Best camera for beginners in India
Buy a Canon R50 if photos come first and a Sony ZV-E10 if video comes first. Both are small, simple APS-C cameras with flip screens. Whichever you choose, keep some money for one better lens.
A first camera should be easy to carry so that you actually take it out. Weight, a screen you can flip around and a lens system you can grow into matter more than the highest number on the spec sheet.
Canon EOS R50Photos first · from ₹66,350
Sony ZV-E10Video first · from ₹56,990
Sony A6400Has a viewfinder · from ₹82,990
Nikon Z50 IIBigger grip · from ₹83,995How the beginner cameras compare
| Canon EOS R50 | Sony ZV-E10 | Sony A6400 | Nikon Z50 II | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sensor | APS-C | APS-C | APS-C | APS-C |
| Mount | RF | E | E | Z |
| Card slots | 1 (SD) | 1 (SD) | 1 (SD) | 1 (SD) |
| Battery | LP-E17 | NP-FW50 | NP-FW50 | EN-EL25a |
| Burst | 12 fps | 11 fps | 11 fps | 11 fps |
| 4K 60p | No | No | No | Yes |
| Weight | 375g | 343g | 403g | 550g |
| Flip screen | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Lowest local price | ₹66,350 | ₹56,990 | ₹82,990 | ₹83,995 |
Canon R50. Light at 375g, with a viewfinder and a flip screen. Canon's RF 50mm f/1.8 is a low-cost way to get blurred backgrounds.
Sony ZV-E10. Light at 343g and has a flip screen, a microphone terminal and a headphone terminal. Sony's spec list shows no viewfinder, so you frame on the screen. Sunlight can make that hard, so try it outdoors before you buy.
Sony A6400. Has an electronic viewfinder, which helps in harsh light, and uses the same lens mount as the ZV-E10.
Nikon Z50 II. The heaviest at 550g, with the strongest video specs here at 4K 60p. Pick it if you have bigger hands or want a more serious body.
What matters less than you think
Megapixels. Almost every camera here has more than you need for a phone screen or a print on your wall.
Top burst speed. Unless you plan to shoot sports, you will not use it often.
Lots of accessories. You do not need a big bag of filters and gadgets on day one.
What to buy with the camera
- One better lens after the kit lens. Start with a lens guide for your camera so you know which one.
- A V30 SD card. It is the right speed for these cameras.
- A spare battery. Compact mirrorless bodies use small batteries.
What to avoid
Avoid buying full-frame as a beginner. The bodies are heavier, the lenses cost much more, and you will not see the benefit until you know what you want from a photo. See the best camera under 1 lakh for what a little more money can get you.
If you are not sure what you will shoot, the Canon R50 and ZV-E10 compared lays out the differences.
Before you buy
Tell the shop you are a beginner and what you want to photograph. A good seller will start from your subject and your budget, and show you two options side by side. Hold them both. Ask how to reach the store later, because you will have questions in your first month.
Talk to the shop before you pay
These are camera stores in India, with the price and stock from their own websites. Pick one you can phone, ask your question, then decide.
Sony ZV-E10
Your message is written for you. Press send in WhatsApp, come back, and tap again for the next store.
Out of stock at a store? Most can arrange it quickly. Call or WhatsApp to ask.
Canon EOS R50
Out of stock at a store? Most can arrange it quickly. Call or WhatsApp to ask.
Stores change prices often, so confirm on the store's page. See every store we track.
Where the specs come from
These are the manufacturer pages behind the specs here. How we check them.
Read next
Best camera under 1 lakh in IndiaFour good bodies at this budget, and the one question that picks between them.
Best lens for the Canon R50The R50 is small and light. Choose lenses that keep it that way.
Best lens for the Sony ZV-E10The ZV-E10 is a video camera first, so wide and light beats long and heavy.