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While mirrorless cameras have overtaken the market in recent years, there's still a lot to love abouttraditional DSLRs, fromoptical viewfinders that give you an unfiltered, lag-free view of your subjects to unrivaled battery performance to ergonomics that have defined the shooting experience for generations of photographers. You can also generally find DSLRs for cheaper, especially if you look for used models at retailers like MPB, KEH, Adorama, and B&H Photo Video. While it can be tempting to go right for a high-end camera, it's important to get a handle on the basics when you're just starting out, so while we've included some newer models with more impressive feature sets, it's hard to go wrong with any DSLR released inthe past several yearsif you've never used one before. It's also worth noting that while the camera body matters, lenses will matter much more if you're serious about stepping your photography game up.
We've bought and tested over 100cameras in our lab, and below, you'll find our picks for the best beginner DSLR cameras. If you'recurious aboutmirrorless options, look at our picks for the best mirrorless cameras for beginners. Or, if you're looking for something more advanced, check out our recommendations for thebest DSLR camerasoverall or thebest cameras for photography.
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Best DSLR Camera For Beginners
Canon EOS Rebel T8i 4
Travel Photography
7.4
Landscape Photography
7.4
Sport & Wildlife Photography
6.9
Raw Photo Performance
7.3
Vlogging
7.0
Studio Video
6.9
Action Video
2.9
Body Type
DSLRMirrorless
NoSensor Size
APS-CSee all our test results
The Canon EOS Rebel T8i is the best beginner DSLR we've tested. It has everything you'd want in a beginner camera and then some, making this a great option to grow into as a novice photographer. It's compatible with any of Canon's crop-sensor EF-S lenses or full-frame EF lenses, so you have a wide range of lenses to choose from if you want to upgrade from the kit lens. Unlike some of our other picks below, this is also one of the few beginner DSLRs that can record 4k video, making it a good choice for those who like to shoot some video on the side.
Though it doesn't quite match up to newer mirrorless alternatives like the Canon EOS R50, the autofocus system on the T8i is one of the most advanced of any camera on this list. That, plus a relatively quick burst rate, makes the T8i a well-rounded choice, allowing you to shoot faster subjects like sports and wildlife and slower subjects like portraits and landscapes.
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Best Mid-Range DSLR Camera For Beginners
Nikon D5600 3
Travel Photography
7.5
Landscape Photography
7.4
Sport & Wildlife Photography
6.9
Raw Photo Performance
7.6
Vlogging
5.9
Studio Video
3.5
Action Video
2.5
Body Type
DSLRMirrorless
NoSensor Size
APS-CSee all our test results
If you don't need 4k video capability, you'll be all set with the Nikon D5600. It's the mid-range model in Nikon's entry-level DSLR lineup. Like the Canon EOS Rebel T8i, it's a fairly well-built camera with a fully articulated screen. Its intuitive user interface and relatively simple controls are also quite accessible to newcomers. Although it has a slower max burst rate and a less advanced autofocus system than the Canon, it can get the job done for most beginner photographers.
Beyond that, its high-resolution APS-C sensor can capture high-quality images, and the camera is compatible with both Nikon DX (APS-C) and FX (full-frame) lenses, making it easy to upgrade your kit as your skills grow. That said, the D5600 has been discontinued, and it's increasingly hard to find new, though you can still find used models for a reasonable price. Overall, it's a great choice if you're looking for a mid-tier starter DSLR that won't cost you a fortune.
See our review
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Best Budget DSLR Camera For Beginners
Canon EOS Rebel SL3 3
Travel Photography
7.2
Landscape Photography
7.5
Sport & Wildlife Photography
6.7
Raw Photo Performance
7.3
Studio Video
7.0
Action Video
3.1
Body Type
DSLRMirrorless
NoSensor Size
APS-CSee all our test results
The Canon EOS Rebel SL3 is part of Canon's entry-level SL series, designed, as the name suggests, to be small and lightweight, and is one of the most portable DSLRs on the market. It's also one of the best budget DSLRs that we've tested. With 4k video capability, quick burst shooting, and a solid autofocus system, it's a well-rounded camera for the money.
