With so many cameras, lenses, and accessories on the market, it’s tough to know where to start. Whether you’re fresh out of school or ready to turn your hobby into a career, choosing the right gear can be a real roadblock.
We’re here to sort out the “must-haves” from gimmicky gadgets with a breakdown of essential photography gear. Find out what equipment beginners actually need, and get valuable insights from real photographers.
Did You Know?
One of the most essential parts of your photography toolkit doesn’t fit in a camera bag. Camera equipment insurance is a financial safety net, designed to cover repairs and replacements if your gear gets damaged or stolen.
Start Here: What Equipment Do You Need to Become a Photographer?
Your beginner photography equipment doesn’t necessarily have to be the most expensive stuff on the market — you just need gear that works for you. Let’s dig into the ins and outs of the photography equipment every budding shutterbug needs.
Best Beginner Cameras
Your first big decision is choosing the right camera. There are several types to choose from, and it all depends on your preference, style, and the kind of photography you specialize in. You have three models to choose from: DSLR, mirrorless, and film.
DSLR
A DSLR (digital single lens reflex) camera uses a small mirror. When you look through the camera’s viewfinder, the mirror reflects the picture from the lens to your eye.
Pros and Cons of DSLR
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
|
The optical viewfinder provides zero lag and works well in bright light |
Bulkier and heavier than mirrorless makes it less travel-friendly |
|
Long battery life per charge for more photos and videos to capture |
Live-view/video autofocus is slower and noisier |
|
Has numerous lenses and other accessories |
DSLRs are on the decline with fewer new bodies/lenses as the industry shifts to mirrorless |
Common Models
- Pentax KF | Best for Outdoor Photography | $596
- Dustproof and weather-resistant to avoid damage from the elements
- Wireless connections for smartphone operations
- Shake-reduction to minimize blurry photos
- Canon EOS Rebel T8i | Best for Videos and Versatility | $1,549
- Wi-Fi and Bluetooth technology for connecting to other devices
- 4K-quality resolutions for enhanced pictures and videos
- 3-inch touch screen for easier displays and operations
- Nikon D3500 | Best for True Beginners Learning Photography Basics | $370
- Lasting battery life that allows you to take approximately 1,500 photos
- Guide mode that offers step-by-step instructions on camera usage
- Bluetooth 4.1 specification for easy smartphone connections
Mirrorless
A mirrorless camera allows you to view your picture on a small LED screen on the back of the camera. Most DSLR cameras have LED screens to view your photos, too.
Pros and Cons of Mirrorless
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
|
Smaller, lighter bodies make them more travel-friendly |
Shorter battery life than DSLRs |
|
On-sensor AF provides fast eye/face detection and works effectively for video |
The electronic viewfinder can lag/black out in low light |
|
What You See Is What You Get (WYSIWYG) experience |
Native lenses can be pricier/limited availability depending on the mount |
Common Models
- Canon EOS R10 | Best for Action Shots | $949
- Movie Servo Autofocus offers subject detection for faster snapshots
- Reliable tech for recording videos over 30 minutes
- Change mounts for Canon RF-S, RF, EF, and EF-S for more angles
- Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV | Best for Portability | $799
- Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capabilities for easy file-sharing
- 4K Ultra HD video quality for better resolutions
- 16 art filters to make your photos pop
- Fujifilm X-M5 | Best for Capturing Photos and Videos | $799
- Easy-to-use tools on the LED screen for making videos
- Autofocus tools that detect numerous moving subjects (birds, cars, and insects)
- An attachable cooling fan so you can keep making videos uninterrupted
Take it from a photographer: “A Canon R7 (mirrorless) performs really well for a starter camera and is more budget-friendly than some more advanced models. As photographers, we usually stay within our brand unless we make an all-out switch to something else. I have only known Canon for the whole time that I've been doing photography” — Ben Bluhm, Wildlife Photographer
Film
This camera captures and stores photos using film rolls instead of memory cards. Once the roll is full, you either develop it in a darkroom or take it to a professional developer to process and print your snapshots.
Pros and Cons of Mirrorless
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
|
Distinct aesthetic creates organic grain and smooth highlight roll-off |
Ongoing cost per shot for film, processing, scanning, etc. |
|
Many models don’t require a battery or power element |
No instant review and requires a slower, more manual workflow |
|
Physical negatives for long-term archiving |
Light sensitivity is fixed for the whole roll, and changing mid-roll is cumbersome |
Take it from a photographer: “My film camera is a Canon AE-1. Film cameras are relatively cheap, especially second-hand, since many of them are vintage. I think I only paid $120 for mine a few years ago. They’re a pretty common model, so there are tons of tutorials online (blogs and videos) that you can learn from. I love getting film developed and the feel of something more hands-on and nostalgic” — Brianna Hale, Hobby Photographer
All About the Lenses
Lenses have different focal lengths (8 to 5,000+ millimeters) to zoom in on far-away objects or to focus on close subjects. They allow you to capture pro-level images and create stunning visual effects without using digital edits.
The right lenses can make a big difference in the quality of your photographs. Take a look at this quick list of lenses and why they work for different styles of photography.
| Your Photography Industry | Lens Type | Why They Work |
|---|---|---|
|
Real estate |
Wide-angle (14–24mm or 16–35mm); Tilt-shift (17mm, 24mm) |
Wide-angle lenses can capture full rooms and make spaces look larger. The tilt-shift corrects distortion so walls don’t appear to lean. |
|
Photojournalism |
24–70mm; 70–200mm; 35mm prime |
Photojournalists work in unpredictable environments.
