Your first camera can easily determine your path in the world of photography, so we decided to help you out and list the 6 easiest DSLR cameras to use for beginners. Perhaps you have finally decided to follow your dream and take up photography as a hobby, or you are beginning your professional photography career. Either way, you should have in mind that choosing your entry-level camera shouldn’t be taken lightly.
Those of you who have done their share of googling might ask why we didn’t cover the mirrorless (MILC) cameras as an alternative. We have chosen to list the best Digital single-lens reflex cameras because of one significant feature of DSLR camera – a large image sensor that allows exceptional image quality and the ability to shoot photos in lower light conditions. Furthermore, all DSLR cameras use an optical viewfinder whereas the mirrorless cameras create a digital rendition of what the camera is about to shoot. Not only that the optical viewfinder is user-friendly, but it also gives you a great sensation of shooting directly.
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You will agree that capturing your children’s shenanigans in the backyard and photographing snow leopards in Nepal do not pose the same requirements for the camera. Even though all DLSR cameras are regarded as reliable and consistent, there are quite a few hardware and performance differences considering different brands and models. It is impossible to rate cameras by how easy are they to use as all of them come with a manual, and the performance capabilities are what separates them. The differences are commonly found when looking at the price of a single camera, and if you wish to know how much money would it take to own the best professional cameras, you should consider looking at our list of 11 most expensive DSLR cameras on the market.
Since we cannot predict whether you will be using the camera to capture fast-paced sports events or peaceful landscapes, we have decided to base our inquiry on the general ease of physical usage and the preinstalled automatic modes of pictures that don’t require setting up and adjusting. These specs information on cameras are the courtesy of two camera review sites, DPreview, and Cnet.
We also took some guidelines from similar reviews done at Gizmag, Top Ten Reviews, and TechRadar to help us find you the best available cameras for beginners.
The first factor we considered is the Ergonomics. The overall size and weight of the DSLR camera affect the ease of usage. Bulkier and heavier cameras are more complicated to use. We awarded cameras with points based on the weight systematization:
From 14 to 16 Ounces – 3 points
From 17 to 19 Ounces – 2 points
Over 20 Ounces – 1 point
The second factor is General Ease of Usage (which we awarded with points) and is important because it is directly proportional to the user’s ability to shoot quality images. The number of buttons, programs, modes and functions affects the output. Simply said, if you’re a beginner, too many options will only confuse you. We examined the number of buttons as the relevant factor and graded the cameras based on this point system:
16-18 buttons – 3 points
19-21 buttons – 2 points
Over 22 buttons – 1 point
The third factor we considered is the Dynamic Range (Evs) as it is the one responsible for the volume of bright and shady areas that can be captured by your camera. We chose this, bearing in mind that shooting in a bad light is usually a difficult task to perform, and a camera with higher Dynamic Range has an automatic correction of images in low lights, providing a significant help for the photographer.
We developed the point system for this feature as well:
From 13,5 to 14 – 4 points.
From 12,5 to 13,5 – 3 points.
From 11,5 to 12,5 – 2 points
From 10,5 to 11,5 – 1 point
Let’s go through the list of 6 easiest DSLR cameras to use for beginners as we begin our list with #6.
6. Canon EOS Rebel SL1
Ergonomics – 3 Points
Weight: 14.4 Ounces
Size 4.6 inches x 3.6 inches x 2.7 inches
22 buttons – 1 Point
Dynamic range (Evs): 11 – 1 point
Total Score: 5 Points
The Canon EOS DSLR format is very popular among the shoppers, as it features the top-notch performance and quality. On the other hand, its bulkier build is the only downsize that bothered the users. The Rebel SL1 provided the solution with the smaller build, without losing on the performance.
The EOS Rebel SL1 stands out as a real beginner’s camera as it is equipped with a 16 MP CMOS sensor that can produce some serious images. It would only be fair to mention that even though it is one of the highest priced cameras on our list, it comes with the least competitive hardware. The EOS Rebel SL1 is simply a Canon product that has not encompassed technological advancements but has instead focused on design and handling. The latter is the main reason the Canon EOS Rebel SL1 found its place on our list.
5. Pentax K-50
Ergonomics – 2 Points
Weight – 20.8 Ounces
Size – 5.1 x 3.8 x 2.8
19 buttons – 2 Points
Dynamic range (Evs): 12 – 2 points
Total Score: 6 Points
When it comes to photography companies such as Nikon, Canon or Sony are usually the first that come to mind. Even though Pentax is an older brand than any of the above, it is struggling to enter the market of cameras made for beginners.
