Most photographers these days would say that a budget DSLR camera is an amazing tool—if you can afford it. But with market developments in the past few years, more and more top-tier, value options have started appearing on the market. These cameras are designed to be easy to use and relatively light to carry, so you can shoot landscapes, portraits, and street photos with ease. Plus, DSLR cameras can store many more images compared to a roll of film, so you won’t have to worry about changing old film or running out of storage space.
We’re now delighted to offer you a rundown of the top 5 best budget DSLR cameras on the market in 2024!
Here are top 5 best budget DSLR cameras for 2024
Canon EOS Rebel SL3 Review
The Canon EOS Rebel SL3, hailed as the top beginner budget DSLR camera of 2024, is also known as the EOS 250D. This is the lightest and most compact DSLR, making it ideal for capturing beautiful portraits, wildlife, and street scenes. Its 24.1-megapixel sensor and 4K video capabilities deliver stunning detail and true-to-life colors, even in challenging low-light situations like nighttime landscapes or overcast days. The EOS Rebel SL3 can shoot at a brisk five frames per second and comes with an 18-55mm lens, perfect for newbies looking to explore various photography styles—from portraits using eye detection with Dual Pixel CMOS AF to landscapes and street photography.
The camera’s vari-angle screen is a game changer, allowing you to snap from unique angles or capture the perfect selfie. What sets this Canon apart is its Guided Mode, which offers on-screen tips to help you achieve specific effects and navigate the settings. For instance, if you want a portrait with a blurry background, the camera advises you to switch to aperture priority mode and suggests lowering the aperture value, guiding you every step of the way. Once you’re comfortable, you can switch to regular mode and experiment freely.
Another standout feature is the Creative Assistant, which lets you tweak brightness, contrast, saturation, and even apply presets. Remarkably light at just 449 grams, this camera is easy to carry around, whether you’re capturing a sunset, a rainbow, or a bird in flight. Plus, you can effortlessly share your creations via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, making it simple to post on social media or edit on your phone. This lightweight wonder ensures you’re always ready to capture and share your adventures anytime.
Nikon D5600 Review
The Nikon D5600 is the ultimate budget-friendly DSLR for photography enthusiasts in 2024. This camera stands out with its compact design and textured grip, making it a pleasure to hold and operate. One of its standout features is the 3.2-inch touch-sensitive screen, which boasts over a million dots in resolution. This screen acts as a touch interface, letting you select focus points effortlessly and adjust to various positions, which is particularly handy for video shooting.
The D5600’s layout is intuitive for a camera in this class. Located on the right side, you’ll find the power and recording buttons, alongside a control wheel for switching between different shooting modes, including scene effects and the more advanced P, C, and M modes. This wheel also lets you adjust the camera’s shutter speed and aperture settings efficiently.
In terms of image quality, the D5600 impresses with its 18-140mm lens and performs exceptionally well in low-light conditions. The camera effectively manages noise and maintains a precise dynamic range thanks to its EXPEED 4 image processor. It features a 24.2-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor that captures images with remarkable clarity and definition. The thirty-nine-point focusing system enhances its ability to snap crisp photos, while the battery life supports around 800 shots—ideal for a full day of shooting.
The D5600 also records at a rapid five frames per second, making it great for capturing action shots. With the SnapBridge app, transferring photos to your smartphone is seamless, and your phone can even serve as a remote control. This makes sharing your favorite moments quick and simple. With SnapBridge, you’re always connected and ready to capture life’s highlights with ease.
Canon EOS Rebel T7 Review
If you’re after a camera that offers exceptional value, the Canon EOS Rebel T7 is the perfect pick in 2024 for those on a budget. This affordable DSLR is tailor-made for beginners looking to capture stunning photos with a lovely bokeh effect and create cinematic videos to tell their stories. While it might not feature 4K video, its Full HD capabilities are more than enough to explore your creative potential. Whether you’re capturing everyday moments or breathtaking travel scenes, this camera helps you feel like an emerging filmmaker with its ability to deliver high-quality clips for personal projects or even commercial endeavors.
