What to buy as a beginner’s reflex camera ?
We help you choose a good DSLR camera without having to spend a fortune. If you are no longer happy with the shots from your smartphone or compact camera, or if you have the desire to take it to the next level, then an entry-level SLR camera is a good choice.
Beginner’s SLR cameras allow you to take photos with much better quality and clarity than with a compact camera or even your smartphone. An SLR camera allows you to manually adjust many functions such as zooming and even change lenses in order to take any type of photos in all weather conditions.
Don’t worry though, there are automatic modes for taking 1-click photos while you wait to hone your skills and get comfortable with all those new buttons. Obviously, the more functions you want, the more you will pay for your device. But do you really need them all?
The DSLR camera models presented are among the cheapest on the market but still offer impressive performance in terms of image quality. Moreover, if you are in the process of learning, they satisfy all the main functions that one would expect from a camera.
We show you the 5 best DSLR cameras for beginners as of now.
What will you learn?
- Best DSLR Cameras For Beginners
- 1- Nikon D3500 of 24 Mpix + 18-55mm lens : A digital SLR camera to start
- 2- Nikon D5600 of 24 Mpix + 18-55mm lens : A well-equipped camera
- 3- Nikon D3400 of 24 Mpix + 18-55mm lens : Suitable for beginners
- 4- Canon EOS 4000D 18 Mpix + 18-55mm lens : An entry level camera to start
- 5- Pentax K70 – the tough camera
- Advantages of DSLR Cameras for Beginners
- Conclusion: Which DSLR Cameras for Beginners to Choose?
- Customer Reviews
- Choose digital camera
- Camera specifically for taking photos
Best DSLR Cameras For Beginners
If you are buying your first Reflex camera, we recommend that you choose a “kit” which usually includes the camera + a removable 18-55mm lens (the zoom). This zoom allows you to take wide photos, portraits and landscapes and that’s just the beginning!
It is possible to find more technologically advanced DSLR cameras for more money, but a beginner’s camera already has a big advantage over compact cameras and smartphones, it is to be able to change the lens (the zoom), flash and accessories without having to change the camera itself.
Canon and Nikon offer the widest range of lenses for reflex cameras. Pentax and Sony also offer decent products.
- Imagine taking your next vacation photos
- Imagine yourself with a shot of the horizon that did not appear with your old device
- Imagine not having to run all over the place to get the perfect angle for a monument photo
Here is the ranking of the best DSLR cameras for beginners. The number of copies available and the price may be limited.
Current bestsellers:
1- Nikon D3500 of 24 Mpix + 18-55mm lens : A digital SLR camera to start
The Nikon D3500 is more expensive of the entry level, but also the best in our opinion.
This device is an improved version of the brilliant D3400 which was the number 1 choice before being replaced by the D3500 here.
The design and specifics haven’t really changed. New, the Nikon D3500 is equipped with bluetooth to quickly transfer photos to your smartphone. The screen is not touch-sensitive, but there is a practical smart guide to receive real-time explanations on the importance of a function.
The weight of the Nikon D3500 is lightened since it is 415 g against 460 g for its predecessor the D3400.
The resolution of 24 Mega pixels is excellent, it is an easy going camera and good for starting in SLRs.
Price : $$$
- 24 Megapixels
- 5 fps
- 3 inch display screen
- 1080p video resolution
- good battery life
- suitable for beginners
- No connection to plug in a microphone (but yes the sound is recorded for videos)
- No touch screen
2- Nikon D5600 of 24 Mpix + 18-55mm lens : A well-equipped camera
Choosing between a Canon and a Nikon is not easy.
The Nikon D5600 is a direct competitor to the Canon EOS 800D in the high-end DSLR for beginners. While the D3300 series devices are very affordable, the D5000 series is best if you want to be more creative. The D5600 has a larger screen (3.2 inches) but more importantly, the autofocus of 39 customizable areas is the best you can find among the DSLRs considered entry-level.
Not much to say about the lens of the D5600 which gives excellent results for photos. Easy to use, it’s Nikon.
Price : $$$$
- 24 megapixels
- 3.2 inch screen
- 5 fps
- excellent image quality
- 1080p resolution
- suitable for beginners
- slow motion focus
- snapbridge not in place (connection between camera and smartphone)
3- Nikon D3400 of 24 Mpix + 18-55mm lens : Suitable for beginners
Replaced by the D3500, the Nikon D3400 is coming to the end of the market.
It has the same characteristics and design. The difference is in the positioning of the buttons around the screen. battery life (1200 for the D3400 and 1500 for the D3500).
The Nikon D3400 is a good choice if you are just starting out and want to find a camera that has proven itself in the past and can be bought for less today. Having said that, it may sound strange but it is often more expensive than the D3500 (the number 1 choice) which is the model that replaced this D3400.
Price : $$$
- 24 megapixels
- 3 inch screen
- 1080p resolution
- nice photo quality
- guide mode
- suitable for beginners
- attractive price
- not removable
- limited connectivity
4- Canon EOS 4000D 18 Mpix + 18-55mm lens : An entry level camera to start
A good combination of ergonomics and sensitivity.
