Digital SLR cameras on a shoestring

Lori Grunin
Senior editor March 12, 2010 (updated on: July 8, 2011)

Remember when it was common to drop $400 to $650 on a nice digital point-and-shoot? These days, with the same money, you can pick up a digital SLR camera. These aren't professional models or the very best that current technology has to offer, but for the photo enthusiast on a budget--or even the avid family photographer--they can be a big leap forward. With larger sensors and generally faster performance than snapshot models offer, these cameras provide plenty of tools for photographers who prefer a camera with more than one button. And if you save your pennies, you can increase their flexibility and image quality in the future with additional lens and accessory purchases. But which to buy from this year's models? Here's my take.

With the best overall performance, best low-light photo quality, and as the cheapest dSLR to offer video capture, the Pentax K-x rules for best overall value. It's not perfect--the video quality is just so-so, the automatic white balance is overly cool, and it's not a particularly newbie-targeted model--but it's solidly built and runs off AA batteries.

For the first-timer friendliest, the Nikon D3000 provides a guided shooting mode that can help you get up to speed. But it also has the most limited feature set of the bunch--there's no exposure or flash exposure bracketing, for example.

Keep in mind that only a couple hundred dollars more will buy a lot more camera; generally, models one price class up supply video capture, as well as better performance and photo quality. Plus, you've got a lot more to choose from.