Early 2023 Update:
Since this article was first published, the price of each camera in the
list below has changed, which is a bit higher than the others. The ranking below has been updated accordingly.
What counts as a beginner DSLR?
My first DSLR was the Nikon D5100, which is almost an entry-level definition. But when I hear that people really call it entry-level, I
was surprised.
It was a good camera! I had saved money and spent a lot
of hours looking for which to buy, but the professionals nonetheless
dismissed it as "consumer" or "hobbyist". The few times I've heard
people call the D5100 a "spent camera," I nodded in agreement. And the
consumer is a ridiculous word.
Entry Level DSLR Cameras
Here's
my way of saying the cameras on this list are still really good, even
though the article title says "entry-level." The camera category does
not specify the category of the photographer. Besides, I expanded the
definition just a little bit because I wanted to make an impressive list
of the top ten and I needed to get to the quota. Other than a few old
or old DSLRs that are still selling new for some reason, this guide
includes all the current entry-level DSLR cameras on the market; It is
the most comprehensive list you will find anywhere today.
In
total, I ranked six Canon DSLRs, two Nikon, and two Pentax.
The sheer
number of Canon cameras is simply due to the fact that the Canon lineup
has more entry-level DSLR cameras at the moment. It's not a sign of
Canon favoritism (and you might notice the bottom point belongs to
Canon, oops). In fact, every manufacturer's camera puts it in the top
three. I didn't plan on this ahead of time, but it's a very good sign
that every company is competitive in this area.
Finally,
I have to mention the (somewhat boring) takeaway after testing several
entry-level cameras last year: they are all very similar in quality,
without any real irregularities between them. The difference between the
best and worst cameras in the list below is surprisingly small. Your
individual needs - for example, wanting to shoot more video than still
photos - can change where each camera falls for you, possibly
drastically.
Do not buy the package
Before
jumping into the categories below, take a moment to alert you to a
quick warning: Don't buy an all-purpose photography package!
Most of the cameras in this article are for first-time DSLR buyers on a large scale due to their price limits. As
a result, you can purchase most of them as a package that has lots of
extra photography accessories. This looks good, as it saves you some
effort in purchasing the accessories separately - but the equipment
included in these packages is often quite pricey.
This
is just one example. Currently, on Amazon, you can purchase Nikon D3500
with multiple lenses for $ 560. Or, for $ 660, you can add two 32GB
memory cards, a remote shutter release, a case, a flash, a filter
assembly, and two adapters to turn the lens into a wider angle and a
tighter close-up. Sounds like a good deal, right? But it is actually
very exaggerated.
Practically
speaking, the only useful accessories in this package are memory cards
and a remote shutter release (and possibly a case). The filters will be
of low quality, and as we explained before, a bad filter is clearly
detrimental to the sharpness and flare performance of the camera system.
Wide-angle and telephoto converters are just novelties; Your image
quality will generally be poor when using either of them. And the flash
is not automatic, it is a cheap manual.
Alternatively,
you can buy two better 32GB memory cards for $ 8.50 apiece, and
AmazonBasics remote for $ 8.50 (the other one anyway), and a similar bag
for $ 13. There, they save you $ 60.
That
doesn't mean all photography packages are low-quality, but a bad one is
easy to get if you are just starting out and don't know anything
better. When in doubt, do not purchase the package and get all the
accessories you need separately.
Now that you know the basics, here is a list of the 10 best DSLR cameras available today, ranked from worst to best:
10- Canon Rebel T6 / EOS 1300D Review
One
of the few DSLRs on this list that I don't recommend is the Canon Rebel
T6 (also known as Canon EOS 1300D).
That's simply because it retails
for $ 400 with multiple lenses - a good price, but it equals the latest
T7! Although the two cameras are practically identical, the T7 has a
24MP sensor instead of the 18 in the T6. So, I really don't understand why anyone would buy a T6 set at the current price, other than confusing Canon's vast DSLR lineup.
