Best Back-to-School Cameras for High School & College Students

In our guide to the best back-to-school cameras for students, we recommend a wide range of DSLR and digital mirrorless bodies. Each camera is ideally suited to beginners mastering the craft of image making.

I first learned photography at a tertiary art school where I also trained in pottery and kiln work, screen printing, graphic design, illustration, fine art painting, and much more.

It was well before the digital age, so I shot on an old Canon 35mm film camera and processed, developed, and printed my images in the darkroom.

Learning photography in a supportive environment taught me much about the craft and equipped me with skills, knowledge, technical capability, and a good eye for composition.

While many secondary and tertiary courses have dropped film, mastering a DSLR or digital mirrorless camera is a game-changer.

Selecting the best kit for your photography course is a must—hence, our guide. Let’s take a look at the best back-to-school cameras for students of any age.

8 of the Best Cameras for Students

Rather than simply recommending the latest and greatest (and most expensive) cameras for secondary and tertiary students, we’ve selected options that will fit a range of budgets and needs.

Not every photography, design, or art course demands the latest high-megapixel monolith of a camera.

Sometimes, simpler is better, especially when discussing cameras for younger kids and beginners.

At 18 and even at 21, I was walking around bumping into things, and the last thing I wanted was responsibility over an expensive camera.

Besides, we didn’t have the money required to buy fancy gear. Plus, there’s a lot to say about learning photography with a simple camera and making it work as well as you can.

With that in mind, here are 8 of the best cameras for high school and college students of all ages.

Sony a5100 + 16-50mm Lens (Best Entry-Level Mirrorless for Teens Just Getting Started)

Sony a5100 with Sony 85mm 1.8

Sony has been in the camera and technology game longer than people realise.

The Japanese company also has a long and proud history of supporting education programs (photographic and other) since the mid-1940s.

With that little nugget of history in mind, it’s no surprise that the first recommended camera is the Sony a5100.

Sony’s a5100 is a compact digital mirrorless camera featuring a cropped 24.3MP APS-C Exmor HD CMOS sensor and a fast
BIONZ X image processor.

The Sony a5000 and a6000 range of APS-C digital mirrorless cameras proved among the most popular choices for many students and beginners.

Despite its age, the a5100 is an excellent choice for younger students as it’s compact and lightweight, offers fast focus performance, and includes a cracker of a kit lens.

The Sony E PZ 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS lens (24-75mm full-frame equivalent) boasts a power zoom function and Sony’s Optical SteadyShot image stabilization.

Sony’s a5100 is a compact, rugged, and near-pocketable digital mirrorless option that works for younger kids or those with small hands.

You can still find the odd new-in-box edition of the camera and lens kit; however, countless options are available in pre-owned markets. With an extensive range of available lenses, it’s one of the best teen camera options!

Be sure to check out our full Sony a5100 review.

Nikon D3400 + 18-55mm lens (Best DSLR for Teens Just Getting Started)

While digital mirrorless cameras are all the rage, there’s still much to be said about the image quality and shooting experience of a DSLR.

If there’s one brand that deserves praise for developing some of the best DSLR cameras, it’s Nikon.

Nikon’s D3400 is an excellent student-friendly camera. Complete with the 18-55mm kit lens, it’s an excellent system for learning the basics and more.

The D3400 packs a 24.2MP DX-Format CMOS cropped image sensor and Nikon’s EXPEED 4 image processor. While it won’t win any awards for focus speed, the image quality is gorgeous.

Plus, it records Full HD 1080p video at 60 fps, features a bright EVF, and even supports Bluetooth connectivity.

Being a larger DSLR camera, it’s incredibly comfortable to hold and shoot with all day!

As for the included kit lens, the NIKKOR AF-P DX 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR delivers a 27-82.5mm full-frame equivalent focal range ideal for most beginner-friendly genres.

We rate the Nikon D3400 highly in our comprehensive review.

Given its nearly ten-year age, the Nikon D3400 is most likely found on trusted second-hand marketplaces. It’s worth the hunt!

Sony ZV-E10 II + 16-50mm Lens (Perfect for the Novice Videographer)

Back with Sony, initially, we were going to include the first-gen Sony ZV-E10, which was released in 2021.

However, the 2024-released Sony ZV-E10 Mark II is too good to pass up. That said, if you’re looking for a cheaper alternative to the Mark II, the Mark 1 still ranks highly.

Sony’s ZV-E10 II is the perfect choice for novice videographers, filmmakers, and vloggers. It’s designed to capture video and photography content for social media.

Available in black or white, the ZV-E10 II boasts a 26MP APS-C Exmor R CMOS cropped image sensor and a powerful BIONZ XR processor that easily handles high-resolution image files.

