Last Updated on August 30, 2023 by Sharon Advik
The demand for photographers is always present in various genres, such as weddings, portraits, fashion, etc.
But when it comes to taking outdoor photos, it’s comparatively tricky yet rewarding at the same time.
I knew the long-term advantage of being an outdoor photographer.
Hence, I took a leap of faith and started my career in this genre.
It allowed me to explore and experience beautiful natural environments and the potential to create stunning and unique photographs.
For all this to happen ideally, I needed the best starter camera for outdoor photography.
And, in this limited journey, below are my top 6 picks.
Which is the Best Starter Camera for Outdoor Photography?
Here are my recommended top 7 Best Starter Camera for Outdoor Photography:-
Sony A6600: (Best Starter Camera for Outdoor Photography)
Sony has been a solid competitor for outdoor photography.
Even though its earlier models didn’t attract me much, the A6600 is the best starter camera for outdoor photography.
I’ve used the 6000 series before, and it had issues like battery life and poor autofocus.
But with this one, covering an outdoor wedding was a wonderful experience.
It is an impressive camera, from a long-lasting battery to an advanced autofocus system.
Features:
- Model: Sony A6600
- Effective Megapixel: 24.2 MP
- ISO range: 100-32000 (expandable to 102400)
- Image sensor: 23.5 x 15.6 mm (APS-C CMOS )
- Shutter speeds: 1/4000
- Storage: SD/SDHC/SDXC and Memory Stick Pro Duo
- LCD: 3-inch tilting LCD
- Dimension: 120 x 67 x 69 mm
- Weight: 503g
ISO / Shutter Speed:
For outdoor photography using this camera, I recommend using a low ISO, like 200, to avoid introducing noise into the image.
Shutter speed will depend on the specific scene and desired effect.
You can use a fast shutter speed of 1/1000s to freeze motion, while a slower shutter speed intentionally blurs motion.
As my event was, a daylight wedding shoot at a lower ISO was ideal.
Aperture / Depth of Field:
The Sony A6600 has a maximum aperture of f/3.5 for the kit lens, which is a standard aperture for outdoor photography, although for better control of depth of field, a lens with a wider aperture such as f/2.8 or f/1.8 would be great.
White Balance / Frame Rate:
This camera offers several options for white balance, including auto white balance and Preset white balance mode.
These preset options can match the scene’s lighting conditions and produce accurate colors.
For frame rate, it has a continuous shooting mode that allows you to take multiple photos quickly, up to 11 fps.
Why is this camera the best?
The camera’s autofocus ability is exceptional.
It outperforms the efficiency of the full-frame A7RII that I borrowed from a friend.
This may not surprise me because it uses the same autofocus motor as the A9.
But for me, this feature made it the best starter camera for outdoor shoots.
Conclusion:
If I had to rate the A6600 only on its specifications, this camera outperforms it in numerous critical areas.
You’ve undoubtedly guessed by now that I’m impressed with this camera’s autofocus capabilities.
That’s because the A9-like focus tracking DNA is at the core of this camera.
This degree of focusing accuracy in such a small and portable package is incredible.
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Canon EOS RP: (Best Starter Camera for Outdoor Photography)
I tested out this camera as soon as it came out in 2020.
This full-frame mirrorless camera costs around a thousand bucks.
As a beginner, I found it an affordable yet lightweight option for outdoor events.
I took exceptional landscape photos while traveling to Zurich using the Canon EOS RP.
At first glance, the camera is built beautifully with a nice hand feel.
The dynamic range and high-resolution image sensor gave me the perfect final results.
For me, it is the best starter camera for outdoor photography.
Features:
- Model: Canon EOS RP
- Effective Megapixel: 26 MP
- ISO range: 100-40000 (expands up to 50-102400)
- Image sensor: 35.9 x 24 mm (CMOS)
- Shutter speeds: 1/4000
- Storage: SD/SDHC/SDXC card
- LCD: 3-inch fully articulated LCD
- Dimension: 133 x 85 x 70 mm
- Weight: 485g
ISO / Shutter Speed:
Landscape photos are incredibly detailed, and the scene’s colors need a camera as fine as EOS RP to capture every minute detail.
Starting with the ISO and shutter speed, I used a low ISO of 100-200 and a slow shutter speed of 1/30 sec.
Both of these, when combined, resulted in beautiful photos, as Canon’s color science is exceptional.
Aperture / Depth of Field:
It has an aperture of f/4 when using the standard kit lens and a minimum aperture of f/22.
