Are you trying to find the best DSLR camera for beginners? If you’re looking to buy your first ‘proper’ camera or are just upgrading from an older point-and-shoot, we’ve tested out all of the best entry-level DSLR options.

In recent years, the camera world has moved towards mirrorless tech. However, there’s still very much a place for the DSLR.

These cameras remain the cheapest way for you to get a built-in viewfinder and also continue to hold advantages in areas such as handling and battery life, compared to their newer mirrorless siblings.

Nikon D3500

Nikon may not have publicised any new entry-level DSLRs for a while, however the D3500 remains a fantastic option for those who are new to photography. This model picks up from where the D3400 left off, however with a handful of additional perks.

As opposed to power-hungry mirrorless models, the major benefit  of this camera is battery life. You are able to keep going for 1 550 images between charges. This is way ahead of most other DSLRs. The 24MP sensor offers excellent image quality.

Nikon has also reviwed the body and control layout, not only to make it easier to handle but also to use too. The Guide Mode takes the first-time user’s hand and walks them through all of the key features in a manner that makes everything easy to understand.

Fujifilm X-T200

The Fujifilm X-T200 is light and compact however it looks and feels like an old-school 35mm SLR film camera. The best news of all, the X-T200 has a great big new 3.5-inch vari-angle touchscreen which has twice the resolution of most rivals in addition to a 1:6 aspect ratio perfectly suited to video.

This model also has an electronic viewfinder and is able to shoot 4K video as well as 24-megapixel stills. Its 15-45mm kit lens is powered electrically and is a bit of an acquired taste. However, it’s really compact and also offers a much wider angle of view as opposed to most kit lenses. This makes it ideal for interior shots and big landmarks.

Canon EOS Rebel SL3

This isn’t the cheapest DSLR which is on the market, by any means, however very often it’s worth paying a little extra money so that you can get a much better range of features – and this is the perfect example.

The EOS Rebel SL3 (otherwise known as EOS 250D / EOS 200D Mark II) boasts Canon’s top-of-the range APS-C sensor with 24.1MP of resolution in addition to brilliant Live View shooting. This is thanks to a fully-articulating touchscreen display as well as Canon’s fast Dual Pixel CMOS AF autofocus.

In fact, we’d actually say this is one of the only DSLRs where composing shots with the screen is downright preferable to using the viewfinder. Canon also packs in 4K video as well as Wi-Fi and NFC connectivity, wrapped up in the smallest DSLR body you’re likely to see.