Best Entry Level DSLR Cameras Reviewed

6 Best Entry Level DSLR Cameras Reviewed (South Africa)

In this Entry Level DSLR Camera review we will be looking at some of the entry level DSLR cameras and their specifications. Entry level DSLR’s do NOT have the specs of enthusiast or professional DSLR’s, but they are an affordable option and allow for beginner photographers to learn about cameras and photography.

Being entry level most photographers will outgrow these cameras as their skills improve and will purchase either enthusiast or professional ranges of DSLR’s.

 Choose your quick section of our 6 Best Entry Level DSLR Cameras below.

Our 6 Best Handpicked Entry Level DSLR Cameras Revealed:

Suppliers of entry level DSLR cameras cater for beginners by making these cameras available in camera kits or starter bundles, where not only do photographers get the camera but additional photography accessories such as lenses, a camera bag, a memory card, a camera cleaning kit and a photographic class voucher might also be supplied to help the new photographer.

A review about Canon EOS 200D

Canon EOS 2000D DSLR

The Canon EOS 2000D (also known as the Canon EOS RebelT7) is an entry level 24MP DSLR camera. It offers an ISO range of 100-6400 which is expandable to ISO 12800. It has a burst rate of 3 fps, which is standard for entry level cameras. The camera has 9 focus points.

The camera has a 3 inch wide 920 000 dot LCD screen and an optical viewfinder. The Canon 2000D offers a lot of scene modes and many creative photographic filters. The EOS 2000D supports Full HD video which can be captured at 30p or 40p. The camera also has Wi-Fi which uses NFC for easy sharing purposes by using the Canon Camera connect application.

Canon EOS 2000D specifications at a glance

Body typeCompact SLR
Max resolution6000 x 4000
Effective pixels24 megapixels
Sensor sizeAPS-C (22.3 x 14.9 mm)
Sensor typeCMOS
ISOAuto, ISO 100-6400, expandable to 12800
Lens mountCanon EF/EF-S
Focal length multiplier1.6×
Articulated LCDFixed
Screen size3″
Screen dots920,000
Max shutter speed1/4000 sec
FormatMPEG-4, H.264
Storage typesSD/SDHC/SDXC card
USBUSB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
Weight (inc. batteries)475 g (1.05 lb / 16.76 oz)
Dimensions129 x 101 x 78 mm (5.08 x 3.98 x 3.07″)
GPSNone
A review about Canon EOS 250D

Canon EOS 250D DSLR

The Canon EOS 250D (also known as the Canon EOS Rebel SL3 or the EOS Kiss X10) is an entry level 24MP Compact DSLR camera. It offers an ISO range of 100-25600 (expandable to 51200. It has a burst rate in continuous drive of 5 fps which is standard for entry level cameras.

The camera has a 3 inch wide 1040000 dot LCD screen, a touch screen display and an optical viewfinder. The Canon EOS 250D supports 4k video in 1080/60p. Connectivity options available include Wi-Fi (using NFC) and Bluetooth.

Canon EOS 250D specifications at a glance

Body typeCompact SLR
Max resolution6000 x 4000
Effective pixels24 megapixels
Sensor sizeAPS-C (22.3 x 14.9 mm)
Sensor typeCMOS
ISOAuto, 100-25600 (expands to 51200)
Lens mountCanon EF/EF-S
Focal length multiplier 1.6×
Articulated LCDFully articulated
Screen size3″
Screen dots1,040,000
Max shutter speed1/4000 sec
FormatMPEG-4, H.264
Storage typesSD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-I compatible)
USBUSB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
Weight (inc. batteries)449 g (0.99 lb / 15.84 oz)
Dimensions122 x 93 x 70 mm (4.8 x 3.66 x 2.76″)
GPSNone
A review about Canon EOS 400D

Canon EOS 400D DSLR

The Canon EOS 400D DSLR (also known as the EOS Digital Rebel XTi or the EOS Kiss Digital X) is an entry level 10MP entry level DSLR camera. It offers an ISO range of 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600. It has a burst rate in continuous drive of 3 fps which is standard for entry level cameras. The camera has 9 focus points.

The camera has a 2.5 inch wide 230000 dot LCD screen and an optical viewfinder. The Canon EOS 400D does not support video. Connectivity options available include USB 2.0

Canon EOS 400D specifications at a glance

Body typeCompact SLR
Max resolution3888 x 2592
Effective pixels10 megapixels
Sensor sizeAPS-C (22.2 x 14.8 mm)
Sensor typeCMOS
ISO100, 200, 400, 800, 1600
Lens mountCanon EF/EF-S
Focal length multiplier 1.6×
Screen size2.5″
Screen dots230,000
Max shutter speed1/4000 sec
Storage typesCompact Flash (Type I or II)
USBUSB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
Weight (inc. batteries)556 g (1.23 lb / 19.61 oz)
Dimensions127 x 94 x 65 mm (5 x 3.7 x 2.56″)
A review about Canon EOS 800D

Canon EOS 800D DSLR

The Canon EOS 800D (also known as the Canon EOS Rebel T7i or the EOS Kiss X9i) is an entry level 24MP Compact DSLR camera. It offers an ISO range of 100-25600 (expandable to 51200. It has a burst rate in continuous drive of 6 fps which is standard for entry level cameras. The camera has 45 focus points.

