Getting bored with your point-and-shoot? Ready to grow as a photographer but afraid of all the technology? Here are some great low-cost DSLRs that will get you pro results easily.
Additional research by Jena Ardell
DSLRs have the largest image sensors, and therefore will produce the best quality images of any digital camera. Interchangeable lenses give you entrée into a world of flexible picture-taking options that lets you run with the pros. And yet, if you are intimidated by the thought of too many controls to learn, no worries: The current crop of entry-level DSLRs are just as point-and-shoot easy as compact digicams.
The best news? Basic DSLRs cost under $700 these days, and bargain hunters can find some models for under $500, with a kit lens! That's just slightly more expensive than high-end compact cameras...but the results are a world better.
Then there’s HD video, a feature that, until only a couple of years ago, could only be found on camcorders. Since the beginning of 2010, nearly every DSLR that has been introduced has HD video.
Here's a quick look at four cameras that I believe are a great way for snapshooters to enter the world of digital photography. All of these cameras have been designed with the snapshooter in mind, but have features that more advanced shooters can access--if they wish--to take more control over their images.
What are the "Test results"?
Test results are a new feature to this article, and are based on objective measurements provided by DxOMark's state-of-the art camera test facility, with their permission.
Each camera's sensor is measured for color depth (which indicates how smooth the transitions are between colors), dynamic range (the range of visible detail in shadows through bright highlights in the same scene), and low-light ISO. Low-light ISO determines which is the highest ISO that will produce acceptable levels of digital noise in an image. I present the data along with an explanation which is intended to help you understand each camera's performance. Note that we do not yet have results for all cameras listed here but as new cameras are tested we will add that information.
Learn more! What's a "Night Portrait" mode? What do we mean when we say a camera has a "Beach/Snow" or "Action" setting? Go to our Canonical List of Digital Camera Scene Settings and find out!
Canon Digital Rebel T3i
Canon EOS Rebel T3i with EFS 18-55mm IS Lens and EF 75-300mm Lens: $1,100. Get current price.
Overview: The Canon T3i is a lightweight, compact DSLR that lets you take pictures in lower light without needing to use that annoying pop-up flash. Primarily designed for snapshooters, the T3i enables users to take great pictures in its all-auto settings, but it's also packed with controls and features that make it an attractive choice for more experienced photographers as well, so as you learn how to use the camera, you can easily try out its many creative features. If you like to check out your photos in the LCD monitor, the T3i's monitor is the highest resolution in its class. We recommend buying it with the 18-55mm kit lens.
The Juicy Details: 18MP CMOS APS-C sensor, Digic-4 processor, ISO range 100-6400, HD video with external microphone outlet, 3-inch LCD monitor with 1.04 million dots resolution, compatible with new high-storage-capacity SDXC memory cards. 3.7fps continuous shooting mode, 63-zone, dual-layer metering, 9-point AF system, compatible with all Canon EF and EF-S lenses.
What's special about this camera? Easy to use, takes all Canon lenses, best LCD monitor of class, HD video, best resolution of any Canon APS-sensor DSLR.
The system: An extensive range of Canon lenses from the mid-range "kit"zoom lens (kit lenses are typically 18-55mm, with smaller apertures. They are relatively inexpensive; quality is usually good enough for up to 8x10 prints) to a wide range of pro optics. Canon was the first camera company to offer image stabilization in its lenses, and offers a wide range of IS lenses if you are willing to pony up the extra cash. Most Canon lenses are extremely quiet and autofocus quickly and decisively.
Lab test results (Provided by DxOMark):
Maximum ISO for acceptable image quality (digital noise): 800
Maximum ISO for acceptable dynamic range: 1600
Color depth: Excellent (22.1 bits on a scale of 1-25)
Overall image quality: Very good (64 on a scale of 1-100)
Dynamic range: Up to 11.5 stops
The T3i's sensor scored on par with more expensive Canon APS DSLRs such as the 7D. Color depth and dynamic range all scored well above average.
Who would love it: napshooters with ambitions to improve their photography, enthusiasts looking for a low-cost body that provides optimal image quality in low light.
Nikon D3100
Approximately $550 with Kit Lens. Get current price.
