Like most people just starting out, it can be confusing to figure out which is the best DSLR camera for beginners. There are so many different makes, models, and price points for entry-level DSLR cameras that it’s no wonder digital photography newbies make mistakes when buying their first DSLR. Let’s take a look at what’s available on the market today and see if we can make your decision any easier.

Some of the best entry-level cameras are made by Canon, Nikon, Olympus, Pentax, Panasonic, and Sigma. Each manufacturer produces cameras with different controls and features. Their cameras have different lenses, different resolutions, ease of use, and performance attributes. They also differ widely in pricing to suit your budget. Customer support for after-sales service also varies from manufacturer to manufacturer. So how do you decide which is the best DSLR camera for you? One of the best ways, aside from personal recommendations from friends who have already made their choice and are using your camera, is to browse an online review of camera models.

PC World, Top Ten Reviews, and Gizmo Crazed are some of the websites that can provide you with all the necessary reviews you need. PC World lists the eight best DSLR cameras for beginners, with the Canon EOS Rebel T3i and Sony Alpha DSLR-A580 cameras topping the list. The difference between this Canon model and the Sony model cameras lies in its movie making capabilities. PC World’s 2011 review says that the Rebel T3i is a “photo-taking and movie-making machine”, while the Sony Alpha has limited video capability. Included in their list is a Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF2C digital SLR camera that is cheap and compact with interchangeable lenses. The Top Ten Reviews site also lists eight different DSLR cameras. They recommend the Canon Rebel T4i as the best entry-level DSLR camera on the market today. The Nikon D5100 came in second place because it allows you to be creative and because of its Full HD movie making feature. The Sigma SD 15, which retails for $904 was not a cheap camera and had no live view or video features, coming in at eighth and last place. The Gizmo Crazed site lists 10 cameras in this category of the best DSLR camera for beginners. It lists the Canon EOS 650D as the best DSLR camera due to its ease of use and LCD touch screen. Its price of $750 is reasonably cheap compared to other makes and models. The Sony A37 was considered to be number 2 on their list, but it is actually more of a single-lens translucent (SLT) camera than an SLR camera. It has an electronic viewfinder, as opposed to an optical viewfinder. This unique camera is suitable for beginners. Their most expensive camera at $1195 that they recommended was the Nikon D5200 which came in at number 5. They considered this camera to be a “tough toy” with many powerful features.

As you can see, opinion differs widely as to what is considered the best entry-level DSLR camera. You can do your research with online reviews, you can chat directly with photographers at the same level of proficiency as you. You can also go to a camera store and chat with the sellers and ask them to show you different cameras so you can feel what they look like and see how they work etc. I would only recommend this course of action as a last resort and after you have shortlisted your choice for maybe 2 or 3 cameras.