15 Best Digital Cameras for Beginner Photographers under $1500 | Top Entry-level Cameras from Canon, Nikon, Sony, Fujifilm & More!

I get asked this question a LOT, and I totally get it. Most people aren’t interested in a super professional camera that costs an arm and a leg. They want a camera that they can use to capture their family vacations, their kid’s sports games, or their family get-togethers. But they also want beautiful photographs that are worthy of hanging on the wall. Yes, cell phones these days can take decently good photos, but they aren’t super great for blowing up larger and spending money on a frame. If you’re ready for an upgrade from your iPhone, this list is for you!

I included a blend of point-and-shoot cameras, DSLRs, and mirrorless cameras from Canon, Nikon, Sony, Fujifilm & others. And if you’re over the big brands, I’ve included a few from Panasonic, OM System, Ricoh, and Leica. So, depending on which brand or style you prefer, hopefully this list will help guide you in the right direction. All of these cameras offer a lot for the price and tend to lean towards the more professional side of photography. But, just because they are more “professional”, doesn’t mean they aren’t approachable. There are cameras on this list that you can get as low as $400 if you’re open to buying a used camera. Buying used gear doesn’t mean you can’t get a camera in incredible condition. I always recommend buying used gear through KEH Camera or B&H Photo because they have a detailed rating system and are honest about the condition of the gear. Plus, they both have excellent customer service if you have any issues along the way. And just remember, your iPhone probably cost $1000-$1500, and with these cameras, you’re getting a LOT more bang for your buck in terms of photo quality and functionality. Plus, if you want to hang one in a photography gallery, you can do that too! :)

So, without further ado, here are the 15 Best Digital Cameras for Beginner Photographers Under $1500!

(By using the affiliate links and/or codes in this blog post it supports Myles Katherine Photography. We may get a small kick back by you doing so.)

1. Canon 6D or 6D Mark II - DSLR

I have to start off with a Canon camera because this is my tried and true brand. I’ve been shooting with Canon since the very beginning of my photography career. At times, I’ve considered entirely switching my set-up to another brand just to try something different, but after weighing all of my options, it always comes back to Canon. It’s because they offer the best budget to quality ratio, in my opinion. There are also certain features that I’m looking for in my main cameras, like multiple exposures, affordability, and color tone. There’s something about Canon’s standard color temperature that looks natural, but with a hint of mystery. The colors are a bit darker than some of the other cameras, which is why it appeals to me. If you’re more interested in bright, saturated color tones, I’d probably recommend a Sony option. Now, keep in mind the Canon 6D or 6D Mark II is a DSLR. This means it’s quite a bit bulkier than a point-and-shoot, and you have to buy a separate lens. But, there are a handful of lenses out there that are quite small and can actually make this camera pretty easy to walk around with. I recommend the Canon EF 50 mm f/1.4 or f/1.8. The Canon 6D was my main camera for nearly a decade. I feel like this might surprise people because it is a more low-budget professional Canon camera. The more recent version of the camera, the 6D Mark II, sells for around $1200 but the reason it’s on this list is because you can get a gently used one for an amazing price these days. I highly recommend KEH camera, which is a company that sells used gear and is super helpful if there is ever a problem. You can also pick up a used version on eBay, just make sure you’re going through a reputable seller with good reviews, and read their description carefully. And ask the most important question, what is the shutter count on the camera? This can tell you a lot about whether the camera was used or if it’s in practically new condition.

You can read my full blog post and review about the Canon 6D here!

WHERE TO BUY THE CANON 6D

B&H Photo (used)

KEH Camera (used)

WHERE TO BUY THE CANON 6D MARK II

Amazon

B&H Photo

KEH Camera (used)

