Stage 2: Other Essential Camera Features<\/h3>\n
Having grasped the importance of image quality and gained an understanding of the factors contributing to this, it should be evident that any camera that doesn’t produce great quality images is not a serious contender for the title of best entry level DSLR, and so should immediately be struck off your shortlist. But there are also other factors to consider. Let’s take a look at these.<\/p>\n
Identify Your Needs<\/h4>\n
Every photographer will have different technical requirements. Make a list of the things you absolutely need to be able to do with your camera beyond simply shooting sharp, high-resolution photos with a wide dynamic range. This part is more difficult than section 1 because to answer this question you’ll already need to have a fairly clear idea of the kind of photography you might want to shoot beyond just “good photos.”<\/p>\n
For example, when considering what you want to do with your camera, you might write something like “take it up mountains.” if that’s the case, then it’s evident that a degree of weather-sealing is going to be high on your list of priorities.<\/p>\n
However, only you know precisely which mountains, what kind of weather conditions you’re likely to encounter on those mountains, and how often you plan on going there. The answers to these question will dictate whether weather-proofing is a section 2 (essential) or section 3 (just desirable) feature for you.<\/p>\n
And what about video<\/a>? Is this something you’re going to make a lot of serious use of? Or are you mostly just interested in shooting stills, with the occasional video here and there for fun? If video is a priority, then you’ll likely want a camera that shoots full HD, offers fast frame rates, and has a mic-jack for monitoring audio via headphones, etc.<\/p>\n Or maybe you’re more of a street shooter, grabbing images on the fly? Fast autofocus and an optical viewfinder providing 100% coverage are likely to be priorities here.<\/p>\n You’re the only person who will fully understand what kind of photos you want to shoot, and there will be some features you just can’t live without if you are to be able to do your thing. Which of the following do you believe are absolutely necessary?<\/p>\n \u2022 Weather-proofing Anything else you can’t live without?<\/p>\n Once you’ve identified the main criteria – the bare essentials – make a list of all the things you’d also like to be able to do: the features that would definitely make your life easier, but having to get by without them wouldn’t be the end of the world either. Now grade each item on the list from 1-10 in importance.<\/p>\n For example, in this section, I might write “transfer files from the camera to my laptop via WiFi.” That’s pretty handy and saves messing about with card readers. I’ll give it 8\/10.<\/p>\n But thinking about things more carefully, how important is WiFi going to be for me in the long run? When it comes down to it, am I willing to pay out more money for this convenience? After all, it won’t make my photos any better. WiFi would be useful for sure, but if I could use that money to purchase a faster prime lens for shooting in low light instead – which very definitely would improve my photos – then maybe WiFi is only a 3\/10 after all.<\/p>\n Or let’s say that in addition to photography I also want to do some vlogging<\/a>. If this is the case, I might consider a rotating touchscreen pretty necessary, so I can see myself on the LCD and adjust focus while I’m filming. Maybe I’ll give that 10\/10 (or I might even have listed it in stage 2 if it’s really that essential).<\/p>\n Alternatively, I might decide that, yeah, a fold-out touchscreen would certainly be pretty handy, but I could still film myself without it. So, in the end, I give it just 6\/10.<\/p>\n On the other hand, you might have no interest in doing anything but shooting stills. And absolutely no selfies. So you’d give an articulating LCD just 2\/10.<\/p>\n It’s all down to your personal needs and shooting style.<\/p>\n Again, this section is where you list the features that might be handy to have, but lack of them would not stop you from shooting good pictures. Some non-essential conveniences to consider include:<\/p>\n \u2022 Bluetooth You’ll probably also want to add any of the features from Stage 2 above that you didn’t think were essential but which you might nonetheless find useful.<\/p>\n We recommend rating the features on your Stage 3 list in order of preference because it will help to clarify which is the best entry-level DLSR for your needs if you find yourself undecided between two or three different models. For example, let’s say you’ve narrowed down your choice to a couple of cameras fulfilling all of your criteria in Stages 1 and 2 but can’t decide which of these is the better camera for you. If you’ve numbered the luxury extras in Stage 3 in order of preference, you can now easily look at these ratings to work out which of the two cameras offers the overall best entry level DSLR solution for your photography.