The best starter camera for under $500
If you think you need to spend a small fortune to buy a DSLR, think again. There are excellent DSLRs available on the market today for under $500, and I’m talking about brand new cameras, not refurbished ones.
In this article we outline some of the best DSLR cameras available complete with lens and other accessories for less than $500.
1. Nikon D3400 DSLR Camera
If you finally get tired of using your smartphone as a camera and you want to upgrade to using a DSLR, then the Nikon D3400 is a good choice. This is a reliable entry-level DSLR that comes with two lenses: an AF-P DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR and AF-P DX NIKKOR 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3G ED.
It is no secret that the best moments happen in low light. Even casual photographers are aware of this. This means that if you are using your smartphone as your main camera, then you are missing a lot. No matter how advanced your smartphone is, it still can’t compare with a DSLR as far as shooting in low light is concerned.
This camera is particularly good at capturing images in low light thanks to its 24.2MP sensor with no optical low-pass filter. Even in extremely low light, for sure you will be able to capture the image in all of its glory.
Capturing fast moving subjects is also not a problem. The superb NIKKOR lens allows you to freeze fast-action moments in their tracks. When it comes to creating portraits, you will be amazed at how this camera can bring subjects to life with rich, natural skin tones and blurred backgrounds.
This camera has the Nikon SnapBridge feature that allows it to communicate seamlessly to other devices such as a smartphone, computer, or tablet. This makes it easy for you to back up your files.
You also have the option to save your photos and videos in the cloud via Nikon Image Space, Nikon’s cloud storage and sharing site. This site also allows you to create albums and share them with friends and family. With the SnapBridge feature, you can easily connect the camera with up to five devices. It also allows photos and videos to automatically appear on your devices.
The Nikon D3400 is compact and lightweight so it is easy to carry it around. No bulky camera bag needed. So it is an ideal camera to bring on your trips so you can have stunning travel photos worthy of a travel blog or magazine.
This camera is also very easy to use. Controls are smartly laid out so even if it's your first time to use a DSLR, you will not feel intimidated. The comfortable grip makes it easy to hold the camera while the optical viewfinder gives a clear view of your subject.
Probably the best feature of the Nikon D3400 is that it makes photography easy and fun. You don't have to be a professional to take high quality photos and videos with this camera. It's the perfect camera for those who want to become a professional photographer someday or for those who simply want an upgrade from their camera phones. This is not to say though that pros can't use this camera. Because the truth is it can match the features and performance of more expensive models.
2. Canon EOS Rebel T6 Digital SLR Camera
Like the Nikon D3400, the Canon EOS Rebel T6 is also geared towards those who want to graduate from using their smartphone for photography. It has built-in Wi-Fi connectivity making it easy to share photos. If you own or are a fan of the Rebel T5, then you will be delighted to know that this has an upgraded and faster processor.
Canon’s Rebel series is one of the most popular lines of professional-level cameras dating back to pre-digital days. What’s good about the Rebel line is that it always improves on previous models while keeping the features that users have grown to love.
It is hard to ignore though that the most popular feature of Rebel cameras is probably it’s price tag. It has always been affordable and friendly to beginners and casual users. This bundle for example cost less than $450, and it comes with loads of accessories. Talk about value for money. Though it is cheap, its features are anything but.
The APS-C CMOS 18MP sensor, the 3.0-inch screen, 920,000k dots, and 1080p video capture are all excellent features that can be found in more expensive cameras. And keep in mind that you are getting a Canon here, a name that has always been synonymous with high quality cameras.
The Rebel T6 is a very light camera because it’s mainly made of plastic. It’s another camera that is perfect for traveling because you can carry it around for a whole day without feeling like you’ve spent the whole day in the gym.
Of course, being made mostly of plastic has its disadvantages, being frail is probably the biggest. It’s painful to imagine what would happen to it if you accidentally drop it on the floor. So you just need to be extra careful when carrying this around and be sure that the neck strap is always around your neck.
This camera is very simple and easy to use and operate. Thanks to its Quick Control menu, you don’t even have to read the manual fully before you start using it. For complete beginners, you can leave all the decision-making to the camera by putting it in auto mode. More advanced users though would be amazed at how easy it is to adjust shutter speed, aperture value, and exposure compensation. All you need to do is to use the single control dial that is located on the camera’s shoulder.
As far as image quality is concerned, the Rebel T6 produces pleasant and punchy colors as long as the light is good. The output though tend to appear over-saturated. Skin tones also have the tendency to appear green especially in low light.
Overall, this is a good entry-level DSLR with a price tag that is very attractive.