2. Canon Powershot G7X Mark II - Point-and-shoot

Yes, this camera is difficult to get your hands on these days, and usually it’s at an up charge. But keep your eyes open for a used one on KEH camera, because this tiny little point-and-shoot packs a punch. I’ve actually taken it on my last two European vacations, instead of my bulky DSLR camera. You can check out my full blog post about this camera here! And surprisingly, the auto setting works really well, particularly for landscapes or outdoor photos. If you’re using it for indoor sports or something like that, I’d recommend using the shutter priority setting. Basically, you set the shutter speed, which you’d want to be fairly fast (like 1/500th or 1/800th) so that you don’t get too much blur, and then it will automatically set the other settings. The amazing thing about this camera is that the aperture goes as wide as f/1.8. This means it can perform great in low light and can create beautiful portraits with lovely background blur. It might take some learning when it comes to using that setting, because it can become more difficult to get your subject in focus, or to not have the highlights blown out. It’s a great camera to learn on though, because it does have the option of shutter priority, aperture priority, manual and lots of others! A lot of times, people ask me what to get instead of the Canon G7X Mark II, since it’s difficult to find. I’d recommend the Sony RX 100 VII (read more about this one below), or the ZV-1, ZV-1 II or ZV-1F for lower budget options.

WHERE TO BUY THE CANON POWERSHOT G7X MARK II

Amazon

KEH Camera (used)

WHERE TO BUY THE CANON G7X MARK III

eBay

Amazon

KEH Camera (used)

3. Canon EOS RP - Mirrorless

The Canon EOS RP is a newer budget professional Canon camera, so it offers some more trendy features than the older Canon 6D Mark II. But keep in mind, when the Canon 6D Mark II first came out, it was a $2000 camera, whereas the Canon EOS RP was originally $1299. Now, you can get the Canon EOS RP for around $800, which is an amazing price for what you get. The EOS RP is a mirrorless camera, which is a more modern kind of camera than a DSLR. It also means you have to use Canon’s RF line of lenses. They are the newest line of lenses and are known to be a bit sharper than the older EF lenses. Also, because this camera is newer, it also offers better video than the Canon 6D Mark II, but it actually has the same sensor and ISO range (low-light sensitivity)! However, the 6D Mark II offers better battery life, build quality, burst shooting (important for sports action), and EF lens compatibility. These options are important for event photographers and wildlife photographers, who need longer battery life and build quality that will withstand more extreme conditions. If you’re looking for a step up from the RP, I highly recommend the Canon R8. It’s about $1400 new but it has more modern features and really competes with some of the best mirrorless cameras out there.

WHERE TO BUY THE CANON EOS RP

Amazon

B&H Photo

KEH Camera (used)

4. Canon 5D Mark IV - DSLR

This is actually my current camera, and I truly can’t believe that price you can get for a used version of this camera through KEH camera. A new 5D Mark IV costs around $2200 these days, but when it was first released, it was $3500!!! The reason these have drastically reduced in price is because of the introduction of the mirrorless cameras. Personally, I still prefer the DSLRs because I find them to be sturdier, more user-friendly and longer-lasting. My had my first Canon camera, the 5D Mark II, for 10 years and I never had an issue with it. And I definitely dropped it more times than I could count. They are truly built to last. The mirrorless cameras often have more breakable screens, more electronic functions that can glitch out more easily, and just aren’t as tried and true. I suppose we’ll find out if they stand the test of time, but you’re more likely to get a camera without issues by going with a DSLR, even if it’s used. I have the Canon EOS R, Canon’s first mirrorless camera, and I've had a ton of issues with it, mostly just functionality issues that they’ve adjusted since then, but I tend to recommend DSLR’s over mirrorless still to this day. If you can get a used 5D Mark IV for a good price, you’re competing with some incredible photographers that also use this as their main camera!

I have a full blog post and review with sample photos of the 5D Mark IV here!

WHERE TO BUY THE CANON 5D MARK IV

B&H Photo (used)

KEH Camera (used)

5. Nikon Z5 - Mirrorless

The Nikon Z5 is Nikon’s entry-level mirrorless camera, so if you’d prefer to go with a more modern camera than the old-school DSLR’s and Nikon is your brand, this is a great option. The Z5 is about $1100 new, but again, you can get a used one for an amazing price through KEH camera. The Z5 is super compact too, so if you don’t want to stand out too much when you’re on vacation or at your kid’s sports game, this is a perfect option. You’ll still get 4K video, a surprisingly good ISO range, and great autofocus. The standout features are really the in-body image stabilization, dual card slots, and lightweight body. While I don’t have as much experience with Nikon, they are Canon’s main arch nemesis, and have always stood the test of time. I have a 35 mm Nikon film camera, the Nikon FE2, that I’m absolutely obsessed with. They have great lens options and simply won’t let you down.

