Buyer's Guides

Newsflash! So-called entry-level DSLRs are no longer stripped-down models built to fit a bargain-basement price point. In fact, many budget DSLRs these days let you enter at a higher level photographically while not putting a dent in your wallet. The following are our choices for the five best DSLR kits (including lenses) for $750 or less.

The best budget DSLRs on our short list are sophisticated full-featured models that allow casual shooters moving up from smart phones and point-and-shoot cameras to enhance their creative potential at attractive prices. And they also offer seasoned enthusiasts and pros more compact, lightweight, system-compatible backups to their high-end pro-level models, albeit at some compromise in sheer firepower.

Because of their APS-C sensor crop factors, these budget DSLR cameras typically provide a greater effective focal reach when shooting with normal or telephoto lenses but decrease the effective coverage angle with wide-angle lenses. If you’re an advanced shooter, make sure the kit lenses we’ve included in our list are fully compatible with your primary camera. The best news: All five of the entry-level DSLRs detailed below deliver outstanding image quality, advanced feature sets, and high value, a combination that’s sure to delight a broad spectrum of photographers focused on creative expression.

(Editor's Note: You should also check out our picks for the best mirrorless cameras under $1000.)

 

#1 Canon EOS Rebel SL3

With the SL3, Canon has upgraded its elegantly petite entry-level Rebel DSLR once again, adding many of the key features found on its higher-level broad-spectrum models. These include a 24.1MP APS-C-format CMOS image sensor coupled to the latest DIGIC 8 image processor that delivers 4K/24p video capture plus 4K Time-Lapse Movie modes, native ISO settings up to 25600, expandable to 51200, Scene Intelligent Auto Mode, and a full-res continuous burst rate up to 5 fps. It also provides a 9-point phase-detection AF System with Dual Pixel CMOS AF for enhanced speed and performance, a 3.0-inch, 1.04m-Dot Vari-Angle Touchscreen LCD and a Feature Assistant guide for selecting the best settings. Other features of the Canon Rebel SL3: Microphone input, built-in Wi-Fi connectivity with NFC and Bluetooth. The Canon SL3’s body measures only 4.82 x 3.65 x 2.75 inches and weighs a mere 14.3 ounces!

Price: $649.99 with 18-55mm Canon EF-S f/3.5-5.6 IS STM lens, in black or white

Who’s it for?: Emerging enthusiasts stepping up from smart phones; travelers and vacationers seeking a DSLR that’s light, compact, and competent.

Why I like it: The Canon SL3 has got a hi-res sensor, captures 4K video, and its compact form factor is simply captivating. 

 

#2 Pentax K-70

The Pentax K-70 is an ergonomically contoured classic DSLR that delivers imaging performance and features on a par with upper-tier DSLRs at an attractive price. These include an upgraded 24.2 MP APS-C-format CMOS image sensor, the latest Prime M II Image Processing engine optimized for Full HD 1080i video at up to 60 fps plus 4K interval recording, ISO settings up to 204800, and a full-res burst rate of up to 6 fps. Other features: an advanced SAFOX X II 11-point AF system with 9 Cross Sensors, a 3.0-inch wide-view, hi-res 921k-dot Vari-Angle LCD, a bright 95% view optical pentaprism viewfinder, in-camera sensor-shift Shake Reduction system, with Pixel Shift and Diffraction Correction, a selectable anti-aliasing filter simulator, and built-in Wi-Fi connectivity, plus GPS with optional O-GPS1 GPS module.  It’s all built into a robust, weather-sealed body. 

Price: $702.49 in black or silver with Pentax DA 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 AL WR lens

Who’s it for?: Point-and-shooters moving up to a DSLR; Pentax fans seeking a robust, compact body; anyone that’s looking for an affordable high-performance DSLR.

Why I like it?: Robust build quality, classic compact form factor, advanced IS system, high ISO settings for low light shooting.

