Like most people starting out, it can be confusing to find out what's the best DSLR camera for beginners. There are so many different makes, models and prices for entry level DSLR cameras that it's no wonder that novices new to digital photography make mistakes with buying their first slr camera. Let's have a look at what's available in today's market and see if we can make it easier for you to decide.
Some of the best entry level cameras are made by Canon, Nikon, Olympus, Pentax, Panasonic and Sigma. Each manufacturer produces cameras with different controls and features. Their cameras have different lenses, different resolutions, ease of use and performance attributes. They also differ widely in prices to suit your budget. Customer support for after sales service also varies from manufacturer to manufacturer. So how do you decide what the best DSLR camera is for you? One of the best ways, besides personal recommendations from friends who have already made their choice and are using their camera, is by browsing an online review of camera models.
PC World, Top Ten Reviews, and Gizmo Crazed are a few of the websites that can provide you with all the necessary reviews you need. PC World lists the eight of the best DSLR camera for beginners, with the Canon EOS Rebel T3i and the Sony Alpha DSLR-A580 cameras topping the list. The difference between this Canon model and the Sony model cameras lies in their movie making capabilities. The PC World 2011 review says that the Rebel T3i is a “picture-taking and moviemaking machine” whereas the Sony Alpha has limited video capability. Included in their list is a Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF2C digital SLR camera which is cheap and compact with interchangeable lenses. The Top Ten Reviews site also list eight different DSLR cameras. They recommend the Canon Rebel T4i as being the best entry level DSLR camera on the market today. The Nikon D5100 was a close second because it allows you to be creative and because of its full HD movie making function. The Sigma SD 15 which retails at $904 wasn't a cheap camera and did not have live view or video functions, came in eighth and last place. The Gizmo Crazed site lists 10 cameras in this category of the best DSLR camera for beginners. It lists the Canon EOS 650D as the best DSLR camera because of its ease of use and LCD touch screen. Its price of $750 is reasonably cheap compared to other makes and models. The Sony A37 was considered to be number 2 on their list but is really a Single Lens Translucent (SLT) camera than an SLR camera. It has an electronic viewfinder, as opposed to an optical viewfinder. This unique camera is beginner-friendly. Their most expensive camera at $1195 that they recommended was the Nikon D5200 came in at number 5. They considered this camera to be a “sturdy toy” with lots of powerful features.
As you can see, opinion differs widely as to what is considered to be the best DSLR camera for beginners. You can do your research with online reviews, you can chat directly with photographers at the same level of proficiency as you. You can also go to a camera shop and chat to the sales people and ask them to show you different cameras so you can feel what they are like and see how they function etc. I would only recommend this course of action as a last resort and after you have shortlisted your choice to perhaps 2 or 3 cameras.
