The options facing today’s photography students are overwhelming. Should you use DSLR cameras? What about mirrorless? Or are point-and-shoot cameras smarter for beginners?
Questions may abound but choosing the right camera for photography students doesn’t have to be tough. That’s why we’re highlighting the five best photography-student cameras. So, you can quickly research, choose the right tool, and start doing what you do best: take photos!
Canon EOS RP 26.2MP Mirrorless Digital Camera w/ RF 24-105mm F4-7.1 IS STM Lens
()
The Canon EOS RP 2.62 megapixel mirrorless camera blends portability with precision, making it the perfect camera for students practicing on campus and on the go. This powerful camera is packed with impressive features including an ISO range of 100 to 40,000. It also has continuous shooting at up to 5 frames per second—great for action shots like wildlife and sports.
The 26.2 megapixel sensor guarantees photos will look great printed and on the 1.04m-dot vari-angle touchscreen LCD monitor. Focus—a key for guaranteeing crisp shots—is also easier than ever with the built-in 4,779 selectable phase-detection points for reliable autofocus. Photography students hoping to dabble into videography will also enjoy UHD 4K video functionality at up to 24 frames per second. Not to mention, its HD 1080p at 60fps for those smooth, slow-motion shots.
Sony Alpha a7 III 24MP UHD 4K Mirrorless Camera with FE 28-70mm Lens
()
Expect efficiency and ease of use with the Sony Alpha A7III 24 megapixel mirrorless camera, a dream tool for budding photographers. This camera features continuous shooting up to 10 frames per second, with low-light sensitivity thanks to an ISO range up to ISO 51,200. With the A7III’s autofocus functionality, photographers can expect clear images with an AF-ON button for quick activation. And, photographers who prefer manual focus will enjoy the built-in focus-peaking feature.
The Sony A7III is just as much a photographer’s camera as it is a videographer’s, which means students can experiment with both crafts. Features like 4K video at up to 30fps, S-Log3 and S-Log2 gamma curves for color grading, and numerous movie-recording functions make the A7III a go-to for everything from wedding to documentary films.
Nikon Z6 FX-Format Mirrorless Camera Body
()
The Nikon Z6 is an all-in-one mirrorless camera that’s well-suited for aspiring photographers and students. This lightweight powerhouse works as well in the studio as it does in the field. It’s brimming with impressive features, from the ISO sensitivity range of 100 to 51,200 to the 24-megapixel images captured at up to 12 frames per second.
Autofocus is another area where the Nikon Z6 shines. It features near-silent AF with speedy lens-to-camera communication, while focus peaking gives manual focusers a guardrail for perfecting that shot. Add the camera’s 3.2-inch tilting touchscreen—a godsend for sunny shoots or creative angles—and it’s hard to beat the Nikon Z6 for photography. Plus, with 4K at 60p and 10-bit HDR video, the Nikon Z6 is highly praised among videographers too.
Fujifilm X-T3 Mirrorless Camera with XF 18-55mm f/2.8-4 R LM OIS Lens
()
The Fujifilm X-T3 mirrorless camera really impresses with a host of fan-favorite features like 4K video at 60p, a 26.1-megapixel sensor, an auto ISO range starting at 160, and the retro look the Fujifilm X series is known for. Students will enjoy the camera’s improved autofocus technology with 2.16M phase detection pixels for focusing and face tracking detection. This one is great for wedding photography, photojournalism, and just about everything in between.
Image quality, with a 26.1MP sensor and low ISO of 160 for bokeh, make this a great choice for new and seasoned photographers. The stellar videography additions also make it great for hybrid creatives interested in filmmaking. The camera boasts 4K at 60p, with a 4:2:2 HDMI output. It also has a 10-bit color depth and a lightweight design for easy carrying around campus.
Panasonic Lumix G9 Mirrorless Camera Body
()
For photography students fully dedicated to the craft—and ready to try their hand at commercial work—it’s tough to match the Panasonic Lumix G9 mirrorless camera. This powerful tool features a mind-blowing 80-megapixel sensor in high-resolution mode. Of course, photographers won’t always need a massive 80MP photo… That’s when the camera’s 20.3-megapixel sensor comes into play.
The Lumix G9 captures dazzling images, especially with the high-speed AF technology, including a joystick controller to smoothly transition between focus areas. It also has a new focus detection area with 225 points (up from the conventional 49). Pair AF features with the 3,680-dot OLED live viewfinder and photographers can rest assured each shot will be sharp. Other features like night mode and built-in image stabilization make this camera a force within the photography and filmmaking worlds.
Cameras are an essential first step to getting that photography dream in motion. For more photography tools, don’t miss our guide on the best photo-editing software to take your craft and content to the next level.
Students: Join Adorama’s Creators GearUp for exclusive discounts!
Our exclusive college student discount program is designed to help you get the gear you need for your studies, creative passions, and everything in between! To unlock your savings, sign up now and verify your student status with SheerID.