However,
you can sometimes find a good deal on a T6 that includes 70-300mm zoom
along with the regular kit, which makes it a very good buy indeed. Last
year, during the holidays on the Canon website, a refurbished T6 sold
two lenses - 18-55mm lenses and 75-300mm telephoto lens - for $ 280. At such a price, the T6 would jump higher than # 10 and it's probably one of the best options on this list So, it's really all about the price.
(There
is also a relatively similar camera known as the 4000D - or 3000D in
some markets - which isn't generally sold in the United States, but is
sold for even less than $ 340 or so at the time this article was
published.)
9- Pentax KP Review
One
of the most advanced DSLRs on this list is the 24MP Pentax KP, and it
sits on the entry-level edge. It also has the highest control layout of
all the ten cameras here. You actually get three separate tweaks to
change camera settings, which is more than can be said of most
professional cameras over $ 3000.
So
why is this camera only in position number nine? Everything has to do
with value. The Pentax KP costs $ 950 with an 18-55mm lens, making it
twice as expensive as some of the other cameras on this list. It can
also be said that the less expensive Canon 77D features better basic
specifications, without compromising too much for the advanced controls.
The $ 700 Canon T7i and Nikon D5600 both outperformed the base specs,
despite not having the same high-end design. In fact, Pentax's K-70 is
quite comparable to the KP, although it costs only $ 700 instead.
If
quality design and control are your top priorities, and you have a
bigger budget, don't turn down the Pentax KP entirely. Still a powerful
camera - may be in the top three on this list if you ignore the price. But when you keep that value in mind, you can get the most out of your camera with the other options below.
8- Canon Rebel T7 / EOS 2000D Review
Canon
T7 is one of the newer options on this list (as of February 2018), but
its specs really look outdated. The camera is 24 megapixels, 3 frames
per second shooting, and 9 point autofocus system. It doesn't have a
touch screen or a tilting screen to take photos at difficult angles.
However, it retails for only $ 400, which is generally a good value.
Canon
has two different 24MP aps-c sensors (with “aps-c” meaning the sensor
is 22.2mm wide). Rebel T7 owns the older model. So, you won't get
exactly the level of image quality as with the latest Canon aps-c
cameras - and we've found that even those who lag behind Nikon sensors
in low light. However, this is still a high-quality camera sensor,
capable of capturing detailed images in both day and night conditions.
In fact, every DSLR on this list has very good image quality, and the
differences appear mainly under exaggerated conditions.
However,
the # 2 rated Nikon D3500 is the best camera in all respects, and it
costs only $ 50 at $ 450. If the value is your goal, this is where I
will focus on instead.
If you have a Rebel T7, don't despair. It's a good camera, but not really priced for its specifications. But
I will say this - despite the shortcomings of the T7, if you can't
capture the images you want with this camera, none of the DSLRs below
are likely to solve your problem.
7- Canon 77D / EOS 9000D Review
That's
why Pentax KP is ranked ninth, while the Canon 77D / EOS 9000D is
ranked seventh. It's a state-of-the-art camera with a controllable
layout and includes almost all of Canon's new features. But it costs $
850, the second most expensive on the list.
The
D-View Finder plays a great 45-point autofocus system and has a
tilt-flip touch screen - while the Touch in Pentax KP has only a tilt
screen without sensitivity. Perhaps more importantly, the 77D also
includes Canon's famous "Dual Pixel Autofocus" to focus quickly and
accurately through the rear LCD screen (while most DSLRs are primarily
based on the Wave Finder). Pay close attention). It also has Canon's
latest 24-megapixel sensor for the best quality images.
Unfortunately,
the price of 50 850 is a steep question. You can lose nothing more with
a camera like the Canon T7i, Nikon D5600, or Pentax K-70 - and you can
save hundreds of dollars along the way. If you need 77D construction
standards, don't let me stop you, but consider the least expensive
options before taking the plunge.
