vari-angle rear screen, making it better than the X-T30.
Moreover, its in-body stabilization (IBIS) is quite appealing that improves the camera’s overall quality. However, I am a little bit disappointed with its conventional mode dial.
So without a doubt, I recommend Fujifilm X-S10 to people who want to take their photography experience to the next level.
3. Sony A6400 – For Traveler & Vlogger
If you’re a vlogger, the Sony A6400 is waiting for you. It allows 4k video shooting and offers a front-facing screen.
Highlights:
- Mirrorless type
- APS-C sensor
- 24.2 megapixels
- Sony E Lens mount
- 3-inch touchscreen
- Electronic Viewfinder
- Continuous shooting speed up to 11fps
- 4K video resolution
Pros & Cons:
What I like:
- Its High resolution
- Color reproduction capability
- 180-degree screen
- Image quality
- Real-time eye AF and tracking
What I don’t:
- Its design.
Overview:
The Sony A6400 has been my crush when it comes to vlogging. I am in love with the camera because of its ability to shoot video single-handed. It is all possible as it has a front-facing screen taking the photography experience to the next level. Other features, such as real-time eye AF, real-time tracking, autofocus system, complement its overall performance.
When it comes to video, the Sony A6400 can shoot UltraHD video at 30ftps (format XAVCS ~ 100Mbps) or 1080p video at 120fps in the XAVC format at up to 100Mbps. Its HDMI output lets you connect external recorders to it.
So The Sony A6400 is my top pick for traveling and vlogging. It has everything that a vlogger would need for an affordable price.
4. Panasonic TZ200/ZS200 – For Point & Shoot
It’s time to target users who want their cameras to be used by the whole family. They need nothing but simple point-and-shoot cameras. If you’re one of them, you should be looking at a camera that is versatile and can handle all types of situations.
Highlights:
- Compact type
- 1-inch sensor size
- 20.1 Megapixels
- 3 inches fixed touchscreen
- 4K Video resolution
- Continuous shooting up to 10fps
- f/3.3-6.4 (26-390mm) Lens
Pros & Cons:
What I like:
- Its 1-inch sensor
- Zoom capability up to 15x
- Its manual controls
- UltraHD recording
I don’t like:
- A bit expensive
Overview:
I picked the Panasonic TZ200 model for the point-and-shoot category because of its interchangeable lens, either DSLR or mirrorless. The type always works for professional photography. With a 1-inch sensor and a capability of 15x zoom, you can imagine how better the picture quality it would deliver.
One of the best advantages of these point-and-shoot cameras is they’re very compact and tiny, easily slide into a pocket. However, the TZ200 is not a cheap option; it is an expensive camera because of its versatility.
So the Panasonic TZ200 is my top pick and recommendation to the point-and-shoot camera category.
5. Go Pro Hero9 Black – For Actions & Adventures
The Go Pro Hero9 is for those who don’t want to be at home. You guessed it right; I am talking about travelers who record their adventures while traveling.
Highlights:
- 4K video shoot up to 60fps
- FullHD up to 240fps
- 20 Megapixels
- Waterproof up to 10m
- 1 to 3 hours of battery life
- 5K video capability up to 30fps
- Lightweight (158g)
Pros & Cons:
What I like:
- Its front-facing screen
- Bigger rear display
- Its image stabilization
- Super easy to use
What I don’t:
- Batteries backward-compatibility
Overview:
The GoPro Hero 9 deserves first place when it comes to action cameras. If there is lots of action in your life, you must have GoPro in your pocket. Can you imagine a camera shooting videos at 5K resolution from its front-facing screen? Of course, you can and enjoy the same with Gopro hero 9.
Another thing to notice is its new sensor allowing you to shoot photos at 20MP resolution. However, there is only 14.7 megapixels for shooting 5K videos at 30fps. I also like the fact that it has a wide 2.27-inch display, which is larger than the previous GoPro Hero8.
So I recommend the GoPro Hero 9 to people looking for the ultimate action camera for an affordable price.
6. Canon EOS R5 – For Pro
The last camera on the list is for pro-level users. The EOS R5 is one of the high-end cameras available on the market, designed for users who have great photography skills. If you belong to the category, you’re most welcome.
Highlights:
- Mirrorless type
- Full Frame CMOS sensor
- 45 megapixels
- 3.15 inches touchscreen (2,100k dots)
- Continuous shooting speeds up to 12fps (mechanical)
- Electronic shutter up to 20fps
- 0.5 inch OLED EVF Viewfinder
- 8K max video resolution
Pros & Cons:
What I like:
- Its image quality
- The capability of shooting 8K
- Its autofocus
- Amazing burst
I don’t like:
- Recording limitations over 8K
Overview:
The EOS R5 is one of the top mirrorless cameras on the market these days. Being a flagship camera, it has many advanced features to take your photography skills to the next level. Its image quality production using a brand-new 45MP sensor is outstanding and unbeatable. The EOS features the new frame grab function to snatch high-resolution from any 8K (8,192 x 4,320) footage.
The R5 can capture 8K video at up to 30fps in HDR PQ (H.265). Besides, you’ll be able to capture 4K Raw video at up to 120fps (119.88fps). When you use it for the first time, you’ll see the real difference. However, it is expensive and has some recording limitations.
If your budget allows, I’d advise you to go for the Canon EOS R5. Its performance is amazing and unmatched for the competition.