Overview: The Nikon D3100’s Guide mode will hold your hand through the picture-taking process via on-screen directions and plain-language explanations and, unlike its predecessor the D3000, the D3100 also offers a redesigned, higher-resolution sensor and HD video. Light and compact, the D3100 offers many of the features found on more advanced Nikons, as well as entrée into Nikon’s extensive system of lenses and flashes. Yes, you can keep it in program mode and let the camera make all the exposure decisions for you, but the D3100 will help you learn how to take the camera off autopilot and get creative, and provides a relatively low-cost point of entry for aspiring videographers.
Watch Mark Wallace’s video review of this camera on AdoramaTV
The juicy details: 14MP sensor will deliver poster-sized prints, and is similar to the highly-rated sensor in Nikon’s mid-range D5000. Full 1080p HD video at 24fps, 720p at 30, 25, and 24fps; maximum movie recording time, 10 minutes. Quick-reacting shutter release means no more waiting for the camera to go off once you’ve shot the picture. The camera also features: a 3-inch LCD monitor; 11-point autofocus with 3-D tracking; D-Lighting, which lightens shadows to reveal details in darker areas; auto image sensor cleaning, which shakes off dust and is useful if you change the lens; shutter speeds 30 sec-1/4000 second; up to 3fps burst rate; ISO sensitivity from 100 to 3200, 30-1/4000 shutter speed range, 1/200 sec flash synch, Center-weighted, Spot and Matrix metering; exposure compensation of +5 to -5 in 1/3 EV stops.
Tip: The 18-55mm kit lens offers excellent resolution for most snapshots and prints up to 8x10. However, because the D3000 lacks an internal focusing motor, some older Nikon lenses may not focus automatically on the D40, D40x, or D60. They will focus manually, however.
What's special about this camera? While Nikon lenses are superb, the flash system is this system's killer app. And of course, the Retouch in-camera image editing is impressive, too.
The system: Over 70 current-production Nikon lenses and teleconverters (including close-up lenses, fisheyes, superwides, long zooms, Vibration Reduction lenses, and super telephotos) are available (although some may not focus automatically), plus eight flash units, many with wireless operation.
Lab test results (Provided by DxOMark):
Maximum ISO for acceptable image quality (digital noise): 800
Maximum ISO for acceptable dynamic range: 1600
Color depth: Excellent (22.5 bits on a scale of 1-25)
Overall image quality: Very good (67 on a scale of 1-100)
Dynamic range: Up to 11.3 stops
The D3100's sensor is a significant step up from its predecessor, the D3000, and provided the best low-light performance of any camera that sells for under $1,000, according to DxOMark's lab test results. Color depth and dynamic range are very good.
Who would love it: First-time DSLR buyers who don't expect to go beyond that. Snapshooters can cruise in auto or grow in their abilities by experimenting with its For pros, it has enough features to qualify it as a worthy back-up camera, and since it is light and small it wouldn't add significantly to a pro's gadget-bag payload.
Next step up: The enthusiast-level Nikon D7000, with its 16MP sensor, ability to record 1080p HD videos, and incredible ISO range of 100-51,200, has been rocking the photo world since its introduction in Fall 2010 and is hard to keep in stock due to high demand. Once you are ready to take the D3100’s triaining wheels (read: Help function) off, the D7000 may be the next camera for you.
AdoramaTV: Watch Mark Wallace's video review of the Nikon D3100.
Pentax K-r
Approximately $580 with Kit Lens. Get current price.
Overview: If you're stepping up from a compact camera to a DSLR to improve image quality, the K-r should be at the top of your list. As one of the top cameras for overall image quality, the K-r has an ISO range up to 25,600, which makes it a great camera to have in low-light situations. If you prefer letting the camera make exposure decisions for you, the K-r is an expert, thanks to its Auto Picture mode, which can take the guesswork out of picture taking. However, if you are more advanced, the camera offers many ways to manually control exposure. The camera also offers many features you'd expect of a more expensive model: You can capture rapid action sequences at 6 frames per second, built-in HDR improves shadow and highlight detail capture, and use the camera's wide-range of in-camera special filters and effects creative results. We recommend the 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 kit lens with this camera.
Do you sacrifice quality for the camera's low price? No way. In fact, the K-x's test results blow away the image quality of any Pentax DSLR that preceded it. See DxOMark.com's full image quality test results, below.
The juicy details: Beginners can simply put the camera in its green mode and start shooting. It's that simple. Press a button to flip up the on-board flash. The optical anti-shake reduction makes it possible to shoot in lower light without flash. When photographing parties and post groups, the camera's Face Detection can ID up to 16 faces in a scene and optimize focus and exposure.