If you dream of building a career or business in filmmaking, you could do much worse than starting your journey with this camera and kit lens combo.

The included Sony E PZ 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS II, combined with the camera’s fast AF performance, delivers quick and reliable focus while limiting the impacts of focus breathing in video recording.

Sony has outdone itself by including video-centric shooting modes, a high-quality stereo microphone array, dual 3.5mm headphone and mic jacks, and connectivity features to even live stream content.

Given the popularity of the Sony E mount, you can build upon your core kit with a wide range of first-party Sony and third-party APS-C lenses.

Sony A7 III (Best Advanced Mirrorless Camera for Students)

Sticking with the Sony-love for a bit longer, it’s time to take it up a notch with one of the best advanced camera systems ideal for secondary and tertiary students.

The full-frame Sony A7 series has proven popular among students thanks to its impressive performance, extensive lens range, and reasonable mid-range price.

Sony’s a7 III is the latest entry in the series and features a 24MP Full-Frame Exmor R BSI CMOS image sensor along with a
BIONZ X image processor.

Beyond that, the a7 III boasts remarkably fast autofocus performance from the 693-point Hybrid AF system, 5-Axis SteadyShot INSIDE Stabilization (IBIS), and an expanded 204800 ISO.

While the rear 3.0″ 922k-dot tilting touchscreen LCD is low-res, the big, bright 2.36m-dot Tru-Finder OLED EVF more than makes up for it.

While the Sony a7 III is an ideal photography camera, it also records high-resolution video at UHD 4K30p with HLG and S-Log3 Gammas—two birds, one stone (camera).

We haven’t listed the Sony a7 III as part of a kit or bundle. If I were to recommend a great first lens to pair with the Sony, it would be the Sony FE 50mm f/1.8.

The full-frame lens is an ideal starting point for a wide range of photography (and videography) genres, including portrait, fine art, food, product, and even documentary-style approaches.

While the FE 50mm f/1.8 is relatively cheap, the a7 III is more expensive. Wait for a sale and grab the combo as a relatively affordable package.

Fujifilm X-T50 (Best General Use Camera for Students)

I have to admit to something. I’m a big Fujifilm Fanboy! I’ve owned or shot with almost every Fujifilm X Series camera and lens as part of my work.

As such, I am delighted to recommend not one but two excellent Fujifilm APS-C digital mirrorless cameras.

They have a LOT in common, and selecting one over the other comes down to just a few details. Let’s dig in.

Released in mid-2024, the Fujifilm X-T50 is one of the market’s best all-purpose or general-use digital cameras.

It packs Fujifilm’s latest tech trinity: a 40.2MP APS-C X-Trans CMOS 5 HR image sensor, 7-stop in-body image stabilization (IBIS), and the X-Processor 5 image processor.

Fujifilm’s X-T50 will appeal to the young “hipster” crowd, who are looking for retro styling and Fujifilm’s amazing colour science delivered through Film Simulations.

The Film Simulations are colour profiles or filters that replicate the looks of classic Fujifilm analog film stock.

Fujifilm has been in the optics, film, and camera game for over 90 years, so they know a thing or two about color. The X-T50 includes 20 Film Simulations and a dedicated film simulation selection dial on the top plate.

However, the X-T50 is more than a pretty camera with pretty colors. Be sure to read our full X-T50 review!

In addition to the sensor/processor/IBIS combo, it offers an extended 64-51200 ISO range, fast and reliable AI-Assisted AF subject detection, and the ability to record 4K 60p and 6.2K 30p 4:2:2 10-bit video.

Available in black, silver, and charcoal, the X-T50 is a powerful camera suitable for students of any level.

I would pair the Fujifilm X-T50 with either a 23mm f/2 prime lens or the sharp and fast XF 16-50mm f/2.8-4.8 R LM WR kit zoom lens.

Panasonic Lumix S5 IIX (Excellent for the Serious Videography Student)

Panasonic Lumix was formed at the turn of the century (2001) and set about developing class-leading cameras and lenses.

The Panasonic Lumix S5 IIX is one of the best examples of how a brand can develop affordable pro-grade videography cameras. If you’re studying filmmaking at school, this is the best choice.

Lumix’s S5 IIX packs a 24.2MP full-frame CMOS image sensor built explicitly for video performance and speed.

Regarding video-centric performance, the S5 IIX records unlimited C4K/4K60p 4:2:2 10-bit, and 6K30p 4:2:0 10-bit.

While the LUMIX boasts Dual UHS-II SD card slots, you can also record externally to an SSD via USB.

Plus, the camera supports wired and wireless IP streaming and USB tethering to a smartphone for instant access to content sharing online.

