So… what entry level camera should you buy?
I have been asked at least five times this week what entry level camera someone should buy? Beginner photographers. Mums. Business Owners. Future Shutter Sisters. People upgrading from a camera they bought in 2009. Everyone feels overwhelmed — and honestly, I get it. The camera market is HUGE now. So instead of pretending I know every entry-level camera inside out, I did what I always do…
👉 I called Coffs Harbour Camera House.
And if you’re local to the Mid North Coast, this is advice worth listening to.
Why I trust Camera House in Coffs Harbour
Coffs Camera House has been independently owned by Lance for 38 years. Chad has worked there since 1998 (yes — straight out of school!). And Paul? I’m not actually sure when he started, but between the three of them I’d confidently say there’s well over 100 years of experience behind that counter!!!
Most importantly?
- They are photographers.
- They actually use the gear.
- You’re not getting advice from a kid reading specs off a box.
Their advice is gold — which is exactly why I buy my gear through them. I have my sensors cleaned there every year on my Nikon Z6II and Nikon Z8, and they’re always my first phone call when I’m thinking about new equipment. I'm in no way connected to them other than just being a GOOD customer and I'm not being paid for this advice or in anyway affiliated with them.
You can check them out here:
Buy Mirrorless!
Chad’s words, not mine… but I couldn’t agree more. If you can afford to splash the cash - go mirrorless. Mirrorless cameras are lighter, faster, smarter, and honestly where the entire industry has moved (both my main workhorse cameras are mirrorless). DSLR is slowly becoming yesterday’s news. So here’s what the lads recommended in the mirrorless camera range for a person starting out 👇
💰 Low Budget — Canon EOS R100
Approx. $1100 AUD (kit lens)
Perfect if:
- You’re buying your first real camera
- Upgrading from phone photography
- Learning manual mode
- Want something simple but capable
Small, affordable, and an excellent entry into the Canon mirrorless system. Mind you instead of buying the Canon R100 I would spend just a smecken (technical term) more and buy the Canon R50 as it has a touchscreen. I wrote a blog post on why I'd currently buy Canon over Nikon. Its definitely worth a read too:
💛 Mid-Range — Nikon Z50 II
Approx. $2,000 AUD (kit)
Now you know I shoot Nikon — and have done for 17+ years — so this one makes me happy. Go team Nikon! Haha.
Great for:
- Hobby photographers ready to level up
- Travel
- Families
- Wildlife beginners
Fantastic image quality without jumping into pro-level pricing. If you are spending this much cash chat to the boys about what photography you enjoy (wildlife, portraits, sport) and they will recommend what lens is best for you. Trust me. This matters.
🐦 Higher End (entry level cameras higher end that is)— Canon EOS R7
Approx. $2,300–$2,600 AUD
Chad called this one out especially for the twitchers (bird photographers 🐦).
Why?
- Built-in image stabilisation inside the camera body
- Fast autofocus
- Brilliant wildlife performance
If you’re chasing action or wildlife — this is a weapon.
✈️ Traveller Favourite — OM System OM-5
Approx. $1,900–$2,200 AUD
If travel is your thing, this was Chad’s pick and can I tell you it’s sexy AF! Lightweight. Weather sealed. Super portable.
Ideal for:
- Travellers
- Hikers
- Adventure shooters
- People who don’t want to carry bricks around Europe.
Personally when I travel I just travel with one small prime lens (40mm f2) on my Nikon Z6II but honestly looking at this bad boy I can see the appeal, it's tiny and you can still shoot in full manual mode.
What brands should you stick with?
Personally? Canon or Nikon are still the safest to invest in long-term. If your budget stretches higher again, definitely look at Sony mirrorless — lots of wedding photographers are moving that way these days thanks to incredible autofocus systems.
Why buying local matters
Can you believe Port Macquarie doesn’t have a dedicated camera store! Insane. Here is a business opportunity. Anyone? You can buy online. But when something goes wrong (and eventually it will), having real humans who know your gear is priceless. I recently upgraded to a new ball tripod head from them and it has been an absolute game changer. I used to hate shooting on a tripod. Turns out… I just had the wrong gear.
Field Trip Idea
Honestly… maybe we should organise a Shutter Sisterhood road trip one day and I’ll introduce you properly to the boys at Camera House Coffs Harbour. Coffee. Cameras. Gear chat. Dangerous credit card decisions. What could possibly go wrong?
If you’re currently camera shopping — ideally start in store or call them (you can buy over the phone and they will courier it to you overnight). Ask questions, hold the cameras in your hands, and get advice from people who live and breathe photography every day. Don't buy online. Note if you don't buy from an Australian company warranties may be void. Trust me on this one! Lots of places you can buy gear online looks like it's an Australian website but often they are based in Asia.
And if you do buy from the lads at Coffs Camera House, tell them Kris sent you might buy me some street cred.😉📸
The Shutter Sisterhood
If you’re thinking about getting into photography or want more creative control of your DSLR or mirrorless camera, check out my workshops here. The Shutter Sisterhood is a women-only photography community offering relaxed workshops, trips, creative events and a supportive space to connect with like-minded female photographers. Follow The Shutter Sisterhood on Instagram, and if you’d like to hear about upcoming trips, workshops and events, you can join for free here and I’ll keep you updated via email.
Kris xxx
Kristen Shaw Photography
Kris is a Port Macquarie Commercial Photographer | Kristen Shaw Photography
Kris is a Port Macquarie photographer and the owner of Kristen Shaw Photography. Based on the Mid North Coast of NSW, Kris specialises in commercial photography, business branding photography, boutique accommodation and Airbnb photography and food photography. She works with businesses throughout Port Macquarie, Wauchope, Kempsey, South West Rocks, Crescent Head, Forster, Taree and beyond, helping brands tell their story through natural, authentic imagery. Kris is also the founder of The Shutter Sisterhood, a supportive women's photography community, and regularly teaches photography workshops designed to help women gain confidence behind the camera.