Best Entry-Level DSLR and Mirrorless Cameras of 2019

The SL2 is also one of the smallest DSLRs available right now, so if you’re making the jump from a compact camera or a smartphone, this little guy won’t feel like a bulky, heavy camera in your hand.

Get an in-depth look at this camera in the video above by AdoramaTV.

Current Price: $599.00 with 18-55mm f/4-5.6 IS STM lens

Read our Canon EOS Rebel SL2 review.

Editor’s Tip: Saving money when you’re starting out in photography is paramount. Now that the SL3 has been announced, the SL2 is an even more affordable entry-level camera. With that extra money in your pocket, consider buying an upgraded lens for your SL2. A good first choice is the Canon EF 50MM F/1.8 STM. A 50mm lens is incredibly versatile for stills and video, is small and lightweight, and with its big f/1.8 aperture, it’s great for low-light shooting as well.

Top DSLR Camera for Beginners: Nikon D3500

Aside from the lack of LCD features, the D3500 offers superb performance for beginners.

Its sensor is widely regarded as one of the best of the entry-level bunch. It has a guide shooting mode that is basically a built-in camera assistant to help you capture the best shots by explaining different camera settings.

This camera also has simple, easy-to-use controls that are easy to learn, which makes it one of the best DSLR cameras for beginners. See what I mean in the video above by Jared Polin.

Current Price: $446.95 with 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR Lens

Further Reading: DSLRs Are Still in the Game: Top 5 DSLR Cameras of 2018

Good Camera for Beginners: Nikon D5600

As noted above, the D5600 is perhaps the best option if you want to future-proof your kit for a few years.

With the D3500 and the Rebel SL2, you might find that in a couple of years your skills are beyond what those cameras can handle. The D5600, though, can grow with you and provide you all the photo-taking power you need for years to come.

Learn more about this camera in the video above by RealWorld.

Current Price: $596.95 (body only)

Further Reading: Who makes the best DSLR camera for beginners: Canon or Nikon?

Editor’s Tip: When looking for the best entry-level DSLR, price should be one of the primary factors you use to determine which camera to buy. The more you spend on your camera, the less you have to buy lenses, and lenses are the more important of the two. In fact, after you get a good camera for beginners, start thinking about adding a good prime lens to your bag. If you shoot landscapes, a 24mm f/2.8 is a great option. If you shoot portraits, think about an 85mm f/1.8.

Other DSLR Cameras for Beginners

Other options for the best DSLR camera for beginners include the models listed below.

Nikon D3400

The design of this camera is worth mentioning as well. It’s small and lightweight, and it looks great with a vintage vibe.

Don’t let its little body fool you, though. This camera is on the edge of a beginner and intermediate body, so it has the chops to work hard for you as your skills grow. That’s why I’ve listed it as one of the best mirrorless cameras for beginners!

Get a detailed review of the X-T100 in the video above by The Art of Photography.

Current Price: $499.95 (body only)

Further Reading: The Fujifilm X-T100 is a Great Camera (and Cheap Too)

Editor’s Tip: One thing to bear in mind with mirrorless cameras is that they have much smaller bodies than DSLRs. Though that’s great for saving weight and room in your camera bag, if you have large hands, you might find the smaller grips on mirrorless cameras to be less comfortable than those on DSLRs. Not sure what else to consider when shopping for a good mirrorless camera for beginners? Consult this DSLR vs mirrorless guide.

Top Mirrorless Camera for Beginners: Sony a6400

Of course, those fancy features means that this is more of mid-range camera for enthusiasts, but a beginner with some gusto and time to learn how to use this camera will find it to be well-equipped and ready to tackle all kinds of tasks.

It has a moisture-resistant body and is rated to 200,000 shutter clicks, so it’s a camera that should last you a good, long while as well.

See the Sony a6400 in action in the video above by Dan Watson.

Current Price: $1,158.35 (with a 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS lens)

Further Reading: Top Accessories for Sony a6300, Sony a6400, and Sony a6500 

Good Mirrorless Camera for Beginners: Olympus OM-D E-M10 III

This camera also has built-in 5-axis image stabilization.

Add to that 4K UHD video shooting and 8.6 fps burst shooting, and you have the makings of a great little camera.

See how the Olympus OM-D E-M10 III works in the real world in the video above by AdoramaTV.

Current Price: $649.00 (body only)

Further Reading: Best Still Cameras for Dynamic Range

Other Mirrorless Cameras for Beginners

If the above mirrorless cameras aren’t quite what you’re looking for, consider the following as good mirrorless cameras for beginners.

Sony a6000

Type: Mirrorless 24.2-megapixel APS-C CMOS Sensor 3-inch 180-degree tilting LCD with 1.04 million dots 1080p Full HD video 6.1 fps burst shooting speed Canon EF-M Mount

Pros: Cheap ($449.00 with EF-M 15-45mm f/3.5-6.3 IS STM Lens), easy to use

Cons: Limited features, no viewfinder

With that, you have a solid list of choices for the best entry-level DSLR and the best entry-level mirrorless cameras.

Any of these options would be great for a beginner, but keep in mind that if you have some experience, one of the more advanced cameras on this list will be the better bet for you.