WHERE TO BUY THE NIKON Z5

Amazon

B&H Photo

KEH Camera (used)

6. Nikon D750 - DSLR

For years, this was the camera that I swear every photographer was using. It’s a DSLR similar to the Canon 5D Mark III or 6D that is sturdy, professional and reliable. Since Nikon is also shifting towards mirrorless cameras, you can get the D750 for an incredible price. Originally $2300, you can now pick up a new one for around $1700. But the reason I put it on this list is because you can get one in excellent condition from KEH camera for as low as $700. I feel like used gear always freaks people out, but that’s why I recommend KEH camera or B&H Photo for used gear. The employees know a LOT about cameras and photography and can totally help you out if there’s ever an issue.

WHERE TO BUY THE NIKON D750

B&H Photo

B&H Photo (used)

KEH Camera (used)

7. Sony A7 II or III - Mirrorless

The Sony A7 III is an extremely popular camera these days because it has amazing video, image quality, autofocus, battery life, dual card slots, a compact body and in-body image stabilization. A lot of people might argue it’s the best all-around camera out there these days. The great thing is, it’s only $1500 new! While that does not include a lens, you can go for a kit that includes a lens, which usually saves you a bit of money in the long run. Again, that’s why I’d check out the used options on KEH or B&H if you want the best deal. I promise you, you don’t need to be afraid of used gear! I just recommend always getting one in excellent or excellent+ condition. You basically want it to be in as new of condition as possible. The lower price point ones in “good” condition might seem appealing, but you just never know the history of the camera.

WHERE TO BUY THE SONY A7 II

eBay

KEH Camera (used)

WHERE TO BUY THE SONY A7 III

KEH Camera (used)

eBay

8. Sony A6700 - Mirrorless

The Sony a6700 has been on my list for a while now because it’s super compact, has amazing video, and has an excellent autofocus system. Sony has really been carving their own path in the camera industry and in my opinion, is very much challenging Canon and Nikon. I’m not mad about it though because it has made Canon and Nikon really amp up their gear and keep it relevant. I feel like they both were coasting for a while as the two main camera brands, but now they finally have some competition. The a6700 is particularly great if you’re trying to capture motion or sports, and if video is more important to you than photos. If you’re starting a YouTube channel, or are interested in capturing slo-mo, the a6700 is for you.

WHERE TO BUY THE SONY A6700

Amazon

B&H Photo

B&H Photo (used)

KEH Camera (used)

9. Sony RX100 VII - Point-and-shoot

If I could choose any camera off this list that I don’t already have, it would be this one. The only reason I haven’t really invested in Sony is because their cameras don’t offer multiple exposure. To most people, this feature isn’t important, so if you’re really looking for a super relevent, modern, point-and-shoot camera, this is the one. It’s $1700 new, but a used version goes for around $1500. And what’s nice about this one is that you don’t have to worry about buying a separate lens! It’s a point-and-shoot, so the lens is part of the camera and can’t be removed. You just point, and shoot! It’s perfect for family vacations, being inconspicuous at a sports event, throwing in your bag for a simple outing, or capturing beautiful group portraits at family events. It’s similar to the Canon G7X Mark II in a lot of ways, but better for capturing motion, better battery life, and an even smaller body. It’s a great option if you’re having a hard time finding a G7X Mark II.

WHERE TO BUY THE SONY RX100 VII

B&H Photo (used)

KEH Camera (used)

10. Fujifilm X-S20 - Mirrorless

I always describe Fujifilm cameras as a great option for the photographer who craves creative control, unique images, and a break from the norm. Fujifilm is really known for their film cameras, which is why their digital cameras are so fun. The often have fun film-simulation modes built-in, which allows you to create images that are film-like and that stand out from the traditional digital look that you find with all of the other cameras on this list. And the Fujifilm X-S20 actually has incredible video, a compact body, and lots of other great features that particularly are great for vloggers or YouTubers.