24-70mm is great for close-ups. 70–200mm is ideal for long-distance photos. 35mm prime works for lowlight and candid moments. |
|
Nature |
Telephoto (100–400mm, 200–600mm); Macro (100mm) |
Nature photographers need a longer reach. Telephoto lenses photograph animals without disturbing them. Macro lenses are ideal for plant, insect, and texture closeups. |
|
Studios |
50mm prime; 85mm prime; 24–70mm |
Ideal for controlled environments. Prime lenses give sharpness. 24-70mm is ideal for product, fashion, or group shots. |
|
Landscape |
Ultra-wide (14–24mm, 16–35mm); 24–70mm |
Ultra-wide lenses capture sweeping scenes, dramatic skies, and foregrounds. 24-70mm lenses are versatile for tighter compositions, details, and less distortion. |
Pro Tip
Explore how to turn your special interest into a career with our blogs on how to become a real estate photographer and how to break into photojournalism.
Beyond The Camera: Other Must-Have Photography Equipment
If you ask 10 photographers what they can’t live without during photoshoots, you’d get 10 different answers.
While everybody’s needs differ, knowing what tools are available is important. We’ve compiled this photography equipment list for beginners so you can judge what’s most important for you.
Essentials
- Sturdy tripod/mini tripod
- Extra batteries + dual charger (or USB power bank)
- Fast, reliable memory cards (plus a USB-C card reader)
Light and Control
- On-camera flash or small speedlight
- 5-in-1 reflector (white/silver/gold/black/diffuser)
- Polarizing filter + ND filter (variable or fixed)
Stability and Handling
- Comfortable strap or sling; optional hand/peak clip
- Remote shutter release (wired or wireless)
- Gimbals; ground pod or bean bag pod; chestpod or beltpod
Protection and Maintenance
- Padded bag with rain cover
- Rocket blower, lens cloths, lens cleaning solution
- Weather cover for body/lens (cheap plastic works in a pinch)
Data and Workflow
- Portable SSD cards for (2x if you follow the 3-2-1 rule)
- Laptop/tablet for culling/tethering (optional tether cable)
- Color checker/gray card (for accurate white balance)
Nice-to-Haves
- External light meter (studio/film); Headlamp or clip light for night setup
- Small LED panel with stand/cold shoe
- Gaffer tape, multitool, spare quick-release plate
Pro Tip
Tap into your network for advice on finding the best photography equipment for beginners. Connect with other pros near you and around the world through photography associations and social media.
Budget Tips: How to Shop Smart and Avoid Gear Regret
Cameras and other photography equipment can be pricey, so hunting for bargains and secondhand steals is an excellent option when first starting out. You can find excellent deals online via sites like:
- KEH Camera
- MPB
- Marketplace
- eBay
- Amazon
Some sellers and retailers even offer bundles for a reduced price. Look for options that include a camera and lenses, or snag a beginner kit that includes camera bodies, memory cards, batteries, and a tripod.
Just remember, it’s not a deal if you don’t need it to begin with! Stick with the items you’ll actually use, and avoid the extras until you’re ready to level up.
Did You Know?
If you start a photography business or become a freelancer, photography insurance only costs $12 a month for year-round protection.
Build Your Beginner Photography Kit: 3 Sample Starter Setups
There’s no one-size-fits-all method to building your photography kit. Your needs will vary, so it’s essential to do your homework. Check out online customer reviews and speak to a few photographers in your network about their gear choices and recommendations.
If retailers allow it, test out a few cameras to see what works best for you. If you’re unsure where to start, check out this quick photography equipment list for beginners based on your style and needs:
| Style | Budget | Camera | Lens | Accessories |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Hobby Shooter |
<$500 |
Canon T7 |
18-55mm |
Tripod, SD Card |
|
Aspiring Pro |
<$1,000 |
Sony a6000 |
50mm Prime |
Bag, Cleaning Kit |
|
Hybrid Photo and Video |
~$1,200 |
Canon M50 Mark II |
15-45mm |
Mic, Tripod |
Take it from a photographer: “I would balance your ideal camera against interest and budget. The kind of camera that you'd want to photograph wildlife with is different than what you'd want for landscapes or astrophotography, for example. Pay attention to how well the camera performs in low light, its megapixel quality, ISO levels, relative to how much you have to spend on a camera body” — Ben Bluhm, Wildlife Photographer
Check out our tips for beginner photographers guide and improve your skillset with tried and true tricks of the trade.
Are you interested in leveling up from a beginner to a paid professional? We have some in-depth how-to guides and blogs to help you get started:
FAQs About The Best Equipment for Beginner Photographers
Do Beginner Photographers Need Insurance for Their Gear?
Absolutely! If you start a photography business or become a freelancer, camera equipment insurance is a must-have. If your gear is damaged during or en route to a photoshoot, this coverage can cover the repair or replacement fees so you don’t have to pay out of pocket.
Should I Buy New or Used Photography Gear?
Both new and used photography gear work well for beginners and pros. The key is finding high-quality equipment that meets your needs and your budget. Sellers like KEH, MPB, eBay, Amazon, or the Facebook marketplace offer affordable gear without sacrificing quality.