<\/p>\n Having compiled a list of precisely what you are looking for in a camera, you are now in a much better position to ask the question “which is the best entry-level DSLR for me?”. Let’s now take a look at some of the more convincing options currently available.<\/p>\n +<\/span> Full frame –<\/span> No WiFi Somewhat simple, and lacking even quite standard modern features such as built-in WiFi, Nikon's D610<\/a> might have disappointed some of those who paid full dollar for it when it first came out. But at its current retail price, the D610 is an absolute bargain. Indeed, there’s likely no other full frame DSLR available for such a low price in today’s market. Hence why it takes pride of place at the top of our list of the best entry-level DSLRs for serious photography enthusiasts.<\/p>\n Sure, released five years ago now, the D610 is by no means a new camera. But then again, nor is a 1972 Linhof Master Technika: but that doesn’t stop a few dedicated photographers from throwing black cloths over their heads and producing truly amazing images with Linhofs even today.<\/p>\n As with analog photography some decades ago, the advancement of digital imaging technology has reached something of a plateau. While camera manufacturers keep trying to persuade the masses to buy into their latest bells-and-whistles advancements in other areas, those of us just interested in taking good pictures can pick up this great little full frame camera for about half of what it cost a few years back.<\/p>\n Yes, more modern DSLRs will shoot at higher ISOs<\/a>. They’ll shoot at faster burst rates. They’ll come with more AF points. They’ll be built of some sturdy alloy instead of plastic. But they’ll also cost a lot more money.<\/p>\n If you have the extra money and want to spend it, fine: there’s certainly no reason not to go with one of the latest pro-level offerings. But this guide was written specifically for people who are:<\/p>\n (1) Only just starting to get serious about their photography The D610 is that camera.<\/p>\n If you’ve followed steps 1-3 above, by now you should have a clear idea of what you need from a DSLR, and what instead would just be useful to have. If your list of “needs” looks something like: amazing image quality; wide dynamic range; weatherproofing; dual SD slots for longer shooting; and a 100% optical viewfinder, then your search is over: Nikon's D610<\/a> is our number one recommended camera for best entry-level DSLR for the serious enthusiast.<\/p>\n\n +<\/span> Amazing price –<\/span> Not full frame The Nikon D3400<\/a> replaces it’s hugely popular beginner-level D3300. Although the D3400 doesn’t improve over its predecessor a great deal, it thankfully retains most of what made the D3300 such a good buy in the first place: a 24.2 megapixel image sensor, no anti-aliasing filter, and an incredible price.<\/p>\n Sure, compared to some of the other cameras we look at here, the D3400 is practically a toy. But let’s just say that it’s a pretty amazing toy.<\/p>\n The earlier D3300 got so much attention because it was one of the first entry-level DSLRs to do away with the anti-aliasing filter that was previously standard on cameras of this type, designed to reduce the occurrence of moir\u00e9 patterning. An anti-aliasing filter also has the unfortunate side effect of making for much less sharp images. But Nikon realized that the risk of moir\u00e9 becomes considerably lower as pixel-counts rise. Given that they’d equipped the D3300 with an amazing 24.2 megapixel sensor, the anti-aliasing filter could be safely ditched.<\/p>\n The D3400 produces the same ultra-sharp, AA filter-free 24.2 megapixel images as the D3300, but now you also have Bluetooth thrown in. Sadly though, to save battery power, Nikon made the bizarre decision to halve the potency of the D3400’s onboard flash. So if flash photography is a must, you’ll either need to buy an external unit (which is in any case recommended) or you might look to pick up a discounted D3300 instead.<\/p>\n Again, we’ll repeat that this is a very basic camera. But that’s also what’s so great about: it’s a simple stripped down tool, with no distractions, and capable of producing great quality images.<\/p>\n It’s also well-suited to the beginner. Certainly not due to the rather lame shooting modes and effects that are bundled onboard, but rather because it displays a nice graphic explanation of aperture on the LCD as you change f-stops. This makes it much easier to get your head around the somewhat counter-intuitive idea that a higher f-stop number means a smaller diaphragm.