 

#3 Sony Alpha A68

While it doesn't quite have the photo chops of its big brother, the full-frame pro-aimed Sony Alpha A99 II, the Sony A68 is an attractive entry-level model that has a fixed translucent mirror and a hi-res EVF in lieu of the traditional DSLR’s flipping mirror and optical viewfinder—Sony calls it a DSLT. The Sony A68 incorporates a 24.2MP APS-C-format Exmor CMOS sensor coupled to an advanced BIONZ X image processor enabling a full-res burst rate of up to 8 fps, sensitivity settings up to ISO 25600, and Full HD 1080p video capture at 30 and 24 fps in XAVC S Format. It also features a 79-point Phase Detection AF system with 15 cross points, a 1200-zone evaluative metering system, SteadyShot INSIDE Image Stabilization, a 0.39-inch 1,440k-Dot XGA OLED Tru-Finder EVF, and a 2.7-inch 460.8k-Dot Tilting LCD monitor.  Special features: Eye AF subject tracking, Auto Object Framing, Multi Frame NR compositing, and a Dynamic Range Optimizer  (DRO). Its Translucent Mirror Technology design enables full-time AF before, during and after the exposure, especially important when shooting HD movies or high-speed action.

Price: $698 with 18-55mm lens

Who’s it for?: Sony fans seeking an affordable, fixed mirror DSLR with the enhanced tracking and AF performance of a mirrorless camera; folks who hanker for something different without sacrificing features, performance, or value.

Why I like it: The Sony A68 provides the Sony Alpha A99 II experience at a fraction of the price, awesome AF and tracking performance.

 

#4 Nikon D5600

The sleek, slim D5600 kicked Nikon’s popular broad-spectrum DSLR range up a few notches with advanced features including a new 24.2MP APS-C (DX-format) CMOS sensor coupled to an EXPEED 4 Image Processor that delivers Full HD 1080p video capture at 60, 50, 30, 25, and 24 fps plus in-camera Time Lapse Movie Recording, sensitivity settings from ISO 100-25600, and a maximum full-res burst rate of 5 fps. Other upgrades: a Multi-CAM 4800DX AF Sensor with 39 AF zones, including 9 cross-type sensors that provides a 3D Tracking mode, a larger 3.2-inch 1.037m-dot Vari-Angle Touchscreen, built-in Wi-Fi with NFC, and SnapBridge Bluetooth for enhanced connectivity and seamless online sharing options. Serious enthusiasts will appreciate its full array of scene, special effects, and picture modes, and its Dynamic-area AF mode with a choice of 9-, 21-, or 39-point arrays for improved subject recognition and active subject tracking.

Price: $696.95 with Nikon AF-P DX-NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR and AF-P DX NIKKOR l 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3G ED lenses

Who’s it for?: DSLR newbies; Nikon DSLR shooters who want to round out their system with a competent compact backup camera; anyone seeking an affordable high-value two-lens DSLR outfit with a touch of class and style.

Why I like it: The Nikon D5600 is a very well-balanced package in terms of features performance, and price; it’s offered as a two-lens outfit, which is a plus, and it looks like a real camera.

 

#5 Canon EOS Rebel T6i

This stylish classic Rebel represented a significant advance for Canon’s popular compact entry-level series and although it’s been around for a while, it’s still a proven design and a great value. The Canon Rebel T6i has been upgraded with a new 24.2 MP APS-C CMPS sensor coupled to a high-performance DIGIC 6 Image Processor, incorporates a new Hybrid CMOS III AF system with 19 cross-type AF sensors for faster, more accurate autofocus with action subjects during movie shooting and Live View, provides Wi-Fi connectivity with NFC (which also enables fast connection to mobile devices as well as the CS100 Connect Station), and its top ISO setting of 12800 can be expanded to ISO 25600. Other features: a 3.0-inch Vari-Angle 1.04M-dot ClearView II touch screen LCD, a maximum full-res burst rate of 5 fps, a Full HD 1080p video capture at 30fps, and a full range of built-in creative filters.

Price: Canon EOS Rebel T6i kit with Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS lens, $583

Who’s it for?: Canon fans seeking a dependable workhorse backup for their top-tier models; emerging photo enthusiasts, travelers and vacationers.

Why I like it: The Canon Rebel T6i provides excellent ergonomics and handling, features a traditional control layout, and delivers  impressive AF and tracking performance. And it's the cheapest DSLR kit in this whole list!