Best Cheap Camera For Photography Beginners

For photography beginners seeking the best cheap camera, several highly regarded, budget-friendly options stand out in 2025. The Nikon D3500 is widely recommended as the best beginner DSLR due to its affordable price, lightweight build, and intuitive user interface. This camera features a helpful ‘Guide’ mode built into the mode dial, which actively walks new users through the basics of exposure, aperture, and ISO while shooting. The D3500 also offers excellent battery life and great image quality on par with more advanced Nikon models, though it does not include features like 4K video or a flip-out screen. While discontinued, the D3500 remains a top pick if found secondhand^[1].

If you prefer a mirrorless camera, the Canon EOS R100 is noted as an extremely affordable model that introduces you to Canon’s robust lens ecosystem. It’s compact, easy to handle, and includes useful features to support beginners as their skills improve. Another strong mirrorless contender is the Olympus E-M10 Mark IV, praised for its portability and feature-rich design, making it a solid travel companion and a flexible choice for those wanting to experiment with different types of photography^[3].

For those drawn to the tactile experience and aesthetic of film photography, the Kodak Ultra F9 35mm is a standout for its simplicity, automatic settings, and extremely low cost—often under $50. It’s lightweight, pocketable, and the recurring film and processing fees remain minimal. This makes it a go-to for absolute beginners who want a no-frills film camera^[2].

If your primary focus is still photography (versus video) and you want a bit more advanced entry-level DSLR, consider the Nikon D7500. Priced competitively (often under $1,000 with a kit lens), the D7500 offers a rugged build, excellent image quality, fast autofocus, and impressive battery life. It’s particularly good value when paired with Nikon’s versatile F-mount lenses, especially if you buy used^[4].

For those on a tight budget but seeking interchangeability and decent growing room, refurbished or secondhand models of the above cameras are often recommended. Additionally, don’t overlook the initial importance of a decent ‘kit lens’ (usually included), as this ensures you can shoot right out of the box. Buying extra batteries and memory cards is also advisable for uninterrupted learning and practice^[6].

Best Cheap Camera For Photography Beginners

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