3 Best DSLR Cameras for Beginners

For those just getting into photography, the DSLR offers a number of benefits: new and used lenses are widely available, and the cameras are typically less expensive than their mirrorless counterparts, especially when it comes to the lower end models. This implies a significantly reduced total cost of entry, particularly if you buy your equipment used. Another argument is that using an optical viewfinder offers a more "traditional" photographic experience; you decide whether or not that is important.

There are a number of drawbacks as well. For example, the majority of DSLRs lack in-body image stabilization, which mitigates the unpredictability of handheld photography. Additionally, the two major manufacturers of DSLRs, Canon and Nikon, are gradually ceasing to create new bodies and lenses. On the other hand, costs for older DSLR mount bodies and lenses will inevitably decrease, and the majority of lenses can be readily converted to fit modern mirrorless mounts, should you choose to go that route in the future.

Canon EOS Rebel T7 with EF-S 18-55/3.5-5.6 IS II Lens

For many years, the Canon Rebel line has been a go-to choice for beginners, and each new model shows why. Owners were finally able to get a 24-megapixel sensor with the Canon Rebel T7 (up from 18MP on prior models). While the out-of-the-box image quality is good for a camera in its class, the build quality is about what you would expect for the price. The controls are sufficient without being overbearing, offering a wide range of complex settings in addition to excellent one-click alternatives.

The 3-inch LCD is clear and bright, while the lack of a touchscreen is regrettable and perhaps unimaginable for many smartphone users. The Bluetooth functionality adds even more appeal since it simplifies wireless image transmission. Even while it can seem like a small or expected feature, a lot of people these days want to be able to share their photos as soon as possible, and most manufacturers have regrettably fallen far behind in this regard. As a result, it's important to note that Canon's Camera Connect app is more feature-rich and easier to use than many of its rivals' offerings.

Although it is undoubtedly one of the most basic DSLRs available, the Canon EOS Rebel T7 is nonetheless a valuable introduction to photography and the Canon ecosystem in general. It's a camera that's easy to use and progress from basic beginner controls to more complex settings, making it an excellent choice for a camera.

Slap the compact Canon EF-S 24/2.8 lens on the camera for an extremely flexible 38mm (full-frame equivalent) range of vision. The lens is hardly bigger than a body cap.

Nikon D3500 with AF-P 18-55/3.5-5.6G VR Lens

The Nikon D3500 is, appropriately, considered an entry-level camera. It is lightweight, reasonably priced for what it can do, and—above all—it has a Guide Mode that teaches inexperienced photographers how to approach and capture any given scenario.

Given the camera's price point, the 24-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor and ISO range of 100–25600 allow the D3500 to produce photographs that are much better than one may immediately think. In terms of image quality, it's basically at the top of the pack for anything less than full-frame. Its design provides the ideal amount of bulk, even if its weight is modest for a DSLR, and its handgrip is precisely sized for security.

The D3500 is nevertheless a valuable camera for novices even though it isn't the most user-friendly when it comes to adjusting manual settings—this is especially true since it doesn't have the front command dial like its more expensive brothers have. The majority of shortcomings are more than offset by the camera's Guide Mode, since the goal is learning and development. When this option is activated, beginners can choose the kind of scenario they want to photograph and observe in real time as the settings change to fit. The information gained is immense for those who pay attention, yet the photos still come out well for those who don't. It's a great feature that is absent from rival cameras as well as the more expensive Nikon versions.

It can be used with the superb Nikkor DX AF-S 35/1.8 lens to create a very reasonably priced "nifty fifty" setup. Another great and reasonably priced introduction to wide-angle photography with superb image quality is the fantastic Nikkor DX AF-P 10-20/3.5-5.6.

Pentax K-70

One thing Pentax entry-level cameras are well-known for is their willingness to offer high-end features that other manufacturers would save for their more expensive versions. This trend was undoubtedly maintained with the Pentax K-70, which is a surprisingly good choice for a novice with superb image quality.

The camera is slightly heavier than the Rebel T7, despite being smaller—a sign of the relatively robust construction, which is one of Pentax's strong points. The K-70 has an impressive build for its class, with a big glass pentaprism with a high magnification of 0.95x (compared to 0.80x for the Rebel T7 and 0.85x for the D3500) and internal weather-sealing. The rear 3.0" display, which is moveable and hinged for significantly improved usability, again demonstrates the attention to design.

Among all the built-in capabilities, Pentax's "Shake Reduction (SR)" technology, or "IBIS" in general, is arguably the best. As of right now, Pentax is the only DSLR company that has ever used IBIS, on both its entry-level K-1 flagship cameras and its more affordable K-70 bodies. Furthermore, no other camera under $1,000 has the pixel shift shooting capability that the SR system does, enabling the creation of incredibly high-resolution, high-quality photographs.

Investing in a Pentax starting kit also gives you access to the largest selection of APS-C DSLR lenses available. This brings us to our final advantage. The DA 15/4 AL Limited, DA 21/3.2 AL Limited, DA 35/2.8 Macro Limited, DA 40/2.8 Limited, DA 70/2.4 Limited, and the DA 20-40/2.8-4 Limited are just a handful of the exceptional Pentax lenses that are incomparable when used with Canon or Nikon systems. Encouraging curiosity about the glass before the camera is a pleasure in and of itself.