Updated: Best entry-level DSLR 2016: What to look for and which to buy

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If you’ve outgrown your point-and-shoot camera and feel like you’re ready to take your photography to the next step, then an entry-level DSLR is the obvious choice. You might also want to consider a mirrorless camera as an alternative, although you won’t find one with a viewfinder at the same price as a DSLR.

If you are thinking about a mirrorless camera, then you might want to read this: Mirrorless vs DSLR cameras: 10 key differences. Or, if you’re not sure what kind of camera you need at all, then read our easy to follow guide to camera types: What camera should I buy?

DSLRs deliver a big step up in image quality from a compact camera, far more manual control and the ability to change lenses to tackle a huge variety of projects. Obviously, the more features you want, the more you’ll pay, but do you actually need them? Our top camera is one of the cheapest on the market, but still offers impressive performance and image quality, plus enough features to handle most assignments, especially if you’re still learning.

1. Nikon D3300

It’s not the most expensive entry-level DSLR, but we think it’s the best

Great image quality

Guide mode

Fixed screen

No built-in Wi-Fi

The D3300’s 24.2MP sensor resolves bags of detail with minimal image noise up to ISO 3200, and also produces decent results at higher sensor sensitivities. Much like pricier Nikon DSLRs, it does away with an anti-aliasing filter to maximise image sharpness. This is also a very easy camera to live with. Its clever Guide Mode is a useful learning tool that gives real-time explanations of important features, whilst the collapsible 18-55mm kit lens is great when you’re on the go. It’s a shame you don’t get an articulated touch-screen display or Wi-Fi connectivity, but Nikon does make a cheap plug-in Wi-Fi adaptor if that’s a deal-breaker for you.

Read the full Nikon D3300 review

2. Canon EOS 750D (Rebel T6i)

A compelling combination of top-notch ergonomics and a superb sensor

Terrific sensor

Wi-Fi with NFC

Average battery life

Only 95% viewfinder coverage

Nikon doesn’t have the top spots in our line-up all to itself because by paying more cash will get you a lot more camera. The Canon 750D is new and still rather pricey, but its new 24.2-megapixel sensor delivers stunning image quality with impressively low noise levels at high ISO sensitivities. The 750D also receives much-improved autofocus and exposure metering systems over Canon’s older 700D, as well as built-in Wi-Fi with NFC pairing. Although outwardly similar to its 700D predecessor, that does mean you get the same articulating, touch-sensitive screen to enjoy. It pips the Nikon D5500 to second place thanks to more comprehensive controls and marginally superior image quality.

Read the full Canon EOS 750D (Rebel T6i) review

3. Nikon D5500

Choosing between Canon and Nikon is tougher than ever

High-res, non-anti-aliased sensor

Touch-sensitive articulating screen

Slow live-view focussing

No GPS

The D5500 competes directly with Canon’s 750D at the upper end of the entry-level DSLR market. Where Nikon’s D3000-series cameras are designed as cost-conscious introductory DSLRs, the D5000-series is preferable if you want to get more creative. This latest addition to the series is bang up-to-date and is the first Nikon DSLR to get touch-screen control, plus there’s also built-in Wi-Fi – but it’s a pity GPS hasn?’t been carried over from the D5300, and live view autofocusing speed is no faster. There isn’t much wrong with the D5500’s 24.2-megapixel, non-anti-aliased sensor, though. It may be pinched from the older D5300, but it still delivers excellent image quality.

Read the full Nikon D5500 review

4. Canon EOS 760D (Rebel T6s)

Like the EOS 750D, but with better handling and a second LCD

Great touch-screen

Excellent sensor

AF point selection fiddly

Expensive

Just to confuse matters, Canon launched two updates to the EOS 700D – the EOS 750D and the 760D. Internally at least, the 750D and 760D are very pretty much identical, but it’s the exterior controls where differences start to appear, notably the addition of a rear thumbwheel and top plate LCD display. Features which only normally appear on Canon’s higher end enthusiast models. For newer users, the 750D is the better bet, but if you’re looking for lightweight DSLR with a comprehensive set of features, then you won’t go wrong with the 760D.

Read the full review: Canon EOS 760D

5. Nikon D5300

No longer Nikon’s latest and greatest entry-level DSLR, but almost

High-res, non-anti-aliased sensor

GPS built in

Slow live-view focussing

No touchscreen

The D5300 was around for little more than a year before the D5500 technically replaced it, but unlike the equivalent Canon 700D, the D5300 is still a contemporary camera. It shares the same 24.2MP sensor with an identical maximum ISO 25600 sensitivity as the D5500, whilst the D5300’s EXPEED 4 image processor and 39-point autofocus system have also been carried over to its replacement. Whilst the D5300 doesn’t sport fancy touch-screen control, you do get GPS instead. The D5300’s 600-shot battery life has since been beaten by the D5500, but it’ll still outlast a Canon 750D – the D5300 is still a smart buy.

