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Smartphone cameras are amazing little picture poppers, but they still can’t quite compete with the versatility and quality of a DSLR or mirrorless camera. Moving into the hobbyist photographer world can be a little intimidating if you don’t know all the technical terms, but we’ve put together a list of gear designed to help eager amateurs get started. Just choose a camera, consider a second lens, then peruse our picks for tripods, flashes, and equipment protection.
Best entry-level DSLR Canon Rebel T7 with EF-S 18-55mm lens A safe pick for first-time DSLR users, the affordable but highly functional Rebel T7 is a great way to learn your way around a camera that isn’t a phone. It has a complete set of manual controls along with an auto mode that identifies scenes and subjects and picks settings for you. Plus, it’s compatible with both EF and EF-S lenses—meaning there’s loads of glass to choose from when you’re ready to grow—and comes with a versatile EF-S 18-55mm lens to get you started.
$649.00 on Amazon $649.99 at Best Buy Story continues below advertisement Best DSLR lens for beginners Canon EF-S 18-135mm Lens It’s longer and heavier than the standard lenses that come with most entry-level DSLRs, but this all-arounder really opens up opportuniti.