Support this site by checking prices below or shopping via our partner stores
Camera Labs Buyer's Guide:
The best budget Digital SLRs
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.
If you find our reviews useful and would like to support Camera Labs, please use our price-checking service next to each camera below. This will let you find the best prices for that particular model from reputable stores, so it's a win-win situation which saves you money and keeps us up and running. We really do appreciate your support and once you’ve bought your new camera we’d love to hear what you think in the Camera Labs forums!
|
| Nikon D40 - full review / video tour |
|
|
|
|
|
|
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, D60 and D5000) 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.
|
| Canon EOS 1000D / Rebel XS - full review / video tour |
|
|
|
|
|
The EOS 1000D / Rebel XS is the entry-level DSLR in Canon’s range, sporting 10.1 Megapixel resolution, 3fps continuous JPEG shooting and a 2.5in screen. The big new feature here is Live View, although the 1000D / XS is also Canon’s lightest DSLR to date at just 450g. The 1000D / XS also comes supplied with a stabilised kit lens and software which lets you remote control the camera with your PC or Mac. The AF system may have been downgraded from the 400D / XTi's 9-points to a more basic 7-point system, but that's still more than some models here. Ultimately the 1000D / XS remains a great choice for entry-level buyers.
Pros: Live View. Stabilised kit lens. Remote control software.
Cons: Continuous shooting slows down in RAW mode.
Overall: An affordable 10 Mpixel DSLR with Live View and a stabilised lens. |
| Canon EOS 450D / Digital Rebel XSi - full review / video tour |
|
|
|
|
|
Canon’s EOS 450D / Digital Rebel XSi offers a step-up from entry-level models like the EOS 1000D / XS without spending too much extra. Benefits include 12.2 Megapixels, a stabilised kit lens, 3in screen, 3.5fps continuous shooting, a decent viewfinder, 14-bit A-D conversion and RAW files, along with accurate Live View with the choice of two AF systems and supplied PC remote control software. It’s a lot of DSLR for the money, but be sure to compare closely with other upper entry-level models like the Olympus E-620 below.
Pros: High quality images, accurate Live View, kit lens with IS.
Cons: Live View not as quick as the A350 and the screen is fixed.
Overall: A desirable step-up from entry-level DSLRs. |
| Olympus E-620 - full review / video tour in HD |
|
|
|
|
|
The Olympus E-620 is a feature-packed DSLR which offers a step-up from entry-level models at an affordable price. It takes the 12.3 Megapixel sensor, Live View and fully articulated 2.7in screen of the higher-end E-30, but packs them into a compact and surprisingly comfortable body. It also features built-in stabilisation which works with any lens you attach. Responding to criticism of the earlier E-520, Olympus has also enlarged the viewfinder and improved the AF to a 7-point system, while keeping the superb ant-dust system. Olympus has really done its homework, delivering a DSLR which features just about everything a modern DSLR buyer is looking for. A superb choice and great value in its twin lens kit.
Pros: Built-in stabilisation; articulated screen; best anti-dust.
Cons: No video recording or HDMI port.
Overall: A step-up from entry-level models at a great price. |
| Panasonic Lumix DMC-G1 - full review / video tour in HD |
|
|
|
|
|
Technically speaking the G1 is not a DSLR as it dispenses with the mirror and optical viewfinder to deliver a particularly compact body – but it does have a DSLR-sized sensor and removeable lenses, which is why it’s here. The G1 sports 12 Megapixel resolution, a large and detailed articulated screen, a superb electronic viewfinder and a responsive Live View system. The body is smaller and lighter than rival DSLRs without compromising comfort and ergonomics. Action or low light photographers will prefer a true optical SLR system, but the Lumix G1 remains a great camera and an impressive debut for the new Micro Four Thirds format.
If you'd like a version with HD video, check out the Lumix GH1.
Pros: Compact body; articulated screen; superb EVF.
Cons: Viewfinder not best-suited to low light or action shots.
Overall: A small but impressive camera.
|
Camera Labs Buyer's Guides
Budget DSLRs / Mid-range DSLRs / Semi-pro DSLRs / Compacts / Premium Compacts / Clearance bargains
|
