Best Cameras for Amateur Photography and Videography 2017

Best Cameras for Amateur Photography and Videography 2017

August 12, 2017 by Eric White

Nothing captures a moment quite like a good photograph. Today, with the invention and development of smartphone cameras and the evolution of camera technology in general, cameras have become more accessible than ever. Anyone can (and should) try their eye at photographing the world around them! But where to begin?

Lucky for you, Coupon Cause is here to straighten out the clutter and help you make an informed decision on the best camera for beginner photography in 2017. We've also included a couple favorite cameras for amateur videography as well, since the two can hardly be separated. 

Here are our favorite amateur cameras of 2017 in order of price, lowest to highest.

Best Cameras for Amateur Photography and Videography

• Nikon D3300 (MSRP $399): Perhaps the most affordable way to get into DSLR photography for beginners is through the reasonably priced (and surprisingly powerful) Nikon D3300. Boasting 24 megapixels and a photo burst rate of 5 frames per second, the Nikon D3300 has been a heavy hitter in the beginner photography market for nearly 3 years. Like most beginner photography camera kits, the Nikon D3300 comes out of box with a lens included. You can save money on a Nikon D3300 by purchasing with one of our Amazon promo codes.
• GoPro Hero5 (MSRP $399): Our favorite camera for amateur videography is definitely the GoPro Hero5. Heck, it's even the favorite of many professional videographers as well! And for good reason. The GoPro Hero5 is built to last and to provide high resolution, distinct looking photos and videos along the way. The GoPro Hero5 has a built-in waterproof casing, can shoot beautiful 4K video and can also shoot at an incredibly slow 120 fps, though at a lower resolution. Whether you're an action videographer looking for a new angle or just a casual photographer capturing your biggest moments, the quality of images from and the durability of the GoPro Hero5 will not disappoint.
• Canon Rebel SL1 (MSRP $499): Not the only Canon camera for beginner photography we'll mention on this list, but certainly the cheapest, the Canon Rebel SL1 is a solid choice for amateurs looking to get their feet wet. The Canon Rebel SL1 has 18 megapixels and shoots 1080p video at 30 frames per second. This is essentially a watered down version of another camera in the Canon Rebel line that we'll talk about further down this list.
• DJI OSMO (MSRP $499): What can be said about the DJI OSMO for both professional and amateur videography besides... AWESOME. This compact video camera is one of the most powerful and affordable tools on the market. With in-body camera stabilization and a smooth, fast-acting gimbal, your shots from the DJI OSMO will look so buttery you'll wonder where the biscuits are. For an extra $150, you can have the biscuits too. $649 will get you the DJI OSMO+ and allow you to shoot in beautifully cinematic 4K. Best Buy coupons can help you save money today on this favorite beginner video camera.
• Sony A58 (MSRP $599): Sony photo and video cameras are quickly becoming the industry standard for their bar-setting lowlight performance and innovative compact design. If a videographer has this camera along with one of the best monitors for editing video and photo to work on, it's possible to create a really stellar final product. The Sony A58, with 20 megapixels and 1080p video at 30 frames per second, is one of the best cameras for amateur photographers available right now. Getting into the Sony line early is a good idea if you plan to stick with one brand and progress up the camera gear hierarchy. Like many of the amateurs photography cameras on this list, a lens is included in the shipping price. 
• Canon T6i (MSRP $699): Canon has been the industry leader for some time now and that's not for little reason. The Canon T6i is one of the best amateur photography and videography cameras available with 24 megapixels, an articulating screen for those awkward situations and of course, that beautiful Canon color profile that professionals have come to love. The Canon T6i is on the higher end of our amateur photography list but you won't regret the extra money spent. Our Target promo codes can help you save on this excellent entry-level DSLR camera.
• Fuji X-T10 (MSRP $699): The Fuji X-T10 is somewhat of a freak on this list, boasting an outrageous 49-point autofocus that should make any beginner photographer salivate. This camera is a workhorse in lowlight situations too, with an ISO range of 100-51200! That's two times higher than the next highest cameras on our list: the T6i, Rebel SL1 and D3300 all at 25600.
• Smartphones: Of course, today it's hard to beat the accessibility and quality that higher end smartphones like the iPhone 7 and Google Pixel feature. Smartphones have become an amateur photographers favorite camera and they fit right in your pocket. No touristy neck straps necessary! If you can't afford one of our picks for best cameras for amateur photography and videography, then simply get one of the best smartphones of 2017.

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