It doesn't feel as well-built as the Nikon D5600 and has fewer physical controls than the Canon EOS Rebel T8i. That's not bad for those getting started, but it may feel slightly limiting after you get a handle on manual settings. Otherwise, it shares much with its Rebel sibling, including a similar sensor, a fully articulated touchscreen, and an easy-to-use menu system. Ultimately, this is a great little camera that won't break the bank and is lightweight enough that you'll want to bring it with you everywhere.
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Best Cheap DSLR Camera For Beginners
Canon EOS Rebel T7 / EOS 2000D 5
Travel Photography
6.7
Landscape Photography
6.8
Sport & Wildlife Photography
6.0
Raw Photo Performance
6.9
Vlogging
2.6
Studio Video
3.2
Action Video
2.5
Body Type
DSLRMirrorless
NoSensor Size
APS-CSee all our test results
The Canon EOS Rebel T7 / EOS 2000D is among the cheapest interchangeable-lens cameras you can buy brand new. If you don't want to risk buying a used camera, the Rebel T7 offers a no-frills shooting experience for those on a tight budget. Ease of use and simplicity are the name of the game here, with pared-down controls that anybody can get a handle on. Unlike the Canon EOS Rebel SL3, you won't find an articulated screen here, nor 4k video or a fast burst rate.
What this camera does have, however, is a high-resolution sensor that can capture great images. Plus, it's compatible with all the same EF/EF-S lenses as its Rebel siblings, so you can always improve your photography by investing in better lenses, if you feel the need. Ultimately, if you're looking for a cheap DSLR to get you started, it doesn't get more accessible than the T7.
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Easiest-To-Use DSLR Camera For Beginners
Nikon D3500 4
Travel Photography
7.2
Landscape Photography
7.0
Sport & Wildlife Photography
6.5
Raw Photo Performance
7.2
Vlogging
2.9
Studio Video
3.1
Action Video
2.6
Body Type
DSLRMirrorless
NoSensor Size
APS-CSee all our test results
The Nikon D3500 is the best beginner DSLR camera for those completely new to photography. It's affordable, lightweight, and has a simple user interface, making it an easy jump from your smartphone. You won't find too many bells and whistles here, like 4k video capability or a flip-out screen, but this is a good choice for beginners because of its interactive 'Guide' shooting mode. Built right into the mode dial, the Guide Mode walks you through the basics of photography as you shoot.
While it's aimed at total beginners, the D3500 has a sensor on par with the Nikon D5600 above, capturing excellent overall image quality. Battery life is also fantastic, so it can easily last through long days of use. Ultimately, if you don't know your aperture from your ISO yet, the D3500—or even older generations like the D3400—is one of the best options. However, like the D5600, it's been discontinued, so you'll likely have to look for a secondhand model.
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Recent Updates
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Mar 12, 2024: We've looked over the picks in the article to ensure the text is clear and up to date.
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Jan 30, 2024: Reviewed that picks were still accurate and relevant for users.
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Dec 06, 2023: Moved the Canon EOS Rebel T7 from Notable Mentions to the 'Best Cheap DSLR Camera For Beginners' to round out the range of budgets.
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Nov 10, 2023: Moved links to various used retailers to the introduction of the article.
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Sep 28, 2023: Minor touch-ups for clarity of text.
All Reviews
Our recommendations aboveare what we think are currently the best DSLR camerasto buy for beginners, according to their needs. We factor in the price, feedback from our visitors, and availability (no cameras that are difficult to findor almostout of stock in the US).
If you'd like to choose foryourself, here's the list of all our reviews for interchangeable-lens DSLR cameras, arranged in order of ascending price. Be careful not togetcaught up in the details. There is no single perfect camera. Personal taste, preference, and shooting habits will matter more in your selection.
