Best Beginner DSLR Camera
Digital single-lens reflex cameras, or DSLRs, offer photographers wanting to upgrade from their point-and-shoot camera many advantages. These include better image quality, more control over images and better performance. Below is a list to help you shop for the best beginner DSLR camera.
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Canon Rebel T4i
Canon EOS Rebel T4i DSLR with 18-55mm EF-S IS II Lens (OLD MODEL)
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The Canon Rebel T4i offers beginners an excellent tool to improve their photography. It borrows many features from higher-end models but also makes it easy for beginners to grow into the camera. It’s easy to put the camera in auto mode and take photos. At the same time, Canon has given the camera enough features to keep the camera interesting as skills become more advanced.
The camera features the same 18-megapixel sensor that Canon puts into the higher-end 7D model, meaning the image quality is great. It also has a flip-out screen to help when taking photos at awkward angles and has the ability to take photos at five frames per second.
Nikon D3200
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The Nikon D3200, like the T4i, offers beginners a camera they can grow with while not feeling too limited as their skills improve. One distinction that Nikon offers is their popular guide mode. This mode helps users when setting up their camera and helps them choose the settings that will work best depending on what type of pictures they are taking.
The D3200 is cheaper than the T4i, and it also offers fewer features. The camera shoots four frames per second compared with the T4i’s five. The build quality is generally viewed as inferior as well. However, it does offer a newer, 24-megapixel sensor, helping the camera best the T4i in image quality. I used to shoot the Nikon D3000, I used it for years for my photography business. I upgraded to the Nikon D7000 a few years back and love it.
Pentax K-30
Pentax K-30 Weather-Sealed 16 MP CMOS Digital SLR with 18-55mm Lens (Black)
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For someone who wants pure image quality over any other feature, the Pentax K-30 is the answer. The camera’s sensor only offers 16-megapixels, lower than the T4i or D3200, but more pixels does not always mean better quality. Other issues such as dynamic range, noise performance, and processing determine this too.
The Pentax K-30 also offers an Auto Picture mode to help beginners. Just select the mode and start taking pictures. The camera also bests Canon and Nikon by shooting six frames per second. In addition, the camera offers a high-dynamic-range mode that allows users to take better pictures of scenes with both bright and dark areas.
Mirrorless Cameras
Sony NEX-3NL/B Mirrorless Digital Camera Kit (Black)Samsung NX3000 Wireless Smart 20.3MP Mirrorless Digital Camera with 20-50mm Compact Zoom and Flash (Black)Fujifilm X-A2/XC16-50mmF3.5-5.6 II Silver Mirrorless Digital Camera with Lens Kit
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While DSLRs are a great option for many people, a new type of interchangeable-lens camera is gaining in popularity. DSLRs use mirrors to help users use the viewfinder to see through the lens when composing a photo. Mirrorless cameras replace this function by using an electronic viewfinder or the camera’s LCD screen instead.
These cameras keep many of the advantages of DSLRs, such as a large sensor and more control, but they also can be made much smaller because of the lack of a mirror. This also helps keeps the size of lenses down too.
Canon, Nikon, and Pentax have all released mirrorless models. However, other camera companies also offer excellent cameras. Sony’s NEX line of cameras is very popular. Micro 4/3 cameras made by Olympus and Panasonic offer smaller cameras and lenses than Sony while maintaining high image quality. Any of these cameras could be right for a beginner.
Making a Decision
Because taking pictures is the only way to improve at photography, the best camera for a beginner is one they will use. If this means having the highest image quality, the Pentax K-30 may be the best option. If it means having a very light, portable camera, a mirrorless camera may fit the bill.
Different features, ergonomics, and designs appeal to different people. So taking the time to handle any cameras that are interesting as that can be very helpful when making a decision about which DSLR is the best choice for you.
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I had no idea about the mirrorless cameras till I read this. My husband, who has worked as a professional photographer, has DSLRs always. I have a little point and shoot and it does well for me but if I move up one of these days, it would be to a mirrorless. Small is best in my book!
I had no idea about some of these features. I am so lost when it comes to finding a good camera that I can figure out. Now to find one that I can understand and be able to use!
I have the Rebel and I love it! This is a great list, thanks for sharing!
I need a small camera because I take most photos on nature walks or hikes. That’s the main reason I use a point and shoot. My main concerns are size, image quality, and a large zoom for shooting wildlife from a distance. I also would like good video quality and an image large enough for large print on demand sizes. Do you have any suggestions that won’t break the bank?