WHERE TO BUY THE FUJIFILM X-S20

Amazon

B&H Photo

B&H Photo (used)

KEH Camera (used)

11. Fujifilm X100V - Point-and-shoot / Rangefinder

The X100V is the sort of the point-and-shoot Fujifilm option with a fixed lens and super compact body. If you like the idea of the film simulation modes and a built-in fixed lens, then this might be a better option. The Fujifilm X100V is beloved in the film community for a lot of reasons, such as the retro-style camera body, the beautiful 23mm f/2 fixed lens and 4K video. While the X-S20 has better video, it’s not as compact or “pretty” to look at. The X-S20 is a DSLR, while this is more like a portable point-and-shoot. It’s just a fun camera to carry around and it makes you excited to take photographs. It doesn’t feel embarrassingly large or “serious”. It’s quirky and special! Because these are highly coveted, it can be difficult to get your hands on one, but KEH camera sometimes has a bargain option for around $1500. I recommend keeping your eye out and waiting for a good deal because it’s really just a classic camera to have in your collection.

WHERE TO BUY THE FUJIFILM X100V

eBay (used)

KEH Camera (used)

12. Panasonic LUMIX LX100 II - Point-and-shoot / Mirrorless

The Panasonic LX100 II is actually pretty similar to the camera I just mentioned, the Fujifilm X100V. It’s a compact camera with a fixed lens but for a lower price. It might not be as highly sought after, but it offers a lot of the same features. The main differences are that the Panasonic LX100 II actually has a bit of zoom to the lens, which is better for travel or capturing sports. It also has better image stabilization and a smaller, lighter body. The main positive attribute of this camera is the price. You can get a used one for around $1200 (if you can find one…)! And don’t forget, this includes the lens since it’s built in! Not to mention, it’s a Leica lens, which are known for being ultra sharp. With only 17 megapixel images, the the image quality overall isn’t quite as good as a lot of cameras on this list, but the price is less stressful than investing in a full DSLR and lens set-up or an overpriced point-and-shoot like the Canon G7X Mark II. The lens is a f/1.7 to f/2.8 aperture though, which does increase the capabilities of the camera in low light.

WHERE TO BUY THE PANASONIC LUMIX LX100 II

eBay (used)

KEH Camera (used)

13. Panasonic LUMIX S5 - Mirrorless

The Panasonic LUMIX S5 is a full-frame mirrorless camera that fits in more with the Canon EOS RP or Nikon Z5. This means it’s a bit bulkier, requires a separate lens purchase, and is geared more towards professional photographers. It’s on the higher end of the pricepoint spectrum, but still fits on this list if you buy it used! It’s a full-frame mirrorless camera with 4K video capabilites, in-body image stabilization, and a rugged, sturdy body. This is a pro level hybrid camera, so its great for both photo and video. It really has all of the features you need to start a photography or video career if you’re really serious about investing in your future. It’s honestly a great price for what you get and is actually lighter and smaller than most full-frame DSLRs!

WHERE TO BUY THE PANASONIC LUMIX S5

Amazon

B&H Photo

KEH Camera (used)

14. OM System OM-5 - Mirrorless

I’ve recently been doing a lot more research into the OM system cameras after my visit to the B&H Bild Expo in New York City. I was chatting with one of the associates in the OM booth and learned a lot about their brand. The OM System cameras are particularly amazing for travel because of their super durable weather-sealed design. The autofocus is great and the burst shooting goes up to 30 fps, which is incredible for nature photography and capturing things like fluttering birds wings. I’d definitely recommend this camera particularly to hikers, nature photographers and travel photographers because it has a lot of other features like a Starry Sky autofocus mode and built-in neutral density filters to help capture things like waterfalls and waves. It also has an interesting “hand-held high-res shot” that allows for images up to 50 megapixels by combining multiple shots into one.

WHERE TO BUY THE OM SYSTEM OM-5

Amazon

B&H Photo (used)

KEH Camera (used)

15. Ricoh GR III - Point-and-shoot

This one can be a bit difficult to find as well, similar to the other point-and-shoot cameras on this list. But Ricoh is a brand I’ve been getting into lately, especially with their film cameras. The Ricoh GR III is a premium point-and-shoot camera that is compact and travel-friendly, with great image stabilization and low-light performance. What makes it really stand out though is the image quality and sharpness. As a Japanese company, their attention to optics is pretty unmatched. They’ve always been known for their sharp lenses and durable camera bodies. While they don’t release as many cameras as Canon or Sony, they pay attention to detail and create cameras that are worth the wait.

WHERE TO BUY THE RICOH GR III

Amazon

eBay (used)

KEH Camera (used)

BONUS OPTION!


