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Beginners

Best Digital Cameras for Beginners

94

Sony [Bundle] Cyber-shot DSC-H10 black + Video

Sony [Bundle] Cyber-shot DSC-H10 black + Video bag + 2GB Memory Stick PRO Duo Mark2 + adapter Digital Camera
  • 188 recommend this (90%)
  • 208 reviews from 7 sources
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IN THE REVIEWS BELOW people talk about ease of upkeep, ease of setup, warranty, ease of use
95

Canon EOS 550D

Canon EOS 550D / Rebel T2i Digital Camera with 18-55mm lens
  • 1368 recommend this (98%)
  • 1389 reviews from 14 sources
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95

Canon EOS Digital Rebel XS

Canon EOS Digital Rebel XS / 1000D Digital Camera
  • 1128 recommend this (97%)
  • 1160 reviews from 22 sources
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94

Olympus E-520

Olympus E-520 Digital Camera
  • 221 recommend this (96%)
  • 231 reviews from 11 sources
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93

Canon EOS Digital Rebel XS

Canon EOS Digital Rebel XS / 1000D Body only Digital Camera
  • 772 recommend this (97%)
  • 798 reviews from 8 sources
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88

Canon PowerShot SX210 IS

Canon PowerShot SX210 IS Digital Camera
  • 202 recommend this (81%)
  • 250 reviews from 13 sources
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94

Canon EOS 500D

Canon EOS 500D / Digital Rebel T1i Digital Camera with 18-55mm lens
  • 1070 recommend this (97%)
  • 1108 reviews from 16 sources
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99

Nikon D40 6.1MP Digital SLR Camera

Nikon D40 6.1MP Digital SLR Camera Digital Camera with 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G ED II AF-S DX and 55-200mm f/4.5-5.6G ED ... Lens
  • 448 recommend this (95%)
  • 473 reviews from 1 sources
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95

Canon Digital Rebel XSi

Canon Digital Rebel XSi Digital Camera with EF-S 18-55mm Lens
  • 1770 recommend this (96%)
  • 1846 reviews from 16 sources
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94

Canon EOS 500D

Canon EOS 500D / Digital Rebel T1i Body Only Digital Camera
  • 622 recommend this (95%)
  • 657 reviews from 7 sources
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94

Nikon D90 DX

Nikon D90 DX (Body Only) Digital Camera
  • 1702 recommend this (97%)
  • 1757 reviews from 13 sources
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98

Canon EOS 450D

Canon EOS 450D Digital Camera with 18-55 Lens
  • 1408 recommend this (95%)
  • 1486 reviews from 14 sources
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90

Nikon D3000 10.2 Megapixels SLR

Nikon D3000 10.2 Megapixels SLR Digital Camera with 18-55mm VR & 55-200mm DX VR Lens Kit
  • 523 recommend this (98%)
  • 535 reviews from 9 sources
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94

Nikon D90

Nikon D90 Digital Camera
  • 3612 recommend this (96%)
  • 3753 reviews from 23 sources
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91

Nikon D5000

Nikon D5000 Digital Camera with 18-55mm VR lens
  • 871 recommend this (96%)
  • 906 reviews from 12 sources
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97

Canon EOS 400D Body Only

Canon EOS 400D Body Only Digital Camera
  • 994 recommend this (94%)
  • 1055 reviews from 11 sources
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93

Nikon D5000 Body Only

Nikon D5000 Body Only Digital Camera
  • 517 recommend this (95%)
  • 544 reviews from 11 sources
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99

Canon EOS Rebel XSi

Canon EOS Rebel XSi (Body Only) Digital Camera
  • 721 recommend this (93%)
  • 772 reviews from 6 sources
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95

Nikon D40

Nikon D40 Digital Camera with G-II 18-55mm Lens
  • 2626 recommend this (95%)
  • 2764 reviews from 43 sources
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93

Canon EOS 7D Body only

Canon EOS 7D Body only Digital Camera
  • 1582 recommend this (97%)
  • 1627 reviews from 12 sources
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Read the Wize buying guide ▼
Wize Buying Guide for Beginners


The bells, whistles and overall shininess of today's digital cameras can make a first-time shopping experience overwhelming. But don't worry -- if you focus on your needs and decide what you want out of a camera, you won't feel compelled to understand every whizgig and whirlidad you see.

Pixels are a big selling point for a lot of first-time consumers, but you might not need the highest pixel count you can find. If you're just taking snapshots for 4 x 6 prints, a digital camera with a 3MP pixel count is just fine. On the other hand, if you plan to create 8 x 10 prints or large posters, you'll want a pixel count of at least 5MP.

If you think it might be fun to take extreme close-ups of flowers, insects or similarly small, detailed things, look for a digital camera with a super macro function. Super macro allows you to take detailed images up-close without any blurriness or distortion.

Memory is important, too. Almost all digital cameras have on-board memory in addition to memory card slots. Try to find a camera that takes SD cards, which tend to be more convenient and less expensive than other types of cards.

Price, of course, is a big consideration. While it's true that you can get a digital camera for less than $100, it probably won't offer a good picture quality. Plan on spending at least $150 for a decent beginner's digital camera.


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