The design of the full-frame Panasonic Lumix S5 IIX is very similar to that of a Fujifilm X-T5, and as such, it’s a great-looking camera with considerable ergonomic design.

Another standout feature of the Lumix is the bright and punchy 3.68M-dot OLED LVF screen and the equally impressive 3.0″ 1.84M-dot tilt/free-angle touch LCD.

Despite being a killer for amazing video content, the Panasonic Lumix also captures high-res and well-rendered stills, making it a perfect hybrid shooter for mixed-media approaches.

Granted, the S5 IIX is one of the more expensive cameras on our list, but if you’re studying filmmaking in university, you’ll need some serious firepower.

OM System TG-7 (Best for Adventurers)

OM System (formerly Olympus) has been in the optics and camera business for well over a century! With that level of tenure comes hard-earned experience and the ability to develop class-leading cameras and lenses.

OM System develops an impressive range of Micro Four-Thirds digital mirrorless cameras, including the OM-1, retro-inspired OM-3, and the newly released OM-5 Mark II.

However, many don’t realise that OM also develops a range of tough, rugged, and virtually indestructible compact point-and-shoots.

The OM System TG-7 is the latest iteration in the brand’s range of water, crush, shock, freeze, and dustproof cameras, ideal for more adventurous students.

You read that correctly! The ultra-resistant TG-7 is IPX8-rated waterproof for underwater use to 50’, can operate in temperatures as low as 14ºF, and can survive drops from 7″.

But wait, there’s more! OM’s point-and-shoot can withstand being crushed by up to 220lbf, is dustproof, and features an antifog design to prevent condensation from forming within the lens.

The TG-7 is virtually indestructible, so it’s great for kids who tend to drop things. Its excellent underwater capabilities make it better than a GoPro for stills and learning photography.

OM’s TG-7 features a 12MP BSI CMOS image sensor and a fixed f/2-4.9 4x optical zoom, producing a full-frame focal range of 25-100mm.

If you’re a student who likes adventures or documenting your time at the snow or sea, the TG-7 also records a reasonable 4K video.

While the OM won’t win many style awards, it’s incredibly compact and weighs only 8.8oz (249g). As a result, you can literally throw it in your locker, pocket, or the bottom of your schoolbag.

Fujifilm X-T5 (Best for Photojournalism Students)

As mentioned above, the Fujifilm X-T50 and the flagship X-T5 share many similarities, but the X-T5 is more advanced than the X-T50.

It’s also the best digital mirrorless camera for photojournalism students. It’s relatively compact, and its styling hides powerful performance.

I labelled it a flawless flagship camera in my full review.

The Fujifilm X-T5 launched late 2022 as the fifth entry in the hugely popular X-T series. Considered Fujifilm’s flagship photography camera, the X-T5 drew from Fujifilm’s 90-year history and X Series heritage to deliver a class-leading mirrorless camera.

Fujifilm’s X-T5 features the same 40.2MP APS-C X-Trans CMOS 5 HR image sensor, 7-stop in-body image stabilization (IBIS), and the X-Processor 5 image processor found in the newer X-T50.

From a design perspective, the two cameras share many looks; however, the X-T5 is weather-sealed, made more durable, and features a deeper grip.

The X-T5 also features full manual control dials, including independent ISO, Shutter Speed, and Exposure Compensation dials.

While the X-T5 and X-T50 rear touch LCD panels are the same, the X-T5 boasts a big, bright, and high-resolution 3.69 m-dot OLED EVF.

It also distinguishes itself from the enthusiast-level X-T50 by including a 20 fps electronic shutter or a 15 fps mechanical shutter burst mode, dual UHS-II SD slots, and a fast and reliable 425-point Intelligent Hybrid AF system.

For recording student videos and vlogs, the X-T5 can capture 4K at 60p and 6.2K at 30p in 4:2:2 10-bit, with support for ProRes and Blackmagic RAW via HDMI.

One of the standout features of the Fujifilm X Series is the highly acclaimed X lens range of primes and zooms. There are over 40 Fujifilm X Series first-party lenses and hundreds of third-party options.

If you’re looking for the best lens to pair with the X-T5, I highly recommend the kit XF 16-50mm f/2.8-4.8 R LM WR zoom.

However, if you’ve got the budget, grab the pro-grade XF 16-55mm f/2.8 R LM WR II Red Badge zoom.

How I Selected the Best Cameras for Students

Selecting the best cameras for students had me drawing from various influences and inspirations.

As mentioned at the top of this article, I was a (poor) art student studying analogue photography, art, and design. I knew what it was like to need essential gear for my course while balancing that with a limited budget.

Secondly, I’m a dad and have had to consider and buy digital cameras for all of my kids at one point or another.