The camera has a 3 inch wide 1040000 dot LCD screen, a touch screen display and an optical viewfinder. The Canon EOS 800D supports 1080/60p video. Connectivity options available include Wi-Fi (using NFC) and Bluetooth.

Canon EOS 800D specifications at a glance

Body typeMid-size SLR
Max resolution6000 x 4000
Effective pixels24 megapixels
Sensor sizeAPS-C (22.3 x 14.9 mm)
Sensor typeCMOS
ISOAuto, 100-25600 (expands to 51200)
Lens mountCanon EF/EF-S
Focal length multiplier1.6×
Articulated LCDFully articulated
Screen size3″
Screen dots1,040,000
Max shutter speed1/4000 sec
FormatMPEG-4, H.264
Storage typesSD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-I compatible)
USBUSB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
Weight (inc. batteries)532 g (1.17 lb / 18.77 oz)
Dimensions131 x 100 x 76 mm (5.16 x 3.94 x 2.99″)
GPSOptional
A review about Nikon D3500

Nikon D3500 DSLR

The Nikon D3500 is an entry level 24MP Compact DSLR camera, which uses the same camera body as the Nikon D5600 It offers an ISO range of 100-25600. It has a burst rate in continuous drive of 5 fps which is standard for entry level cameras. The camera has 11 focus points.

The camera has a 3 inch wide 921000 dot LCD screen, and an optical viewfinder. The Nikon 3500D supports Full HD video. The built in Guide mode system helps when learning how to shoot in various situations and lighting conditions. Connectivity options available include USB 2.0 and Bluetooth, but not via Wi-Fi.

Nikon D3500 DSLR specifications at a glance

Body typeCompact SLR
Max resolution6000 x 4000
Effective pixels24 megapixels
Sensor sizeAPS-C (23.5 x 15.6 mm)
Sensor typeCMOS
ISOAuto, 100-25600
Lens mountNikon F
Focal length multiplier1.5×
Articulated LCDFixed
Screen size3″
Screen dots921,000
Max shutter speed1/4000 sec
FormatMPEG-4, H.264
Storage typesSD/SDHC/SDXC
USBUSB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
Weight (inc. batteries)365 g (0.80 lb / 12.87 oz)
Dimensions124 x 97 x 70 mm (4.88 x 3.82 x 2.76″)
GPSNone
A review about Nikon D5600

Nikon D5600 DSLR

The Nikon D5600 DSLR is an entry level 24MP Compact DSLR camera. It offers an ISO range of 100-25600. It has a burst rate in continuous drive of 5 fps which is standard for entry level cameras. The camera has 39 focus points.

The camera has a 3.2 inch wide 1.04M dot LCD fully articulating screen and an optical viewfinder. The Nikon 3500D supports Full HD video at 1080/60p. Connectivity options available include USB 2.0, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and NFC for pairing with android devices.

Nikon D5600 DSLR specifications at a glance

Body typeCompact SLR
Max resolution6000 x 4000
Effective pixels24 megapixels
Sensor sizeAPS-C (23.5 x 15.6 mm)
Sensor typeCMOS
ISOAuto, 100 – 25600
Lens mountNikon F
Focal length multiplier1.5×
Articulated LCDFully articulated
Screen size3.2″
Screen dots1,037,000
Max shutter speed1/4000 sec
FormatMPEG-4, H.264
Storage typesSD/SDHC/SDXC
USBUSB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
Weight (inc. batteries)465 g (1.03 lb / 16.40 oz)
Dimensions124 x 97 x 70 mm (4.88 x 3.82 x 2.76″)
GPSOptional

Pros and Cons of Entry Level DSLR cameras

Here are some of the pros and cons of entry level DSLR cameras

Pros of entry level DSLR cameras

  • Very good value for money.
  • Usually supplied with various additional photography accessories to help the new photographer.
  • Very user-friendly functionality.

Cons of entry level DSLR cameras

  • Camera bodies are usually not very rugged and are usually plastic and do not have a metal frame for support.
  • Frames per second (fps) when in continuous drive is usually slow.
  • Maximum ISO range is usually not very high.
  • Maximum shutter speed is usually slow.

Conclusion

Photographers should decide before purchasing a DSLR if they will be occasional holiday photographers or if they want to be fulltime photographers. Holiday photographers will never outgrow their entry level DSLR’s. Those who choose to pursue photography on a more regular basis will upgrade to either an enthusiast DSLR or a Pro DSLR. An entry level DSLR camera is the most affordable way for a photographer to enter and learn about DSLR photography.

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