Canon 80D with rising light and color
Very similar to the 77D's older brother, the Canon 80D (70mm, ISO 160, 1/125, f / 5.6)
6- Canon Rebel T6i / 750D Review
A
solid price in Canon's lineup of entry-level DSLRs today is the Rebel
T6i / EOS 750D, released in February 2015. Maybe because of the age of
this camera, Canon is putting some impressive discounts on the T6i,
which now sells for only 5 560. Cut lenses (although you won't always
find it selling new ones with lenses, maybe that's why Canon's inventory
is being replaced with a new T7i).
The
camera fits many right-hand boxes: a 24-megapixel sensor (albeit
large), 19 AutoFocus points, 5 fps shooting, and a tilt-flip touch
screen. However, the T6i does not have dual pixel AF, which impairs
video possibilities. And keep in mind that the 24-megapixel sensor is an
older version of the Canon, which does not perform as well as its
competition in low light (this list includes the latest Canons in
addition to the Nikon and Pentax cameras). Is).
One
camera with significantly better specifications is the Canon Rebel SL3
released in 2019 (1 # below). That camera is 90% more. The SL3 is small
and light, easy to carry. It also has battery life and Canon's dual
pixel AF, as well as enhanced video features (4K and 1080p 60 fps video
shooting vs. 1080p 30 fps only) - not to mention the new 24 megapixel
sensor instead of the old version Will do The main advantage of the T6i
over the SL3 is that it has 19 autofocus points compared to the 9, which
is not enough to take most photographers to the T6i.
Compared
to the Canon T7i, things are a bit closer, mainly because the T7i is
priced at $ 700. But you've got a 45-point autofocus system, another FPS
(6 vs. 5), and a new 24-megapixel sensor on the T7i, as well as a
slight improvement in battery life and weight. To me, that's an extra $
140 - but you can't agree more.
There
is also a version of the T6i with a slightly more advanced
configuration called the Canon T6. It has two dials and an upper LCD,
but otherwise similar to the T6i. However, it only sells for 6 650 a
body (so you'll need to buy the glasses separately), which means it
costs more than the competition.
I don't think it's worth considering
unless you make a deal to get the T6i, including the lens, at a price of
50-75.
5- Canon Rebel T7i / EOS 800D Review
Every
camera from here is what I would consider a really good purchase for
the average user. Although the Canon Rebel T7i / EOS 80D ranks fifth, it
is one of the most well-balanced cameras in the market and offers some
impressive features.
For
example, the T7i must match the 77D in every detail except the advanced
control layout (no other dial), and yet it costs less than $ 700
(although the price goes down. The downside maybe you want to check if
you are there to sell).
At
this price, you'll get all Canon bells and whistles, including the new
24-megapixel sensor, dual-pixel AF, and 45 autofocus points. These
descriptions are very versatile, used for anything from landscape
photography to sports and theater performances.
I
would put the T7i high on this list, but the cost level مقبول 700 price
range for DSLRs is popular, so there's a lot of competition. For
example, before fixing on this camera, take a look at the Canon Rebel
SL3 (50 actions 50 less at 650, matching many features of the T7i or
more) or the $ 700 Nikon D5600, Similar to the T7i, but it weighs less
and has better battery life.
That
said, if you find a good deal on the T7i, or if its specifications
sound like the best for you, go for it. It's a pleasure to use this
camera - with a great LCD and a great set of cut glasses - one of my
favorite choices from testing. Just now
4- Nikon D5600 Review
Next
up is the Nikon D5600, the best entry-level DSLR available today. When I
reviewed the D5600 last year, I wrote: "In many ways, this is the
perfect choice for people who just want a state-of-the-art camera that
gets out of their way."
So
why didn't I get first place? For a long time, I did it; You'll see a
lot of references to this in the comments section below. But recently,
Nikon decided to increase the price of the D5600 (with multiple lenses)
from $ 550 to a less exciting $ 700. That's enough to turn this camera
into a very far rated distance.
