"What camera should I buy?" is one of the most common questions I get from clients. After 15 years as a professional photographer, here's my honest advice for anyone looking to upgrade from their smartphone without breaking the bank.
First, the Honest Truth
Your smartphone is already a pretty incredible camera. For casual snapshots and social media, it's often all you need. But if you're finding yourself frustrated by low-light performance, wanting more creative control, or planning a trip where you really want to capture something special—a dedicated camera can make a real difference.
That said, the "best" camera is the one you'll actually carry with you. A $3,000 camera sitting at home is worse than a $500 camera in your bag. Keep that in mind as you read through these recommendations.
My Top Picks for 2025
Canon EOS R50 Best Value
This is my go-to recommendation for most beginners. Canon's color science is gorgeous (skin tones look natural and flattering), the autofocus is reliable, and it's compact enough to actually travel with. The kit lens covers most situations you'll encounter.
Why I Like It
- Excellent auto mode for beginners
- Beautiful skin tones
- Compact and lightweight
- Great touchscreen interface
Trade-offs
- Battery life is average
- Limited physical controls
- No in-body stabilization
Fujifilm X-M5 Best for Learning
If you want to actually learn photography (not just point and shoot), Fujifilm makes cameras that are a joy to use. The X-M5 has a physical dial for their famous "film simulations"—essentially built-in filters that look genuinely beautiful, not gimmicky. The JPEGs straight from the camera often need zero editing.
Why I Like It
- Gorgeous colors out of camera
- Fun film simulation dial
- Excellent video capabilities
- Very compact body
Trade-offs
- No viewfinder (screen only)
- Fuji lenses can be pricey
- Menu system takes getting used to
Nikon Z50II Most Beginner-Friendly
Nikon's latest entry-level camera has one of the best autofocus systems at this price point. It recognizes faces, eyes, and even different subjects (people, animals, vehicles) automatically. If you want something that "just works" with minimal fiddling, this is it.
Why I Like It
- Excellent autofocus tracking
- Very intuitive controls
- Good ergonomics
- Solid build quality
Trade-offs
- Smaller lens selection than Canon
- Slightly larger body
- At the top of budget range
Ricoh GR IIIx Pocketable Pick
This is the camera I see a lot of professional photographers carry as their personal, everyday camera. It's truly pocketable (fits in jeans), has an APS-C sensor (same size as the cameras above), and produces stunning images. The catch? Fixed 40mm lens means no zoom—you zoom with your feet.
Why I Like It
- Fits in your pocket
- Large sensor, sharp lens
- Beautiful color profiles
- Always with you
Trade-offs
- No zoom (fixed 40mm)
- Short battery life
- Slower autofocus
- Learning curve
What About the Fujifilm X100VI?
You've probably seen this camera all over social media. It's excellent, but at $1,600 it's outside budget territory, and it's been nearly impossible to find in stock. If you can find one and afford it, it's a fantastic camera. But the options above will serve you just as well for learning and travel.
What to Actually Look For
Camera specs can be overwhelming. Here's what actually matters for travel and family photography:
- Autofocus performance — Can it quickly and reliably focus on faces? This matters more than megapixels.
- Size and weight — Will you actually carry it? Be honest with yourself.
- Low-light capability — This is where dedicated cameras really shine over phones.
- Battery life — Bring a spare battery for travel. Just do it.
- Image stabilization — Helps prevent blurry shots, especially in low light.
What Doesn't Matter (Much)
- Megapixels beyond 20MP — 24MP is plenty. You're not printing billboards.
- 8K video — 4K is more than enough. Your computer will thank you.
- Hundreds of focus points — Marketing fluff. 100 good points beats 1000 mediocre ones.
Skip the Kit Lens?
For beginners, no—get the kit lens. It's versatile enough to learn on and covers the 18-55mm range you'll use most often. Once you know what you're missing (maybe you want wider landscapes or more background blur for portraits), then invest in specific lenses.
The one exception: if you're buying the Ricoh GR IIIx, it only comes with a fixed lens—that's the whole point of the camera.
The Bottom Line
If you're just starting out and want the most straightforward experience, get the Canon EOS R50. It's forgiving, produces beautiful images, and won't overwhelm you with options.
If you want something you'll grow into and enjoy the process of learning, the Fujifilm X-M5 makes photography feel like a creative hobby, not a technical chore.
And if size is everything and you'll only carry something that fits in your pocket, the Ricoh GR IIIx is worth the investment.
One More Thing
Whatever camera you choose, the most important thing is to actually use it. Take it everywhere for the first month. Make mistakes. Take bad photos. That's how you learn what you like and what you want to improve.
And remember—if you're visiting St. Augustine and want professional photos of your family, engagement, or elopement, that's what we're here for. Sometimes the best camera decision is letting someone else worry about the gear while you enjoy the moment.
Have questions? Feel free to reach out →
Last updated: December 2025