Nikon D3300 DSLR
WHY IT’S A TOP PICK: Quick performing DSLR camera when making use of viewfinder.
One of Nikon’s best starter DSLR cameras is the Nikon D3300. It provides strong image quality, even in low light shooting conditions, and, like most DSLR cameras, it works very fast when you’re using the viewfinder to frame the scene. It offers 24.2 megapixels of resolution with a APS-C sized image sensor. However, if you want wireless connectivity, you’ll have to purchase an adapter separately.
Pentax K-S2 DSLR
The articulated LCD on the Pentax K-S2 DSLR allows beginning photographers to easily shoot selfies.
WHY IT’S A TOP PICK: Weather proofed coating makes this DSLR a rugged performer.
The Pentax K-S2 doesn’t offer quite as much resolution as some other beginner-level DSLR cameras at 20.1 megapixels, but its image quality remains strong. The camera’s 5.4 frames per second burst mode is one of the best performances you’ll find in a starter DSLR. The K-S2 doesn’t have a touchscreen capability, but it is an articulated display screen, making this model easy to use with a tripod. The K-S2 is also a rugged camera, offering weather-proofing coating.
Nikon D5200 DSLR
The NIkon D5200 is a slightly older DSLR camera, but a price drop makes it a nice option for beginners.
WHY IT’S A TOP PICK: Accurate autofocus system great for capturing fast action
Nikon’s D5200 DSLR camera is a little older than some of the models on this list, so its price has dropped to the point where it’s a good candidate for an inexperienced photographer looking for a solid starter camera. One of the biggest advantages of the Nikon D5200 is its 39-point autofocus system, which is very impressive for a camera in its price range. However, there’s no touchscreen LCD or Wi-Fi connectivity with the D5200.
Canon EOS Rebel SL1 DSLR
The Canon EOS Rebel SL1 is the smallest DSLR camera available, which may appeal to beginners who are used to smaller form factors in their beginner-level cameras.
WHY IT’S A TOP PICK: Small DSLR body size doesn’t mean sacrificing top-notch image quality.
If you hesitate purchasing a DSLR as a starter camera because of its large size, you may want to consider the Canon EOS Rebel SL1, which is the smallest and lightest DSLR on the market. Despite its small size, it maintains good image quality at 18.0 megapixels of resolution. It’d be nice if the SL1 was a little bit of a faster performer, but it’s a good camera with strong features for beginners, including a touchscreen display and built in Wi-Fi connectivity.
Most Important Entry-Level DSLR Camera Features
Image Sensor
- The large image sensors included with DSLR cameras explain their strong image quality. Such image sensors also give the DSLR the ability to perform well in low light conditions.
- Even an entry-level DSLR will have a large image sensor, usually an APS-C sized image sensor.
Resolution
- While a beginner-level DSLR camera might not be able to match the resolution number found in an advanced DSLR, any modern beginner DSLR camera is going to have more than enough resolution to meet the needs of beginning photographers.
RAW Shooting
- Any good entry-level DSLR camera should be able to record in the RAW image format, which saves images without applying compression, or in the JPEG format, which uses image compression to save storage space. Beginner-level fixed lens cameras usually only record in JPEG.
Maximum Burst Mode
- Great DSLR cameras for beginners should be able to record at least five frames per second in burst mode at full resolution when shooting in JPEG.
- The DSLR will slow down considerably if you’re using burst mode in the RAW format though.
Autofocus System
- A beginner-level DSLR will include an autofocus system as well as the option of using manual focus, but autofocus is easier to use. A higher number of autofocus points used in the system typically will correlate with a more accurate system.
ISO Range
- A higher number for the ISO setting means the image sensor becomes more sensitive to light, allowing for greater success in low light photos.
Display Screen Options
- For an entry-level DSLR, having an articulated LCD (one that twists and swivels away from the camera) and a touch screen display will make the camera easier to use.
Type of Viewfinder
- A DSLR aimed at beginners might make use of an optical viewfinder, where the image shown in the viewfinder matches the view through the lens (TTL), or a digital viewfinder, where the viewfinder is a small display screen, and the image shown matches the large display screen.
Wireless Capabilities
- Beginners will appreciate having built-in Wi-Fi or NFC capabilities in the starter DSLR camera, because it’s easier to share the photos with social networks.
Lens Mount
- Any DSLR camera can only make use of interchangeable lenses that match the type of lens mount on the camera body. You’ll have to purchase these lenses separately or as part of a kit with the original camera purchase.
Which Best DSLR Camera for Beginners is Right For You?
If you’re relatively new to digital photography, you have quite a few different options for purchasing a first digital camera. And while you might be leery of considering an entry-level DSLR as a first camera because of its price point and its complexity, camera makers have done a nice job in recent years of creating DSLR models that are great for inexperienced photographers. The best DSLR cameras for beginners listed here all offer plenty of easy-to-use features and great image quality at a reasonable price, which make them very strong candidates as a starter camera.
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