The aperture controls the amount of light that enters the camera and the depth of field in the photograph.
Landscape photos with this camera come out best at apertures f/16.
It would be best if you tried it too.
White Balance / Frame Rate:
The camera’s fps can go to 5 with a mechanical shutter.
I captured vibrant and sharp landscape photos along with its silent shutter mode.
Why is this camera the best?
It is one of the finest mirrorless cameras in its price range due to its full-frame sensor, advanced autofocus system, and lightweight and compact design.
Additionally, it offers a wide range of features, including 4K video recording, a vari-angle touchscreen LCD, and compatibility with a wide variety of Canon lenses.
After its detailed spec inspection, I can say that it is the best buy for starters.
Conclusion:
It is a versatile camera that can handle various outdoor photography scenarios, including landscapes, portraits, and action shots.
It’s worth experimenting with the different settings and features to find the best settings for your specific outdoor photography needs.
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Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV: (Best Starter Camera for Outdoor Photography)
Olympus has been a fan favorite for most newbies due to its low-light capabilities.
They frequently have big sensors and quick image processors, allowing them to take crisp, detailed nightly photos.
Because of the high ISO sensitivity settings, they can take photographs with minimum noise and grain.
I jumped on the bandwagon and invested in the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV to see if it was the best starter camera for outdoor photography.
Features:
- Model: Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV
- Effective Megapixel: 20 MP
- ISO range: 200-25600 (expands to 100-25600)
- Image sensor: 17.4 x 13 mm (CMOS)
- Shutter speeds: 1/4000 sec
- Storage: SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-II supported)
- LCD: 3-inch Tilting LCD
- Dimension: 122 x 84 x 49 mm
- Weight: 383g
ISO / Shutter Speed:
I got a chance to work with this camera at night at a friend’s housewarming party and was impressed.
Using this camera, a higher ISO of 1600 is ideal for such a situation.
With a shutter speed of 1/30 seconds, I managed to get seedy shots.
The in-body stabilization and tripod use also enabled me to reduce camera shake.
Aperture / Depth of Field:
To keep the picture quality undisturbed throughout the event, I used a wider aperture of f/2.4.
However, I did try using the maximum aperture of f/1.8 for the lens that comes with it, the 14-42mm EZ, but the pictures became overexposed.
White Balance / Frame Rate:
In the single autofocus mode, I got 15 fps, while in the continuous motion, it dropped to 8.7.
I loved how the camera can record up to 120 fps but only in VGA resolution.
For white balance, I opted for the AWB as the color tone kept changing between the blue and yellow hues of the background.
Why is this camera the best?
It is an excellent camera for outdoor photography.
Its high-resolution sensor captures high-quality images with excellent detail and color reproduction.
The camera has a variety of shooting modes and advanced features, such as 4K video recording and a weather-sealed body perfect for capturing high-quality outdoor photos.
Conclusion:
Olympus released this mirrorless camera in September 2020.
It is a compact camera with a 16.1-megapixel Micro Four Thirds sensor and a 5-axis in-body image stabilization system.
It also has a built-in electronic viewfinder and a tilting touchscreen LCD.
The camera supports 4K video recording and has a variety of shooting modes and advanced features, making it suitable for both amateur and advanced photographers.
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Fujifilm X-T30 II: (Best Starter Camera for Outdoor Photography)
Travel photography is one of my favorite outdoor genres to work on.
It enabled me to capture the essence of the places I’ve visited, their culture, and their people in a visually exciting way.
Out of all the countries I’ve traveled to, Peyto Lake in Canada had my heart.
When the pictures came out using my Fujifilm X-T30 II, I considered it the best starter camera for outdoor photography.
Features:
- Model: Fujifilm X-T30 II
- Effective Megapixel: 26 MP
- ISO range: 80-512,000
- Image sensor: 23.5 x 15.6 mm (BSI-CMOS )
- Shutter speeds: 1/4000 to 900 sec
- Storage: SD/SDHC/SDXC card (UHS-I supported)
- LCD: 3-inch Tilting LCD
- Dimension: 118 x 83 x 47 mm
- Weight: 383g
ISO / Shutter Speed:
This camera is far better than its predecessor regarding image quality and ISO.
The designated ISO dial on the camera allows you to adjust the range anywhere between 160-12800, which is expandable to 80-51200.
The camera also has a maximum shutter speed of 1/4000th sec, with a maximum flash sync speed of 1/180th sec.