3. Nikon D5300 24.2 MP CMOS Digital SLR Camera
The Nikon D5300 is a couple of years older than the D3400 but many regard it as the better model. It even has features that many more expensive DSLRs do not have. It has a DX-format 24.2 megapixel sensor and EXPEED 4 image processor. These are the reasons why it is able to produce high-resolution images and full HD video. This camera also works well in low light situations thanks to its ISO 12800 and a fast continuous shooting rate of 5 fps.
Like the D3400, it also omits the traditional low-pass filter allowing it to produce sharper photos and videos. It also has a versatile 39-point autofocus system that comes with nine cross-type sensors. No matter what the lighting condition is, the D5300 is always up for the job with its 2,016-pixel RGB sensor that is capable of precise exposure metering.
If you like taking videos then the D5300 is also a good choice. It supports 1920 x 1080p movie recording and can shoot in multiple frame rates up to 60 fps, with full-time continuous auto focusing capabilities.
Many prefer DSLRs over mirrorless cameras because they like to shoot using a viewfinder. The D5300 will not disappoint with its optical pentamirror optical viewfinder. It also has a vari-angle LCD monitor, which features a 180° swivel design that allows users to shoot from high or low angles with ease and comfort.
You can also control the D5300 from a distance and view photos and videos remotely when you pair it with an Android or iOS mobile device. Sharing your photos and videos with other people and geotagging is also not a problem because of the incorporated Wi-Fi and GPS modules.
Let’s say you are not happy with what your subject looks like. The D5300 comes with a wide range of Picture Control modes, Scene Modes, and Special Effects modes that allows you to enhance the look and feel of your photos. You can also do post-editing with the help of the camera’s in-camera image editing features.
It also has a built-in HDR and Active D-Lighting modes that preserve highlight and shadow details for an extended range of apparent tones in to optimize exposure results.
Here are some downsides that you need to know if you are planning to choose the D5300 over the D3400. One, it has a shorter battery life. With a full charge, you can only expect 600 shots from the D5300. On the D3400 you can get twice as much. This is not really a deal breaker though unless you are planning to use your camera for work. Who takes 1,200 photos in a day anyway?
The D5300 is also slightly heavier than the D3400. But again the extra weight is a small price to pay when you think about the excellent features of this camera.
4. Sony SLT-A58K Digital SLR Kit
Sony DSLRs, especially the Alpha line, are notorious for being expensive. But Sony does have excellent entry-level and mid-range DSLRs that will not cost you an arm and a leg and the Alpha SLT-A58K is one of them.
This model replaces both the A37 and A57 models and is created by Sony to simplify the Alpha line and make it more accessible to casual users and amateur photographers. Unlike its predecessors that feature LCD screens, the A58K boasts of an OLED viewfinder. It also has a new lock-on focus mode and Auto Object Framing mode that makes this camera a significant upgrade to previous models.
The SLT in the name refers to Sony’s translucent mirror technology (SLT). It is a standard feature in all Sony Alpha cameras that replaces the traditional mirror of a DSLR. Because of this technology, this camera has an electronic viewfinder rather than an optical one.
Like the A57, it has a 1.44m-dot resolution as the A57. But it incorporates an OLED Tru-Finder technology to reduce power consumption. One benefit of having an EVF is that it offers a 100% field of view, something that DSLRs with optical viewfinders can’t match.
The SLT technology also allows the A58 to shoot in fast burst modes. It can shoot an impressive 8fps in cropped mode. If you want to shoot at full resolution though, you can get a rate of 5fps. If you don’t want to shoot using the EVF then you can use the LCD screen. The LCD screen though of the A58 is smaller compared to that of the A57.
As far as design is concerned, the A58 takes it cues from its predecessors. If you are used to the Alpha’s large grip, then you will be glad to know that the A58 has retained that feature making this one of the most comfortable DSLRs to hold. Controls are located in accessible areas of the camera’s body. The customizable ‘Fn’ button is also well-placed providing quick access to the camera’s useful functions.
The exterior of the A58 is made mostly of plastic but the grip is rubberized, providing security and comfort. The camera feels solid and seems to be more durable than other DSLRs in its price range. One disappointing design feature of the A58 is that its lens mount is made of plastic instead of metal. So you need to keep this in mind and be extra careful when you switch lenses.
Conclusion
There you have it. Four DSLRs that will not break the bank. Now you have no excuse to keep on using your smartphone for photography. Find one that not only suits your budget, but also your particular needs.
If you loved this article, please feel free to share it on social media, or leave your thoughts in the comments section below!