However,
the D5600 is basically the Canon camera that was copied with the T7i.
(Nikon appeared first: November 2016 versus February 2017.) And between
the two, it was a bit better overall.
Tested
side by side, the D5600's AF system worked better, despite a similar
number of AF points: 39 on Nikon and 45 on Canon. Canon T7i shoots 6
frames per second instead of 5 frames per second on this camera - but
the D5600's better autofocus means it is still a little better camera
for shooting action.
Moreover, the two cameras are exactly the same, but
the D5600 weighs less (465 vs 532g) and has better battery life (970 vs
600 photos).
So
if you're looking for the best autofocus system on this list that's
arguably the best camera sensor, an impressive array of original lenses,
a tiltable touchscreen, and a generally lightweight package, the D5600
is an excellent choice. The only issue is the price. At $ 550, it was
clearly the # 1 camera on this list. However, I recommend checking the
current price. If you find it's slightly on sale, it's probably my # 1
recommendation. (I update this article frequently to reflect changing
prices, about once a month, but Nikon is putting these cameras on sale
all the time.)
In
fact, these are my top recommendations for everyone: Get an older
D5000-series camera if you find a good deal, even if it's refurbished or
used.
Here's
a quick table showing the differences between the D5600 and earlier
versions. Even back to the D5200, these are a great lineup of cameras,
and they're all worth considering today if you want to save some money.
To be honest, the differences between them aren't that great:
3- Pentax K-70 Review
If
you want to combine the best build quality, advanced control functions,
and tiltable screen, then Pentax K-70 is your best choice.
This
is an excellent, overlooked, entry-level camera that is a good value at
$ 700 (check current price). Thanks to the 24 MP sensor, 11 viewfinder
autofocus points, and 6 fps shooting, the K-70 is a high-powered camera
with some downsides. It even has “Hybrid AF” in live view, similar to
Canon's Dual Pixel AF, and is great for videographers.
Any
problems with K-70 depend on your personal requirements, including how
you are willing to buy a smaller DSLR. Canon and Nikon are definitely
two of the more established names in the field of cameras, with a much
larger selection of cameras and lenses if you want to upgrade in the
future. Meanwhile, Pentax now has two full-frame cameras (K-1 and K-1
Mark II) with larger sensors and the company's more advanced features,
so you still have an upgrade path with this camera.
The
K-70's closest competitors are the Canon T7i and Nikon D5600. All of
these cameras are priced at $ 700 and have very similar specifications.
For me, though, the K-70's stiffer build quality and better handling -
especially the second control dial - are more valuable than the lighter
weight and better autofocus for Nikon and Canon cameras. Not all
photographers will agree. Actually, I'm probably in the minority out
there.
The
K-70 lost to the Nikon D3500 and Canon Rebel SL3 on this list, largely
because of cost performance. Nikon’s price is as high as $450, while
Canon’s specifications are similar to the K-70, but the price is $50
cheaper and 4K video is added.
However,
for photographers who prioritize quality design and advanced control
planning - for example, landscape photographers who know they'll be
shooting in bad weather - the Pentax may be the best camera for you.
Although 11 autofocus points aren't a lot, it's hard to beat anything
else about the camera, and it deserves a higher price.
2- Nikon D3500 Review
The
Nikon D3000 series is arguably the most valuable digital SLR camera
today, and the D3500 is an excellent continuation of the previous
version (see our review). Given its very good price, this is often the
first DSLR that I would recommend to my friends who want a new camera.
The
D3500 is just $ 450 with multiple lenses, at least at the time of this
article's publication. (Prices can fluctuate, and I saw it at $ 400 not
long ago; check the D3500's current price.) What's more, the D3500's
24MP sensor is excellent - as on the D5600, which is probably the best
aps-c sensor. The market is running today. If the image quality is all
that you care about, the D3500 is equal to or better than any other
camera on this list - no small feat given its low price.