Aperture / Depth of Field:
The camera also has a maximum aperture of f/1.4 for the lens.
This means that the camera can let in a lot of light, which is helpful for low-light photography and achieving a shallow depth of field.
Using the dial on the camera, I can adjust the shutter speed by moving it to point A.
After that, you’ll set the aperture even when the shutter button is half-pressed.
White Balance / Frame Rate:
The camera comprises a mechanical shutter that can shoot up to 8 frames per second.
Hence, my glacier-fed images and video clips came out smooth and sharp.
Of the six preset settings for white balance, I opted for “Daylight,” which was the perfect option.
Why is this camera the best?
Apart from its image quality, the camera is very responsive.
It’s fast autofocus tracking, high ISO performance, and build capability didn’t disappoint me.
The camera is an ideal travel companion due to its lightweight.
One of my favorite features is the ACROS+Ye Film Simulation and double exposure mode.
Conclusion:
It is an excellent option for outdoor photography.
This mirrorless camera offers excellent image quality, fast autofocus, and a wide range of features that suit various shooting scenarios.
It also has a high-resolution electronic viewfinder, which makes it easy to compose shots and see the final image.
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Nikon D3500: (Best Starter Camera for Outdoor Photography)
As a starter, the safest brand for outdoor photography is Nikon, and the D3500 model is the topic of discussion among photographers.
It is an ideal camera for individuals who have just started photography.
The reason is the guide mode and easy navigation system.
Not only that, the results of this camera are brilliant as well.
The moment I used it after borrowing it from a friend, I knew I had to invest in it to level up my photography game.
Since then, I have never looked back; it is the best starter camera for outdoor photography.
Features:
- Model: Nikon D3500
- Effective Megapixel: 24 MP
- ISO range: 100-25600
- Image sensor: APS-C CMOS sensor
- Shutter speeds: 1/4000 – 30 sec
- Storage: SD / SDHC / SDXC
- LCD: 921k-dot fixed LCD screen
- Dimension: 124 x 97 x 70 mm
- Weight: 615g
ISO / Shutter Speed:
This entry-level DSLR camera captures high-quality photos, and people learning with it will have a great experience.
I used a low ISO of 400 to reduce the grain in the photos.
As I took pictures of stationery objects around my street, I set the shutter speed to 1/125th sec.
You can go up to 1/4000 sec, depending upon your situation.
Aperture / Depth of Field:
The aperture on the Nikon D3500 is adjustable, with a maximum aperture of f/3.5 for the kit lens and f/5.6 for the 18-55mm lens.
It allows for a shallow depth of field and increased control over the amount of light entering the camera.
White Balance / Frame Rate:
This camera has video recording capability up to 1080p.
At the same time, its maximum frame rate is 5 fps, which is fine for outdoor photography.
The camera has 7 preset settings for white balance to balance the color tones in the images.
Why is this camera the best?
The camera is so small and light that, as a photographer who generally shoots with a larger camera, it seemed like I was shooting with a toy.
It’s comfortable for a long day of photography, but the body, like other entry-level cameras, could easily be damaged if you’re not cautious.
Conclusion:
The camera has a 24.2-megapixel DX-format sensor, an 11-point autofocus system, and a guide mode that makes it easy for beginners to take great photos.
Its compact and lightweight composition makes it easy to carry and offers a wide range of creative options for more experienced photographers.
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Canon EOS M50 Mark II: (Best Starter Camera for Outdoor Photography)
Being a broke college student with a passion for outdoor photography, my best friend and I decided to invest in this camera on a sharing basis.
The decision became easy after reading several reviews and watching videos of my favorite vloggers and content creators.
Compared to the previous models of the Mark series, this camera has several improvements in its autofocus technology and image resolution.
Hence, it is the best starter camera for outdoor photography.
Features:
- Model: Canon EOS M50 Mark II
- Effective Megapixel: 24.1 MP
- ISO range: 100-25600 (expands to 51200)
- Image sensor: 22.3 x 14.9 mm ( CMOS )
- Shutter speeds: 1/4000 to 30 sec
- Storage: SD, SDHC, SDXC (UHS-I compatible)
- LCD: 7.5cm, 3.0-type (TFT)
- Dimension: 116.3 x 88.1 x 58.7mm
- Weight: 387g
ISO / Shutter Speed:
It has a native ISO range of 100-25600 and can be expanded to 51200.
The shutter speed range is 30 seconds to 1/4000th of a second.
These ranges are ideal for outdoor photography, especially for capturing landscape or wildlife photos.
