10 Best Cameras For Teenagers in 2023 [Expert Choices]

Your teenage years are excellent for learning new skills, and if you want to get better at photography, this is the best time to get your hands on a digital camera. As you’re here, I assume you are on the hunt for a camera suited for teenagers. Fret not, this article has got you covered!

Having a full-fledged digital camera gives you a lot more control as compared to a smartphone, for that matter. You can also try the different types of lenses and things like the quality of the photos and videos, the natural shallow depth of field, and better low-light performance.

Needless to say, finding a reliable camera can be really hard. You need to decide what features you need and how long of a learning curve you are willing to go through while keeping the budget in your mind. And if you end up with the wrong camera, the experience will be disappointing. To ensure that doesn’t happen, I have enlisted and reviewed the top 10 cameras for teenagers.

Best Cameras For Teenagers in 2023

The cameras that made it to this list have gone through thorough evaluation and are good for beginner to intermediate level photography and videography. Some are even capable of a semi-pro level of use, so you don’t have to upgrade the camera for a long time. I have also made sure that the pricing is under $1000 as you shouldn’t be spending more on a teenager’s camera.

1. Best Overall: Sony ZV-E10

Sony has mastered the art of packing high-end features inside compact and affordable cameras, and the Sony ZV-E10 is one of the most attractive offerings from the company. It has a surprising set of features packed inside a tiny body, and for any teenager just starting off with a journey, this is more than what you will need.

Design & Build

The camera’s design resembles its predecessor, ZV-1, very much, but it also has some resemblance to the more expensive Alpha line-up. It has the Alpha branding, a proper grip, a 3 inch vari-angle LCD touchscreen, and it doesn’t have an EVF. The on-body controls are minimal, and the compact form factor is excellent for vlogging on a selfie stick or a gorilla pod.

Build quality is really good for the price. Instead of the ZV series, this one feels a lot more like an alpha series camera. It is solid in hand, it feels premium, and it only weighs around 0.75 lbs which is really great considering this is an APS-C camera.

Sensor and Photography

Sony has tried to make some serious improvements in the ZV-E10, starting with the Sensor. Even in a body this small, the company has managed to fit in an APS-C sensor which allows for a lesser 1.52x crop and better low light performance compared to smaller Micro 4/3 or 1-inch sensors.

The photos turn out to be great with natural colors, great dynamic range, a good amount of sharpness, and the bigger sensor allows for a shallower depth of field. The Shutter Speed range is 1/4000-30 seconds, ISO ranges 100-32000 (expandable to 51200), and the Manual Color Temperature (custom WB) range is 2500-9990 K.

Video Recording

Video capabilities also knock out other cameras in this price range. Not only can you record 4K video at 30 FPS, but you can also record in HDR and S-log 2 & 3 RAW. That means you can start with regular video and move your way up to more advanced categories without buying another camera, in case you’re planning on that. It also supports 120 FPS slow-mo at 1080P.

The video quality is also great, and the regular auto mode footage now rivals more expensive cameras. Even at night, the colors are well retained with controlled noise levels. If you’re showing in HDR, though, you’ll need a powerful editing system and an HDR-supported monitor to be able to edit that footage.

Wireless Connectivity and Inputs

Sony has provided a good selection of connectivity and inputs for the ZV-E10. It has 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.1 for wireless connectivity but does skip on NFC. For wired inputs, you get USB 3 Type-C, Micro HDMI 1.4b, 3.5 mm Microphone jack, 3.5 mm Headphone jack, Multi-accessory shoe, and an SD card slot with support for UHS-I.

Battery Life

The NP-FW50 battery can capture up to 440 photos or up to 80 minutes of 4K video. Video can last up to 125 minutes with continuous recording. This is good enough battery life for a beginner level, so you don’t need to rush to get an extra battery.

Is this camera right for you?

Sony has really tried to squeeze in a lot of features into this compact & affordable ZV-E10. For any teenager, this is an excellent starting point, and you can get better at both photography and video recording at the same time. The only downside is not having an EVF, so if that is something you absolutely need, then get one of the other options.

2. Best Starter Camera: Canon EOS M50 Mark II

Canon also makes some great budget mirrorless cameras, and the EOS M50 Mark II is probably the best one for a teenager. It is the successor to the extremely popular EOS M50, and although there aren’t huge upgrades, the improvements are still significant. If you want a Canon camera and you’re tight on budget, this is the one to get.