Photography enthusiasts will appreciate the sharp, high-quality images even in low-light settings, thanks to the 24.1-megapixel APS-C sensor. The camera’s Creative Auto mode, along with creative filters and Scene Intelligent Auto, allows you to experiment and bring your artistic vision to life. Although the Rebel T7 shoots at three frames per second, it’s a great way to learn burst photography and other camera techniques.
Connectivity is a breeze with Wi-Fi, NFC, and the Canon Camera Connect app, enabling you to easily transfer photos to your Android or iOS device. You can also tweak your images using your favorite apps, like removing backgrounds or applying other edits. If you’re new to photography, the Canon Photo Companion App simplifies learning with easy-to-follow tips and tutorials.
Users love the versatility of the Rebel T7, which offers a range of manual settings for those ready to venture beyond automatic modes. Its combination of a high-resolution sensor, wireless features, and user-friendly modes makes it a superb choice for anyone seeking top value without breaking the bank.
For those interested in purchasing, I’ve gone ahead and updated the description below with links to get you the best deals available right now, so make sure to check those out for the most current prices and offers. If you’re willing to spend a bit more, there are also higher-end options worth considering.
Canon EOS Rebel T8i
The Canon EOS Rebel T8i emerges as the top premium budget DSLR of 2024. This camera shines with its impressive features suitable for both photography and videography, all while maintaining user-friendly controls that cater to beginners—offering great value, especially with a kit lens. The T8i is a versatile choice, providing various exposure controls, including a fully automatic mode for newcomers and semi-automatic modes like shutter and aperture priority for those ready to experiment.
While its 24.1 MP sensor might not be groundbreaking, it delivers excellent image quality for budding photographers, significantly outperforming typical smartphone cameras. You’ll notice the vibrant colors and detailed imagery. The autofocus system is advanced for an entry-level model, boasting 45 phase-detection points that effectively track subjects across the frame. Eye detection for both people and animals makes it ideal for portrait and wildlife photography.
Video enthusiasts will appreciate the T8i’s 4K capabilities, coupled with a rotating screen perfect for vlogs and self-recording. Despite the usual bulkiness of DSLR cameras, the Rebel T8i’s ergonomic design ensures a comfortable grip. The camera features both electronic and optical viewfinders; however, using the electronic one may reduce battery life. Its three-inch vari-angle touchscreen allows shooting from creative angles, both high and low, adding flexibility to your shots.
With Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, sharing your work is seamless. The Canon EOS Rebel T8i is a versatile everyday companion, meeting the needs of both professionals and those capturing daily moments. Its mix of advanced features and ease of use makes it a smart investment for anyone looking to elevate their photography game.
Nikon D3500 Review
the Nikon D3500, the best overall budget DSLR camera in 2024—the winner for today, folks! This camera is the perfect starting point for newcomers venturing into the world of DSLR photography. It’s compact, lightweight, and incredibly easy to use, featuring a guide mode that walks you through every step of learning. The Nikon D3500 is packed with impressive features, making it a must-have option for amateurs.
Its 24.2 MP DX-format sensor delivers stunning, professional-quality images with an ISO sensitivity range from 100 to 25,600. This camera captures vibrant and clear photos, regardless of whether you’re shooting under cloudy skies or in low-light conditions. This means you’ll be able to maintain true-to-life colors in any lighting. The camera also offers a variety of creative effects, allowing you to explore and enhance your photography skills. Its high-resolution LCD screen makes reviewing your photos simple and clear.
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The D3500 also excels in video recording at a smooth 60 fps for crisp, high-quality footage. Whether you’re filming everyday moments or special projects, the Nikon D3500 ensures visual excellence. Beginners will find the camera’s guide mode particularly helpful for learning how to handle different shooting scenarios. The 11-point autofocus system is robust enough to ensure sharp focus, perfect for capturing dynamic scenes. Coupled with a burst shooting speed of up to five frames per second, it’s ideal for action shots, sports, and capturing those fleeting moments.
In essence, the Nikon D3500 offers exceptional value for those starting out in DSLR photography. Its combination of high-quality photo and video capabilities, along with user-friendly features, makes it a compelling choice for anyone eager to explore the art of photography. Overall, this model offers premium performance at the best possible price-to-quality ratio.
