Beginner Camera Buying Guide

A calm, practical starting point for choosing your first camera.

Buying your first camera can feel overwhelming. There are countless options, strong opinions, and no shortage of advice — much of it focused on specs, brand loyalty, or the “best” camera to buy.

This guide is different.

Instead of pushing specific models, this series is designed to help you understand the decisions that matter, so you can choose a camera setup that fits your budget, your goals, and how you actually want to learn photography.

If you’re just getting started — or helping someone who is — you’re in the right place.

How to Use This Guide

You don’t need to read everything at once.

Each article below focuses on one key decision in the camera-buying process. They’re written to stand on their own, but they work best when read in order.

Start at the top, move at your own pace, and come back as questions come up.

The Guide (Ordered List)

1. How Much Should You Spend on Your First Camera?

Setting a realistic budget and understanding what you actually need.

This article helps you think beyond the camera body and understand the full picture — lenses, accessories, storage, and why setting a comfortable budget first makes every other decision easier.

👉 Start here if you’re feeling unsure how much you should spend.

2. DSLR vs Mirrorless: What first-Time Camera Buyers Should Know

Understanding the two main types of cameras available today.

DSLR and mirrorless cameras are both excellent tools for learning photography. This article breaks down the differences in plain language and helps you decide which system makes sense for you — without getting lost in specs.

👉 Read this once you’ve set a budget.

3. Buying a Camera Is Buying an Ecosystem

Why brand choice matters more than most beginners realize.

When you buy a camera, you’re also buying into a system of lenses, accessories, and support. This article explains how ecosystems work, why community matters, and how to choose a system you’ll feel good sticking with.

👉 Especially helpful if you’re deciding between brands.

4. New or Pre-Owned? A Thoughtful Starting Point for Beginners

How to decide whether buying used makes sense for you.

Used camera gear can be a fantastic value — but it comes with questions. This article walks through the pros and cons of buying new vs pre-owned, what to look for, and how to buy with confidence.

👉 A great read before making your purchase.

5. Understanding Sensor Size: Full Frame vs APS-C

What sensor size actually means — and why it matters less than you think.

Sensor size is often overemphasized when beginners are choosing a camera. This article explains Full Frame and APS-C sensors clearly and helps you understand when sensor size matters, and when it doesn’t.

👉 Read this if you’re getting stuck on specs.

There is no “perfect” first camera.

The goal isn’t to get everything right on day one — it’s to choose a setup that feels comfortable, encourages you to shoot, and supports learning over time.

Every photographer starts somewhere. What matters most is getting started.

If you’re still weighing options and want to talk through your choices, I offer 1:1 consultations for people who’d like a second set of eyes before buying. You can reach out through my contact page if that would be helpful.

Once you’ve chosen a camera, my Intro to Photography workshops are a great next step for learning how to use it with confidence.

Feel free to bookmark this page or share it with anyone who’s asked, “What camera should I buy?”

Already bought your camera? Here’s a guide to what comes next.

Last Updated: January 2026