So you’re thinking of taking up photography? Perhaps enrolling on a course, picking up a hobby, or you just want to try something new. You’ve heard the photography buzz word ‘DSLR’ but you know little to nothing about them except that cost a lot of money.
Well entry level DSLR’s shouldn’t break the bank. If you’re looking to get into photography its best to start with a simple machine that won’t confuse you as this can be quite off putting when trying out a new skill set.
Photography is about making the camera work for you. So its important you understand how your camera works and operates in order to properly take great photographs. This list will run you through some of the best options on the market right now.
We’ll look into a wide range of price points in order to best cover what we think are great entry level DSLR’s. Avoid things like bundle deals that are aimed at amateur or non experienced photographers as these offers that seem like great deals are often complete scams that offer you stuff you do not and will not need.
We’ll go through all the classic brands that I’m sure you will have heard of, highlight the pros and cons and give you a well rounded view of what you might want to consider when buying your first DSLR – what is important for you, and what you ultimately might want to shoot.
Keep reading to find out which DSLR you should be purchasing today.
Nikon D3500 W/ AF-P DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR Black
The Nikon D3500 DSLR camera is one of the best entry level DSLR cameras that you can buy as a beginner. We put this model at the top of our list since its covers all bases of entry level photography and it does so extremely well.
Nikon are world renown DSLR producer that have years and years of experience creating, designing and developing cameras. This camera might not be the flashiest they make, but it is definitively a great camera.
With a battery life of up to 1,550 shots this camera outperforms any other camera that’ll be on this list and plenty of DSLR cameras that exceed this cameras price point. With a 24.2 megapixel sensor this camera will take flawless sharp shots every time. Perfect for anyone just starting out.
Pros
- Great value for money
- Nikon build, design and functional quality
- Outstanding battery life of up to 1,550 shots
- 24.3 megapixel sensor that will capture great detail
- APS-C sensor
- 3 inch LED screen
- 5 FPS continual shooting speed
- 1080p video recording capabilities
- “Guide mode” on the camera walks you through all the features, settings and controls
- Ergonomic design
- Nikon DX lens mounting that allows you to add lenses to your camera with ease
- Bluetooth built in
- Great quality images every time
- Perfect for beginners
Cons
- No built in wifi
- Lacks modern features
- Very basic
- Students could easily outgrow the cameras functions
Canon EOS 800D Digital SLR Camera Black
The Canon EOS 800D Digital SLR camera which is often referred to as the Canon EOS Rebel T7I in the states is another great camera option for beginners.
This is a slightly more expensive camera than our previous listing but with that extra cash injection you do get a lot more for your money. This camera has been superseded meaning that it is also available for a much more reasonable price these days.
Functions like a full sensor LCD touch screen are incorporated with this camera unlike our first listing. On top of that this camera is also has a fantastic sensor that will leave you with crispy, sharp images. You’ll never miss a detail using the screen and the sensor will always capture the shots exactly how you wanted them.
This is a slightly more expensive camera that definitely packs a punch.
Pros
- Great value for money
- Full LCD touch screen
- 6 FPS continuous shooting mode
- 24.2 megapixel sensor
- 1080p video resolution
- Improved handling
- Great burst shooting
- Crisp sharp image capturing abilities
- Quiet motor
- Great for all kinds of photography
- Built-in wifi
- Time-lapse movie functionality
- Tonnes of built-in features
- Bluetooth connectable
Cons
- Slightly more expensive
- Takes a while to get the hang of
- Outdated camera that has since been replaced
- Hard to find the model in the US at the moment
- Poorly constructed
Nikon D5600 24.2MP DSLR Body Basic Camera Kit
The Nikon D5600 DSLR camera is once more another step up. This camera is perhaps going to be the best value for money option that makes our list.
The D5600 series are much stronger than the Nikon D3000 series. This camera will benefit users that want to grow with their camera. For students this camera is ideal. This DSLR is perfect for anyone is going to take the time to learn their camera and people who want to have the ability to alter the use of camera.
For instance not only does this DSLR have a full LCD touch screen, it also tilts, rotates and functions like what you’d expect to find from a camera that offers users the potential to vlog, for example.
Given the ever changing tech world the built in in wifi and Bluetooth connectivity of this camera make snapping, sharing and editing your snaps a much quicker, easier, and seamless experience.
Pros
- Upgrade on the D3000 series
- Great value for money
- LCD touch screen 3 inch
- Tilt able screen that also rotates perfect for vlogging
- Excellent image quality
- 24.2 megapixel sensor
- Built in wifi and Bluetooth connections
- Easy to transport, edit and share your shots
- Much more sensitive autofocus that will allow you to take clearer, more articulate shots
- 1080p resolution
- Various different scene modes that enable you to shoot the images you want in whatever setting or conditions that you face
Cons
- Low live focusing – especially when filming
- Body feels cheap
Pentax K-70 Weather-Sealed DSLR Camera
This offering from Pentax has been heralded by users as the ultimate go to entry level DSLR camera. Coming in at the midrange price point this camera offers excellent all round functionality for a wide range of users.
This camera will appeal to those that want a DSLR but aren’t sure about what they will use it for. Whether you’re a hobbyist, student or just someone looking for a good camera this model won’t let you down!
This camera shoots really well in low level light situations and has a fully weather proof body that includes water resistance, dust resistance making it perfect for the outdoor adventures that you might want to shoot.
Pros
- Compact design
- Perfect for travelling
- Great for outdoor shooting
- Body is water and dust proof
- 24.2 megapixel
- Anti shake technology built in which great for anyone who wants to shoot outdoors
- Good for action photography
- Useful articulation screen
- Hybrid viewfinder is perfect for detailed shots
- Good value for money
- Addresses issues that other entry level DSLR‘S ignore
- Easy to use
- Ergonomically designed
Cons
- Auto focus points are low
- Best for outdoor shooting, but otherwise there are better options on the list
Canon EOS 80D DSLR Camera + EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 is STM Lens
Sitting at the top of our list is the Canon EOS 80D DSLR camera. This is a really old model by Canon that has definitely stood the test of time! We had to include this camera since its really a classic that all beginner photographers should take a look at.
It’s slightly more expensive than some of our other cameras but plenty of now famous photographers have started their careers at this point. Yes, the Canon has been a mainstay in entry level DSLR cameras for a long, long time now.
This cutting edge camera offer users incredibly fast autofocusing system as well as crystal clear image capturing abilities. This camera is the ultimate offering if you’re just after a machine that will shoot elegant effortless shots.
Consider the Canon if you want the best starting out snapping abilities.
Pros
- Great all round camera
- Superior autofocus
- Superior image quality
- Proven track record
- Main stay in the photography world
- 24.2 megapixel
- Built in wifi
- 1080p video recording
- 45 point autofocusing system
- 3 inch LCD screen
- Guided menu
- Ergonomic design
- Easy to use
- Has the most in-depth built-in features of any camera that had featured on this list
- Classic design
Cons
- Expensive
- Lacks 4K video
- No PC connectivity
- Out dated model these days
Conclusion
This list has broken down some of the best entry level DSLR cameras that are out there on the market. With this list you should be able to find the appropriate camera for you. Ask yourself what you want to shoot, whether you’ll want video capturing capabilities and what sort of photography you think you’ll be most interested in pursuing.
You can then pick a camera out from our list and you’ll be sure to have a fantastic time.
