Benable — create shareable lists of things you recommend!
E.g., products you love, local businesses, travel recs - you can add anything to a Benable list!

Starting Photography? Here's the Top Affordable Equipment for Beginners [Part 1]

Purple Star emoji 24 items
Are you ready to capture life’s most beautiful moments? Whether it’s your first step into the world of photography or you’re looking to upgrade from your smartphone, finding the perfect camera can make all the difference. Don’t worry—we’ve done the h...
Sections
4
 
 
 
 

DSLR

If you’re serious about learning photography, a DSLR camera is a fantastic place to start. These cameras are known for their durability, versatility, and the ability to swap lenses, giving you full control over your shots. Here are a couple of great ...

 
Nana Sarasvati profile picture
Kickstart your photography journey with the Nikon D3500, the camera that has captured the hearts of beginners everywhere! With its 24.2 MP APS-C sensor, you’ll be snapping stunning, vibrant images straight out of the box. It’s lightweight, user-frien...
1. Nikon D3500 – The Perfect Starter Companion
 
Nana Sarasvati profile picture
If you’re serious about getting into photography and want a camera that grows with you, the Canon EOS 90D is your match made in heaven. This powerhouse packs a 32.5 MP APS-C sensor, offering razor-sharp images and 4K video without cropping. Plus, wit...
2. Canon EOS 90D – For the Serious Beginner
 
Nana Sarasvati profile picture
Meet the Canon EOS Rebel T8i, your modern photography sidekick! With Dual Pixel AF, a vari-angle touchscreen, and 4K video capabilities, this camera is packed with features that will make your creative heart sing. Perfect for vlogging, portraits, or ...
3. Canon EOS Rebel T8i / 850D – Modern Magic
 
Nana Sarasvati profile picture
Looking for flexibility in your photography? The Nikon D5600 delivers in spades! Its 24.2 MP APS-C sensor, coupled with a rotating touchscreen, makes capturing creative angles a breeze. SnapBridge connectivity ensures your photos transfer seamlessly ...
4. Nikon D5600 – Flexibility at Your Fingertips
 
Nana Sarasvati profile picture
Adventure calls, and the Pentax K-70 answers! This DSLR is built for the outdoors, with a weather-sealed body that laughs in the face of dust and rain. With a 24.2 MP sensor and built-in image stabilization, your shots will stay crisp, even in challe...
5. Pentax K-70 – The Rugged Explorer
 
Nana Sarasvati profile picture
On a budget? No problem! The Canon EOS Rebel T7 is here to save the day. This little gem offers everything you need to start your photography journey without breaking the bank. With a 24.1 MP APS-C sensor and Wi-Fi/NFC connectivity, you’ll be taking ...
Canon EOS Rebel T7 / 2000D - Affordable

Mirrorless 📸

Want something a bit more modern and lightweight? Mirrorless cameras are the way to go! These cameras offer the same excellent image quality as DSLRs but in a more compact form factor, making them perfect for travel and everyday photography.

 
Nana Sarasvati profile picture
If you’re looking for the ultimate balance between performance and portability, the Sony Alpha a6400 is your go-to camera. This mirrorless marvel boasts a 24.2 MP APS-C sensor with lightning-fast autofocus that locks onto your subject in just 0.02 se...
Sony Alpha a6400 – The Perfect All-Rounder
 
Nana Sarasvati profile picture
Step into the world of photography with the Fujifilm X-T30 II, a camera that combines classic design with cutting-edge technology. The 26.1 MP APS-C sensor delivers images with stunning sharpness and vibrant colors, true to Fujifilm’s renowned color ...
Fujifilm X-T30 II – Vintage Charm & Power
 
Nana Sarasvati profile picture
The Canon EOS M50 Mark II is a fantastic choice for those who want to create content for social media or YouTube. Its 24.1 MP APS-C sensor ensures high-quality images, while the Dual Pixel AF with eye detection keeps your subject sharp, whether you’r...
Canon EOS M50 Mark II - Social Media Camera
 
Nana Sarasvati profile picture
For those who love to travel light but still want professional-level performance, the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV is a dream come true. This compact mirrorless camera packs a 20.3 MP Micro Four Thirds sensor into a sleek, lightweight body. It offers 5...
Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV Compact Camera
 
Nana Sarasvati profile picture
If you’re a traveler or a street photographer looking for a compact yet powerful camera, the Panasonic Lumix GX85 is an excellent choice. With a 16 MP Micro Four Thirds sensor, the GX85 might have fewer megapixels, but it compensates with 5-axis in-b...
5. Panasonic Lumix GX85 – The Traveler’s Friend
 
Nana Sarasvati profile picture
Want to dip your toes into the world of full-frame photography without breaking the bank? The Canon EOS RP is the most affordable full-frame mirrorless camera on the market, and it’s perfect for beginners. With a 26.2 MP full-frame sensor, it deliver...
Canon EOS RP – Affordable Full-Frame Power

Tripod 🤳

Every photographer knows that a steady shot is key to capturing sharp, blur-free images. A reliable tripod is a must-have, especially if you’re interested in long-exposure photography, landscapes, or even selfies!