16. Leica D-Lux 7 - Point-and-shoot

Point-and-shoot cameras are incredibly popular these days so I wanted to include one more that stands out to me. While the Leica D-Lux 7 has to be purchased used to fit in the $1500 price point, it does include the lens since it’s a point-and-shoot! Leica cameras in general are beautiful and stylish, with that retro old-school film camera look. While I have yet to own one because they tend to be overpriced for the specs that you get, this one is somewhat affordable and keeps up with the others in this price point. Their lenses are known for being super sharp and are made with premium materials since they are somewhat considered a “luxury” brand. If you really want a camera that feels special and great in your hands, the Leica cameras are truly beautiful. Also, if you’re looking for a gift for a photographer, no one is going to turn down a Leica!

WHERE TO BUY THE LEICA D-LUX 7

eBay (used)

KEH Camera (used)

If you found this post helpful or inspiring, I’d love it if you considered signing up for my Patreon! For as little as $1 a month, you’ll get early access to all of my YouTube videos, plus tons of photos that I don’t post anywhere else. Depending on which tier you choose, you could also receive seasonal prints and/or discounts! I always use all of the proceeds towards cameras, film & processing.

If you have any questions, I’m always happy to help! You can contact me here, or leave a comment below! Thanks so much for stopping by! You can also check out my B&H Photo storefront & Amazon Storefront for more camera/film recommendations. :) Have a magical day!

<3 Myles Katherine

Canon Powershot G7X Mark II Review with Sample Photos | How Does it Compare to a DSLR like the 5D Mark IV?

Is the Canon Powershot G7X Mark II as Good as a DSLR?

(This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through my links.)

I’m always on the hunt for tiny cameras that can take amazing photographs. But when it comes to my DSLR, the Canon 5D Mark IV, it’s hard to imagine that there’s a pocket-sized camera out there good enough to fill its shoes when I’m traveling. But I bring SO many cameras when I’m traveling, that bringing my giant DSLR just to snap a few photos when I’m attempting to capture a sunset or other difficult lighting situation, doesn’t really make sense either. So for my most recent trip to Portugal, I decided to challenge myself. I left my big, heavy DSLR at home and brought the Canon G7X Mark II with me instead. It’s actually technically my mom’s camera that I got for her before she went on a trip to Africa. She wanted something that was small and super easy to use, but that was capable of taking decent photos. She also wanted a camera with a zoom function, because she was going on a safari and wanted to be able to zoom in on the animals. I did tons of research, attempting to find something amazing within her price point (under $700). She’s not a photographer, so I needed to make sure that I got her something with a full auto setting and that didn’t require a lot of energy to use. When she got home, I went through her photos and was pleasantly surprised by how incredibly beautiful the landscape photos turned out! And since I take mostly landscape and wide shots when I’m traveling, I figured it might just fill the void of my 5D Mark IV if I decided to leave it at home on my next trip.

The G7X Mark II has become a highly sought-after camera over the last few years and is actually kind of difficult to get your hands on these days. If you’ve come across one, consider yourself lucky! They’ve gone up in price too because of the desirability. There’s a newer version of it, the Canon G7X Mark III, which is also quite popular and difficult to get as well. They aren’t extremely different from each other, so either one would be a great option. I think they are so popular because of their combo of photo/video features and the fact that point-and-shoots are quite desired by the younger generations these days. It’s a great camera for TikTokers, YouTubers and vloggers. But it’s so user-friendly that it’s great for photographers and non-photographers alike, at any level.

So, do I regret leaving my 5D Mark IV at home?

It’s kind of complicated. During my trip to Portugal, I loved how easy it was to pull the G7X Mark II out of my purse and snap a photo. It’s just a tiny point-and-shoot, it turns on quickly, it’s digital so I can take as many photos as I want, and it’s inconspicuous. I don’t have to be the “photographer girl” with her giant DSLR and zoom lens walking around on the street. It also has a video feature that we used a few times as well. Not to mention that I did have 8 other cameras with me, so not having the weight of my DSLR was extremely nice! I didn’t really find myself missing my 5D Mark IV, mainly because it was easier to pull the G7X Mark II out of my bag than it typically is to get my 5D Mark IV out. The G7X fulfilled the job of capturing tons of wide city shots, and the f/1.8 lens actually allowed me to get some lovely food and detail shots when I wanted them. Though I will say, it takes a bit of patience to get the G7X to live up to its full potential. Because it does have that f/1.8 lens, if you put the camera on full auto, you probably won’t benefit from the 1.8 lens very often unless you’re in a super low-light situation. If you’re more adventurous, you can set it to the aperture-priority mode to benefit from that background blur that you can get with a wider aperture.

