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DSLR Tips Buyer's Guide:
The best budget digital SLRs
If you’re shopping for a budget DSLR, you’ve come to the right place! At our sister site, Camera Labs we provide in-depth reviews but understand you’re busy people who sometimes just want recommendations of the most outstanding products.
So here we cut to the chase and list the best models around right now. We’ve fully tested each one and there’s links to our reviews for more details – and to see an actual demonstration of their highlights, be sure to check out our video tours.
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| Sony Alpha DSLR-A230 |
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Sony’s Alpha A230 is one of the cheapest DSLRs on the market right now, but offers a solid specification for the money. It’s equipped with a 10 Megapixel sensor, built-in stabilisation which works with any lens you attach, a 9-point AF system, 2.7in screen and an HDMI port. The A230 may not feature Live View or a Movie Mode, but the presence of built-in stabilisation, not to mention an HDMI port, take it beyond many budget models. The A230 is also very easy to use with a new control system aimed at DSLR-beginners. It’s a great choice for first-time DSLR owners on a budget, and if you can’t live without Live View, consider the Alpha A330 which additionally features a tilting screen.
Pros: Built-in IS, easy controls, one of the cheapest new DSLRs.
Cons: No Live View, slow continuous shooting, unusual grip.
Overall: Ideal for first-time DSLR buyers on a budget.
More info at Camera Labs: full review / video tour in HD |
| Canon EOS 1000D / Rebel XS |
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The EOS 1000D / Rebel XS is the entry-level DSLR in Canon’s range, sporting 10.1 Megapixel resolution, 3fps continuous JPEG shooting and a 2.5in screen. The big new feature here is Live View, although the 1000D / XS is also Canon’s lightest DSLR to date at just 450g. The 1000D / XS also comes supplied with a stabilised kit lens and software which lets you remote control the camera with your PC or Mac. The AF system may have been downgraded from the 400D / XTi's 9-points to a more basic 7-point system, but that's still more than some models here. Ultimately the 1000D / XS remains a great choice for entry-level buyers.
Pros: Live View. Stabilised kit lens. Remote control software.
Cons: Continuous shooting slows down in RAW mode.
Overall: An affordable 10 Mpixel DSLR with Live View and a stabilised lens.
More info at Camera Labs: full review / video tour |
| Canon EOS 450D / Digital Rebel XSi |
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Canon’s EOS 450D / Digital Rebel XSi offers a step-up from entry-level models like the EOS 1000D / XS without spending too much extra. Benefits include 12.2 Megapixels, a stabilised kit lens, 3in screen, 3.5fps continuous shooting, a decent viewfinder, 14-bit A-D conversion and RAW files, along with accurate Live View with the choice of two AF systems and supplied PC remote control software. It’s a lot of DSLR for the money, but be sure to compare closely with other upper entry-level models like the Olympus E-620 below.
Pros: High quality images, accurate Live View, kit lens with IS.
Cons: Live View not as quick as the A350 and the screen is fixed.
Overall: A desirable step-up from entry-level DSLRs.
More info at Camera Labs: full review / video tour |
| Nikon D3000 |
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Nikon’s D3000 is the company’s latest 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 the best choice 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.
More info at Camera Labs: full review / video tour in HD |
| Olympus E-620 |
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The Olympus E-620 is a feature-packed DSLR which offers a step-up from entry-level models at an affordable price. It takes the 12.3 Megapixel sensor, Live View and fully articulated 2.7in screen of the higher-end E-30, but packs them into a compact and surprisingly comfortable body. It also features built-in stabilisation which works with any lens you attach. Responding to criticism of the earlier E-520, Olympus has also enlarged the viewfinder and improved the AF to a 7-point system, while keeping the superb ant-dust system. Olympus has really done its homework, delivering a DSLR which features just about everything a modern DSLR buyer is looking for. A superb choice and great value in its twin lens kit.
Pros: Built-in stabilisation; articulated screen; best anti-dust.
Cons: No video recording or HDMI port.
Overall: A step-up from entry-level models at a great price.
More info at Camera Labs: full review / video tour in HD |
| Panasonic Lumix DMC-G1 |
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Technically speaking the G1 is not a DSLR as it dispenses with the mirror and optical viewfinder to deliver a particularly compact body – but it does have a DSLR-sized sensor and removeable lenses, which is why it’s here. The G1 sports 12 Megapixel resolution, a large and detailed articulated screen, a superb electronic viewfinder and a responsive Live View system. The body is smaller and lighter than rival DSLRs without compromising comfort and ergonomics. Action or low light photographers will prefer a true optical SLR system, but the Lumix G1 remains a great camera and an impressive debut for the new Micro Four Thirds format.
If you'd like a version with HD video, check out the Lumix GH1.
Pros: Compact body; articulated screen; superb EVF.
Cons: Viewfinder not best-suited to low light or action shots.
Overall: A small but impressive camera.
More info at Camera Labs: full review / video tour in HD |
Buyer's Guides continued...
Accessories / Budget DSLRs / Mid-range DSLRs / Semi-pro DSLRs
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