<\/p>\n Of course, the 23.5 x 15.6 mm CMOS sensor is very far from full frame. But then again, even the cheapest full frame camera will cost you over twice what you’ll pay for the D3400. If a full frame camera is out of your budget, and you can live without weather-sealing, WiFi, and a zillion AF points, this camera will get you up and running – shooting good quality images that will stand up to a high degree of enlargement without too much embarrassment.<\/p>\n For this reason, the D3400 comes only a very close second to the Nikon D610 in our list of the best entry-level DSLRs for the serious enthusiast. And if we were to narrow the criteria down to “best entry-level DSLR for photographers on a budget,” the Nikon D3400<\/a> would be our hands-down winner.<\/p>\n\n +<\/span> Full-frame –<\/span> Viewfinder coverage only 97% Canon's EOS 6D Mark II<\/a> is a fantastic, entry level full frame DSLR that makes a serious alternative to the camera occupying our #1 spot, the Nikon D610. Indeed, with a 26.2 megapixel CMOS sensor instead of the Nikon’s 24.3 megapixels, if anything Canon’s 6D Mark II offers even better image quality (although images made with the D610 display superior dynamic range). Also, those discouraged by the Nikon D610’s lack of WiFi capability will be relieved to hear that the EOS 6D Mark II has them covered.<\/p>\n But these points serve to illustrate why it is so important that you make your list of criteria before deciding which camera to buy. For example, although the addition of WiFi and an articulating touch screen might be enough to convince many that the 6D Mark II is a superior choice to the D610, the fact that the 6D Mark II only comes with one SD card slot and has no headphone jack will likely put off just as many people. Certainly, with no headphone monitoring capability and a lack of 4K video, the 6D Mark II is not the best choice for videography.<\/p>\n What it is a great choice for, however, is merely producing top quality photographs at a reasonable price. It’s also weather and dust sealed, smaller and lighter than many other Canon DSLRs, and comes with Canon’s excellent dual pixel AF system.<\/p>\n All things considered then, choosing the right camera is a highly subjective process: the D610 will be the best entry-level DSLR for some photographers, the EOS 6D Mark II<\/a> will be the better choice for others.<\/p>\n\n +<\/span> Rotating 3″ touchscreen –<\/span> Not full frame In many ways, Canon's Rebel T6s<\/a> (EOS D750 outside the US) is very similar to the Nikon D3400 – which takes second place on our list of best entry-level DSLRs. It’s a simple and easy to use cropped-sensor DSLR producing good quality images for the price. Where the T6s differs from Nikon’s budget-offering is that it also offers many of the non-essential features that Nikon had to do away with to price the D3400 so competitively.<\/p>\n In practice this means you get a bright, rotating touch screen; a second LCD on the top of the camera; and a couple of handy selection dials for changing key parameters. It also comes with a few more AF points and built-in WiFi. These additions make the Rebel T6s an extremely convenient and easy to use machine – considerably more so than its predecessor, the T6i. And from this point of view, the T6s is positively in another league to Nikon’s D3400.<\/p>\n Of course, you’ll pay more for these luxuries. And yet, as they both come with the same 24.2 megapixels cropped format CMOS sensor, photos taken on the rebel T6s will not be noticeably superior in quality to ones produced using the Nikon D3400. What you get for the extra money is greater convenience, not quality.<\/p>\n What’s more, the D3400 is actually slightly better for video, allowing as it does to shoot full HD up to 60p, compared with only 30p on the T6s.<\/p>\n All in all, though, this is a great little camera, capable of producing nice looking images, and without forcing the user to forego too many luxuries. The Rebel T6s<\/a> is probably the best entry level DSLR available for those on a budget but still looking for a camera with lots of handy extra features.<\/p>\n\n +<\/span> 24.2 megapixels –<\/span> Not full frame As with the Canon EOS Rebel T6s (#4 above), Nikon's D5500<\/a> is effectively just a full-mod-cons version of the much cheaper Nikon D3400 (#2 above). Easier to use, and offering plenty of useful extras such as WiFi and an articulating touch screen, but not actually capable of producing superior image files to the ultra-basic D3400.<\/p>\n With that said, a lot of us like a little luxury: it makes life more enjoyable, more fun, less hard work. Certainly, a touchscreen has its advantages, allowing you to quickly zoom in and check focus with a minimum of fuss. And WiFi makes transferring files super simple.