Aperture / Depth of Field:
Its standard kit lens has a maximum aperture range of f/1.8 – f/22; the EF-M 15-45mm IS STM.
Despite not having the most incredible sensor offered, it delivers decent results.
You must evaluate it against the cost of this little yet competent camera.
This camera is touted to outperform the Canon EOS 80D for outdoor photography.
White Balance / Frame Rate:
The camera offers a maximum frame rate of 10 fps in continuous shooting mode.
Mark II is all about shooting videos.
It has a high frame rate video in 4K 24p, FHD 60p, or HD 120p.
When paired with the IBIS and digital IS, wandering about while recording without cringing when seeing the results is feasible.
Why is this camera the best?
I loved its autofocus system’s accuracy as it uses Dual Pixel CMOS AF technology to quickly and smoothly track moving subjects.
It also lets you take photos and videos in Live View mode, with touch focus and shutter capabilities.
For easy sharing, it has built-in WiFi and Bluetooth.
You can also control the camera remotely with the Canon Camera Connect app.
Conclusion:
The Canon EOS M50 Mark II is a versatile and compact mirrorless camera well-suited for photography and videography.
It features a 24.1-megapixel CMOS sensor, Dual Pixel AF technology for fast, and a Vari-angle touchscreen LCD for easy composition and shooting from various angles.
Overall, this camera is perfect for newbies, especially for covering outdoor events.
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Sony A7C: (Best Starter Camera for Outdoor Photography)
I took the A7C on my first-ever hike in Grand Teton National Park.
As a starter, trusting a camera on such a difficult trip was risky.
But I took it, and surprisingly, it turned out well.
Previously, I used it after borrowing it from a friend.
Sony is a renowned brand in designing professional cameras, and with their A-series, they didn’t disappoint their customers.
That’s why I can easily say it is the best starter camera for outdoor photography.
Features:
- Model: Sony A7C
- Effective Megapixel: 24 MP
- ISO range: 100-51200 (expands to 50-204800).
- Image sensor: 35.6 x 23.8 mm (BSI-CMOS )
- Shutter speeds: 1/4000
- Storage: SD/SDHC/SDXC card (UHS-II supported)
- LCD: 3-inch, fully articulated LCD
- Dimension: 124 x 71 x 60 mm
- Weight: 509g
ISO / Shutter Speed:
I used this camera during my hike.
For such outdoor moments, it’s best to use a fast shutter speed to freeze any movement in the scene and a moderate to high ISO to expose the image properly.
A good starting point for the Sony A7C would be to set the ISO to 800 and the shutter speed to 1/1000th of a second.
Aperture / Depth of Field:
For outdoor photos, I recommend you use a wider aperture, such as f/4 or f/5.6.
It will allow more light to enter the camera and create a shallow depth of field, making the subject stand out against a blurred background.
White Balance / Frame Rate:
I recorded vlogs during my hike using this camera, and its high-speed camera enabled me to shoot up to 120 fps.
The camera also offers 4x and 5x slo-mo recordings with up to 30 fps.
Why is this camera the best?
The best feature of this camera is its compact and lightweight design, making it an ideal camera for travel and street photography.
It has a full-frame sensor, which provides high-quality images with excellent low-light performance.
It also has a high-resolution electronic viewfinder, making composing shots and reviewing images easy.
Conclusion:
It is a compact, full-frame mirrorless camera designed for photographers and videographers who want professional-level features in a smaller body.
It has a 24.2-megapixel sensor, fast autofocus, 4K video recording, and a wide range of creative shooting modes for high-quality photos.
The A7C also has built-in WiFi and Bluetooth for easy image transfer and remote control.
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CONCLUSION:
Alright, guys, that concludes all the cameras we will discuss today in this article.
Do you guys have any experience with these cameras? What are your thoughts on them?
Which is your Best Starter Camera for Outdoor Photography?
Is there a camera you love to use for outdoor photography that I didn’t mention in this article?
Would you please leave your thoughts and comments below?
Related post:
Best cameras for travel vlogging:
I am a Professional and Certified Digital Photographer born in the USA. I have been in this field of photography for 22 years, and in these years, I have used many photography lenses and Cameras, which I want to share here on this website about my experience. The idea for Bestoflens.com is to provide honest information about different Lenses and Camera products in the format of a “Best lenses for AYZ” list. I want this website to be the last destination for people to pick the best Cameras and lenses to fit their needs. You can find our unbiased reviews here on Bestoflens.