It is that time of year again, where I get asked left and right about what camera gear should be gifted to the photographer in your life! Well, this year, I have finally decided to compile a list of the gear that I personally have used and personally would recommend to the beginner photographer in my life. I will preface this with, I am a Canon user and only a Canon user. If you are familiar with any other brands (Nikon, Sony etc) those are still reputable companies, I just am not familiar with them. I know that they make relatively similar models to the Canon gear I will be explaining below. So, feel free to compare the gear recommended here, with the Nikon version for convenience. Every model explained below is gear that I have personally owned and used.
If you’re just looking for the link to scroll through my recommended gear on your own, here’s the LINK!
I will also be rating each camera on a 1-5 scale from 1 being a beginner friendly camera to 5 being more professional equipment.
Canon Power ShoT series
Okay, first up is the Canon PowerShot. This was my very first camera (outside of owning an original Polaroid- “Closeup” film camera, the iconic 90s Polaroid I-Zone Pocket Camera and a few smaller digital cameras that I probably have laying around somewhere in a storage bin). This is the closest model that I could find to the version that I had. I ended up giving this camera away to a friend once I upgraded and wish that I hadn’t because this bad boy was a powerhouse (now I understand the name!).
Lightweight, very versatile with learning the features of the camera. Macro mode features, a collapsible zoom, sport, manual mode and a pop up flash attached. Now you won’t be photographing weddings with this, but it does capture portraits and details pretty well. I don’t remember how well the sport mode was, but TV will help you capture faster subjects. This camera is compact and lightweight. Great for the child in your life, interested in photography and you’re wanting to invest in something a little more durable than a lightweight point and shoot like this Canon PowerShot model.
RATING: 1-2 out of 5 (beginner photographer camera)
Price: $200-$300+
Links: Canon PowerShot, Canon PowerShot SX
Canon PowerShot G7x Mark III
Now, this camera is something that I just purchased at the end of 2022. I wanted something lightweight, that held it’s charge and was easy to whip out for family functions or day to day activities. It was starting to get harder and harder to pack my full frame camera (explained below) because of the extra space it was taking up. Plus, my wedding photography camera required me to attach additional lenses to it before using and with three kids running around, that just didn’t make sense to do anymore. So, I invested in this newer and upgraded Canon PowerShot and boy and I so happy that I did! The self-timer and adjustable screen features are wonderful for family photos on a whim and it’s lightweight and so compact that packing it is a no brainer.
This is my go to camera bag for this camera and port to offload files directly to my iPhone from the memory card!
RATING: 2-3 out of 5 (has features to use it in Manual model, which are for a more advanced photographer. You don’t have to know what you’re doing to use this camera though. The auto features work wonderfully.)
Price: $850-$900
Link: Canon PowerShot G7X
Canon Rebel Series
Specifically, I really started my photography journey with the Canon Rebel XSi and then shortly after upgraded to the Canon Rebel T6. This camera was the true start to my photography journey. I had many of cameras before this purchase, but this camera was what I used as I started my professional career.
This camera is an EOS CROP SENSOR (22x15mm) camera which means you are limited with your focal range. It’s a wonderful starter camera. Most Canon Rebels come with a kit lens (the 18-55mm lens) which is wonderful to start out and learn on but this lens isn’t going to make you the big bucks. The best advice that I got when I first started out from a professional photographer was to invest in the lenses first, and then invest in the camera body.
RATING: 3 out of 5
Price: $350 (I would recommend an upgraded Rebel series model than the T6 because this model is a little dated. Try the T7i or T8i)
Links: Canon Rebel T6i, Canon Rebel T7i, Canon Rebel T8i
Canon 5d Mark iii
This was the first camera that I purchased to start my professional wedding photography career. This camera is a powerhouse and at one time was my go to camera, before mirrorless cameras were the rave. This Canon 5D is a FULL FRAME camera (36x24mm), meaning that the sensor doesn’t compromise your final image. Nothing is compressed and the format that the files are taken in, can be blown up at their largest and still be reviewed as crisp and clear.
This is a great camera body if you’re looking to capture photographs more professionally. The larger sensor allows more light to enter, allowing you to capture photographs in lower light situations. Overall, this is a great “next step” camera to purchase if you’re looking to upgrade from your crop sensor camera.
The price below does not include any lenses for this camera. A couple that I recommend and will further explain in another post are a few Prime lenses the Sigma 35mm, Sigma 50mm and the Canon 24-70mm.
RATING: 4-5 out of 5
Price: $1500
Link: Canon 5D Mark iii
Canon R6/r Mirrorless series
I could rave about the Canon R6 mirrorless camera all day! This is currently the camera that I use professionally in my business. This camera is so lightweight compared to the 5D Markiii and the live view feature is incredible. It makes photographing events a breeze because you can see the adjustments on the live screen/view finder as you’re making them. When the lighting changes, you are able to quickly adjust when shooting in manual mode vs having to review the file to check the lighting. This camera operates insanely in low-light scenarios and is a wonderful camera all around. The only “flaw” I have with it, is you need to purchase an adaptor for your lenses to attach to the body (luckily they’re only $200) unless you decide to purchase the R series lenses.
For the price listed below, this camera also only comes with just the camera body only. Normally, you would upgrade to this camera body after already purchasing a few lenses of your choice making those lenses compatible with this camera body (with the adaptor) so the transition is pretty smooth. It will cost a bit more to upgrade, but so worth it!
The mirrorless feature is wonderful, because you don’t have to worry about the delay in the shutter or lint collecting. Although I don’t use it for video, this camera is really great to capture cinematography too.
RATING: 5 out of 5
Price: $2000
BONUS: Fujifilm INSTAX 300 Photo Instant Camera
I LOVE THIS INSTAX CAMERA! The images are wide so they really give that nostalgic feel of the old Polaroids. I get so many questions about this nifty little camera and try to remember to bring it to me on shoots because who doesn’t want a little instant keepsake from their session? This one specifically comes with film which is a bonus and the camera bag. I 100% recommend getting the camera bag, because these are so easy to just toss around and if you rough it up too much, this will break - so get the bag!
Price: $190
A few final notes:
The Canon R6 is my top choice in camera body, but if you’re looking to upgrade from your T7i crop sensor camera and looking to invest in a full frame camera, then a used or new 5D Mark iii will do you good. The best advice (that I received and can offer) is to invest in some high quality lenses before stressing over the camera body. This can go a long way in your photography, even if you’re just shooting on a crop sensor camera for now.
Quick Links: This Canon “nifty” 50mm is a good upgrade to start
This Canon 35mm or Sigma 35mm are great for professional photography
Did you enjoy this? Want to know some must have lenses?
Sharing another post to this series soon on the lenses that I suggest for beginners and professionals! Check back, or sign up for my newsletter to stay updated!