Design & Build

The design hasn’t changed much compared to the predecessor, but there are a few subtle tweaks here and there to make it look a bit more distinct. However, the overall formula stays the same with a minimalist approach and a familiar look with a 3-inch vari-angle display and a nice grip.

The build quality is about what you’d expect for the price. It feels nice in hand, and with a weight of just 0.85 lbs, it’s easily one-hand usable. It doesn’t feel premium or anything like that, but for this budget, it’s pretty standard.

Sensor and Photography

There is a 24.1MP CMOS sensor, and it is also an APS-C type. So, you get the same 1.52x crop and better low light performance compared to smaller sensors. What’s interesting though is the fact that it’s better than a lot of competitors at this price.

The photos come out to be really good, though. It has that sweet Canon color science, and you get improved dynamic range alongside enhanced low-light performance over its predecessor. You get a Shutter Speed range of 1-4000 seconds, ISO Range of 100-25600 (expandable up to  51200), and Custom White Balance at 2500-10000K.

Video Recording

Canon was one of the first to make 4K recording available in the budget with the EOS M50, and its successor definitely builds on that same foundation, but it’s just a bit more polished. It still shoots at 4K 30 FPS and 1080P 60 FPS, so no surprises there. You also don’t have any fancy features like HDR or slow-mo video.

Where those polishes did take effect is in the actual video quality. The improvement in dynamic range is especially noticeable, and the footage looks just a bit crisper. Low-light performance for video is more or less the same. Maybe just a bit better noise control, thanks to Digic 8’s processing power.

Wireless Connectivity and Inputs

For wireless connectivity, you’re getting 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.1. The available inputs include a High-speed USB, Micro HDMI, 3.5mm Microphone jack, and Multi accessory shoe. There is no headphone jack, and you do miss out on NFC as well. Rest is not bad for the price.

Battery Life

The camera uses a smaller LP-E12 battery that gets you up to 305 shots using the display or up to 250 shots using the electronic viewfinder. It also shoots up to 95 minutes of 4K video, which is decent battery life, but for photos, it’s nothing to write home about either. So, you should keep an extra set of batteries around.

Is this camera right for you?

I would only recommend the Canon EOS M50 Mark II over the ZV-E10 to those who are looking specifically for a Canon camera and its color science on a budget. This is a photography first camera, but you can still use it for casual video recording without any hiccups. Fancy features aside, this is still one of the good sub $1000 mirrorless cameras to start off your journey.

3. Best from Nikon: Nikon Z50

Nikon has also finally moved on to mirrorless cameras, and the Nikon Z50 is one of the best options you can start off with. If you like how Nikon handles colors and you have been thinking about getting one of their DSLRs, this has all those things you wanted in a more compact form factor and with better features.

Design & Build

There has been a major shift in Nikon’s design language since they switched to mirrorless and the Z50 greatly benefits from that. It now comes in a smaller and more compact body, and it looks modern. I wish the 3-inch display on the back was flip-up instead of flip-down, but it’s a good quality display, and even the EVF is pretty nice.

When it comes to build quality, I’ll have to say that these new cameras don’t feel as robust as those DSLRs of the past, but surprisingly enough, they are pretty close. Other than that, it feels nice in hand, the grip is solid, and it weighs just around 0.87, so it’s pretty close to the M50 Mark II.

Sensor and Photography

Nikon has gone with a 20.9MP APS-C sensor which is a nice upgrade in terms of the packed in power and overall capabilities. It is really close to what Canon is using in their cameras around this price range, but the end result is significantly different thanks to the new hardware and Nikon’s unique processing.

The photos come out looking familiar with that signature Nikon look to it. The color science is excellent for shooting landscapes and on a more advanced level, wildlife photos. Shutter speed ranges 1/4000-30 seconds, ISO range is 100-51200 (expandable up to  204800), and Custom White Balance ranges from 2500K and 10000K.

Video Recording

There used to be major compromises when it came to video recording on mid-range Nikon devices. However, that has changed and the Z50 can now shoot up to 4K 30 FPS, 1080P 60 FPS, and even 1080P 120 FPS slow-motion video. You still don’t get HDR video though, but considering the past events, this is a huge upgrade.

