BEST DSLR CAMERAS TO BUY IN A LIMITED BUDGET - © munish khanna

When you start off in Photography, You have two things in mind. One is - How to take good pictures? How to learn Photography and the other one is- which Camera should you buy? Some of the good cameras suggested and compared below, when you do not want to spend much on a camera and the lens. I would recommend Canon EOS 200D or Canon EOS 800D amongst Canon Cameras and Nikon D7100 or D5600 amongst Nikon Cameras. Do check out the detailed comparison.

• If you are comparing with a smart phone, any DSLR will give better results as compared to the photographs of a mobile phone. A smartphone images at times do look nice but that's because of the screen size and resolution. Once you transfer the images to a computer, you should be able to compare better
• In Today's era having WiFi or NFC are relevant as you can quickly share the images. If sharing the images is the only concern, then why not shoot with a mobile phone itself.
• None of these cameras is full frame. Go for a full frame camera if your budget allows
• Having more cross type AF points is a good feature and will help in fast focusing ( Expensive cameras have still more such focusing points )
• It's good to have at least 24 mega pixel (around or more)  
• I would recommend either EOS 200D or EOS 750D as compared to EOS 1300D
• I would recommend either Nikon D7100 or D5600 as compared to D3400
• Canon 800D can be compared with Nikon D7100. Canon 800 D has faster processor, wifi and other sharing options. Nikon has more focusing points. 51 as compared to 45 of canon 800D. being a canon user, I may be more biased towards canon. In the same price bracket, Canon 800D should be better choice.
• characteristics like weight etc. do not matter so much here as they all all of almost the same weight and size.
• while you are exploring a camera in this budget, but the camera along with the kit lens. Buying the same lens separately is more expensive as compared to buying it alone.
• Lens makes a huge difference in the image quality. If you wish to improve the quality of your images, you may add superior professional lenses any time.
• Although camera does not directly effect your photography but it does matter. More professional cameras are easier to shoot with compared to lower budget cameras as buttons and controls are more accessible.
• Which ever camera you may buy or use, if you are not a good photographer, just the camera by itself will not make you a good photographer.
• Consider learning photography. I have specialised affordable online photography courses which will certainly enable you to shoot better and best utilise your investment in expensive photography cameras and other equipment.
• If you can afford and money is not a problem. start off in photography with a more professional camera. There are cheaper options in professional category as well.
• Sony cameras are not mentioned here but it's worth comparing with some of the Sony cameras as well.
• The advantage of going for Canon or Nikon cameras is that in case you need to borrow or share a lens or an accessory, there is more possibility that your friends may own a Nikon or a Canon camera.  

Megapixel count - Having more number of pixels is always an advantage. It enables you to capture detail better. Go for at least 20+ number of pixels.

Sensor size - sensor , the size of the film, known as the full frame is any day better than the smaller sensor. But the price also is higher. You may consider the lowest priced full frame camera.

Processor - Camera's processor plays a vital role in Digital Photography. Always go for the newest and more powerful processor.

Variable angle touchscreen LCD - This helps in certain situations where you want to shoot at a very low angle or from a higher perspective. But when comparing, this alone cant be a deciding factor. A camera with higher number of pixels or a better processor will score higher compare to the one with a tiltable screen. While touchscreen can benefit but again cant be the sole deciding factor.

WIFI / NFC / Bluetooth - Social sharing In today's time of social sharing, especially for people who are moving to a DSLR because they want better quality as compared to their smart phones, this is an important feature as they can instantly share their images. This may not be an important feature to consider for the professionals or more serious hobbyists or purists. It could also be other way around. There are many photographers today as compared to earlier times. one can even pursue it with a mobile phone and that camera segment was particularly being effected in terms of sale. How many people go for compact cameras today ? The smart phone itself is the camera for this category.

Number of focusing points More the number of focusing points, easier is the focusing especially when you do not need to shift the camera to focus on an off camera subject.

Cross type focusing points Out of these more number of cross type focusing points help focus faster. Go for the camera which has more number of cross type focusing points.

compact and light weight design Even if the camera is very light or compact, it can't fit into your pocket like a mobile phone. As long as it's not too heavy for you, a few grams here and there should not matter. Being a bit compact also should not be the only deciding factor, although you may consider this aspect.

Video capabilities Most of the cameras now come with Full High Definition videos. 

Slow motion Slow motion is about the number of frames per second in video. 60 fps is video which 25 fps is normal video. You should be able to get FHD in slow motion as well. Again, are you buying the camera for photography or video. What is your main concern? 

4K This is the future. In this budget you are not likely to get the 4K video option. Then again the same question. You are aiming at photography or cinematography ?

Accessories- keep Budget for the accessories as well. The camera by itself will not suffice. You may need to upgrade or buy a computer or a laptop if you already do not have one. memory card - SD cards will need to be bought. camera bag, tripod, flash etc etc. will eventually add on the the budget which you have planned.

Lenses- Since you are starting off with a limited budget go for the lenses which come along with the camera as a kit. These are not the top notch lenses but then you are getting what you are paying for. You can certainly add the lenses any time.

High ISO capability - Go for the camera which performs better at higher ISO. This will let you shoot in low light conditions without the use of a flash. Check for the sample images which are available on the official websites of Nikon, Canon and Sony or in general camera reviews.

Resale- The resale of any electronic items is not much. same is the case with the cameras. They do get outdated quite fast as the new technology and new cameras come in. so if you are planning to buy a cheaper camera because you are a beginner and you are learning, think again! Go for a good camera straight away!

Only the Camera bodies compared below along with the most essential features to consider while buying a new camera. Kindly recheck the specifications with the original manufacturer's website as well to ensure accuracy.

Prices with Kits lenses as in August 2017 on the official websites

Canon EOS 200D Kit (EF-S18-55 IS STM) INR 47,495.00

Canon EOS 1300D Double Zoom (EF S18-55 IS II & EF S55-250 IS II) INR 41,695.00 

Nikon D3400 with D-ZOOM KIT: AF-P DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR + AF-P DX NIKKOR 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3G ED VR - INR 44450

Canon EOS 750D Kit (EF-S18-55mm IS STM) INR 55,995.00

EOS 200D Kit (EF-S18-55 IS STM & EF-S55-250 IS STM) INR 60,495.00

Nikon D 5500 (with D-ZOOM KIT: AF-P 18-55mm VR + AF-S 55-200mm VRII Kit Lenses) INR 61950

Do compare Sony cameras as well. But personally I am not a big fan of electronic viewfinder and would always prefer an optical viewfinder.

You may refer to the official websites of Nikon Canon Sony for detailed updated information.

Munish Khanna, a Delhi based Photographer who loves to travel and explore the world through his camera. Munish uses Canon cameras for travel. he uses Mamiya 645 AFDII with Phase one P30+ for commercial photography besides canon cameras.  He has participated in several Photography exhibitions around the world.