With K-50 model Pentax has evidently made an impact as this model is manufactured with a 16MP and APS-C CMOS sensor with images available in 1080p Full HD resolution. We feel that this camera made by the Pentax Company will be more than able to snatch up a few new, loyal customers. Handling the K-50 is easier than some of its more famous counterparts. For example, the Pentax K-3 has over 30 buttons, which makes it a nightmare for beginners.
4. Sony SLT-A58K DSLR
Ergonomics – 2 Points
Weight 17.4 Ounces
Size 5.1 inches x 3.8 inches x 3.1 inches
19 buttons – 2 Points
Dynamic range (Evs) : 12.6 – 3 points
Total Score: 7 Points
Considering the price range, the Sony SLT-A58K is an excellent camera. Sony took the best out of the former models from the line as well as some features that can be found on technologically advanced types that are priced much higher and combined the two into this gadget. Sony is famous for using well-placed dials instead of a lot of buttons on their cameras. That allows Sony’s cameras to be very popular in the novice camera category.
This camera is equipped with a 20 MP APS-C sensor and comes with CMOS technology which means that the Sony SLT-A58K camera produces superb quality images that look sharp and detailed even when printed. Its modern Translucent Mirror technology enables the camera to achieve great speed and precision whether you opt to shoot pictures or video.
3. Nikon D5200 DSLR
Ergonomics – 2 Points
Weight 17.8 Ounces
Size: Length – 5.1 inch; Width – 3.9 inch; Length – 3.1 inch
21 buttons – 2 Points
Dynamic range (Evs): 13,9 – 4 points
Total Score: 8 Points
The designers of D5200 aimed to please the users with smaller hands; the camera is smaller than others in the series, and the controls are easily reachable, even with small hands. That goes for manual and automatic settings as well.
The smartly designed curvature is placed on this model to allow your fingers to have a better grasp of the camera.
The Nikon D5200 DSLR is best suited for creative photographers, and it does an excellent job of stirring up the passion in the photographer. It is one of the most skillfully made designs of all the cameras from any category. This camera has a 3-inch screen built-in with Vari-angle display that allows for a perfect field view from almost any point of direction.
The most surprising aspect of this camera is that it has a high dynamic range (HDR) technology that captures two shots but with varying exposures and then balances them into one incredibly sharp image.
2. Nikon D3200
Ergonomics – 3 Point
Weight 16 Ounces
Size 5 inches x 3.8 inches x 3.1 inches
20 buttons – 2 Points
Dynamic range (Evs): 13 – 3 points
Total Score: 8 Points
Being one of the lightest DSLR cameras on the market, Nikon D3200 is definitely one of the lightest in the whole series. The plastic body of this model (except the metal lens) is responsible for the weight reduction. The users gladly accepted this change, and it brought a sales increase.
There is nothing revolutionary about Nikon D3200 but it is surely made to be competitive. Nikon D3200 is one of the latest launched devices within Nikon’s DSLR cameras made for novices. The major feature of this camera is the great 24MP CMOS sensor which makes Nikon D3200 equal to some of the rival companies’ higher priced counterparts.
When we move past the number of pixels, we will find that there are not many changes in oppose to Nikon D3100. D3200 does come with a 1080p/30fps video, LCD screen with 920k and an option for a Wi-Fi transmitter. Nikon D3200 wins the second position in our list of 6 easiest DSLR cameras to use for beginners.
1.Nikon D3300
Ergonomics – 3 Points
Wight 14.5 Ounces
Size 4.9 inches x 3.9 inches x 3 inches
17 buttons – 3 Points
Dynamic range (Evs): 14 – 4 points
Total Score: 10 Points
When Nikon D3300 came out it was one of the biggest announcements of 2014 as it represented the next step in Nikon’s DSLR line. With its collapsible F3.5-5.6 VR II lens and the powerful 24MP APS-C sensor, Nikon D3300 was awarded the throne of beginner’s photography shortly after it had been launched.
Nikon D3300 leads the company’s entry-level series as it was announced as the user-friendliest of all the DSLRs. Therefore, when we take our factors into consideration, company’s statements and the helpful reviews from famous photography sites it is easy to pass the verdict and declare Nikon D3300 as the first in our list of 6 easiest DSLR cameras to use for beginners.
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