Which DSLR camera is best for beginners?
Looking to upgrade your photography game beyond the basics of phone, point-and-shoot or disposable cameras? Whether you’d love crisper, more vibrant photos for an upcoming trip or a great camera to capture moments with friends and family, an entry-level digital single-lens reflex camera is just the thing to advance the quality of your photography.
Below, peruse some top beginner DSLR cameras on the market, including top pick Nikon D3500. It’s long been heralded as a fan favorite beginner DSLR with great image quality, a reasonable price point and powerful battery life capable of taking 1,500 images sequentially without needing a charge.
What to know before you buy a DSLR camera for beginners
Image resolution
The quality of images taken is both the biggest draw and the biggest distinguishing factor of any DSLR camera you might consider and is probably the most important distinction between any other type of amateur-level camera. Images with crisp lines, vibrant colors and resonant depth distinguish a quality DSLR rig from one that might not be worth the money.
User-friendly features
Since you’re considering a beginner-level purchase, your ideal buy should be ergonomic and easy to use and pick up quickly. In addition, look for cameras with a lightweight frame that are carryable and easy to pack, especially if you’re hoping to bring it with you on travels. Some cameras offer instantaneous image downloads to connected devices such as phones or computers, adding to their on-the-go value.
Monetary investment
For those considering an entry-level DSLR, it may be unlikely that you’d want to put too much money into what may be a starter camera. On the other hand, it’s important to invest enough in a quality DSLR camera so no matter how much you build your skills, your equipment can keep up with you.
DSLR camera for beginners features
Lens and image sensor
The quality of a DSLR camera’s image sensor largely determines the quality of its photography. Add to that the lens, which magnifies the image and retracts the light to the sensor itself, and it becomes key to purchase quality materials for both these parts. Keep in mind that it may well be worth having a few lenses: shorter lenses provide high-quality portrait images, whereas longer lenses capture landscapes more effectively.
Build
Look for cameras that feel right in your hand with a viewfinder and grip that fits to your face and arm. The build should be lightweight enough so as not to discourage you from taking it with you on your adventures. Comfort and a compact build make a DSLR all the more accessible.
Battery power
Nothing kills the buzz of capturing a shot like clicking your camera on only to find its battery has given out. Finding a camera with a long battery life means you can worry less about charging your camera and focus on using it to capture, say, a beautiful sunset. A well-made DSLR camera should be able to take 1,000 images (or much more) without needing to be recharged.
DSLR camera for beginners cost
For a quality DSLR that can upgrade with you, you’ll be looking in the $450-$850 price range. Any more or less than that risks potentially not getting enough bang for your buck as a starter DSLR camera.
DSLR camera for beginners FAQ
What’s the difference between a digital camera and a film camera?
A. Digital cameras like DSLRs harness light into a digital eye that then saves the image to a card, whereas in film cameras, the light burns an image directly onto a strip of film. Because of this, digital photography tends to have less variability — fewer light leaks or corruptions — and a crisper, more reliable image quality.
Can I film videos with my DSLR camera?
A. Yes. Most DSLRs come equipped with video capabilities. Some can take videos up to 30 minutes long in HD.
Which DSLR camera for beginners should I get?
Best of the best DSLR camera for beginners
Nikon D3500: available at Amazon
Our take: Best overall balanced beginner-level DSLR.
What we like: Designed specifically for beginners with intuitive features. High fps photo capture with 24.2 megapixel capability. Connects automatically through Nikon’s app so you can download images to your phone in seconds. At less than a pound, it’s easy to carry.
What we dislike: Has HD-level video capacity, but not 4K.
Best bang for your buck DSLR camera for beginners
Canon EOS Rebel T7: available at Amazon
Our take: A reliable and sturdy rig that will level up from novice to intermediate levels of photography with you.
What we like: The price point of the Rebel T7 is excellent, and combined with its easy interface, this camera is a low-risk investment for a beginner.
What we dislike: Its Wi-Fi capabilities sometimes malfunction, meaning you might have to rely on its USB connection to download images.
Honorable mention DSLR camera for beginners
Canon EOS M50: available at Amazon
Our take: A strong visual processing system with a touchscreen LCD viewfinder offers a luxurious take on beginner DSLR photography.
What we like: The M50 comes in both black and white, a rare chance in the DSLR world for aesthetic customization. Its autofocus feature helps capture candid shots comfortably.
What we dislike: At nearly $850 for a complete set, the EOS M50 may be too expensive for a beginner-level DSLR.
Micayla Mead is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.
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