In
that case, why didn't you rank first? Few things. Firstly, although the
D3500's image sensor is great, the cameras are more than just a sensor.
Other factors also play a role like the ease of use, autofocus system,
screen quality, etc. These are all areas where the D3500 sometimes lags
behind the competition.
To
start, the camera's LCD screen doesn't tilt or flip at all, and it's
not a touchscreen. Video photographers especially will want to look at
something like a Nikon D5600 or Canon SL3 instead, which resolves these
issues.
The
D3500's autofocus system also has a very low specification, although in
practice it surprised me with how accurate it was. However, the D3500
has only 11 autofocus points in the viewfinder - which are simply not
sufficient to track a subject around the entire frame. If you are
photographing something that is moving fast, such as sports or other
performances, you may need a camera with a better AF system. Look at
something like the D5600 or Canon T7i for good budget autofocus, or the
Canon 77D or Pentax KP if your budget is a little higher.
The
Nikon D3000 lineup is the company's cheapest DSLR line in years - the
fewest features, but also the best prices. Unfortunately, Nikon's recent
updates haven't added much to this group. Compared to the D3400, the
D3500 has a slight increase in battery life, a deeper grip, and a 1
ounce (30 grams) lower weight. However, I've now used the D3500 to do
some extensive field testing, and it's clearly an improvement. Its
biggest advantage is its grip. In our evaluation, the D3400 feels very
uncomfortable to hold, while the D3500 feels very comfortable to hold.
However,
if budget is your main concern, I won't necessarily get the latest
version of this camera.
The D3500 isn't much different from the D3200
launched in April 2012, not to mention the D3300 and D3400. The old
versions are all discontinued, but you can still find them refurbished
or used from many sources, and at excellent prices. The following table
shows the progress of all Nikon D3000 series digital SLR cameras since
the Nikon D3100:
| Nikon D3100 | Nikon D3200 | Nikon D3300 | Nikon D3400 | Nikon D3500 |
|---|
| released | August 2010 | April 2012 | January 2014 | August 2016 | August 2018 |
| Megapixels | 14.2 | 24 | 24 | 24 | 24 |
| Autofocus Points | 11 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 11 |
| Max Frame Rate (Stills) | 3 fps | 4 fps | 5 fps | 5 fps | 5 fps |
| Viewfinder Magnification | 0.8× | 0.8× | 0.85× | 0.85× | 0.85× |
| display | 230,000 dots | 921,000 dots | 921,000 dots | 921,000 dots | 921,000 dots |
| ISO | 100-12,800 | 100-12,800 | 100-25,600 | 100-25,600 | 100-25,600 |
| Max Video Frame Rate at 1920 × 1080 | 24 fps | 30 fps | 60 fps | 60 fps | 60 fps |
| Bluetooth | No | No | No | Yes, which lets you use SnapBridge | Yes, which lets you use SnapBridge |
| Remote Shooting | With IR remote | With IR remote | With IR remote | With IR remote | With your phone via SnapBridge |
| GPS | Yes, with GP-1 or GP-1A | Yes, with GP-1 or GP-1A | Yes, with GP-1A | Yes, with SnapBridge | Yes, with SnapBridge |
| Battery | 550 shots | 540 shots | 700 shots | 1200 shots | 1550 shots |
| Weight (Body Only) | 16.0 oz / 455 g | 16.0 oz / 455 g | 14.5 oz / 410 g | 13.9 oz / 395 g | 12.9 oz / 365 g |
| Dimensions | 124.5 × 96.5 × 73.7 mm | 127 × 97 × 79 mm | 124.5 × 99.1 × 76.2 mm | 124 × 98 × 75.5 mm | 124 × 97 × 70 mm
|
1- Canon Rebel SL3/250D Review
The top cameras in this list are also the latest: Canon SL3/EOS 250D. This is a great camera and it is very fun to use.
