If you’re shopping for a budget DSLR, you’ve come to the right place! At Camera Labs we provide in-depth reviews but understand you’re busy people who sometimes just want recommendations of the most outstanding products.

So here we cut to the chase and list the best models around right now. We’ve fully tested each one and there’s links to our reviews for more details – and to see an actual demonstration of their highlights, be sure to check out our video tours.

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The D40 is Nikon’s entry-level DSLR and one of the most affordable models around. It's the lowest resolution model here with only 6 Megapixels, but that's still enough to make a decent-sized print. As an older model, the D40 is missing some of the latest features, so there's no Live View, the kit lens doesn't have stabilisation and it employs a basic 3-point AF system. Continuous shooting is just 2.5fps and the screen an unremarkable 2.5in. But the reason the D40 still comes recommended is because of its low price, friendly help system and virtually foolproof metering which gets it right almost every time. Note: the D40 (and D40x and D60) will only autofocus with the latest lenses sporting built-in motors like Nikkor AF-S or Sigma HSM models; older models are manual focus only.

Pros: Small, light body; easy to use; foolproof metering.
Cons: Only 6 Mpixels. No AF with older lenses. No Live View. No stabilisation in standard kit.
Overall: A good choice for first-time DSLR owners.

The Alpha A200 is Sony's entry-level DSLR, and one of the most affordable models here. It offers 10 Megapixel resolution, built-in image stabilisation which works with any lens you attach, 3fps continuous shooting, and a battery indicator which gives an exact percentage remaining, so there's no nasty surprises. The information on the 2.7in screen rotates as you turn the camera on its side, so it always remains upright, and the Function button allows you to quickly change most settings. The A200 might not have Live View, but is great value considering you're getting 10 Megapixels and built-in stabilisation. It's a good choice for a first-time DSLR buyer on a budget.

Pros: Built-in stabilisation. Accurate battery meter. 2.7in screen.
Cons: No Live View; noisier than rivals at 800 ISO and above.
Overall: Great value DSLR with 10 Mpixels and stabilisation.

Nikon's D60 is the successor to the D40x, and virtually identical to this model. It shares the same 10.2 Megapixel sensor, the same 2.5in screen, same 3fps continuous shooting and virtually the same body. New to the D60 are a stop-motion recording mode, eye sensors which switch the screen off, Active D-Lighting which can adjust the tonal range of your photos, an anti-dust system and a kit lens with VR stabilisation. Like the D40 and D40x though, you'll still need AF-S lenses to autofocus - non AF-S models become manual focus only. The D60 may be lacking Live View and have a basic 3-point AF system, but like the D40, it's here because it remains a very usable camera which is easy to operate and delivers great results with little effort. A good choice, but compare carefully with its rivals.

Pros: Easy to use. Foolproof metering. Stabilised kit lens.
Cons: No AF with older lenses. No Live View. 3-point AF.
Overall: A good choice for beginners who don't need Live View.

The Pentax K200D was launched as the company's entry-level DSLR, but has a fairly unique feature-set, including 10.2 Megapixel resolution, built-in Shake Reduction which works with any lens you attach, and, impressively for the price, dust-proof, weather-resistant construction. The K200D also features a 2.7in screen, 11-point AF system, and an optional battery grip. On the downside, there's no Live View, continuous shooting is limited to four frames at 2.8fps, and in our tests it had a tendency to sometimes underexpose. But there's no camera in this category which boasts this degree of tough construction, so if you like to shoot in rainy or dusty conditions and can't stretch to a higher-end model, the K200D is a great choice.

Pros: Built-in anti-shake. Weather-proof body. 11-point AF.
Cons: No Live View. Tendency to underexpose. 2.8fps.
Overall: The most affordable DSLR with weather-proofing.