If you’re making the jump from a smartphone to your first interchangeable lens camera, a beginner DSLR can be the perfect option. The best DSLRs for beginners are priced affordably and designed with novice users in mind. They’ll offer full manual control over the image-making process, sometimes with advanced features from models higher up in the range, and you can often find one of these cameras for under £500 / $500.
What’s more, manufacturers often offer kits that bundle the DSLR body with a lens and several other accessories for a price that would be much less than if you had bought them all individually. These bundles are a great way to get a small starter kit together quickly and inexpensively to get you started on your photographic journey.
Advantages of a beginner DSLR
It’s true that most of the photographic world is moving towards mirrorless cameras. And if you’re more interested in this technology, we can certainly recommend the best mirrorless cameras to buy. However the best DSLRs for beginners are still our favourite choice for learning.
For starters, even a beginner DSLR will have a built-in optical viewfinder, which is really useful when you’re learning about the Rule of Thirds and the art of image composition. Sure, many mirrorless cameras have electronic viewfinders now, but an optical viewfinder gives you the truest sense of a scene because you’re seeing it through the lens.
Beginner DSLRs also provide longer battery life per charge than their mirrorless counterparts. And many beginner photographers prefer the deep handgrip and weightier design of a DSLR.
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Who makes beginner DSLRs
Canon, Nikon and Pentax are the only brands that still sell beginner DSLRs. And you’ll find mostly beginner Canon cameras on this list. That’s because Nikon, while still selling DSLRs, has discontinued its beginner models. Though these are still widely available. And Pentax, which has vowed to only produce DSLRs, still has a few solid options in its range.
With that in mind, let’s take a look at the best DSLRs for beginners that you can buy today. These recommendations are based on our tests with these products.
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