<\/p>\n Also with full HD up to 60p, for anyone keen to shoot video it might at first glance appear that the D5500 makes for a better choice than Canon’s T6s (#4 above). However, whereas the T6s’ touch screen focusing performance is excellent, be warned that the D5500 struggles somewhat when focusing in live-view mode. And this despite offering twice the number of AF points to the T6s. Not only that, but AF on the D5500 is actually somewhat noisy, and therefore likely to be picked up by the camera’s built-in mic.<\/p>\n Conversely, where the D5500 comes out fighting stronger than the Rebel T6s is in low lighting conditions. So if you think you’ll be shooting a lot of long exposure night shots, or handheld images in gloomy locations, go for the Nikon D5500<\/a>, as your photos will display less noise at high ISOs.<\/p>\n\n
\n\u2022 High ISOs
\n\u2022 4K video
\n\u2022 Fast AF
\n\u2022 Touchscreen
\n\u2022 Rotating LCD
\n\u2022 Dual SD card slots
\n\u2022 100% optical viewfinder<\/p>\nStage 3: Luxuries<\/h3>\n
\n\u2022 Wifi
\n\u2022 GPS
\n\u2022 Built-in flash
\n\u2022 Fast continuous shooting rates<\/p>\nThe Best Entry Level DSLRs for the Serious Photography Enthusiast<\/h2>\n
\n#1 – Nikon D610<\/h3>\n
![\"Nikon](\"https:\/\/images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com\/images\/I\/514KlcP3vjL.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\n
\n+<\/span> 24.3 megapixel FX sensor
\n+<\/span> Wide dynamic range
\n+<\/span> Weather-sealed
\n+<\/span> 2 SD slots
\n+<\/span> 100% optical viewfinder
\n+<\/span> Simple controls
\n+<\/span> 2nd top LCD
\n+<\/span> 39 AF points<\/p>\n
\n–<\/span> Made of plastic
\n–<\/span> AF points all in center of frame
\n–<\/span> Non-articulating LCD<\/p>\n
\n(2) Want to know which is the best entry level DSLR camera for producing images that won’t look embarrassingly noisy and pixelated in 20 years time
\n(3) Don’t want to spend a fortune.<\/p>\n![\"Nikon](\"https:\/\/images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com\/images\/I\/514KlcP3vjL._SL160_.jpg\")
\n <\/a>\n\n <\/div>\n\n
\n#2 – Nikon D3400<\/h3>\n
![\"Nikon](\"https:\/\/images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com\/images\/I\/51cEPHphudL.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\n
\n+<\/span> High quality 24.2 megapixel image sensor
\n+<\/span> Small and lightweight
\n+<\/span> Full HD 1080p video at 60 frames per second
\n+<\/span> Bluetooth<\/p>\n
\n–<\/span> No internal Wi-Fi
\n–<\/span> 3-inch screen is non-touch, non-articulating
\n–<\/span> Only 95% viewfinder coverage
\n–<\/span> Only 11 AF points
\n–<\/span> Weaker flash than its predecessor, the D3300<\/p>\n![\"Nikon](\"https:\/\/images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com\/images\/I\/51cEPHphudL._SL160_.jpg\")
\n <\/a>\n\n <\/div>\n\n
\n#3 – Canon EOS 6D Mark II<\/h3>\n
![\"Canon](\"https:\/\/images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com\/images\/I\/51Okly2zXgL.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\n
\n+<\/span> 26.2 megapixel sensor
\n+<\/span> Bright, articulating touch screen
\n+<\/span> Excellent AF
\n+<\/span> Small and light
\n+<\/span> WiFi
\n+<\/span> GPS
\n+<\/span> Bluetooth<\/p>\n
\n–<\/span> Only 1 SD card slot
\n–<\/span> No flash
\n–<\/span> No headphone jack
\n–<\/span> No 4k video<\/p>\n![\"Canon](\"https:\/\/images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com\/images\/I\/51Okly2zXgL._SL160_.jpg\")
\n <\/a>\n\n <\/div>\n\n
\n#4 – Canon EOS Rebel T6s (EOS 760D)<\/h3>\n
![\"Canon](\"https:\/\/images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com\/images\/I\/41ld9oXujvL.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\n
\n+<\/span> 2nd top LCD
\n+<\/span> 2 scroll wheel selection dials make navigation simple
\n+<\/span> WiFi
\n+<\/span> Super fast and accurate AF
\n+<\/span> 24.2 Megapixel sensor
\n+<\/span> Lightweight<\/p>\n
\n–<\/span> Only 95% viewfinder coverage
\n–<\/span> Slow max video frame rate<\/p>\n![\"Canon](\"https:\/\/images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com\/images\/I\/41ld9oXujvL._SL160_.jpg\")
\n <\/a>\n\n <\/div>\n\n
\n#5 – Nikon D5500<\/h3>\n
![\"Nikon](\"https:\/\/images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com\/images\/I\/41hATE%2B5yCL.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\n
\n+<\/span> Big (3.2-inch) articulating touchscreen
\n+<\/span> Wi-Fi
\n+<\/span> 39 AF points<\/p>\n
\n–<\/span> Poor live-view AF performance
\n–<\/span> Noisy AF
\n–<\/span> Only 95% viewfinder coverage<\/p>\n
![\"Nikon](\"https:\/\/images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com\/images\/I\/41hATE%2B5yCL._SL160_.jpg\")
\n <\/a>\n\n <\/div>\n\n