Welcome to Exposure Therapy’s Recommended Cameras list! Whether you’re a beginner looking for your first camera or an experienced photographer seeking an upgrade, we’ve got you covered. Feel free to explore my recommendations based on your photography needs and budgets. Just so you know, this page contains affiliate links, and I may earn a commission if you purchase through these links at no extra cost to you.
Explore My Camera Recommendations:
Travel Photography Cameras
Find the perfect camera for capturing your adventures on the go, whether you’re backpacking through Europe or exploring your local city.
Everyday Photography Cameras
Discover versatile cameras suitable for everyday use, capturing moments from family gatherings to spontaneous street shots.
Wedding Photography Cameras
Explore cameras ideal for capturing those once-in-a-lifetime wedding moments, with a focus on image quality and reliability.
Architecture Photography Cameras
Find the best cameras for capturing stunning architectural details and wide cityscapes, perfect for both amateurs and professionals.
Safari and Wildlife Photography Cameras
Check out our top picks for wildlife and safari photography, designed to help you capture nature’s beauty up close.
Camera Buying Guide:
Choosing the right camera can be daunting. Here are a few key factors to consider.
Sensor Size
Larger sensors generally offer better image quality, especially in low light. Smartphone makers rely heavily on “computational photography” to overcome the poor image quality their relatively tiny image sensors produce. Just how small are they? Compared to the average image sensor size in high-end smartphones (about 1/1.33″):
- Micro Four Thirds sensors are approximately 3.25 times larger.
- APS‑C sensors are approximately 5.33 times larger.
- Full-frame sensors are approximately 12.50 times larger.
Lens Compatibility
Consider the types of lenses available for the camera system.
Ease of Use
Look for cameras with intuitive controls and user-friendly interfaces, especially if you’re a beginner. Beginners often make the mistake of choosing cameras that look simple to use, featuring fewer buttons and physical controls. This is a mistake! As my students quickly discover, when simple cameras bury standard features into the menu, they spend more time searching for a function than taking pictures. At a minimum, I recommend buying a camera with at least two command or control dials–one near the shutter button and one near your thumb.
Budget
“Buy nice or buy twice.” Determine a realistic budget and get the best value within that range. Saving up to get the right camera for your goals from the very start means you won’t outgrow and become frustrated by the functionally restricted budget models. Sometimes it’s better to buy a nicer old camera than a crappy new one.
For more detailed advice, check out our individual category pages where we dive deeper into recommendations based on specific needs and budgets.