When it comes to actual video quality, it is also a massive upgrade. No, the overall looks haven’t changed much, but the videos have more detail and the sensor seems to handle low-light situations better. Another thing that has improved significantly, is the autofocus. This is finally a fast-enough autofocusing speed for video.

Wireless Connectivity and Inputs

On the wireless connectivity front, Nikon has provided 802.11 b/g/n/ac Dual-band Wi-Fi that even the ZV-E10 doesn’t have and it also has Bluetooth 4.2 and GPS. On the wired inputs side, you get Micro USB Type-B, Micro HDMI Type-D, 3.5 mm Microphone jack, and Multi-accessory Shoe.

Battery Life

The EN-EL25 battery isn’t necessarily a large unit and it can take up to 300 shots or can shoot up to 75 minutes of 4K video. This is fine for day-to-day use, but for long trips, definitely keep a change of batteries.

Is this camera right for you?

Many teenagers prefer to start with a Nikon camera, and if you are one of them then I can’t recommend the Z50 enough. It finally brings better video capabilities in the mid-range on Nikon cameras and it still has that same photography excellence that you’re expecting. So, if you have the need, the Nikon Z50 is an excellent fit.

4. Best Micro 4/3 Camera: Panasonic LUMIX G100

Panasonic is also making some of the excellent amateur-friendly cameras that may just be sweet candy for some teens. The Panasonic LUMIX G100 is right up that ally and it brings some great features under that sub $800 price point. This camera is a significant step up from last year’s G85.

Design & Build

The design looks very similar to other G-series cameras from the company. It has a compact form factor and it looks nice as well. It has that minimalist approach with both the size and the on-body controls and that 3-inch LCD touchscreen on the back is a vari-angle unit, so it totally flips out.

Build quality is somewhat nicer than you may expect at this price, but it’s nothing outstanding. The big players definitely provide a better build and that’s also prominent by the weight of just 0.66 lbs. It’s better than what we used to get with some other cheap options, but others have Panasonic beat in this department.

Sensor and Photography

There is an upgraded 20.3MP sensor which is a massive step up from last year’s 16MP unit, but sadly it’s still Micro Four Thirds. That means you get an even closer 2x crop and the low-light performance doesn’t really match up to the APS-C equipped competition. It is still fairly capable though and it’s one of the best Micro 4/3 in this segment.

Photos from the camera turn out to be improved too. There is a lot of detail and the dynamic range has improved significantly as well. The generational leap is finally something the company can brag about. However, as it’s a Micro Four Thirds sensor, the low-light performance is still not as good as the APS-C competition.

Video Recording

The video capabilities haven’t evolved that much but there is one major advantage. Yes, you can still record 4K video up to 30 FPS and 1080P up to 60 FPS. However, you can now also record in 8-bit V-log which is the company’s in-house RAW video format which is huge if you also want to experiment with color grading. There is also 120 FPS slow-mo support.

Wireless Connectivity and Inputs

For wireless connectivity, you get 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.1. Wired connectivity is also decent with Micro USB 2.0 Type-B, Micro HDMI Type-D, 3.5 mm Mic jack, and Multi-accessory shoe.

Battery Life

The battery life is a bit of a bummer though as you can only get up to 270 shots and just close to an hour of video recording. So, although it’s fine for casual shoots, it won’t hold up on trips, so you should keep extra batteries around just in case.

Is this camera right for you?

To be honest, the Sony ZV-E10 is a better deal than this camera. However, you may want this one instead for the different form factor or maybe you just want a LUMIX camera to start off with, then the G100 is a great option. Especially, as an upgrade, this camera is definitely a winner in the sub $800 segment.

5. Best for Photography: Fujifilm X-T30 II

If you need a camera for photography, the Fujifilm X-T30 II is an excellent choice. It combines the greatness of classic Fujifilm image processing and all the modern tuning and improvements. It’s also a nice upgrade over the regular X-T30 and for teens, this is definitely still a tempting choice in this segment.

Design & Build

The design hasn’t changed much compared to the original X-T30. You still get a compact form factor with all those adjustment dials on top and a 3-inch vari-angle touch screen at the back. The grip is a bit too small for my taste, but this will vary by personal preference. Overall, the design is a combination of retro and modern Fujifilm.

The build quality is actually really great for this price segment. The martial quality is excellent and it feels premium in the hand. It weighs around 0.83 lbs, so it is slightly heavier than some of the competition, but still pretty lightweight overall. So, you shouldn’t have an issue carrying this on hand.

