The Best Beginner DSLR

We analyzed 12,743 reviews from 29 websites to find the best beginner dslr. Sources included:
Best BuyNeweggB&H Photo VideoCrutchfield
+25 More

Top Beginner DSLRs

Best for Most People
Best Beginner DSLR Canon EOS Rebel SL2 DSLR Camera
$549 from 14 stores
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Why Consider This:
The Canon EOS Rebel SL2 (EOS 200D outside the US) is one of Canon's most compact DSLRs, designed to appeal to those who are looking for a small and unintimidating camera, but want image quality that surpasses that from a compact model. It's a solid entry-level choice for photographers who want an ultracompact DSLR that's easy to use.
People Like:
  • Great Live View AF performance
  • Easy to use
  • Image quality very good
People Dislike:
  • 9-point AF system is somewhat basic
  • No 4K video
  • Plasticky finish
0
Owner Score
0 Reviews from 14 Sites
75
Media & Critic Score
2 Media Reviews
Buy On Amazon.com
Best Value
Best Beginner DSLR Nikon D3500 DSLR Camera
$348 from 2 stores
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Why Consider This:
The Nikon D3500's 24-megapixel sensor can create images with pleasing colors, and its Guide Mode has insightful explanations of camera modes and operations. Its battery lasts far longer than the competition’s and it’s lightweight and portable enough to carry anywhere. Connecting the D3500 to your smartphone is easy, so you can share what you shoot quickly. It shoots 1080/60p video too.
People Like:
  • All-round image quality
  • Beginner friendliness
  • Responsive autofocus
People Dislike:
  • Fixed rear screen
  • No 4K video
  • Relatively slow live view
95
Owner Score
2,483 Reviews from 2 Sites
80
Media & Critic Score
2 Media Reviews
Buy On Amazon.com
Top Performance
Best Beginner DSLR Canon EOS Rebel T7i DSLR Camera
$549 from 13 stores
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Why Consider This:
If your focus is video, or you prefer framing your shots on a swiveling touchscreen LCD, or if you have small children, Canon’s EOS Rebel T7i is a great option, albeit at a higher price. Its Dual Pixel autofocus system keeps your subjects in focus even as they are moving across the scene.
People Like:
  • User-friendly interface
  • Live View AF performance
  • Impressive overall image quality
People Dislike:
  • No 4K video
  • Dynamic range could be better
  • Only 95% viewfinder coverage
96
Owner Score
2,389 Reviews from 10 Sites
80
Media & Critic Score
2 Media Reviews
Buy On Amazon.com

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Our reviews of the best beginner dslrs were based on 12,743 reviews from 29 websites.
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How to Find the Right Beginner DSLR

DSLRs have much larger imaging sensors than budget point-and-shoots and smartphones (which means better performance with less light and being able to capture a wider range of lights and darks in a single image), more manual controls (which let you fine-tune how your photos will look), and the versatility of interchangeable lenses for different subjects (which means more options for capturing the perspective you want). They also let you use high-power flashes so you can control your lighting conditions, and most DSLRs today can even record impressive HD video footage—better than your old camcorder—with external microphones for a soundtrack that matches your images. DSLRs even give you more options after you’re done shooting, since they can record what is known as a RAW image, a larger type of file that stores more data than a JPEG, which you can edit with Photoshop, Lightroom, or other image-editing software to get the best photo possible.

Beginner DSLRs We Eliminated

We research and analyzed 6 beginner dslrs. Here's what we concluded about the ones that didn't make the cut.
Canon EOS Rebel T5i DSLR Camera
Runner Up
Highly rated (95 owner score, 84 expert score), but a slight notch below the best.
Nikon D5600 DSLR Camera
Runner Up
Highly rated (94 owner score, 80 expert score), but a slight notch below the best.
Canon EOS Rebel T6i DSLR Camera
Runner Up
Highly rated (94 owner score, 80 expert score), but a slight notch below the best.

Sources & Methodology

Critic.ly uses a combination of machine learning and human editors to help you find the best products.
We start by aggregating and analyzing reviews from real owners and industry critics. We remove spam, sponsored reviews, and other forms of bias to make sure you get the best possible sense of what people actually think about products.
We convert every review to a weight average score from 0 to 100.
For this article, we analyzed 12,743 reviews from 29 sites to find the best beginner dslr.