But, the only thing that really matters - were the photos up to par?

I spent last week going through the photos and editing them. I made sure to shoot in RAW so I had as much control over the post-process as possible. The landscape photos are quite beautiful and the camera does surprisingly well in full auto mode. While I do think that having a zoom lens on my DSLR makes it much easier to capture the exact image that I want, I started to get more used to the digital zoom on the G7X as the days went by. It’s definitely a much slower process that using a zoom lens, because you have to sit there and wait for it to zoom in. So it might be easy to miss a shot if you’re doing street photography and trying to capture a specific moment in time.

Where I did notice the lack of quality when compared to the 5D Mark IV is when I zoomed in on the images in Lightroom. The details are much noisier and less sharp. The shadows don’t contain as much information. The portraits aren’t as flattering. Particularly photos that are taken in low light seem to be rather soft. I found myself adding quite a bit of sharpness and noise reduction to make them work. I don’t think they would print well in large-scale, which is another question I was attempting to answer on my trip. I always want the option of being able to print my photos in large-scale for a gallery show. If I magically capture the most beautiful photograph of all time on my trip, I want to know that I captured it in enough detail to frame it and enter it into a fine art exhibition. You could definitely get away with a decent 12x18 print, but anything larger than that might be questionable. The camera does best with bright landscapes and lots of light. You probably could get away with printing those larger, its mainly the low-light images that are more questionable.

In the grand scheme of things though, I was pleasantly surprised by how well it did in low light. I used it inside churches and in wine cellars and it had no trouble at all getting a clear image. I was expecting to have some difficulty getting those sorts of images, but even on the auto setting, the G7X managed it all relatively easily. I always take 2 or 3 images in those sorts of situations, just in case the shutter is a bit too slow and the image is accidentally slightly blurry. But that f/1.8 lens really helps in that regard.

However, for everyday social media posts, blog posts and personal memories and prints, the G7X Mark II does perfectly fine. Amazing, actually. My mom, who is not a photographer, took some incredible shots on her trip to Africa that even made me consider putting together a portfolio of images and submitting them to galleries for her! Though I’d probably be cautious of printing them too large. :) The G7X can definitely up your point-and-shoot game if you’re an amateur photographer. It’s better than a cell phone, that’s for sure! And as a professional photographer, I’m definitely noticing things that the average viewer wouldn’t notice. To some, they may see no difference at all when comparing images from the 5D Mark IV and the G7X Mark II. But on a pro level, I don’t think the G7X is quite capable enough to replace the 5D Mark IV. Maybe I’m crazy to have even entertained the idea! It makes sense that a camera that’s 3 times the price would take better photos! But the fact that it’s a point-and-shoot and can take photos this beautiful, is kind of mind-blowing.

Will I take the G7X Mark II on my next trip and leave my 5D Mark IV at home again?

Honestly, maybe! If the 5D Mark IV was my one and only camera that I took with me on trips, then no, I’d forget about the G7X and only take my 5D Mark IV obviously! But I mainly focus on shooting film when traveling so any digital camera I bring is really just a backup. They mainly come in handy in low-light situations; to capture beautiful sunsets, candlelit dinners or spooky alleyways. It was SO nice not having the weight of my DSLR in my backpack though. My body just simply can’t handle that anymore. There were only a few situations that I ran across where I wished I had my DSLR with me. A moonlit evening over the bay. A sunset cocktail with sailboats in the background. But the G7X Mark II worked well enough that at least I didn’t miss the shot. I had to fiddle with the camera in manual mode to get the photos to turn out the way I wanted. But honestly, for the average person, the auto mode probably would work just fine in almost any situation.