Sensor and Photography

The 26.1MP APS-C sensor is excellent as well. The resolution hasn’t changed, but it is a lot more capable this time around and it has some crazy features for both photo and video. The sensor on the original X-T30 was already an excellent performer in its segment, but the new one just adds an extra layer of goodness to it.

Photos being the major focus of this camera, it has some great capabilities on that side. This includes fast burst photography and quick autofocusing alongside improved dynamic range and better low-light performance. Overall, this one performs much better than its predecessor.

Video Recording

Video recording used to be secondary for Fujifilm cameras and although the situation hasn’t entirely changed, the new X-T30 II has some excellent video features. You get 10-bit 4:2:2 RAW video in F-log, and you can shoot that up to 4K 30 FPS. You also have 1080P at 60 FPS and that goes up to 240 FPS for slow motion.

Wireless Connectivity and Inputs

For wireless connectivity, you’re getting 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.2. The wired inputs include USB Type-C, Micro HDMI, Multi-accessory shoe, and for some reason they have used a 2.5 mm Mic Jack instead of a 3.5mm one. So, if you have a 3.5 mm microphone, you’ll need an adapter.

Battery Life

The battery life is more of a mixed situation. While the camera can take up to 390 photos on a single charge, it can only do up to 45 minutes of 4K video which can go up to 60 minutes with continuous recording. So, while the battery holds up well for photos, it’s kinda below average for video.

Is this camera right for you?

The Fujifilm X-T30 II is definitely a step in the right direction for the company, and if you wanted to start with a Fujifilm, there is no better choice. Only the battery life for video is still a potential downside for those who are equally interested in video recording even with so many advanced features. If you don’t see that as an issue, then definitely go for this camera.

6. Best Full-Frame Camera: Canon EOS RP

If you need a full-frame camera, the Canon EOS RP is the only camera I can recommend to you. It takes amazing photos & videos with no crop factor and for a full-sized camera, it is still pretty easy to shoot handheld and it doesn’t have a massive learning curve either. So, for teenagers, it is just about perfect.

Design & Build

Canon introduced a new compact full-frame design with the introduction of their EOS R & RP and it is a great step up from their DSLRs. The cameras are more ergonomic and still have all of the necessary controls you may need. You also get a 3-inch vari-angle touchscreen and a good quality EVF.

The build quality, as you may expect, is pretty good as well. The quality of the materials is nice and it weighs around 1.06 lbs, so it’s great for handheld usage. Yes, the regular EOS R has the better build quality, but considering the price point, the EOS RP is right there on the top.

Sensor and Photography

The camera comes with a 26.2MP full-frame sensor and it is quite capable for the price. It has no crop, of course, and it happens to be great for daylight and low-light conditions, which is pretty surprising in this segment.

There is a lot of detail even in highlights and shadows, the colors are rich yet accurate, and the noise levels are well under control at night. Shutter speed ranges 1/4000-30 seconds with ISO ranging 100-12800, and Custom While Balance ranging 2500K-10000K. You can also take 14-bit RAW if you want to have more control in post-processing.

Video Recording

Coming to video, this camera is kind of a mixed bag in that department. You can shoot 4K video, but only at 25 FPS or 24 FPS and 1080P at 50 FPS & 25 FPS. So, you can’t shoot 4K 30 FPS or 1080P 60 FPS or 1080P 24 FPS. This is not really a problem for teenagers, but it’s definitely a weird choice by the company.

The quality of the video is excellent though. The colors look great, the dynamic range is excellent for the segment, and there is a lot of detail across the board with great low-light performance. You can’t record RAW video on this one, but the regular video is really good and thanks to the full-frame sensor, there is no crop.

Wireless Connectivity and Inputs

For wireless connectivity, the camera comes with 802.11 b/g/n 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.2. For wired inputs, you get  USB 2.0 type C, HDMI out Type-C, 3.5 mm Microphone jack, 3.5 mm Headphone jack, E3 jack for remote input, and a single SD card slot with support for UHS-I.

Battery Life

The LP-E17 battery is actually made for smaller cameras, so it doesn’t do great with the full-frame EOS RP. You can get up to 250 photos or up to 60 minutes or less of 4K video on a single charge. So, keeping a couple of extra batteries around is always recommended. I really wish that Canon had used a bigger battery for this camera.

Is this camera right for you?

