Best DSLR for beginners: 6 tested

The entry-level DSLR market has always been one of the most hotly contested, which is great news for all of us on a tight budget. As manufacturers continually try to outdo each other, cheaper DSLRs have improved in specification and advanced features over the last few years.

The latest round of models offer superb image quality and great versatility, but that's not all.

Simplicity is a key factor in entry-level DSLRs. They need to keep things easy so that anybody launching into photography for the first time, or upgrading from a compact camera, can get good results without lots of technical knowledge and experience. As such, you can expect fully automatic shooting options and scene modes aplenty, so you can easily tailor camera settings to the picture opportunity at hand.

Naturally, as you grow in knowledge and expertise, you'll want more creative control. A good entry-level camera should therefore also be able to grow with you, making manual adjustments easy to get at and quick to use.

Better still, they should give you as much help as possible along the way, with intuitive interfaces that guide you towards greater proficiency.

Budget cameras aren't just for beginners, though. If you have a mid-range DSLR that's a few years old, the latest entry-level models may well outstrip it in terms of image quality. Chances are you'll get higher sensor resolution along with lower image noise at high ISO sensitivity settings.

New cameras often fare better at controlling dynamic range too, so you'll get better shadow detail with less risk of blown highlights. Extra features usually include live view for composing shots on the camera's LCD, plus widescreen video capture at either 720p or Full HD 1080p.

If you're upgrading from an old camera, you probably won't need a host of beginner-orientated features. With the possibility you have generous friends and family, or you just owe yourself a treat, we've included a couple of slightly more sophisticated cameras in the group.

These are the Canon EOS 600D and the Nikon D5100, both of which offer advanced features while still being budget-friendly. 

Canon EOS 600D

 Nikon D5100