I haven’t officially decided what I’ll do for my next trip, but it was incredibly nice not having to lug my 5D Mark IV around. What I really need is a digital/film hybrid camera that shoots medium format and 35mm, has a flash, a multiple exposure function, a zoom lens, a panorama mode, aperture priority, incredible low-light capabilities and a lightweight body - then I’d have my dream camera! If you happen to know of a camera that fits all of these functions, please please please let me know. :) In the meantime, I’ll be filling my camera bag with dozens of random cameras in search of the perfect one to fulfill all of my needs.

I hope this post helps you decide if the Canon G7X Mark II is for you! I find it to be a pretty spectacular camera, especially because it IS just a point-and-shoot! When I think back to my very first Canon Powershot camera I had back in the 2000s, even then, I was surprised by the quality that I was able to get with it. And now, with all of these modern-day functionalities, it’s kind of amazing what they can squeeze into these tiny cameras.

So… while the G7X Mark II won’t be replacing my 5D Mark IV as my everyday workhorse camera that I use at professional gigs, it does have the potential to be a contender for a decent digital travel camera. I’ll have to sleep on it a bit more before I decide what to do for my next trip. But in the meantime, if someone were to ask me if the G7X Mark II was worth the money, I’d say absolutely. It can take quite stunning photographs, even for the average person. It’s extremely easy to use, but still offers those pro-level settings like manual, aperture priority and shutter priority if you want to get more creative. It has full HD video, which makes the camera a good option for social media and vlogging (and some even argue the G7X Mark II is better for video than the G7X Mark III). And the 24-100mm lens offers a lot of versatility for a point-and-shoot camera. The fact that it made my mom’s photos from Africa look almost pro-level was a huge eye-opener for me, and was really the reason that I had the confidence and trust in the G7X Mark II to be a temporary travel replacement for my DSLR.

I’ve included more sample photos below to give you a better idea of the camera’s capabilities, including some of my favorite photos that my mom took on her trip to Africa. If you are interested in seeing photos from the Canon 5D Mark IV for comparison, you can check out my blog post here!

These days, the Canon G7X Mark II and III are sold out pretty much everywhere, but I’ve seen some renewed options on Amazon, or you can find used options on Etsy, KEH Camera, or eBay. If you’re having a hard time finding one, you can also check out the Sony ZV-1 (similar in price point to the G7X Mark II) or the Sony RX100 VII (a pricier, higher end point-and-shoot). They are both great for vlogging and video, specifically. Personally, I prefer the look of Canon photos, in general, but if you’re looking for both photos and video, Sony cameras are always great options.

WHERE TO BUY THE CANON G7X MARK II

Amazon

Etsy (used)

eBay (used)

KEH Camera (used)

WHERE TO BUY THE CANON G7X MARK III

Amazon

Etsy (used)

eBay (used)

KEH Camera (used)

If you found this post helpful or if you’d like to see more of my work, I’d love it if you considered signing up for my Patreon! For as little as $1 a month, you’ll get early access to all of my YouTube videos, plus tons of photos that I don’t post anywhere else. Depending on which tier you choose, you could also receive seasonal prints and/or discounts! I always use all of the proceeds towards cameras, film & processing. Find out more here!

You can also check out my B&H Storefront or my Amazon storefront for more camera/film recommendations. :)

Thanks so much for stopping by! Feel free to leave any questions/comments below. Have a lovely day!

<3 Myles Katherine

(By using the links and/or codes above it supports Myles Katherine Photography. We may get a small kick back by you doing so.)

Review of the Pentax IQ Zoom 140M with Sample Photos! | 5 Reasons Why It's the Perfect 35 mm Panorama Point and Shoot Film Camera

 

(By using the links and/or codes below it supports Myles Katherine Photography. We may get a small kick back by you doing so.)

pentax iq zoom 140M 35 mm camera

I sort of bought the Pentax IQ Zoom 140M on a whim one day. I’d been using the Vivitar IC101 for years as my go-to 35 mm panorama camera whenever I traveled, but I was curious what other panorama film cameras were out there. While I love the grainy, low-fi quality of the Vivitar IC101, I was really looking for a camera with a bit of a sharper lens. I came across the Pentax IQ Zoom 140M while browsing KEH Camera and it was only $20 so I went for it! I’ve been using it for years now and it never disappoints. It has so much more to offer than just the panorama feature. I’ve noticed this camera has started to go up in price quite a bit too, so I’d snag one soon if I were you! There are many different versions of this camera, but they all essentially do the same thing. Pretty much any IQ Zoom will get you about the same results. They have different zoom lens lengths available, so it really depends on your preference. I purchased the IQ Zoom 140M which has a 38-140mm zoom lens. I wanted to share 5 reasons why I love this camera. It’s become a necessity when I travel and it packs quite a punch into such a tiny camera!