In case you’re interested in a full-frame camera, the Canon EOS RP is the only option that should be considered as of now. It takes excellent photos and videos, and it has all the perks of being a semi Pro-level camera while also being great for beginners. If you don’t have a problem with keeping a couple of extra batteries around, this is one of the best mid-range cameras to consider for yourself.

7. Best for RAW Videos: Sony A6400

The Sony Alpha a6400 is a significant step-up over the ZV-E10 and alongside having better photo and video quality, it is also an excellent high-quality compact camera. It also has the EVF that the ZV-E10 lacks and it’s still one of the most competitive devices in its price range. If you won’t mind spending a little more, then this is definitely a better option.

Design & Build

Sony has a very similar approach to design when it comes to their alpha lineup of cameras and the A6400 is no exception. It has the same boxy form factor with the muted design and somewhat minimalist approach, like the other APS-C Alpha cameras. All of the necessary on-body controls are present and you also get a 3-inch top-flip LCD touchscreen.

The build quality is also very good. Good quality materials have been used and the camera feels solid in the hand. It is still comparatively lightweight though at just 0.88 lbs, so it’s easy to shoot handheld with. It’s still not as good as the A6600, but it’s really close and that’s a win in my book.

Sensor and Photography

Sony generally makes the best camera sensors in the market and the 24.2MP APS-C unit in the A6400 is one of the best under the $1000 price point. It’s got top-notch capabilities and it handles challenging situations much better compared to a lot of the competition.

The photos look really good with great dynamic range, A lot of sharpness, well-preserved details, and great low light performance. The Shutter Speed range is 1/4000-30 seconds and it supports 11 FPS burst shooting, ISO range is 100-32000 (expandable up to 102400), and the Customer White Balance ranges from 2500-9900 K.

Video Recording

There are also some excellent features on the video recording side. There is support for 4K 30 FPS video recording, HDR video in HLG, S-log 2 & 3 RAW, and all of this is accompanied by super-fast autofocusing. This makes for an excellent video camera that covers everything you can ask for. Well, other than 4K 60 FPS, but that’s normal for this price.

As you may expect, the quality of the footage is excellent. You get natural colors, great details, good low-light performance, and thanks to the fast autofocusing, it’s able to keep moving subjects properly in focus. If you are shooting in RAW, be sure to get familiar with the basics of color grading and color correction first.

Wireless Connectivity and Inputs

For wireless connectivity, you’re getting 802.11 b/g/n single-band Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.2, and NFC. The inputs department doesn’t have any compromise either. There are USB Type-C, Micro HDMI, 3.5 mm Microphone jack, 3.5 mm Headphone jack, Multi accessory shoe, and dual SD card slots with support for UHS-I.

Battery Life

The NP-FW50 battery holds up well with up to 410 shots when using the display as a viewfinder or up to 360 shots with EVF. For video, you’ll get up to 75 minutes of 4K recording on a single charge and up to 125 minutes of 4K recording with continuous shooting.

Is this camera right for you?

If you want fancy features paired with top-notch capabilities and you have the extra money to step up from the ZV-E10, then you should definitely get the Sony A6400. It is the best APS-C type camera you can get in this price range and it’s also perfect to use from a beginner level to a semi Pro level.

8. Best for Low Light: Canon EOS M6 Mark II

Canon also makes the compact yet powerful camera EOS M6 Mark II which is kinda the counterpart for the A6400. If you’d prefer a Canon over Sony’s offering, this is the camera to get. It has great features for both photos and videos and it is a nice step up from the EOS M50 Mark II.

Design & Build

There is no drastic difference in the design language but, compared to its cheaper sibling, it looks a bit more subtle and a bit more professional as well. This look reminds me of Sony’s APS-C cameras a lot, but of course, there are some Canon design elements as well. It also has a 3-inch vari-angle flip display and a good quality EVF.

The build quality is great and on the hand, it feels a lot more robust compared to the M50 II. It is also slightly more heavy at around 0.9 lbs. Thankfully that’s still pretty handheld usable and both for photography and video it is great. You do get a bit less grip though compared to other Canon cameras, but that’s a compromise you get with compact form factors.

Sensor and Photography

There is a massive 32.5MP APS-C sensor and it is definitely stealing the show. The capabilities are undoubtedly great and you get some extra features on top. The bigger sensor also allows for better low-light performance and of course, you’d still get a 1.52x crop. But, it is indeed a significant step up compared to its younger sibling.

