Best entry level budget DSLR
If you're shopping for an entry-level budget DSLR, you've come to the right place! At my sister-site Camera Labs I write in-depth reviews of cameras but understand you're busy people who sometimes just want recommendations of the most outstanding products.
So here I'll cut to the chase and list the best budget DSLRs around right now. If you're shopping for a DSLR, you should also be considering one of the new breed of mirror-less interchangeable lens cameras, or ILCs for short. These pack DSLR-sized sensors and interchangeable lens mounts into much smaller and lighter bodies, and in some situations, their full-time Live View systems can be better for autofocusing. I've included a selection at the bottom of this page. For each camera featured here there's also a link to my full review for more details.
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| Nikon D3000 review |
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Nikon’s D3000 is the company’s previous entry-level DSLR and the replacement for the D40, D40x and D60 models. D3000 employs the body and sensor of the earlier D60, adds a bigger 3in screen and swaps the basic 3-point AF system for the considerably more sophisticated 11-point AF system (not to mention the useful viewfinder grid-lines) of the D5000 and D90. The headline new feature is the Guide mode, which really does make the D3000 the most approachable DSLR to date. Coupled with the excellent metering and AF system behind the scenes, the D3000 is arguably one of the best choices for first-time DSLR owners who are willing to swap Live View for a helping hand.
Pros: Very friendly and easy to use, 11-point AF, decent metering.
Cons: No Live View, exposure bracketing or AF with older lenses.
Overall: A great choice for DSLR beginners who want guidance. |
| Canon EOS 1100D / Rebel T3 review |
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The EOS Rebel T3 / 1100D is Canon's latest entry-level DSLR. It features a solid specification, packing 12 Megapixel resolution, 720p HD movies, Live View and a 9-point AF system into an affordable body. The sensor may have come from an older model, but coupled with Canon's latest metering and image processing delivers respectable results. Unlike its big rival, the Nikon D3100, Canon's aimed for a lower price-point. It misses out on the D3100's hand-holding GUIDE mode, but allows enthusiasts to access settings much faster. Ideal for first-time DSLR buyers wanting a big brand on a budget.
Pros: Live View; 720p HD video; remote control software.
Cons: Modest continuous buffer; smallish 2.7in screen.
Overall: Big brand with solid specification at a low price. |
| Nikon D3100 review |
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Nikon's D3100 is the successor to the best-selling D3000 and makes several key upgrades: most notably it now features Live View and video recording facilities - indeed it becomes the first Nikon DSLR to offer 1080p in addition to 720p. The resolution has also increased from 10 to 14 Megapixels and there's a number of tweaks to the controls. Beginners will enjoy the enhanced GUIDE mode which helps you take the photos you want, step-by-step, while there's full manual for when you're ready. The screen's fairly average and there's still be no bracketing, but the D3100 is the most powerful entry-level DSLR yet. It's also one of the most expensive, but represents a good step-up from basic models.
Pros: Friendly GUIDE mode; 1080p HD video; 14 Mpixels.
Cons: Basic screen; no bracketing; relatively pricey.
Overall: The priciest but most powerful entry-level DSLR. |
| Olympus E-PM1 review |
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The Olympus E-PM1 is one of the most affordable mirror-less ILCs to date. Nick-named the 'PEN Mini', the E-PM1 doesn't replace an existing model, but is a new entry in the Olympus range designed to appeal to those who want to step up from a point-and-shoot or a more portable alternative to a budget DSLR. As such it's smaller, lighter, more accessible and crucially cheaper than its more sophisticated siblings, the E-PL3 and E-P3. But don't let the price and position in the range fool you: the E-PM1 features the same 12 Megapixel sensor as the higher-end PENs, a full-sized hotshoe for accessories and like all Olympus models, boasts built-in stabilisation which works with any lens you attach. Couple all that with great manual control or simple auto if you prefer and you've got a compelling ILC at a fabulous price.
Pros: Built-in stabilisation; 1080i video; hotshoe; low price.
Cons: Flash supplied, but not built-in. No touch-screen.
Overall: An affordable ILC which doesn't compromise. |
| Nikon J1 - see Nikon V1 review |
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Nikon's J1 is the cheaper of two models which launched the new Nikon 1 system. Both the J1 and its higher-end sibling the V1 boast quicker autofocus, tracking and continuous shooting than any camera in their price bracket. They'll also continuously autofocus while filming HD video and even let you grab a bunch of high resolution stills at the same time. As such they'll be adored by action and portrait photographers alike, especially when shooting or filming kids or pets. Nikon's also had fun repackaging these core capabilities into a number of fun modes which take a different approach to photography. The pricier V1 has some nice extras, but for me, the J1 is the more compelling option with a smaller and lighter body (in five colours!), built-in flash and much cheaper price point. This could be the best camera for parents of sporty kids, pet-owners or action fanatics on a budget.
Pros: Fast AF, fast burst modes, HD video with high-res stills.
Cons: No special effects; no accessory port;
Overall: Perfect for parents, pet owners and action fanatics. |
| Sony NEX-C3 review |
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Sony's NEX-C3 is the company's entry-level ILC, which packs a DSLR-sized sensor into a much more portable body. Like all NEX bodies, the C3 features nothing less than an APS-C sensor, which matches the size of those in most budget to mid-range DSLRs. The C3's sensor sports 16 Megapixels and can also record 720p movies. Sony's also squeezed-in a detailed screen which can tilt vertically for easier composition at unusual angles. Like most Sony cameras, the NEX-C3 also boasts a wide array of innovative shooting modes which can stack multiple images to reduce noise, shake or generate spectacular panoramas. The neat focus-peaking guide greatly aids manual focusing in movies and there's also 5.5fps burst shooting. A great alternative to a budget DSLR, but if you've got more to spend, consider the NEX-5N.
Pros: Large APS-C sensor; tilting screen; clever shooting modes.
Cons: No hotshoe and no 1080 video either.
Overall: A small ILC which delivers excellent quality. |
| Panasonic Lumix DMC-G3 review |
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Panasonic's Lumix G3 is a compact ILC with a 16 Megapixel DSLR-sized sensor and 1080i HD video capabilities. Successor to the Lumix G2, it's the first of Panasonic's third generation of ILC cameras, and like its predecessors, based on the Micro Four Thirds standard with 100% Live View operation. It features a fully-articulated touch-sensitive screen which will quickly focus on any subject you tap, even while filming videos. It's also got a clever Auto mode, one of the fastest contrast-based AF systems and very respectable image quality which should all have you rethinking whether a traditional DSLR really is for you.
Pros: Quick focusing; 3in articulated touch-screen; 1080i video.
Cons: Some compromises for continuous action shooting.
Overall: Arguably better than a traditional DSLR for beginners. |
| Olympus E-PL3 review |
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The E-PL3 is the mid-range model in the Olympus PEN range. Like other PEN models, it's an ILC, based on the Micro Four Thirds format, which packs a large sensor into a small body. The E-PL3 employs a 12 Megapixel sensor which also supports 1080i video and 5.5fps shooting. On the top is a hotshoe which supports flashes or an optional viewfinder, while round the back is a 16:9 screen which tilts vertically for easy composition at unusual angles. What really makes the Olympus PEN cameras stand out from the competition though is built-in stabilisation which works with any lens you attach. Couple all these features with great image quality straight out the box and you've got one of the best ILCs around. If money's tight, also consider the cheaper E-PM1 above.
Pros: Built-in stabilisation; great quality; 1080i movies.
Cons: 16:9 screen not iideal shape for shooting 4:3 photos.
Overall: Compelling features and quality make for a great ILC. |
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