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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| Canon EOS SL1 / 100D review |
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The Canon EOS Rebel SL1, or 100D as it's known outside North America, is the company's latest entry-level DSLR and the smallest and lightest model with an APS-C sensor to date. It's around 1cm smaller in every dimension than Canon's next smallest DSLR yet manages not to compromise on control, composition or connectivity. On the contrary it's surprisingly comfortable to hold and use and the touch-screen interface is one of the best around. It inherits the 18 Megapixel resolution and 1080p video of recent Canon DSLRs, but this is a big upgrade from the 12 Megapixels and 720p of the earlier entry-level EOS T3 / 1100D. New to the SL1 / 100D over any Canon body though is an improved hybrid AF system with phase detect points spread over 80% of the sensor, which allows it to confidently refocus while filming video. There's also a new EF-S 18-55mm STM kit lens which focuses eerily quietly, although it looks a little long mounted on the tiny body. Overall this mini DSLR is great fun to use and delivers quality stills and video.
Pros: Tiny DSLR with 18 Mpixels, decent movie AF and great touchscreen.
Cons: Canon shrunk the body but not the kit lens which remains quite long.
Overall: It may be small on size but not on handling and performance. Recommended. |
| Canon EOS T3 / 1100D review |
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The EOS Rebel T3 / 1100D is Canon's previous entry-level DSLR. It packs 12 Megapixels, 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 more recent metering and image processing delivers respectable results. Unlike its 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, and who don't need the smaller size or higher resolution of the more recent EOS SL1 / 100D above.
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 D3200 review |
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The D3200 is Nikon's latest entry-level DSLR, replacing the D3100 and increasing its resolution from 14 to a whopping 24 Megapixels. The 3in screen enjoys an upgrade in detail, there's the chance to remote control with a smartphone and the movie mode now supports multiple frame rates, exposure control and an external microphone input. At its core though, the D3200 remains a friendly camera which can handhold beginners with its Guide mode before allowing them to explore further. Annoyingly there’s still no auto exposure bracketing and it’s fairly pricey for an 'entry-level' model, but it's a great choice for a beginner buying their first DSLR. Those on tighter budgets though should seriously consider the discounted D3100, below.
Pros: V friendly, 24 Megapixels, smartphone remote control.
Cons: Relatively pricey, no auto bracketing.
Overall: A great DSLR for beginners on a comfortable budget. |
| Nikon D3100 review |
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The D3100 is Nikon's previous entry-level DSLR, now replaced by the D3200 above, but still on sale while stocks last. It features 14 Megapixels, 1080p video and Nikon's very friendly GUIDE mode which helps you take the photos you want, step-by-step, while providing full manual control for when you're ready. The screen's fairly average and there's no auto exposure bracketing, but the D3100 remains a powerful entry-level DSLR and one that's very compelling at the current discounts in the light of its successor, the D3200 above.
Pros: Friendly GUIDE mode; 1080p HD video; 14 Mpixels.
Cons: Basic screen; no auto exposure bracketing.
Overall: A great choice for 1st-time DSLR owners on a budget. |
| Olympus E-PM1 review |
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The Olympus E-PM1 is one of the most affordable mirror-less CSCs 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 CSC at a fabulous price - even more so now the E-PM2 has been released.
Pros: Built-in stabilisation; 1080i video; hotshoe; low price.
Cons: Flash supplied, but not built-in. No touch-screen.
Overall: An affordable CSC 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 CSC, 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-5R.
Pros: Large APS-C sensor; tilting screen; clever shooting modes.
Cons: No hotshoe and no 1080 video either.
Overall: A small CSC which delivers excellent quality. |
| Panasonic Lumix G5 review |
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Panasonic's Lumix G5 is a 16 Megapixel mirrorless system camera that's styled like a mini-DSLR and based on the Micro Four Thirds standard, giving it access to the broadest range of native lenses of any mirrorless system. Like its predecessor the G3 (note there wasn't a G4), it sports a high resolution electronic viewfinder and a fully-articulated touch-screen. It also shares the same 16 Megapixel resolution of the G3, but with a new sensor and image processor which now offers 1080p video. Other upgrades include 6fps shooting, three-frame HDR, a selection of art effects, a silent shutter option, a new lever for motorised power zoom lenses and the ability to touch-focus with the screen while composing with the viewfinder. In addition to full manual exposure control it's also got a clever Auto mode, one of the fastest contrast-based AF systems around and very respectable image quality which should have you rethinking whether a traditional DSLR really is for you. If you can live without the G5's updates over its predecessor, it's also worth keeping an eye open for bargains on the earlier G3.
Pros: Quick focusing; 3in articulated touch-screen; high res viewfinder; 1080p video.
Cons: No manual exposures for movies; average battery life; no Wifi.
Overall: A great value camera that's arguably better than a DSLR for many people.
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