Best DSLR overall: Nikon D780
Although Nikon hasn’t released any new entry-level DSLRs in over a year, the D3500 remains a great choice for beginners. It continues where the D3400 left off, but with a few more features. The main advantage of this camera, in comparison to power-hungry mirrorless cameras, is its battery life. Between charges, you can shoot 1,550 photographs, which is far more than most other DSLRs, and the 24MP sensor produces superb image quality. Nikon has also redesigned the body and control layout to make it not only nicer to hold but also easier to use, while the Guide Mode takes the hand of a first-time user and teaches them through all of the main functions in a way that makes everything easy to undo. Canon EOS Rebel T8i / Canon EOS 850D The Canon EOS Rebel T8i (also known as the EOS 850D outside the US) has officially replaced the Rebel T7i / EOS 800D, with stock of the latter becoming difficult to come by. it has a vari-angle touchscreen on the back and a sensor with Canon’s Dual Pixel CMOS AF technology, so the autofocus in live view is really snappy. We also love the fact that you can start from a simple Guided user interface when you’re still learning, and then switch to the standard setup when you feel more confident and want more control. This is the best DSLR for beginners keen to learn and experiment with new techniques – it’s also as good in live view mode as a ‘mirrorless’ camera. Nikon D5600 Another entry-level DSLR that’s holding its own against mirrorless cameras’ growth. The D5600 is a step up from the D3000-series models, having more powerful specs to compete with the Canon EOS Rebel T8i / EOS 850D, for example (see above). A larger LCD screen, which not only flips out and swivels all the way around to face the front for vlogging, but also flips out and swivels all the way around to face the front for vlogging, is a key advantage over the D3500.
Canon EOS 80D
There’s little doubt that the newer Canon EOS 90D (below), which is the EOS 80D’s successor in terms of power and functionality, is the superior all-around DSLR. However, the EOS 80D is now ranked higher on this list due to the excellent value it provides – it is now available for about half the price of its newer sister. Although it was released in 2016, it is still a very capable camera for novices. To begin with, the 24.2MP sensor and 45-point autofocus technology ensure that you receive consistently good photographs and focusing. There’s an easy-to-use guided menu system, as well as onboard Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for wireless image transfer. The main drawback is that the kit lens on the 80D is a little soft around the edges, therefore we’d recommend purchasing the body separately from a better lens.
Canon EOS Rebel SL3 / 250D / 200D Mark II
One of the more recent entries to this list is the Canon EOS Rebel SL3 – also known as the Canon EOS 250D and EOS 200D Mark II. It’s one of only a few starter models that have been announced in recent years. It picks up where the Rebel SL2 (EOS 200D) left off, with a new processing engine and 4K video recording added on top of a slew of other features. Canon EOS Rebel T7 / EOS 2000D / EOS 1500D This is one of Canon’s most affordable DSLRs, making it a very cost-effective method to acquire access to a seemingly unlimited array of lenses, flashguns, and other accessories. Because of its modest price, it doesn’t have all of the bells and whistles of its bigger brethren, such as a flip-out LCD or 4K video, but it still has a lot of tactile control. Canon EOS 90D The Canon 90D could be the company’s final enthusiast-level DSLR, and if so, it’ll go out with a bang. The Canon EOS 90D features a high-resolution sensor that, when combined with Canon’s Digic 8 image processor, allows for uncropped 4K video at 30 frames per second. A new 216-zone metering system aids color reproduction and provides plenty of detail in both stills and video. Canon EOS Rebel T100 / EOS 4000D / EOS 3000D You don’t need a camera that can do everything if you’re just getting started with DSLR photography. The Canon 4000D (also known as the 3000D in some areas) is a good initial choice if you’re searching for something very basic but very economical. There’s a lot about the 4000D that feels out of date when compared to today’s entry-level devices. Both the 18MP sensor and the DIGIC 4+ processor are impressive.
Nikon D5300
The Nikon D5300 is the oldest DSLR on this list, having been released in 2013. Despite its grey hair, this once mid-range camera now has an entry-level pricing and yet has a lot to offer new photographers. For starters, the 24.2MP sensor continues to function admirably, with its lack of a low-pass filter guaranteeing that it catches plenty of detail, and the 39-point AF system proving to be dependable as long as there’s enough light.
Pentax K-70
The Pentax K-70, despite being a few years old, remains a fantastic value alternative for anyone looking for something other than the ‘big two’ DSLR makers. It’s an especially good option if you have a basement full of ancient Pentax lenses collecting dust. The K-70 has a highly handy articulating screen, and the hybrid live view autofocus mechanism makes it a viable alternative to using the camera’s autofocus mechanism.
Canon EOS Rebel T7i / 800D
The Pentax K-70, despite being a few years old, remains a fantastic value alternative for anyone looking for something other than the ‘big two’ DSLR makers. It’s an especially good option if you have a basement full of ancient Pentax lenses collecting dust. The K-70 has a highly handy articulating screen, and the hybrid live view autofocus mechanism makes it a viable alternative to using the camera’s autofocus mechanism.
Canon EOS 77D
The Canon EOS 77D is a somewhat more advanced starting DSLR that offers a few extra features for people who think they’ll outgrow more basic models soon. While we weren’t very enthusiastic about it when it first came out, now that it’s been on the market for a while, it’s available for a much more reasonable price.