Read the full Nikon D5300 review

6. Canon EOS 700D (Rebel T5i)

Still fresh on the outside, if a little long in the tooth within

Superb ergonomics

Touch-sensitive, articulating screen

Outdated sensor

No Wi-Fi

Stick the 700D next to the 750D and you’ll struggle to tell them apart, as the new camera inherits the 700D’s excellent ergonomics and class-leading touch-sensitive screen. Even the good old button controls are more comprehensive than on rival Nikons, making the 700D intuitive to use, regardless of your ability. However, the 700D’s sensor can trace its roots back to the 550D released in 2010 and it’s now outclassed in terms of noise suppression and dynamic range. The 9-point autofocus system is also dated and you don’t get Wi-Fi connectivity. The 700D’s slashed price does make it a tempter, but the 750D is a more future-proof choice.

Read the full Canon EOS 700D review

7. Canon EOS 100D (Rebel SL1)

A cheap and very cheerful entry level camera

Small size

Touchscreen control

Battery life rated at 380 shots

Fixed rather than vari-angle screen

Canon introduced the EOS 100D to compete with the influx of compact system cameras and it was the smallest DSLR available when it was introduced in March 2013. It’s getting on a bit now, but while the image quality hasn’t diminished, its price has, making it a good choice for anyone buying their first DSLR. Inside is Canon’s stalwart 18MP APS-C format sensor, a hybrid CMOS AF II variant which means that the focusing is faster than the 1200D when you’re composing images on the main screen – though it’s not especially quick. The three-inch screen is also touch-sensitive, which makes the 100D easier to use thanks to Canon’s excellent interface, although there are fewer buttons and dials than on models like the 750D. Despite the 100D’s small size there’s a good chunky grip to make it feel comfortable and secure in your hand. Image quality is good, but the 24MP Nikon D3300 captures more detail.

Read the full review: Canon EOS 100D

8. Canon EOS 1300D (Rebel T6)

Great camera that replaces the EOS 1200D

Low price

Good image quality

No touchscreen

Slow live view focusing

The 1300D uses the same sensor as the camera it replaces, the 1200D, but it has a newer processing engine and this enables it to produce slightly better quality images. In reality you’re unlikely to be able to spot much difference at normal image viewing sizes though, so it’s not a real biggie. Where the 1300D does score over the 1200D though is the connectivity department; its got Wi-Fi and NFC technology built-in. This means you can transfer images to your smartphone for super-quick sharing. You can also use your phone to control the camera remotely, which is ideal for taking group shots with you in the frame. The screen has also been upgraded from a 3-inch 460K dot unit to one with 920K dots, which makes images look much sharper.

Read the full review: Canon EOS 1300D

9. Canon EOS 1200D (Rebel T5)

Get it while it’s still around – a great shooter

Low price

Good image quality

Slow live view focusing

No touchscreen or Wi-Fi

The introduction of the 1300D means the 1200D isn’t likely to be available for much longer but while it is it’s possible to pick up a real bargain. So if you’re not concerned about being able to connect your phone to your camera via Wi-Fi or NFC, it could be the one to go for. The 1200D has the same 18MP sensor as the 1300D and although it’s getting on a bit, it’s still good. That said, it can’t match the 24.2MP device in the Nikon D3300 for capturing detail. The 1300D and 1200D’s 3fps continuous shooting speed is also leisurely compared to the Nikon’s 5fps rate, and where that camera includes built-in help guides, you’ll have to resort to downloading Canon’s versions through a separate smartphone app.

Read the full review: Canon EOS 1200D

10. Pentax K-50

The perfect starter DSLR for adventure photography

Weatherproof

100% viewfinder coverage

Noisy operation

Fixed screen

Pentax is renowned for producing DSLRs with maximum bang per buck, and the K-50 is no exception. Weatherproof DSLRs that are rain and dust resistant usually cost a packet, but the K-50 offers this protection at a bargain price so you can shoot in all conditions. Just remember that you’ll have to partner it with more expensive WR (weather resistant) lenses to get the full benefit. Regardless of the lens you use, Pentax’s in-camera Shake Reduction system cuts camera shake and can even correct slightly skewed horizons. The only reason the K-50 isn’t higher on our list is Pentax’s relatively restricted lens range.

Read the full Pentax K-50 review

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