The photos turn out to be great as you may expect. They come out sharp, have a good amount of detail in highlights and shadows, and the low-light photos have well-controlled noise levels. The Shutter speed ranges 1/4000-30 seconds, ISO ranges 100-25600 (expandable up to 51200), and custom White Balance can go from 2500K to 10000K.

Video Recording

The video recording capabilities have improved as well. You’re still getting 4K 30 FPS at a maximum, but this time around you can also shoot 1080P 120FPS slow-mo, and of course, you also have 1080P 60 FPS for regular video. There is still no HDR support, so it seems like that’s only a Sony thing for now in this segment.

The quality of the video is great though. Canon’s color science shows its magic here and you also get a lot of detail in the footage. The dynamic range is great and even in low-light, it holds up its own. I do think that adding the capability to shoot RAW video would have been nice, but if you won’t be using it anyway, it doesn’t apply to you.

Wireless Connectivity and Inputs

On the wireless connectivity side, you’re getting 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.1. Sadly Canon still hasn’t gone mainstream for NFC. It has a decent selection of inputs including USB 2.0 Type-C, Micro HDMI 2.0, 3.5mm Microphone jack, a Multi accessory shoe, and an SD card slot with support UHS-I.

Battery Life

The battery life is still not great though. Canon has gone with an LP-E17 cell and it holds up to 305 shots (410 shots with ECO mode) or about less than an hour (80 minutes with continuous recording) of 4K video. This is average battery life, so keep an extra battery around during trips.

Is this camera right for you?

If you want a Canon camera that is compact yet powerful, get the Canon M6 Mark II and you won’t have complaints. It has excellent capabilities, and it is more premium compared to all other Canon APS-C cameras in the segment. If you do need RAW video recording though, get the Sony A6400.

9. Best Point & Shoot: Sony ZV-1

Some of you may also be into the point and shoot cameras and if you fall into that category, the Sony ZV-1 Is just the perfect choice for you. It is insanely powerful and it costs a lot less money compared to some of the mainstream Mirrorless options. This camera is targeted towards users who want to vlog or create content on YouTube.

Design & Build

The design is very similar to point & shoots with a slight mirrorless vibe to it. The entire design is simple & muted, there is no EVF, and there is a vari-angle LCD touchscreen. Sony has tried to make the form factor as compact and minimalist as possible. Of course, 

The build quality is good for the price but it isn’t competing in the big leagues in this department. It weighs around 0.64 lbs so it’s extremely lightweight and easy to carry around. Not having the EVF is partly responsible for the low weight as well. It still feels solid in the hand though and although I cannot complain much here, maybe at least giving a grip would have been nice.

Sensor and Photography

A 20.1MP sensor is a 1-inch unit that is smaller compared to all your and micro 4/3 of the world. That means you get a bit more crop and slightly worse low-light performance. To counter this, Sony is using an f/1.8-f/2.8 wide-angle lens which lets in a lot of light. This is a massively capable sensor though, especially for video.

Photos aren’t a major focus here, but you can still get relatively good photos. There is some loss in detail, but the colors and dynamic range seem good. It does produce slightly washed-out colors at night though. The shutter speed range is 1/2000-30 seconds, ISO range is 100-12800, and Custom White Balance is also available 2500K-9900K.

Video Recording

Video is the department where Sony has focused the most here, so it’s no surprise that it has as many features as the company was able to fit in there. Alongside having 4K 30 FPS support, it can also shoot in HDR (HLG) and there is even a video Portrait mode. It also comes with beautification and product preview modes for creators.

As far as the quality of the video is concerned it is pretty good. The 4K footage looks nicely detailed and the dynamic range is decent for this segment. The quality does fall down a bit in low-light conditions, but considering the smaller sensor, this is no surprise. If we keep the extreme scenarios aside, this is really good quality video for the money.

Wireless Connectivity and Inputs

Coming to wireless connectivity, the ZV-1 includes 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.1. For wired connectivity, you get Micro USB 2.0, Micro HDMI, 3.5 mm Microphone Jack, and a Multi-accessory shoe.

Battery Life

The NP-BX1 battery isn’t necessarily big, but it provides pretty decent battery life on the ZV-1. You can get up to 260 photos (up to 410 with auto-monitor off set to 2 seconds) and up to 45 minutes of 4K video recording (75 minutes with continuous shooting). It’s still not a lot, so maybe keep an extra battery around.

