DSLR Camera for beginners in 2018

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Are you DSLR Camera newbie?  Do you want to start out with the right DSLR camera to take the best pictures.  Are you a nature photographer, wedding photographer or just a newbie looking to get into the market?

Buying your first DSLR camera isn’t an easy decision. Do you go for a beginner DSLR camera from a brand with a rich photographic heritage. Should you opt for an entry-level DSLR camera or a mirrorless camera? And how much should you spend?

Everyone has different needs, and the best model for one person may not necessarily be right for another. Fortunately, it’s difficult to buy a genuinely ‘bad’ camera today, but it still pays to do a little research to make sure you stay as satisfied with your choice in a couple of years’ time as you are when you first start using it.

So how do you choose the best beginner camera for you? First, we’ll look at three crucial considerations to make to help you narrow down your shortlist.

Then we’ll bring you our pick of the ten best cameras for beginners, split into the best entry-level DSLR, mirrorless and compact options. If you already know what type you want, you can use the quick links above to navigate to the section.

DSLR Camera for Beginners in 2018

  1. Canon EOS Rebel SL2 / EOS 200D + EF-S 18-55mm f/4-5.6 IS STM
  2. Nikon D5600 + AF-P 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G DX VR
  3. Pentax k-70 +HD DA 18-50mm f/4-5.6 DC Wr RE
  4. Nikon D3400 + AF-P DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR
  5. Canon EOS 1300D + EF-S 18-55 f/3.5-5.6 IS II

Canon EOS Rebel SL2 / EOS 200D + EF-S 18-55mm f/4-5.6 IS STM

DSLR Camera - Canon EOS Rebel SL2 / EOS 200D + EF-S 18-55mm f/4-5.6 IS STM

The best all-round DSLR camera right now, with a beginner’s focus but plenty of growing space

  • Type: DSLR camera
  • Sensor: APS-C
  • Megapixels: 24.2MP
  • Lens mount: Canon EF-S
  • Screen: 3in vari-angle touchscreen, 1,040,000 dots
  • Max burst speed: 5fps
  • Max video resolution: 1080p (Full HD)
  • User level: Beginner

Best all-rounder Canon’s entry-level EOS 200D DSLR camera has a vari-angle touch screen at its rear as its main shouting point, and this lets you frame up images and Full HD videos from all kinds of awkward positions (and even take selfies without bother).

Nikon D5600 + AF-P 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G DX VR

DSLR Camera - Nikon D5600 + AF-P 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G DX VR

A more advanced DSLR camera for those who have a slightly bigger wallet

  • Type: DSLR Camera
  • Sensor: APS-C
  • Megapixels: 24.2MP
  • Lens mount: Nikon F (DX)
  • Screen: 3.2in vari-angle touchscreen, 1,037,000 dots
  • Max burst speed: 5fps
  • Max video resolution: 1080p (Full HD)
  • User level: Beginner

Best advanced DSLR camera perhaps less suited to absolute beginners, the D5600 lacks the D3400’s interactive Guide shooting mode, but it’s still easy to use with full Auto, Scene and Effects modes, and plenty of manual exposure control too. The 39-point AF system saturates the frame to a greater extent than the systems on the DSLRs above, which makes it even better for following moving subjects and for more precise control in general, while the 3.2in touchscreen is more generously sized than most others.

Pentax k-70 +HD DA 18-50mm f/4-5.6 DC Wr RE

DSLR Camera - Pentax k-70 +HD DA 18-50mm f/4-5.6 DC Wr RE

Rugged build and great specs make the K-70 a great alternative to more mainstream models

  • Type: DSLR camera
  • Sensor: APS-C
  • Megapixels: 24.2MP
  • Lens mount: Pentax KAF2
  • Screen: 3in tilting, 921,000 dots
  • Max burst speed: 6fps
  • Max video resolution: 1080p (Full HD)
  • User level: Beginner

Best value entry-level DSLR camera The K-70 is a little pricier than some of the other options here, but it’s arguably the best value entry-level DSLR you can buy right now, as it features so much you just won’t find in any other DSLR at this price point.

Nikon D3400 + AF-P DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR

DSLR Camera - Nikon D3400 + AF-P DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR

Nikon’s most junior DSLR camera offering is a lightweight, wirelessly connected option with plenty of lens options

  • Type: DSLR camera
  • Sensor: APS-C
  • Megapixels: 24.2MP
  • Lens mount: Nikon F (DX)
  • Screen: 3in, 921,000 dots
  • Max burst speed: 5fps
  • Max video resolution: 1080p (Full HD)
  • User level: Beginner

Best basic DSLR camera If you’re after a no-frills entry-level DSLR that takes great shots without costing a fortune, the D3400 is what you’re after. While it’s not the most significant update on the older D3300, it’s a sound option if you don’t fancy paying extra for things like a tilting LCD screen and touch-sensitive panel. What Nikon focuses on here is getting the basics right. So, the 24.2MP sensor comes without an anti-aliasing filter, for example, which helps it to record a little more fine detail in images than would be otherwise the case.

Canon EOS 1300D + EF-S 18-55 f/3.5-5.6 IS II

DSLR Camera - Canon EOS 1300D + EF-S 18-55 f/3.5-5.6 IS II

Tiny, light and easy to use – if money is tight, the EOS 1300D fits just right

  • Type: DSLR camera
  • Sensor: APS-C
  • Megapixels: 18MP
  • Lens mount: Canon EF-S
  • Screen: 3in fixed, 920,000 dots
  • Max burst speed: 3fps
  • Max video resolution: 1080p (Full HD)
  • User level: Beginner

Best option under $400 The EOS 1300D is a sensible choice for beginners who want to test the waters of photography before plunging in. Easy to get to grips with, the EOS 1300D has fully automatic and wide-ranging scene and exposure modes, all available directly on the shooting mode dial.

Now go out and take the best pictures for your events, sporting games, family gatherings, weddings and nature, then share with the world.