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Opting for the best DSLR for beginners marks a smart beginning in your photographic journey. While mirrorless alternatives may present a more modern shooting experience, the digital single-lens reflex cameras (DSLRs) still stand as the most economical choice for those seeking the versatility of interchangeable lenses along with an optical viewfinder. The top DSLRs tailored for novice photographers not only boast budget-friendly price tags but also deliver outstanding image quality, all wrapped in user-friendly operation.
We have exhaustively tested and ranked the finest beginning DSLRs, providing a comprehensive list that covers entry-level models as well as adaptable options that allow for growth and evolution. Here are the results of our testing and ranking. There are still many outstanding models available at discounted costs, making now a wonderful moment to buy in a DSLR. Despite the fact that some major manufacturers are moving away from DSLRs, there are still many excellent models available.
Best DSLR for Beginners Comparison Table
| Product | Megapixels | Sensor | ISO Range | Autofocus | LCD Screen | Video Recording | Connectivity | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canon EOS Rebel SL3 | 24.1 MP | APS-C | 100-25600 | Dual Pixel CMOS AF | 3.0″ Vari-Angle Touchscreen | 4K UHD | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth | 449g |
| Nikon D5600 | 24.2 MP | APS-C | 100-25600 | 39-Point AF | 3.2″ Vari-Angle Touchscreen | Full HD 1080p | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC | 465g |
| Canon EOS Rebel T8i | 24.1 MP | APS-C | 100-25600 | Dual Pixel CMOS AF | 3.0″ Vari-Angle Touchscreen | 4K UHD | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth | 515g |
| Nikon D3500 | 24.2 MP | APS-C | 100-25600 | 11-Point AF | 3.0″ Fixed LCD | Full HD 1080p | Bluetooth | 365g |
| Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV | 20.3 MP | Micro Four Thirds | 200-25600 | 121-Point Contrast-Detect AF | 3.0″ Vari-Angle Touchscreen | 4K UHD | Wi-Fi | 383g |
Canon EOS Rebel SL3 / 250D / 200D Mark II
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Megapixels | 24.1 MP |
| Sensor | APS-C |
| ISO Range | 100-25600 |
| Autofocus | Dual Pixel CMOS AF |
| LCD Screen | 3.0″ Vari-Angle Touchscreen |
| Video Recording | 4K UHD |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth |
| Weight | 449g (Body Only) |
The EOS Rebel SL3 (also called the 250D and 200D Mark II outside the US) isn’t Canon’s cheapest DSLR, but we think it has a great mix of features, speed, and value. First of all, it’s the smallest and lightest DSLR with a screen that can be moved. This means it’s not as big and scary as some of its competitors. It also gives its Rebel SL2 (EOS 200D) predecessor a new processing engine and the ability to record 4K video.
We were pleased by its responsive touchscreen, quick start-up time, and excellent Dual Pixel CMOS AF system, which works when shooting 1080p video but not 4K. Its 5fps burst shooting can’t keep up with the latest compact cameras, so people who like to shoot sports or action should look elsewhere.
The Good
- Compact and lightweight design
- User-friendly interface
- Excellent image quality
- 4K video recording capability
The Bad
- Battery life could be improved
Nikon D5600
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Megapixels | 24.2 MP |
| Sensor | APS-C |
| ISO Range | 100-25600 |
| Autofocus | 39-Point AF |
| LCD Screen | 3.2″ Vari-Angle Touchscreen |
| Video Recording | Full HD 1080p |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC |
| Weight | 465g (Body Only) |
Here’s another DSLR for beginners that can still compete with the growing popularity of miniature cameras. The D5600 is a step up from Nikon’s D3000-series cameras, and its specs are good enough to compete with those of the Canon EOS Rebel T8i/EOS 850D (see above). Key benefits over the D3500 include a big touchscreen that can be turned around to face the front, which is good for vlogging, Wi-Fi, and a lot of extra controls on the inside.
During our tests, its 24.2MP camera took pictures that were clear and didn’t let us down. Even though the D5600 is an older camera, you’ll probably need to change to a full-frame camera if you want better results. We also liked its 39-point autofocus system, which is good but a little old. The D5600 is a well-rounded entry-level DSLR because it is easy to use and handles well. You have to pay more, but the D5600 is a good choice if you want a beginner camera that can grow with you. It will be a faithful friend for years to come.
