See our highlights and choose the best cheap beginner DSLR camera for professional photography in the world.
Suppose you are getting into photography and trying to figure out the best entry-level beginner DSLR camera. In that case, you will probably feel a little lost in the sea of possibilities offered by the market. Should I buy a reflex or mirrorless camera? Nikon or Canon? Maybe something less classic? What is the proper budget? Entry level DSLR cameras or already something more advanced?
In this article, we help you choose by listing the best budget beginner DSLR camera. If, instead, you are interested in compact cameras, which in some cases can offer image quality comparable to reflex and mirrorless cameras, you can look at this article on the best compact cameras on the market. If, on the other hand, you are interested in mirrorless cameras, you can read this article on the best mirrorless cameras.
Finally, if you want to delve deeper into the topic of SLRs, you can read this article dedicated to the best SLRs under 2,000.
Remember that the camera is only part of your equipment; click this link if you want to buy a lens!
Getting back to us. What is the best entry-level beginner DSLR camera? Let’s see the best cheap DSLRs today and their main technical characteristics.
The best entry level DSLR cameras for beginners in the world
A DSLR is a digital single-lens reflex camera built on the principle of a single-lens reflex camera used in film photography. And if you suddenly decide to take up photography, there is no better offer for a young photographer. We present you with a selection of cameras on the topic, which you can find on the market. It’s not expensive, but it’s worth recommending. Are you ready? Let’s start, then.
Nikon D3500
It is a perfect option to leap into the world of SLRs. It is a light, small, and easy-to-handle camera. With its 24.2-megapixel sensor, you can take excellent-quality photographs and record videos in full HD.
It has an 11-point cross-focus system in the central part. Besides, it has creative effects for our images and a high-quality viewfinder. In addition, for those who record video with it, its continuous focus system will be handy. It is, therefore, one of the best and most valued SLRs by users who are starting with this type of camera, and it also has a very affordable price.
The differences with its previous model, the Nikon D3400, are mainly aesthetic and connectivity. The external part of the camera has been completely redesigned, grouping all the buttons to the right. This has managed to reduce its weight as well as its size. In addition, Bluetooth low consumption has also been incorporated to extend battery life when we use connectivity with Snapbridge.
Pros
- Compact
- Excellent image quality
- Affordable
- 5 fps continuous shooting
- Automatic image transfer via Bluetooth
Cons
- A fixed LCD omits touch support
- No 4K video
- No mic input
Canon EOS 4000D
If you are looking for your first SLR and a tight budget, the Canon EOS 4000D may be a good option. It is light, easy to handle, and has a market price that few can improve. It is a very convenient camera for traveling because it takes up little space. Still, we are already talking about a reflex camera allowing us to take higher-quality photos than a compact one.
It has a 24.1-megapixel APS-C sensor, has good performance, and can also record video at a resolution of 1080p (high definition). In addition, it has several creative filters to seduce the user and is compatible with a wide range of lenses that, if you like photography, you will want to add to your equipment over time.
It is not the best Canon you will find on the market, but its price is attractive.
Pros
- Great entry price
- Nice, simple, rounded body design
- Decent ISO range
- It also has built-in WiFi
- Fun features to adjust your images
Cons
- Dated 9-point AF
- Small and low-resolution screen
Pentax K-50
The Pentax K-50 is a significant step forward compared to the previous DSLRs we looked at in terms of both capabilities and cost. It boasts a 16-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor, an ISO range from 100 to 51200, and can shoot frames at 6 frames per second. Video recording is also possible in Full HD at 30 frames per second.
Features that allow the K-50 to stand out from the crowd include shooting in the rain and dust, weather resistance, and working in the clear cold. The camera feels good even at temperatures below -10 °C (14 °F). Again, built-in Wi-Fi allows you to interact with smartphones and tablets remotely, and the LCD monitor on the Pentax K-50 can be moved to make it easier to use the camera.