Is this camera right for you?

The Sony ZV-1 is probably the best point-and-shoot camera that you can buy under the $1000 price point and teenagers are going to love it. It has top-end features like 4K & HDR video and can be really handy if you’re getting into YouTube and don’t want the extra hassle of changing lenses.

10. Best Budget Camera: Canon EOS M200

If you liked the ZV-1’s approach but you need the flexibility of switching lenses, then the Canon EOS M200 is the perfect alternative for you. It’s also super compact and doesn’t have an EVF, but this time around you can use dedicated EF-M lenses and EF/EF-S lenses using an adapter. This camera is also wildly affordable.

Design & Build

Canon has tried to make the M200 look just like their classic point & shoots and if you’re using a thin enough lens, people may mistake it as a fixed lens camera. There is also a 3-inch flip-up LCD touchscreen, but as mentioned earlier, you don’t get an EVF with this one. The design is overall pretty muted and some of you may actually prefer that.

The build quality is good, but it’s not as great as the M50 II which is expected as it costs even less. However, it does have a weight of around 0.66 lbs which is almost identical to the ZV-1 but do keep in mind that this is without the lens attached. Anyway, the build quality is good for the price.

Sensor and Photography

The sensor is the real surprise though. Although it is a small camera it’s still housing a 24.1MP APS-C sensor, so compared to that 1-inch sensor on the ZV-1, it can let in more light and has less crop. However, you do miss out on the fancy features though.

The end result is kind of a mixed bag for photos. In daylight, photos turn out to be good with natural colors and a decent amount of detail. The dynamic range does struggle though and the low-light performance is just okay. The Shutter Speed and ISO ranges 1/4000-30 seconds and 100-25600 respectively and it does support Custom White Balance.

Video Recording

It supports 4K 30 FPS and up to 120 FPS slow-mo in 1080P with up to 60 FPS regular videos. You don’t have HDR by the way which is no surprise considering not even the M6 II has it. However, for Canon, this is still a major attraction at this price range.

The quality of the video is good for the price as well. You get pleasing colors and a good amount of detail. Just like the photos, the dynamic range can still struggle at times and this isn’t great in low light conditions either. But, if you want better performance in those areas, you’ll have to spend a bit more anyway.

Wireless Connectivity and Inputs

Thankfully, you still get 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.1 for wireless inputs alongside Micro USB and Micro HDMI, so it’s pretty clear that the company is targeting this as more of a photo first camera. So, if you’re shooting video, you’re stuck with the internal microphone, which is not great for outside use.

Battery Life

This camera is using the LP-E12 battery, which means it’s not relatively big, but that’s also the case with the device itself. So, you do get a respective 315 shots or up to 485 shots in ECO mode for photos and up to 90 minutes of 4K video. That’s actually really good battery life for this segment.

Is this camera right for you?

If you’re looking for a low budget camera and your main focus is photography, then the Canon EOS M200 is definitely a better choice compared to the ZV-1. The APS-C sensor at this size, alongside the good battery life, is a real catch. However, for video, get the ZV-1 or the ZV-E10.

Frequently Asked Questions

Verdict

In case you are trying to get on the photography or videography train in your teenage years, you’re definitely on the right path. This way you get a lot of time to adapt to the camera basics and the mechanics of how things work. So, when you will be going for professional-level shoots with advanced equipment, you’ll have the expertise you need.

If you read the entire article, you probably have chosen the best teenage-level camera for you. However, in case you still haven’t made a decision yet or you have skipped right to the end, here is the summarized version for the same:

• If you are looking for a proper mirrorless camera that packs as many modern features as possible and doesn’t break the bank, get the Sony ZV-E10.
• If you need a full-frame camera, get Canon EOS RP.
• In case you need a more photography-focused camera, get the Fujifilm X-T30 II or the Canon EOS M200 if you’re on a tighter budget.
• If you need a Nikon camera, get the Nikon Z50.
• For those looking for a point & shoot, get the Sony ZV-1.
• If you want a full-fledged compact mid-ranger, get the Sony A6400 or the Canon M6 II.

I hope I was able to help you to find your perfect teenage camera. If you found this helpful, maybe share this article with someone else looking for their first camera as well. That way you can practice & learn together.