Do you want to upgrade from a phone or point-and-shoot camera to a budget DSLR? Your best bet is an APS-C model. These crop-sensor cameras are generally smaller than full frame ones. The native lenses are also smaller, lighter, and less expensive.
You sacrifice resolution. But an APS-C is a great first DSLR camera. It’s a stepping stone to bigger and better things. Almost all the best budget DSLR cameras on our list are APS-C models, such as the Nikon D500. They all have an optical viewfinder.
If you want to jump in with both feet, you can buy a full frame DSLR like the Canon EOS 5D Mark III. But they’re much more expensive—especially once you’ve bought lenses and accessories. A mirrorless camera is also an option for beginners, but this article will focus on DSLRs.
My first camera was a full frame SLR, but that was back in the days of film, and a lot’s changed since then! Fortunately, digital cameras have made the world of photography much more accessible. I’m glad I no longer have to buy film and pay for processing!
Let’s take a quick look at the best budget DSLR cameras on the market. These affordable cameras range between $300 and $1700 at the time of writing.
It’s time to dive in and look at all your options in more detail. These are beginner DSLRs with options for interchangeable lenses. They have some flaws. But they are perfect for photographers just starting.
Do you prefer the DSLR’s form factor (arrangement of features) to a mirrorless camera? If so, the best budget DSLR is probably an APS-C model like the Nikon D500.
APS-C systems are smaller, lighter, and less expensive than their full frame equivalents. But you still get good image quality, fast frame rates, and quick and accurate AF systems.
Do you prefer a full frame model? The Canon EOS 5D Mark III is probably best if you can find a bundle including the camera body and a kit lens. The big advantage is that you won’t have to buy APS-C lenses that won’t work so well if you upgrade to a full frame camera, but it will cost more…
Here are our answers to the most often asked questions about the best budget DSLRs for beginners.
The cheapest Canon DSLR is the Canon EOS Rebel T100, which has an APS-C sensor. If you want the cheapest full frame DSLR, you’ll have to spend around $1,000 more to get the Canon EOS 6D Mark II.
The Nikon D500 is the best all-around DSLR for beginners if you can afford it. It ticks all the boxes. It has the D5’s features… pro-grade autofocus, excellent image quality, fast continuous shooting, and a deep buffer. That makes it ideal for beginners who want to explore sports and wildlife photography.
The Nikon D3500 is a DX-format (or APS-C) DSLR camera. It has a Guide Mode to help beginners learn photography while they shoot. And the sensor provides excellent image quality at low ISOs. But there are problems with exposure metering, outdated autofocus, and Bluetooth file transfer. Face detection also only works in Live View.
This article only focuses on DSLRs. But mirrorless cameras are also an option. They tend to be smaller and lighter. The best ones offer a rare combination of high resolution and fast frame rates. They also have eye detection and subject tracking. Plus, they have blackout-free, silent shooting with no viewfinder lag. But some people prefer an optical viewfinder, so it’s a matter of personal taste.
The cheapest full frame DSLRs are generally well over $1,000. So getting an APS-C model is the best way to dip your toe in the water. That might be the D500 or the Pentax K-3 Mark III—depending on your budget! Crop-sensor cameras tend to be smaller, lighter, and cheaper than full frame ones. But the image quality, frame rates, and autofocus systems are still pretty good if you find the right one.
