DSLRs still have a lot to offer compared to mirrorless cameras, especially for someone who is more interested in photography than video. Starter DSLRs are cheap to buy, easy to handle and easier to understand than most hybrid mirrorless cameras. The battery life is longer and there are large numbers of good-value DSLR lenses to choose from, both new and on the used market.
DSLRs aren’t for everyone. Some might find them a little bulky for travel or as an EDC (‘everyday carry’, and if you intend shooting video just as much as stills photography, then a mirrorless camera might be better.
But for anyone just starting out in photography, a beginner DSLR could be the perfect choice, even today. Three models in particular are ideal for novice photographers, photography students on a budget or anyone else who wants to move up from a smartphone without spending a fortune.
These cameras have been on the market for some time but are still sold widely in the US, though UK availability can vary, notably for the Nikon D7500 (which is worth considering as a used buy, too).
Canon EOS Rebel T7/EOS 2000D
- Sensor: 24MP APS-C Lens mount: Canon EF-S/EF Video: FHD 1920 x 1080 30p Continuous shooting: 3fps Viewfinder: Optical pentamirror, 95% coverage Rear screen: 3-inch fixed, Memory: 1x SD card Size and weight: 129.0 x 101.3 x 77.6mm, 475g body only
Confusingly, this camera has different names in the US and in other territories, but it is exactly the same camera. It’s a great-value option for beginners, combining decent specifications, great handling and a pop-up flash. At this price you do have to give up a few things, so that the maximum video resolution is 1920 x 1080 full HD, and the rear screen has a fixed, non-pivoting design. And while you can compose shots on the screen in live view mode, you’re stuck with relatively slow contrast AF rather than Canon’s more sophisticated Dual Pixel CMOS AF system. But if all you want to do is learn about photography, this camera is about as simple and effective as you can get. It’s sold with the Canon EF-S 18-55mm f3.5-5.6 IS II kit lens, which is fine to get anyone started on their photography career.
- Get the Canon EOS Rebel T7 and kit lens at B&H ($529)
- Get the Canon EOS 2000D and kit lens at Wex (£589)
Nikon D7500
- Sensor: 20.9MP APS-C Lens mount: Nikon F Video: 4K UHD 30p Continuous shooting: 8fps Viewfinder: Optical pentaprism, 100% coverage Rear screen: 3.2-inch tilting, 922k dots Memory: 1x UHS I SD card Size and weight: 135.5 x 104 x 72.5mm, 640g body only
The Nikon D7500 is a great buy if you’re looking for a camera with a little more power, more robust construction and better continuous shooting and video features. It’s sold body-only, or with the Nikon 18-140mm kit lens, which is of average quality but has a terrific zoom range. The Nikon D7500 has a 20MP sensor, so slightly fewer megapixels than its rivals but the difference is too small to show up in real world use. This 20MP sensor brings the benefit of 4K video, fast continuous shooting speeds and better low light image quality. You also get a high-quality optical pentaprism viewfinder and a tilting rear screen. For a long time this was Nikon’s top APS-C format enthusiasts camera, but now that DSLR prices have fallen, it’s become cheap enough for beginners to consider – and it’s an ideal choice if you have more serious long-term photography ambitions.
- Get the Nikon D7500 at B&H: $747 body only | $1047 with the 18-140mm zoom
Pentax KF
- Sensor: 24MP APS-C Lens mount: Pentax KAF Video: FHD 1920 x 1080 60p Continuous shooting: 6fps Viewfinder: Optical pentaprism, 100% coverage Rear screen: 3-inch vari-angle, 1,037k dots Memory: 1x UHS I card Size and weight: 125.5 x 93 x 74mm, 683g body only
If you’re looking for a beginner camera with all the rugged heft and solid controls of traditional SLR cameras, then the Pentax KF is a fascinating option. It’s a modern, re-skinned version of the Pentax K-70, a camera that was well ahead of its time. The Pentax KF takes Pentax KAF lenses, which can be a mixed bunch for autofocus speed, but are widely available, and include Special Edition optics with a real retro feel. The Pentax KF feels weighty and old-fashioned but has many modern touches, including a flip-out vari-angle rear screen and phase-detect autofocus in live view mode. It even has in-body shake reduction (IBIS), and Pentax remains the only maker to incorporate this in a DSLR. The Pentax KF is ideal for new photographers looking for an old-school shooting experience, and its unusually extensive exposure controls can be a valuable learning aid.
- Get the Pentax KF at B&H: $597 body only | $697 with 18-55mm kit lens
- Get the Pentax KF at Wex: £849 body only | £949 with 18-55mm kit lens
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