 
Nana Sarasvati profile picture
The Manfrotto Compact Action Tripod is a top choice for beginners who want a reliable, easy-to-use tripod that doesn’t break the bank. It features an ergonomic joystick head with a scroll-wheel locking mechanism, making it incredibly intuitive to set...
Manfrotto Compact Action Tripod
 
Nana Sarasvati profile picture
The JOBY GorillaPod 3K Kit is a game-changer for photographers who need maximum flexibility. This unique tripod features flexible, wrappable legs that can secure your camera to almost any surface—tree branches, railings, or uneven terrain. Despite it...
JOBY GorillaPod 3K Kit
 
Nana Sarasvati profile picture
For those who prioritize stability without spending too much, the K&F Concept 62" Aluminum Tripod is an excellent option. It’s made from lightweight yet durable aluminum, offering a stable base for your camera even in windy conditions. The tripod...
K&F Concept 62" Aluminum Tripod
 
Nana Sarasvati profile picture
If you’re just starting out and need a basic, budget-friendly tripod, the AmazonBasics 60-Inch Lightweight Tripod is a great pick. It’s incredibly affordable without compromising on essential features. The tripod is made from lightweight aluminum, ma...
AmazonBasics 60-Inch Lightweight Tripod
 
Nana Sarasvati profile picture
The Neewer Carbon Fiber 66-Inch Tripod is a step up in terms of build quality, featuring carbon fiber construction that’s both lightweight and incredibly strong. It extends up to 66 inches, providing plenty of height for a variety of shooting scenari...
Neewer Carbon Fiber 66-Inch Tripod
 
Nana Sarasvati profile picture
The ZOMEi Z669C Portable Tripod is perfect for photographers who need something compact and easy to transport. Made from lightweight aluminum alloy, this tripod is portable yet sturdy, with a maximum height of 60 inches. It features a 2-in-1 design t...
ZOMEi Z669C Portable Tripod

Memory Card 🗃️

Last but not least, don’t forget to stock up on memory cards! A good memory card ensures your camera can keep up with the action, especially when shooting in burst mode or recording high-definition video.

 
Nana Sarasvati profile picture
The SanDisk Extreme Pro SDXC UHS-I is a top choice for photographers of all levels, especially beginners who want reliability and speed. With read speeds up to 170MB/s and write speeds up to 90MB/s, this card handles burst shooting and 4K video recor...
SanDisk Extreme Pro SDXC UHS-I
 
Nana Sarasvati profile picture
For photographers looking for blazing fast speeds, the Lexar Professional 2000x SDXC UHS-II is a fantastic choice. With read speeds up to 300MB/s and write speeds up to 260MB/s, this card is perfect for capturing high-resolution images and 4K video w...
Lexar Professional 2000x SDXC UHS-II
 
Nana Sarasvati profile picture
The Samsung PRO Endurance MicroSDXC is designed for reliability and long-term durability, making it an excellent choice for photographers who shoot video or need a card they can trust. With up to 100MB/s read speed and 30MB/s write speed, it’s ideal ...
Samsung PRO Endurance MicroSDXC
 
Nana Sarasvati profile picture
The Kingston Canvas React Plus SDXC UHS-II is another excellent option for photographers who need both speed and capacity. With read speeds up to 300MB/s and write speeds up to 260MB/s, it’s ideal for shooting high-resolution images and recording 4K ...
Kingston Canvas React Plus SDXC UHS-II
 
Nana Sarasvati profile picture
For those looking for a balance between performance and price, the Transcend SDXC UHS-II U3 is a strong contender. With read speeds up to 285MB/s and write speeds up to 180MB/s, it offers solid performance for both photography and video work. The car...
Transcend SDXC UHS-II U3
 
Nana Sarasvati profile picture
The PNY Elite Performance SDXC is a budget-friendly choice that doesn’t skimp on quality. With read speeds up to 100MB/s and write speeds up to 90MB/s, it’s suitable for most beginner photographers who need a reliable card for everyday use. It’s perf...
PNY Elite Performance SDXC