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It’s time to bring out the Canons and start shooting! I’m talking, of course, about Canon DSLRs. Hello and welcome to our search for the best DSLR camera for beginners. You’re probably thinking: wait, aren’t all DSLR cameras good for beginners? Well – yes and no. Beginner photo artists are probably going to end up changing their first DSLRs, so the DSLR camera for beginners should meet a few general guidelines that are specific to the apprentice photographer.
First off, a DSLR camera for beginners should be cheap. As in, cheaper than the average. Why? Because a beginner photographer doesn’t want to go and spend over $600 on a DSLR just so that, maybe, he or she will give up professional photo shooting within a year. It’s best to settle for cheap DSLR cameras for beginners, and then work your way up to the high-end of the spectrum. That’s why, for this list of the best DSLR camera for beginners, we’ve gone for devices that can be found for under $500.
We realize that $500 isn’t exactly cheap – but we’re talking good beginner DSLR cameras that can still be used professionally. So without further ado, here are the top 5 best DSLR cameras for beginners:
1. Canon EOS Rebel T5 EF-S
Price: $399.00
Sensor: CMOS (APS-C)
Photo Resolution: 18 megapixels
Video Resolution: 1080p full-HD, 30 fps
Continuous Shooting: 3 FPS
Screen: 3-inch LCD
The Cannon EOS Rebel T5 stands out as a perfect camera for photo enthusiasts. The 18 megapixels will make sure that you can catch your neighbor’s dog on your front lawn while taking a photo of your family in the backyard. And as an amateur photographer, you’ll know that this isn’t just a question of megapixels, but one of clarity and of image sharpness – of which the EOS rebel offers a whole lot. And if you want to see what that dog’s going to do next, you can switch to video or to intelligent continuous shooting.
The specs: just about everything this camera has to offer screams professionalism. You can’t go wrong with it. While with other low-end DSLR cameras for beginners you may end up being laughed at, with this one it’s pretty far from the case. Biggest flaws: poor audio quality for videos and no external mic input, also no SD card included.
2. Nikon D3300
Price: $396.95
Sensor: CMOS DX
Photo Resolution: 24.2 megapixels
Video Resolution: 1080p full-HD, 60 fps
Continuous Shooting: 5 FPS
Screen: 3-inch LCD
For every canon out there, there’s at least one name that tries to rebel. This Nikon brings you the stunning CMOS DX sensor, with 24.2 megapixels. Simply put – you won’t get another camera with such a powerful sensor, and at such low a price. It’s one of the best cheap DSLR cameras for beginners, and it’ so nifty and easy to use that even a child could make figure it out quickly.
The specs: the best part about this camera is that it’s really light. And that’s one of the key factors when you’re in for a long photo shoot. Also, the 60 frames per second shoot at 1080p will make sure that even birds can enjoy your videos. Biggest flaw: no Wi-Fi, limited set of effects.
3. Nikon D5300
Price: $499.00 (refurbished)
Sensor: CMOS DX
Photo Resolution: 24.2 megapixels
Video Resolution: 1080p full-HD, 60 fps
Continuous Shooting: 5 FPS
Screen: 3.2-inch LCD
You may say that the D5300 is the older, more experienced brother of the D3300. In fact, it offers just about all the same features, but with a great plus in quality. Once again – you probably can’t go wrong with a camera that can shoot 60 frames per second in 1080p. Also, the bigger screen makes for an easier viewing of the photos you shoot. This camera is perfect for beginners, but it does have some issues with its menu.
The specs: all the same as the D3300, with the added bonus of Wi-Fi. With the software included, you can control the camera by remote, and even share the photos you shoot directly to your computer so that you won’t ever have to worry about storing space. Biggest flaws: menu seems dysfunctional, lag in Live View.
4. Pentax K-50
Price: $349.91
Sensor: CMOS (APS-C)
Photo Resolution: 24.2 megapixels
Video Resolution: 1080p full-HD
Continuous Shooting: 6 FPS
Screen: 3-inch LCD
I know Pentax don’t make so many headlines – but that seems unfair considering that they actually have some very well-made devices. And what’s more – the stylish look adds a dash of panache to the basic form of a DSLR. While the sensor is slightly lesser to the ones we’ve already talked about, it can still pack quite the punch. The best feature, however, is that this camera is guaranteed weather sealed: it can withstand dust, cold, snow, rain, sand, you name it. The K-50 is built for explorers that are willing to push the limits of photography.
The specs: as I’ve said, the Pentax K-50 doesn’t do much when it measures up with the previous best DSLR camera for beginners. But it’s still once of the cheap DSLR cameras for beginners that can make you fall in love. Biggest flaws: no Wi-Fi, lower resolution than other devices.
5. Canon EOS Rebel SL1
Price: $499.00
Sensor: CMOS (APS-C)
Photo Resolution: 18 megapixels
Video Resolution: 1080p full-HD, 30 fps
Continuous Shooting: 3 FPS
Screen: 3-inch LCD
Once more, consider this Canon as the older, more experienced brother of the EOS we’ve talked about in the beginning of the article. I know that, when it comes to actual specs, the SL1 doesn’t differ that much from the T1. However, talking about image quality – it’s simply a whole new level. And it doesn’t have the flaws of the T1. Its shape is better suited for smaller hands, and can be now handled with ease. The LCR is now a touchscreen, and the menu got revamped.
The specs: the Rebel SL1 now has a decent sound quality with its internal microphone, and it also now has a line-in for a stereo microphone – which means that it’s perfect for video recording like a pro. Biggest flaws: Wi-Fi control limited, no articulating LCD.