Pros
- Large pentaprism viewfinder.
- Weather-sealed design.
- 5.9 fps burst shooting.
- Customizable controls and noise reduction.
- In-body shake reduction.
- Very good high ISO performance.
Cons
- Fixed rear LCD.
- No mic input.
- Slow to focus when recording video.
Sony A68 Entry-Level DSLR
The Sony A68 does not have built-in Wi-Fi skills. However, if you are ready to follow in the footsteps of the old school and take out the memory card whenever you want to transfer your images to another device, this camera can still surprise you.
With a 24-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor, the Sony A68 can shoot images of high quality. It has an ISO range of 100 to 25600. It can produce eight frames per second and shoot Full HD 1080p at 30 frames per second. The built-in image stabilization system is like shaking your hands. An impressive autofocusing system with 79 phase-detection points highlights the A68 against focus and object-tracking competitors. Behind you are an inclined LCD monitor and an electronic OLED viewfinder. Undoubtedly, it is one of the best digital SLR cameras for beginners.
Pros
- Fast, continuous shooting
- Great image quality
- Accurate 79-point AF
Cons
- Small, low-res screen that isn’t touch-sensitive
- No Wi-Fi
Nikon D5600
If you know that photography is your thing and you want to start with an entry-level SLR that you will be happy with for a long time due to all its possibilities, this may be your camera. It has a 24.2 megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor, a folding screen to create frames from the most creative perspectives, and a focusing system of no less than 39 points so that the protagonists of your photos are always in focus.
This model, which is very similar to the Nikon D5500, weighs slightly less than the D5300. Other improvements they incorporate compared to previous models are a greater maximum ISO sensitivity of up to 25600 (compared to 12800 for the D5300), and the screen is touch-sensitive. It also has a long-lasting battery, which is a point to consider.
The D5600 also has an input for a microphone, which will be of interest to those who rely on video with ambition. He can shoot full HD at 60 frames per second. In short, it is a great camera to jump to SLRs and delve into all the options they offer us.
Pros
- Excellent image sensor
- Solid JPEG output, great Raw quality
- Good ergonomics, aided by a touchscreen
- Great battery life
- Good, easy-to-use autofocus
Cons
- Only 1080p video
- Contrast-detection-only live view AF
- May be too small for people with larger hands
Canon EOS 2000D
The Canon EOS 2000D offers more features than its little sister, the 4000D. It has a larger screen (3″ compared to the 2.7″ of the 4000D) and a higher resolution (920,000 pixels compared to 230,000 of the 4000D), with which you can view your photographs with 100% coverage and high quality.
It has a 24.1-megapixel APS-C sensor, has good performance, and can also record video at a resolution of 1080p (high definition). In addition, it incorporates the Creative Auto (CA) mode. This mode helps new users obtain good results without knowing about exposure or other more advanced controls.
Pros
Cons
Canon 800D
This Canon SLR model is the superior version of the Canon 750D, one of the brand’s best-selling entry-level cameras from years ago. In addition to the adjustable screen and the improvement of the processor to DIGIC 7, it stands out above all for its focusing system.
The 800D model includes an autofocus system called Canon’s Dual Pixel (famous for being in more advanced Canon camera models). This significantly improves the speed and precision of autofocus in live view mode, both when taking photos and videos.
Pros
- Excellent image quality
- Speedy Live View AF performance
- Intuitive and easy to use
- Lightweight and compact by DSLR standards
- Vari-angle touchscreen
Cons
- Plasticky build
- Only Full HD video
What are the best entry level DSLR cameras?
You are one step away from starting in the world of SLR photography as soon as you decide which one will be your faithful battle companion. If, in addition to the best entry level DSLR cameras for beginners, you are interested in mirrorless cameras, don’t miss this excellent article: the best cheap evil cameras.
Search, compare, and also think about the future. And remember that the important thing, regardless of the brand or model you buy, is that you enjoy photography. Welcome!