The current TikTok trend of a person filming themself taking selfies with a digital camera goes to show that technology trends are as cyclical as fashion! If it has you wondering whether digital cameras are even worth anything outside of TikTok, you should check out our other article on the subject.
Regardless of whether this is just a passing moment of nostalgia or it’s here to stay, it got us thinking… if it’s been a while (or a decade!) since you picked up a digital camera, what are the best models out there in 2024? Whether you’re looking for a simple point and shoot camera, a compact digital camera or something a little more advanced), we’ve got you covered.
The best Canon digital camera for beginners
Most professional photographers have a camera brand they’re loyal to, and while we aren’t here to play favourites, it goes without saying that Canon is up there with the most popular. For amateur photographers looking for a Canon that won’t break the bank, the Canon EOS Rebel T7 / EOS 2000D is widely regarded as a great DSLR option.
The main benefit of a DSLR camera is that you can add additional lenses to the camera, meaning it has versatility that other cameras with a built-in lens don’t. This is important if you want to dabble in a variety of photography styles, for example portraits vs travel photography.
This particular DSLR has a 24-megapixel sensor, can shoot HD video and is perfect for landscape photography without having to invest in additional lenses. While it has less bells and whistle than some of the more upmarket Canon digital cameras, sometimes when you’re starting out with photography, fewer settings will be less overwhelming. As well as being pretty straightforward to use, it has a solid battery life, so you can take your time perfecting your skills. Available for anywhere between AUD$600 and $700 (depending on where you get it) it’s definitely a quality option for a relatively inexpensive price.
The best Sony digital camera for beginners
If you fancy yourself more of a Sony person than Canon, never fear – there’s an option out there for you too! The Sony A6100 is perfect for someone wanting to vlog or take selfies with a touchscreen that rotates 180-degrees.
It also records 4K video, so is a step up for any creators used to working with a smartphone but is still pretty much a point and shoot camera experience. Like the Canon, it’s 24-megapixels and starts at about AUD$750 online and climbing. It’s not a new camera (which accounts for the variety of sale prices you’ll find online) but it’s stood the test of time and does the job nicely.
If you’re looking for a fun and inexpensive digital camera…
If, like many TikTokkers, you’re looking for a digital camera that celebrates the Paris Hilton-esque era that was the noughties, you might like to try one of two bright pink or blue digital cameras from Vivitar.
The Vivitar VX054 Digital Camera Pink has 10.1 megapixels, 4x digital zoom and LED light – which makes it super easy to use for amateur photographers. Keep in mind that the iPhone 15 has a 24 megapixel camera, so the quality of images might be a little lower than you’re used to, but it is only $39 at Officeworks, so for a cheap digital camera you can’t really go wrong.
If you like this general vibe, but want slightly higher quality snaps, then the Vivtar VS126 16.1 HD Digital Camera Pink has 16.1 megapixels, 4x zoom and an 2.4″ preview screen so you can check the quality of your work. It also has a self-timer setting (which is great for group photos if a selfie won’t cut it and SD card support, so you aren’t limited with space). This one is also available for around $85 from Officeworks.
The best compact digital camera
Compact digital cameras are perfect for anyone wanting to travel light – whether that’s holidaying or having your camera on you without the hassle of a larger piece of equipment. There are plenty on the market and it really depends on what you want to use the camera for, but if you’re looking for something compact that’s a good all-rounder (and also fairly wallet-friendly by camera standards), the Panasonic Lumix ZS80/TZ90 should be on your radar.
It’s a mirrorless camera (which means it’s lighter and smaller than a DSLR) and can shoot 4K video, has 15x zoom and autofocus, and 20 megapixels, making it a great point and shoot camera option too. It’ll cost you just upwards of AUD $1,000 and unless you’re looking for something more customisable, you really can’t go wrong.