For more advanced shooters, as well as for those who want to grow as photographers, there are mode dials, a multi-function four-way controller, and switches that take you under the hood so you can tinker with focus, exposure, color balance and more. You can choose between standard JPEG format and the higher-quality RAW format. The camera can handle ISO 100-12,800, and has a shutter speed range of 30-1/6000 sec. Focusing can be manual, spot or wide, and digital filters that include: Toy Camera, High Contrast, Soft, Starburst, Retro, Color Extract (N/A) Custom Image Modes includes Bright, Natural, Portrait, Landscape, Vibrant and Monochrome modes; Color Custom Image Modes include gamut radar and fine adjustment for saturation, hue, contrast and sharpness; Monochrome Custom Image Mode includes adjustment for film filter effects (green, yellow, orange, red, magenta, blue, cyan, infrared), toning (sepia warm/cool), contrast and sharpness (regular and fine adj scales). Burst rate can be as high as 4.7 frames per second.
What's special about this camera? It's simple, inexpensive, and small from a company known for producing SLRs with staying power. And it has...drumroll please...true 3-exposure HDR, which combines an overexposure, underexposure and normal exposure to bring out more details in shadows and highlights.
The system: Pentax has spent decades perfecting the art of lensmaking. And while you can get great shots with the kit lens that is bundled with the camera, the Pentax lens mount is compatible with just about any lens Pentax has ever made (although you may lose some automation with the older lenses). Explore bargain used lenses, which throws enough light to supplement the small, built-in, flip-up flash.
Lab test results (Provided by DxOMark):
Maximum ISO for acceptable image quality: ISO 800
Maximum ISO for acceptable dynamic range: ISO 1600
Color depth: Excellent (22.9 on a scale of 1-25)
Overall image quality: Excellent (72 on a scale of 1-100)
Of all DSLRs with APS-C sized sensors, no matter what price, the K-r came in third, a very impressive result especially given its affordable price. Low-light performance is exceptional.
Who would love it: Snapshooters for whom image quality is a high priority, low-light photography fans students and travelers to more serious photographers who want HD video, in-camera HDR and image quality that rivals that of cameras costing twice as much.
Sony Alpha DSLR-A390
Approximately $500 with kit lens. Get current price.
Overview: The simplest Sony DSLR, the A390 represents a great value, costing less than most entry-level DSLRs. Its Function Guide provides intuitive on-screen help for those who are not yet comfortable with SLR controls. while offering respectable specifications, impressive image quality, and good performance as well as the smallest, lightest Sony DSLR body currently available. Sony offers a diverse and growing lineup of lenses, from basic kit-type lenses to fancy Zeiss-designed optics—and the cameras are compatible with classic Minolta mount SLR lenses.
The juicy details: While the price is entry-level, the features are enthusiast-friendly: In addition to built-in SteadyShot image stabilization (which is compatible with all Minolta-mount lenses), the camera has a big 14MP APS-C CCD sensor with reduced noise and the ability to make poster-sized prints and to crop considerably and still get crisp prints. Specs include a 2.7-inch LCD monitor, ISO range 100-3200, Eye-start AF, 9-point cross sensor AF, up to 2.5fps continuous shooting, pop-up flash, Dynamic Range Optimizer, Anti-Dust technology, creative style settings. Claimed battery power lets you shoot up to 500 photos.
What's so special about this camera? If you own one or more of the millions of Minolta lenses out there, you already know the answer.
The system: In addition to all of those already-owned Minolta lenses, Sony has a full line (over 25) lenses in the Alpha/Maxxum mount, many of which are made for Sony by Carl Zeiss.
Lab test results (Provided by DxOMark):
Maximum ISO for acceptable image quality: ISO 600
Maximum ISO for acceptable dynamic range: ISO 800
Color depth: Excellent (22.5 bits on a scale of 1-25)
Overall image quality: Very good (66 on a scale of 1-100)
With a better-than-average 11.5-stop dynamic range at ISO 100 and a 14MP sensor, the Sony Alpha 390 offers an average overall score for APS sensor image quality but when you consider that it is one of the least expensive of its class, that’s a pretty impressive performance.
Who would love it: First-time DSLR users on a tight budget, and anyone who needs to keep their payload light and small. It's a great camera if you want to learn as you shoot! And if you used to own a Minolta SLR and still have the lenses, they'll fit on the Sony. The interchangeable lens mount is the same.
