The best camera for beginners? You already own it

If you’re just getting into photography, there’s one question that always seems to come up:

“What camera should I buy?”

Here’s the honest answer:
You probably don’t need to buy one. Not yet.

I still use a camera that’s over 8 years old—and it does everything I need it to.

And if you’re just starting out, the best camera you have is probably already in your pocket.
Your phone.

I still use mine often, simply because it’s the most convenient tool I carry. And convenience matters. You’ll take more photos, which means you’ll improve faster.

Before you chase new gear, the real challenge is learning how to make the most out of what you’ve got. Master your phone camera, and you'll be surprised how far you can go.

Here’s what I recommend focusing on first:

📐 Composition – Learn to frame images intentionally
💡 Lighting – Notice how light shapes your subject, mood, and colours
🎨 Editing – Lightroom Mobile (even the free version) is an incredible tool

Lightroom Mobile also lets you shoot in RAW and gives you manual control over ISO, shutter speed, and white balance. That means you can start learning the exposure triangle before ever touching a DSLR or mirrorless camera.

If you spend the next 6 months getting solid with these basics, your growth will be exponential.
And when you do eventually upgrade, you’ll know what to look for—because your choices will be based on skill and experience, not guesswork.

When You’re Ready for a Camera Upgrade, Here Are Some Great Options:

Sony a6000 / a6400 – Compact, reliable, excellent image quality
Sony A7 / A7II – Older full-frame models that still hold up
Canon 70D – Solid and affordable, especially second-hand

At the end of the day, most camera brands are great. What matters more is how well you know your tools—and that knowledge only comes from practice.