The Canon EOS 4000D is also a good choice in terms of a beginner’s camera choice. Canon’s 2.7-inch screen is sufficient for a quick preview of photos. It is one of the best DSLR cameras for beginners because it is very affordable. It is equipped with wifi, which is very practical and unexpected normally at this price.
The 4000D weighs 436g which is average for SLR cameras. We would have liked a larger screen and in high resolution but for the price it is necessary to make concessions. Overall, it remains a very good entry-level SLR camera.
Price : $$$$
- 18 megapixels
- 5fps
- resolution 1080p
- equipped with wifi with NFC
- 2.7 inch screen of average quality
- autofocus mode a little slow
5- Pentax K70 – the tough camera
One of the best DSLR cameras for beginners. A sturdy SLR camera with good protections. Pentax is popular to produce DSLR cameras with good value for money. and the Pentax K 70 is no exception.
The Pentax K 70 is resistant to all types of weather (rain, dust …), it is an appreciable and practical protection for those who wish to go out in all weathers. Do not forget in this case to choose the WR (weather resistant) lens which is a little more expensive than the basic lens but which goes with the bare camera.
The Pentax K70 is equipped with pixel shift resolution to reduce photographer shake and can even correct a slightly tilted photo.
The only reason the Pentax is not higher in the rankings is due to having to put more money in the end to have a weather resistant lens.
Price : $$$$
- 24 megapixels
- 3 inch screen
- 6fps
- 1080p resolution
- removable screen
- suitable for all bad weather and climates (dust, snow …)
- suitable for beginners
- the lens of the device is basic
Advantages of DSLR Cameras for Beginners
Beginner reflex cameras are generally simpler and less sophisticated models than cameras intended for professional photographers.
However, these are devices that are already much more equipped than any compact device or smartphone. The image quality, zoom, autofocus, manual focus and all the different modes allow any beginner to get started with photography.
Conclusion: Which DSLR Cameras for Beginners to Choose?
In conclusion, I will insist on the importance of choosing the right reflex camera .
We have seen that an SLR camera is much more advanced in terms of image than a simple compact camera or a smartphone. There are reflex cameras to start between 350 and 1000 dollars depending on the functions, lenses and accessories that may vary. The camera lens is what makes the difference and the price. Indeed, bare boxes remain in more or less similar price ranges.
If you don’t know which camera to choose, we recommend one from this list, the Nikon D3500 being the one with the best value for money.
the beautiful Nikon D3500
The more expensive models are because of their connectivity but rarely in terms of image quality.
Will you take the risk of buying an SLR camera that won’t do better than your old device?
Think carefully about the functions and the lens of the camera which are the only two guarantees to give you pleasure to photograph.
If you’re going to be using your SLR camera every day, get a quality one so you don’t get limited too quickly. In this case, we recommend that you take an additional lens, as the standard zoom of 18-55mm (standard entry-level zoom) could quickly limit you. You will want to switch to close shots with a 70-300mm for example.
Customer Reviews
It is important to compare customer reviews to buy the best beginner’s SLR camera. Haven’t found the model of your dreams yet?
Click here to see the customer reviews of our favorite model.
Choose digital camera
How to choose a good camera? The best reflex camera to start photography. It is necessary to know what is an SLR camera and a digital camera.
If you want a pro camera, you have to pay the price for it. It depends on the type of photo you want to take (landscapes, Olympic athletes in motion… You can go for a camera suitable for fitness with a more expensive camera.
If you want a budget SLR, whether it’s a Nikon SLR or an entry-level Canon, you have to pay attention to certain criteria. A Canon EOS is one of the best cameras but there are other recognized brands. Using an SLR is not easy or complicated and I help you choose a digital camera that will not be a camera for dummies.
Camera specifically for taking photos
Canon eos cameras are often chosen by beginners. An entry-level Canon SLR camera can be quite an expensive digital camera all the same.
If you prefer a Nikon camera (which is a pro camera), this may be the opportunity to choose a first reflex camera.
A camera can be used as a beginner film camera.
What to buy as an SLR camera?
For a first DSLR, you’ll pick up an easy and capable camera. We recommend an SLR at the best value for money so as not to be restricted too quickly. Cameras for dummies are not very complicated to use, they are generally the cheapest and with the fewest buttons.
Everyone wants a cheap but good quality camera but no one is ready to pay the price because yes, it’s quite expensive and a good cheap camera is like a cheap Ferrari, it’s is rare.
What is the best SLR camera?
A Nikon camera allows you to get started in photography for beginners. The most common question we get is: What is the best value for money SLR camera? Canon or Nikon?
Although we have a better experience with Nikon, we recommend to choose according to your feeling between these 2 brands. The best value for money DSLR for beginners is certainly the one for which you already have a preference. Follow your instincts, it’s important not to regret.
I’m a sports graduate who enjoys documenting myself on the internet and bringing light to my subscribers when they need it. (I get a lot of messages.) In my spare time, I am an amateur photographer, but my area of expertise is mainly in fitness and the use of sports equipment at home and in the gym.
