Updated Nov 2022

It's difficult for even the best modern camera to compete with the simplicity of a smartphone, but there are certainly models that come close. The best of these goes further and gives you room to grow, if you find you've caught the photography bug.

We've looked at cameras across a range of prices to find ones that combine simple interfaces, effective autofocus and easy-as-possible image transfer to your smartphone.

Best easy-to-use camera: Canon EOS R10

The EOS R10 is one of the first to combine an APS-C-sized sensor with Canon's new RF lens mount. It takes attractive photos in a range of conditions and combines traditional DSLR-style controls with a relatively simple touchscreen interface.

It can capture 4K video and even high-quality HDR footage for playback on the latest HDR TVs, but our reason for recommending it is that its autofocus system is really good at just sticking on whatever you point it at. You can use EF-mount DSLR lenses via an adapter, but there aren't many affordable RF options yet, so if you think you want a stepping stone up to photography as a hobby, we'd probably point you towards a Fujifilm or Sony camera.

Read more about the Canon EOS R10

Richard Butler

Also consider:

These are the other models we've found to be easy to use:

• Canon EOS M200
• Canon EOS M50 II
• Canon EOS Rebel T8i
• Fujifilm X-S10
• Fujifilm X-T200
• Nikon Z50
• OM-D E-M10 IV
• PEN E-PL10