The
SL3 is slim and light, but still comfortable to hold, and has Canon's
most advanced features (including an updated 24-megapixel sensor). When I
browsed the almost identical previous version (Canon SL2) in the Bisti
Badlands in New Mexico and the FRP jungle in Chicago, I felt that this
is an excellent camera for any photographer-not just the first This DSLR
shooting game, even if that is the target audience of SL3.
main
feature? The SL3 has an excellent touch screen LCD with a full range of
tilting movements for easy composition (for example, Nikon D5600). The
24-megapixel sensor is Canon’s latest product, with excellent image
quality, although it still slightly lags behind Nikon in low light
conditions (for technicians, according to our test, it will not exceed a
high ISO sensitivity. Standing gap). Video users will also be happy to
hear that the SL3 has dual-pixel autofocus, which is the cheapest Canon
camera that includes it.
Compared
with the earlier SL2, the biggest difference is that the SL3 has 4K
video-the only camera on this list that has 4K video, although it can
only handle 2.64 times the heavy cropping compared to full-frame.
The
Canon SL3 is currently priced at US$650, with a kit lens, which is a
bit expensive, but you will definitely be worth it. For example,
compared to the Nikon D3500, it adds a reversible screen, 4K video, and
dual pixel autofocus, which makes it more useful in the video. In terms
of ergonomics and size, I also prefer the kit lens that comes with the
SL3. The other aspects of these two cameras are very similar, so if you
don't shoot much video, I will save $200 and get an excellent D3500.
In
addition, you can still buy old SL2 for less money. SL2 also has a
tilted flip screen and dual pixel AF. It just doesn't have a 4K video,
and the battery life is worse. Everything else is the same between SL2
and SL3.
done!
However, before you pay too much attention to the specific rankings
here, let me first review the Canon T7i, the fifth-ranked camera in this
list. The camera is not as good as the SL3 in terms of weight (532 vs
449 grams), price (US$700 vs. US$650), battery life (600 vs. 1070) and
video (no 4K option), but it has autofocus performance (45 vs. 9 AF
points). ) Better than SL3. And the frame rate (6 FPS and 5 FPS). If you
thought that T7i might easily become the first choice of many
photographers, you are absolutely correct. The difference from #5 to #1
in this list is small. However, in these small differences, SL3 won.
Clouds reflected in skyscrapers
Canon EOS Rebel SL2 + EF-S18-55mm f / 4-5.6 IS STM @ 55mm, ISO 100, 1/250, f / 7.1
Canon SL2 black and white landscape photos
Canon EOS Rebel SL2 + EF-S18-55mm f / 4-5.6 IS STM @ 18mm, ISO 500, 1/30, f / 6.3
Complete table
After
viewing all the cameras in the form of a list, I think it is also
useful to compare all these DSLRs and their main specifications in the
table, hopefully, it will help you understand the specifications of each
digital camera more clearly. For size purposes, I divided it into two
tables, the first camera ranked tenth to sixth:
In conclusion
Even
though the Canon SL3 is number one on this list, remember that it is
not necessarily the best camera for your needs. If you want to pay an
extra $50 for better autofocus and give up 4K video, D5600 may be your
first choice. Or, if you want excellent advanced controls and top
manufacturing quality, you can choose Pentax K-70.
The impressive value
of the D3400, or any camera you find sold at a high price, is true. The
point is, you have many options.
That
said, I hope this article can provide you with a good way to get
started with an entry-level DSLR. There are too many cameras for you to
choose from today, but the above list covers almost all entry-level
digital SLR cameras currently available as of early 2023, except for
some older Canon SLR cameras that are still on sale. Keep in mind that
the prices of these cameras fluctuate a lot from time to time. If you
have bought a lot of things on any of the cameras in this article, it's
worth a try. Again, there is no bunch of fools-just some cameras based
on competitors are priced higher or lower than they should be.
These
may be "entry-level" DSLR cameras, but they are all-sufficient to allow
you to take high-quality photos. If you don’t get the pictures you
want, now is the time to practice your technique.
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