The Good
- Excellent image quality
- Fast and accurate autofocus system
- Articulating touchscreen for easy framing
- Good battery life
- Wide range of compatible lenses
The Bad
- Limited buffer capacity for continuous shooting
- No in-body image stabilization
Canon EOS Rebel T8i
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Megapixels | 24.1 MP |
| Sensor | APS-C |
| ISO Range | 100-25600 |
| Autofocus | Dual Pixel CMOS AF |
| LCD Screen | 3.0″ Vari-Angle Touchscreen |
| Video Recording | 4K UHD |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth |
| Weight | 515g (Body Only) |
Canon EOS Rebel T8i is a top starting DSLR. This Canon beginning camera has everything a starting photographer might want. As your skills improve, you can upgrade lenses with Canon’s EF and EF-S lenses, which are cheap. This beginning DSLR can record 4k video, unlike most others. It contains many buttons and dials and a fully articulated touchscreen.
There’s no ‘Guide’ photography mode like the Nikon D3500 below, so the controls may be more frightening for beginners. This camera boasts the most advanced autofocus mechanism on this list, but it still lags behind mirrorless competitors. It’s fantastic for portraiture, landscapes, sports, and rapid subjects due to its fast burst rate.
The Good
- Advanced autofocus system with Dual Pixel CMOS AF
- 4K video recording capability
- Vari-angle touchscreen for flexible shooting angles
- Good image quality
- Built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for easy sharing and remote control
The Bad
- Limited native lens selection for certain specialized genres
- High ISO performance could be improved
Nikon D3500
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Megapixels | 24.2 MP |
| Sensor | APS-C |
| ISO Range | 100-25600 |
| Autofocus | 11-Point AF |
| LCD Screen | 3.0″ Fixed LCD |
| Video Recording | Full HD 1080p |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth |
| Weight | 365g (Body Only) |
Nikon D3500 for beginners. It’s cheap, light, and easy to use. This camera’s interactive ‘Guide’ shooting mode makes it a suitable pick for newbies, even though it doesn’t include 4k video or a flip-out screen. Guide Mode, built into the mode dial, teaches photography concepts as you shoot. It’s better than a photography teacher, but not quite.
The D3500’s sensor is comparable to the Nikon D5600’s, while being geared at novices. Its battery lasts numerous days, depending on your shooting habits. The D3500’s tiny size, easy design, and Guide Mode make it one of the best starting DSLR cameras. Like the D5600, it’s becoming harder to find new, although B&H Photo Video still has it.
The Good
- Compact and lightweight design
- Easy to use for beginners
- Good image quality
- Long battery life
- Affordable price point
The Bad
- No 4K video recording
- Limited autofocus points
Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Megapixels | 20.3 MP |
| Sensor | Micro Four Thirds |
| ISO Range | 200-25600 |
| Autofocus | 121-Point Contrast-Detect AF |
| LCD Screen | 3.0″ Vari-Angle Touchscreen |
| Video Recording | 4K UHD |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi |
| Weight | 383g (Body Only) |
The Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV has a lot of reasons to brag about itself, including a new sensor with 20 megapixels, in-body image stabilization that has been improved slightly, and a new monitor that can flip down and tilt.
The Canon EOS Mark IV is an excellent pick for anyone seeking for an entry-level camera that is capable of doing pretty much everything due to the fact that it maintains the 4K video and attractive aesthetics that made the Canon EOS Mark III so appealing to customers. We consider this to be one of the most impressive little cameras ever made since, despite its diminutive size, it packs a lot more power than it would appear to have. The OM-D E-M10 Mark IV is a camera that has the potential to be by your side for a significant amount of time.
The Good
- Compact and portable design
- In-body 5-axis image stabilization
- Excellent image quality
- Fast and accurate autofocus
- High-resolution electronic viewfinder
The Bad
- Smaller sensor size compared to APS-C cameras
- Limited native lens selection
Questions and Answers
Most DSLR cameras for beginners come with a basic kit lens, but buying more lenses can give you more creative freedom. It’s best to start with a versatile lens like an 18-55mm zoom lens and then move on to more specialized lenses based on what you want to do with your photos.
DSLR cameras take time to learn, especially for people who are just starting out in shooting. But most current DSLR cameras have easy-to-use features and tutorials to help people who are just starting out learn how to use the camera’s controls, settings, and techniques. Beginners can quickly learn how to use a DSLR camera if they practice and are patient.
Beginner DSLR cameras can range in price. Most entry-level models, which come with a kit lens, cost between $400 and $800. When making your budget, it’s important to think about the extra costs of things like memory cards, extra lenses, camera bags, and tripods.