Finally, I’ve reviewed many cameras over the years and have come to understand which give the best value for money.

Selecting the best cameras for high school, college, or university students comes down to a few key factors: price, usability, image/video quality, and fun-factor.

Price

Starting with price, it’s essential to be realistic about your budget and consider all the other school-related expenses you may have.

There’s no point buying a $3,000 camera and lens combo if you can only afford instant noodles for the rest of the semester.

You also don’t need to aim for the latest and greatest current-gen flagship mirrorless body. Second-hand marketplaces offer an endless supply of pre-owned mirrorless and DSLR systems.

If there’s a camera you’re interested in, look for the previous generation as it will be cheaper while still ticking all your creative boxes.

For example, if you like the look of the Fujifilm X-T50, consider picking up the X-T30 II or X-T20 from a reputable marketplace.

Learn the ropes with an older model before you drop a ton of cash on the ideal model.

Usability

Usability, or ease of use, is another crucial factor in selecting the best student-friendly camera. Don’t pick up a new pro-grade, full-frame Canon EOS R5 Mark II even if you have the cash.

While it’s one of the most impressive and powerful mirrorless cameras on the market, it’s also a complex professional tool.

A student-friendly camera should consider ergonomics (especially for smaller hands) and how the menu and control system operate.

It’s also important to consider that if you’re studying photography or the arts, the camera should teach you photography basics. The basics include how manual control of ISO, aperture, and shutter speed (the exposure triangle) impacts exposure and depth of field.

A fully manual camera like the Fujifilm X-T5 features a manual control dial for exposure, ISO, and shutter speed.

The Fujifilm X Series lenses also feature a manual aperture control ring. Manual controls will teach you more about photography than any YouTube video ever could.

Image/Video Quality

It goes without saying that image and/or video quality are key deciding factors when selecting your new school camera.

Many secondary and tertiary art or photography courses will set key specs that your camera must have.

I’ve spoken to hundreds, if not thousands, of photographers, and I can’t believe how many of them had to buy a Pentax K1000 analog film camera as part of their book list back in the day.

While we’ve advanced a bit since then, the point remains that you should check if the school has specific requirements before you buy.

Putting that aside, you want a camera with at least a 20+MP image sensor to ensure optimal image quality in most lighting conditions.

As for video, aim for a minimum of 1080 30p to capture smooth and crisp footage.

Another element that impacts image and video quality is the lens. My advice: invest in good quality glass (once you can afford it).

Fun Factor

Whether you spend $500, $1,000, or $5,000 on a camera for high school, college, or university, it has to be fun to use and inspire your creativity at every opportunity.

I’m a big fan of pursuing the joy of photography – it doesn’t have to be all about technical specs, megapixels, read-out speeds, and focus speed.

Sometimes, the best camera is the one you love to use, as it gives you creative freedom, inspiration, and joy like no other.

I recently walked into a camera store and bought their cheapest, crappiest, lowest megapixel digital point-and-shoot.

That little piece of garbage cost me $50, but I spent the day in my home city of Melbourne (Australia), enjoying making the camera work for me.

Its perceived limitations inspired me to see how good a shot I could make.

FAQs about the Best Cameras for Students

What’s a good camera for college?

A good college camera should have an interchangeable lens mount, high-resolution image quality (30MP+), and the ability to record 4K 30p video internally or externally.

What cameras do school photographers use?

School photographers need a reliable and fast workhorse. Most will opt for a full-frame digital mirrorless camera such as the pro-grade Canon R5 II or the Nikon Z8.

What is the best camera for a film student?

The best camera for a film student is the Panasonic Lumix S5 IIX, which records high-resolution unlimited C4K/4K60p 4:2:2 10-bit and 6K30p 4:2:0 10-bit.

What is the best Canon DSLR camera for students?

The best student-friendly Canon DSLR is the EOS 5D Mark IV with its 30.4MP Full-Frame CMOS image sensor and DIGIC 6+ image processor. If you need something cheaper, the Canon EOS 6D Mark II is around half the price.

What’s the best budget camera for students?

The best budget-friendly student camera is the Nikon D3400 DSLR. A clean, pre-owned model with one or two zoom lenses costs under $500.

What’s the best camera for photography students?

The Fujifilm X-T50 is an incredible all-rounder photography camera, boasting a 40.2MP APS-C X-Trans CMOS 5 HR image sensor, 7-stop in-body image stabilization (IBIS), and the X-Processor 5 image processor.

What’s the best camera for journalism students?

Students studying journalism and photojournalism should consider the Fujifilm X-T5. It’s relatively compact and lightweight, pairs with countless lenses, and delivers excellent image quality in any light.