For most photographers, a full-frame digital single lens reflex (DSLR) camera is a photographer’s first choice. They offer more imaging potential than compact point-and-shoot cameras and can produce images equal to those captured with medium-format film cameras.
If you are new to DSLRs cameras, the list of the best entry-level DSLRs below can be a good source for your reference.
Our Top Picks
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Best Overall: Nikon D3500 DSLR Camera
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Best Budget: Canon EOS Rebel T7 DSLR Camera
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Best choice outside Nikon and Canon: Pentax K-70 DSLR Camera
- Best with 4K Video: Canon EOS 850D (Rebel T8i) DSLR Camera
DSLRs for Beginners Reviews
1. Nikon D3500 DSLR Camera
Specifications
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Type: DSLR
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Resolution: 24.78 MP
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Connectivity: USB, HDMI, Wi-Fi
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Sensor Size: Full Frame
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Continuous Shooting Speed: 6.5 fps
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Video Resolution: HD
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ISO Range: 100 – 25600
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Dimensions: 2.72 x 4.88 x 3.82 inches
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Weight: 0.91 pounds
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Pros
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Great image quality
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Ideal for beginner
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Responsive autofocus
Cons
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Fixed screen
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No 4K video resolution
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Slow live view AF
Product Summary
One of our top DSLRs for beginners or anybody searching for a low-cost entry point into serious photography is the Nikon D3500. Even though it was introduced in 2018, but its simple-to-use traits and affordability make it ideals for those first use a DSLR.
The 24MP sensor at its core is excellent, and this Nikon can use with a wide variety of Nikon DSLR lenses.
2. Canon EOS Rebel T7 DSLR Camera
Specifications
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Type: DSLR
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Resolution: 24.1 MP
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Connectivity: USB, HDMI, NFC
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Sensor Size: APS-H
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Continuous Shooting Speed: 3 fps
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Video Resolution: 1080p
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ISO Range: 100-6400
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Dimensions: 3.1 x 5.1 x 4 inches
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Weight: 3 pounds
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Pros
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Affordable
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Simple to use
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Good image quality
Cons
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Slow continuous shooting
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No touchable display
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No tilt LCD
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No 4K video
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Short battery life
Product Summary
One of the more compact DSLRs available on the market is the EOS Rebel T7. It is suitable for taking landscape photos. Its image quality is excellent, and even at high ISO settings used to make up for bad lighting, you shouldn't notice any grain. Although its kit lens has a somewhat wide zoom range, it suffers from considerable light falloff, which means that your image's edges tend to be darker than its center.
3. Pentax K-70 DSLR Camera
Specifications
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Type: DSLR
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Resolution: 24.24 MP
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Connectivity: USB, HDMI
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Sensor Size: APS-C
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Continuous Shooting Speed: 4.3 fps
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Video Resolution: 1080p
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ISO Range: 100 ~ 102400
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Dimensions: 2.9 x 4.9 x 3.7 inches
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Weight: 2 pounds
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Pros
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Compact and rugged
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In body shake reduction
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Weather-sealed body
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Great value
Cons
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Few autofocus points
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No 4K video
Product Summary
The Pentax K-70 is still a great value choice for anyone looking for another DSLR choice out of "big two", Canon and Nikon.
With its hybrid live view focusing mechanism and highly helpful articulating screen, the K-70 offers a real-world option for using the viewfinder.
Its sturdy construction, which is generally absent in entry-level models, is one of its best features. If you want to shoot plenty of photos outside, this camera gets you covered with its weather-sealed feature.
4. Canon EOS 850D (Rebel T8i) DSLR Camera
Specifications
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Type: DSLR
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Resolution: 24.1 MP
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Connectivity: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, HDMI, NFC
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Sensor Size: APS-C
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Continuous Shooting Speed: 7.5 fps
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Video Resolution: 4K
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ISO Range: 100-25600
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Dimensions: 11.1 x 8.86 x 6.5 inches
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Weight: 1.14 pounds
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Pros
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Reliable autofocus
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Vari-angle touchscreen
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Long battery life
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Good image quality
Cons
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Plasticky build
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4K video limitations
Product Summary
The Canon EOS Rebel T8i (also known as the EOS 850D outside of the US) is a powerful camera with a touchscreen that can be rotated and great autofocus. It also generates beautiful pictures.
This camera is the upgraded version of the Rebel T7i / EOS 800D. The only noteworthy improvement in this camera is a 4K video capability, which we found to be constrained by frame-rate limitations. Even so, it is still our pick for entry-level DSLRs for all-around use.
DSLRs for Beginners FAQs
1. Which are the best DSLR lenses for beginners?
18-55mm kit lens: This is the basic lens for every beginner. It has a pretty wide view and perfect for landscape.
50mm: Every ambitious photographer needs to have this 50mm lens in their camera bag. It is an incredibly beautiful fixed focal-length lens that will assist you in focusing on your target while making the background of objects blurry with bokeh.
2. What features should an entry-level camera have?
There are 5 things you can think of when buying a new camera
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Greater image quality than your smartphone camera.
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Comfortable to grip
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The right size for your habits
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The availability of lenses that fit your demands today and in the future
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Fit your budget
3. How many photos can a DSLR capture before it malfunctions?
The shutter rating of the camera is firstly made public by the makers. The majority of DSLR cameras for beginners have a shutter actuation rating of only 100,000. More robust shutters with actuation ratings somewhere between 150,000 – 300,000 are found in mid- and high-end cameras.
Final Thought
DSLRs are the king of all photography, and for good reason: They allow you to make incredibly detailed, sophisticated, artistic, and professional-quality images that are much better than anything you can capture with a smartphone. Even today, DSLRs are the most popular choice for serious amateur and professional photographers around the world.