5 Reasons Why I Love the Pentax IQ Zoom 140M

  1. The Lens is Surprisingly Sharp!

    The Pentax IQ Zoom 140M is a pretty standard point and shoot camera. It really doesn’t look particularly cool or impressive, but I’m always pleasantly surprised by how sharp this lens is. Especially if you’re using an ISO 100 film or similar, you can get some incredible images! I took this camera to Japan with me and I’m obsessed with how the images turned out. It’s perfect for snapping some quick street photography and the lens is wide enough that you can get entire buildings and landscapes.

2. You Can Easily Switch Between the Panorama Mode and the Standard 35 mm Frame Size

This is the best part of this camera and ultimately, why it has become one of my favorite travel cameras. With the Vivitar IC101, I could only take panorama photos. It made me feel very limited when using the camera and it didn’t really have any use other than that. With the Pentax IQ Zoom, you can switch mid-roll between the panorama frame size and the standard 35 mm frame size, as many times as you want! This is a game-changer. Most of the time, I just want to use the standard frame size. But when I’m traveling and I find myself at the top of a mountain or bell tower looking out onto a beautiful view, I always want that option to take a panorama photo. Sometimes, I like the leave the black border around the photos, so I included two different presentation versions below for you. :)

3. It has a Flash!

This is another necessity for me when it comes to travel cameras. You just never know what lighting situation you’re going to find yourself in when you’re traveling and I always feel more secure when I have the option of using a flash. Especially if I’m out at dinner and I just want to snap a few candid photos with my friends or family, the flash makes all the difference.

4. It’s Super Tiny and Weighs Nothing!

Again, this is another important feature that I look for in a travel camera. Traveling is exhausting. The last thing I want to do is lug around 20 pounds of cameras. The Pentax IQ Zoom is small and lightweight and can always find a home in my camera bag. I usually end up squeezing it in a tiny spot amongst my other cameras. It takes up no space at all. And at the end of a long day, when I drop off all of my big, heavy cameras in the hotel room and want to have a night out, this is the one camera I’ll bring back out with me. It can fit in my purse, it’s inconspicuous and it’s cute!

5. It has a Ridiculous Zoom Lens!

The 38-140mm lens is definitely a surprising feature of this camera. When you first look at the camera, you’d really have no idea it was even there! When I’m traveling, I usually prefer to shoot wide shots, so I don’t use the zoom lens often. But if you’re someone who likes to zoom in on your iPhone to get tighter shots of animals, people or landscapes, then this will definitely come in handy for you!

I hope this review gives you a better idea of what this incredible little camera is capable of. It has tones of other features, like a self-timer, red-eye reduction and bulb exposure mode. There’s really nothing that it doesn’t do! In my opinion, this is the perfect, affordable point and shoot 35 mm film camera. If you’re on the hunt for one, you should try out these sites:

WHERE TO BUY THE PENTAX IQ ZOOM 140M:

Amazon

Etsy

eBay

35MM FILM RECOMMENDATIONS:

Kodak Gold 200

Lomography Color 400

Lomography Color 100

Kodak Portra 160

Kodak Portra 400

Kodak Colorplus 200

If you’re interested in reading more about my personal favorite 35 mm color films to use with this camera, check out my blog post here!

I’ve included sample photos below, but you can also check out my full YouTube video about the Pentax IQ Zoom 140M here!

If you found this post helpful or if you’d like to see more of my work, I’d love it if you considered signing up for my Patreon! For as little as $1 a month, you’ll get early access to all of my YouTube videos, plus tons of photos that I don’t post anywhere else. Depending on which tier you choose, you could also receive seasonal prints and/or discounts! I always use all of the proceeds towards film & processing. Find out more here!

Thanks so much for stopping by! Feel free to leave any questions or comments below. And don’t forget to stop by my Amazon storefront for more camera/film recommendations. :)

<3 Myles Katherine