The best professional cameras for beginners might sound like an oxymoron. But, really, when we use this phrase we’re talking about a pro-level camera that’s maybe a few years old and come down in price considerably but is still a viable option. This type of camera might appeal to students, in particular. Someone getting their photography degree may be committed to their pursuit and looking for a camera that offers a lot of functionality to grow with at a reasonable price.

With this in mind, the best professional cameras for beginners and students will be those that were once flagship models but are now superseded at least once, maybe twice. Or if not a flagship camera, then perhaps one of a manufacturer’s more advanced DSLRs. It might even be a camera like the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV – technically still a current model, but a DSLR that gets little promotion nor attention these days as the world moves to mirrorless.

The best student cameras may not have the latest AF technology, but they will provide fast and accurate autofocusing, backed by strong processing power and a wide range of lenses (such as EF or F mount if you invest in a Canon or Nikon camera) to choose from.

There are trade-offs, though. Investing in an older, ex-flagship camera means your camera body will likely be heavier and bulkier than many of the best mirrorless cameras in manufacturers’ current line-ups. And while you might get 4K video capability, you probably won’t have the option to shoot 4K video at 60p or 4K video at 120p. But for students and beginners, this is fine. Most projects can be filmed in Full HD, which is what these cameras will offer at a range of frame rates.

What are the best professional cameras for beginners and students?

The best professional cameras for beginners and students based on our tests are the

Below we’ve expanded on our reasons why we chose these as the best student cameras to buy. Others may disagree and have their own favourites. If so, please feel free to share your picks in the comments. And if you’d like more information to help you choose, check out our guides to the best mirrorless cameras for beginners, best DSLRs for beginners and best beginner full-frame cameras. And in our ultimate guide to beginner photography, we show you how to set up your camera and use it to its full potential. For a deeper dive into the many different camera types and features available, check out our range of camera buying guides.