Best DSLR Cameras For Beginners In Photography

Table of Contents:

  1. Introduction
  2. Canon EOS Rebel T7i/800D
  3. Nikon D5600
  4. Canon EOS Rebel SL2
  5. Buyers Tips
  6. Conclusion and Comments

Introduction:

Ready to take photography to the next level? Sure phone snaps and filters are great, but getting great shots requires a great camera.

 

Entry-level DSLRs give a big improvement in image quality compared to a smartphone, having much more control and options to work with. Thankfully, they aren’t too expensive if you’re just starting out and don’t want to spend thousands on professional equipment.

 

We’ll tackle a few of the main questions to get you one your journey. Many people have trouble starting out and have tons of questions. “Do I buy Nikon or Canon?”, “What gear do I need to get the pictures I want?”, “How much will all of this cost?”, and so on. It is a difficult process finding the right camera, but we’re here to help.

 

What is the best DSLR camera for beginners?

Obviously if you want your camera to do more, then each additional feature will cost you more. But how much do you really need? The key is finding a nice balance between what you want to have and how much you want to spend. Most of the time, you can find an affordable DLSR without having to sacrifice most of the features you want.

 

That brings us to determining which DSLR is the best? The issue in answering that question is that it’s too broad. The perfect DSLR camera for you might not be the best for someone else.

 

We’ll recommend three great starter cameras and then go over a few buyer tips down below. Just remember what you want out of the camera and why you’re getting it, that way it’ll be easier to pick one out based on it’s strengths and weaknesses.




Canon EOS Rebel T7i/800D

Canon EOS Rebel T7i Review

While the camera can be purchased individually, I recommend the bundle for beginners. Most entry-level photographers get overwhelmed with finding all the additional equipment to create a good setup. So it’s simpler to buy the bundle that comes with extra lenses and accessories to ease the burden of finding all the best pieces that fit together.

 

The Canon EOS Rebel T7i is a fantastic starter DSLR camera for beginners. It’s design is familiar for most, easy to handle, and comfortable to hold while delivering excellent quality. It takes sharp and focused pictures and has a nice balance between hues. One of the main strengths to the camera is it’s ability to handle a wide variety of range and a mix of textures.

 

The T7i camera offers video capture up to full HD (1920 x 1080 at 60fps or 30fps), HDR and time lapse movies.

 

It can range from 820 shots for the battery life, and as low as 230 for continual use of the flash and the live view instead of the view finder.

 

The Downside?
There aren’t as many settings as it’s competitors and has an average battery life.

 

Pros
  • Great and quality images
  • Enhanced autofocus
  • High-ISO handling
  • Bundle package with best accessories

 

Cons
  • Average battery life
  • Fewer settings than competitors
Canon EOS Rebel T7i/800D

 

Nikon D5600

Nikon D5600 DSLR Review

 

The D5600 is a mid-range nikon DSLR camera for beginners that would like something to grow into.

 

While  we’re reviewing cameras for beginners, it comes with a bit more than the average entry-level DSLR. Sadly, the extras also come with a steeper price.

 

The D5600 has the familiar DSLR shape and ergonomic grip. The function buttons and other adjustments are easy to use while holding as well. Also, the camera comes with an LCD screen and the usual view finder. The DSLR comes with a ‘SnapBridge’ feature to allow Bluetooth/Wi-Fi communication, making sharing a lot easier.

 

The resolution of the D5600 is excellent. It shoots at 24.2 Megapixels and performs wonderfully on sharpness tests using the ISO 12.233 chart. Also, it does a great job at managing image noise until you begin to reach higher ISO’s. The Nikon Multi-CAM 4800DX addon module handles autofocus very well and offers accurate phase detection via the viewfinder.

 

The Downside?
The touchscreen can’t be disabled sadly and there’s no 4k features for video.

 

Pros
  • Image quality
  • Lightweight
  • SnapBridge Wi-Fi/Bluetooth

 

Cons
  • Touchscreen can’t be disabled
  • No 4k video
Nikon D5600

 

Canon EOS Rebel SL2

 

The Canon Rebel SL2 makes a great starter camera for entry level photographers. It comes with the basic features and functions of any DSLR, and the bundle isn’t crazy expensive.

 

Overall, it’s a compact and well designed DSLR camera. It has the common appearance of most DSLR cameras, but with a slightly smaller size. Thankfully, in the world of DSLR’s size doesn’t necessarily matter in regards to image quality. The Rebel SL2 does still capture fantastic images and is a great idea for a starter DSLR.

 

It captures a nice 24.2 Megapixels with a maximum focal length of 55mm and the newest DIGIC 7 image processor. The new image processor allows better handling of ISO ranges, AF performance and a faster burst shooting of 5fps. While that doesn’t sound like formula 1 rates, it’s because this is still a entry-level DSLR. Additionally, the Rebel SL2 follows the recent norms of adding Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity.

 

The Downside?
No 4k video and a modest amount of AF points.

 

Pros
  • Good image quality
  • User friendly and easy to operate
  • Live View AF performance

 

Cons
  • No 4k Video
  • Modest number of AF points
Canon EOS Rebel SL2

 

Buyer Tips

 

Bundle or individual camera?

If you’re buying your first entry level DSLR camera, then it makes sense to just buy a starter bundle. Most come with everything you’ll need to start and it comes in one convenient package. So it really depends on how much you intend to use the camera and what you’ll use it for. If you plan on being a dedicated photographer, then it’s recommended to just buy a starter bundle to save money on the extras.

 

Shutter speeds?

Another reason for getting a DSLR camera is having adjustable shutter speeds and better focus. These will be important aspects to keep track of when buying and if you’re looking to learn more about them read here!

 

Does the brand matter?

Should you get Canon, Nikon, Sony, etc.? There are too many options and most people tend to stick to the well-known brands. But why is the brand even important, aren’t they all supposed to make quality cameras? Well the issue comes when you inevitably fall in love with photography and want more lenses, carrying bags, and accessories. Each brand makes extras that are proprietary and fit only their brand. So you’re future purchases are determined by the initial camera you bought.

 

Budget?

This article focuses on amateur equipment needed to get most people started. As with most hobbies and occupations, the amateur level equipment is less versatile to help keep costs low. So many of the options listed here will be as low as we can get without sacrificing the main reasons to get a DSLR. As a heads up, you can expect to pay between $500-$900 for a starter bundle which usually includes the camera and a few separate lenses.

 

Conclusion

There are many more options for DSLR cameras. The three we listed are just suggestions for starter cameras that thankfully come in bundles packages. If there are any questions or additions that should be made to this article, please comment below.