Do you fancy clicking marvelous shots just like your high school buddy? Those images are temping, am I right? Just give up staying worried about the prices and give a try to the best budget DSLRs for you. These days the best DSLR cameras under 300 are quite popular for their performance. The viewfinder and live viewing shooting modes deliver spectacular results.
Moreover, they also have a capable video mode to make it a strong choice among professional photographers and photo enthusiasts. Buying a new digital SLR camera can be a big investment, especially the ones that have advanced and newest features.
But, the camera technology is adding specifications in some models for you to shop on a budget. The best DSLR camera under 300 that has similar specifications like the entry-level pricing models can give you equal image quality.
Best DSLR Cameras Under $300 – Expert Picks
In this article, we will give you a list of the budget-friendly DSLRs based on the Best DSLR Camera Reviews.
1. Panasonic Lumix FZ80 4K Digital Camera
This model has the right focal point that shoots pretty well. The long zoom camera is a perfect point and shoots camera, especially for photographers and travelers. The best DSLR camera for under 300 combines the Exclusive 4K photo and 4K video capture specifications to deliver elegant performance. The 8.1-megapixel digital camera uses a Lumix DC Vario lens to make it an excellent one.
The aperture range is between 2.8 to 5.9 that makes it optically stabilized with the OIS technology by Panasonic. It uses high high-resolution technology to capture stunning quality photographs and delivers printable photos. You can also make use of the post focus and focus stacking features to change the depth of field for the photos. So, now be ready to enjoy the travel travel-friendly technologies like Wi-Fi connectivity and USB charging that will give you maximum convenience.
The high end 1170 K touch touch-enabled display and viewfinder makes it a great camera for everyone. The best DSLR camera under 300 is a mark of Panasonic’s new technology. The 20mm Wide apertures can take the snaps of breath-taking landscapes. Moreover, 4K video technology is enabled with UHD photography to give dramatic results.
The Ultra-high high-resolution delivers fast 30 frames per second capacity. You can play, pause, and save the way you want. The impressive low light performance will give you the flexibility to enjoy photography even during the night time.
It takes into consideration the impressive low light capture. The 4K technology makes use of the post focus feature to give you the desired results. You can also get the option for selecting the several focus points with the help of focus stacking feature. The comfort grip and high-resolution view viewfinder give you an ergonomic touch.
Specifications:
- Megapixels: 18.1
- Dimensions: 4.7 x 5.1 x 3.7 inches
- Weight: 1.36 pounds
- Amazing picture quality
- High-end quality
- poor low light action shots
- Unavailability of the focus ring, and FAST FPS
2. Canon EOS 4000D DSLR Camera
The photo bundle camera comes with a high-end Canon EOS 4000D camera body. The best-used DSLR camera under 300 uses the EF-s of 18 to 55mm and a focal length of 3.5 to 5.6. The lens is a fantastic one. Moreover, the packaging has a clean cloth for you to wipe the camera lens whenever needed. The DSLR camera comes with LP E10 battery and LC E10 charger.
The support to the lens cap and the camera body is delivered by the Canon neck strap. The best DSLR camera under 300 dollars also comes with the Canon EOS camera body that has18.0 MP CMOS sensor. It has the DIGIC 4 + image processor and LCD to capture in an elegant snap. The 230 K dots offers full hd1080p video resolution.
Moreover, the user can control the autofocus mode. The sharp images are a result of the ISO 12800 specifications. Moreover, the built-in Wi-Fi and scene intelligent autofocus gives high-end photography. So, now enjoy all the aspects of this model that comes with a great aperture range. The camera has a spectra coating with a micro motor app system to make it different from its competitors.
It has the ability to create distinctive stories with quality photos and full HD movies. You can harness all the benefits of the 18-megapixel EOS 4000 camera. Be ready to share your pictures instantly and shoot remotely with the help of compatible smartphones that are enabled with Canon camera connect application and Wi-Fi.
It is a frame and shoots model to deliver great results. With the intelligent autofocus, you can now enjoy shooting with a creative auto mode that will deliver a unique finish. The creative filters will let you shoot with confidence and capture every joyous moment with your friends and family.
Specifications:
- Megapixels: 18
- Dimensions: 5.1 x 4 x 3 inches
- Weight: 15.4 ounces
- Easy to use
- Handy model for the beginners
- Value for money
- Durability is an issue according to some users
3. Canon Digital Rebel XSI 12.2 MP
The stunning photography that you will get with this point and shoot Canon EOS Rebel camera will be remarkable. The technological innovation that is brought to this model will give you a vivid range of benefits. It uses the integrated cleaning system and LiveView functions that make its stand ahead of its competitors.
Moreover, the availability of the powerful image processor with a 12.2 megapixel CMOS sensor makes it a complete model. It uses optical image stabilizer to deliver refined and elegant photographs. The ergonomic design is a result of the 3.0 inch LCD monitor that is compatible with SD and SDHC memory cards. It has all the other accessories to enhance the photographic experience.
It captures the images in a manner to deliver exceptional clarity and tonal range. The camera has light-gathering efficiency to dramatically enhance the image quality and speed up the operations. It has huge levels of performance that will work in all lighting situations With time, it has become the top of the line Pro digital camera that can transform light colours to dark colours.
This camera uses professional software to give a defined image. The 14-bit conversion gives high priority to every detail. The availability of Optimisation allows it to maintain the tonal detail of the object it’s shooting. You can also maximize performance between the recording stages and capturing stages of Digital Photography.
Specifications:
- Megapixels: 12.2
- Dimensions: 2.4 x 5.1 x 3.8 inches
- Weight: 1.19 pounds
- CMOS sensor in this camera delivers higher levels of performance
- speedy and resize operation availability with the JPEG and RAW images
- delivers speedy shots with brightness monitoring capacity
- Prolonged battery life
- Some users complain that the Image Quality isn’t up to the mark
- horrible Auto Focus according to some buyers
4. Canon EOS Rebel SL1
It is the smallest and lightest DSLR but unique in its performance. You can get the newly designed Canon 18.0 megapixel CMOS sensor to deliver the extraordinary image quality. It is ideal for the ones who are looking for a compact camera. The ISO range is between 100 to 12000 to give you high-quality video. Moreover, you can go ahead with continuous shooting even in the dim light settings.
Now be ready to get the benefits of accurate tracking during live view shooting. Every image and video will be crisp and clear. The AF also works fantastically well to give you permanent results. The optical viewfinder that is available in this model comes with the bright wide touch screen. You can monitor the creative filters for amazing capture and processing power.
Moreover, it has the availability of a DIGIC 5 image processor too. So, now be ready to set up the camera on your own by choosing or crop settings. The camera has the capability of capturing pictures with tonal range and exceptional clarity. It presents features for professional-grade photography. The high-speed continuous shooting up to 1 / 4000 second will help you to rapidly unfold the scenes effortlessly.
Specifications:
- Megapixels:18.0
- Dimensions: 8.7 x 6.5 x 5.4 inches
- Weight: 14.4 ounces
- Simplicity makes it an outstanding camera for video capturing
- You can enable manual control over the focus exposure and live view features
- Availability of camera editing option for smooth and quiet continuous AF
- Expensive to repair
- “free accessories” are not available in every package.
5. Sony Alpha A200K 10.2MP
The Sony Alpha DSLR A200K model is an entry-level digital SLR that uses 10 Megapixel resolution. It has three frames per second range of continuous shooting that makes use of the dynamic range optimizer. You can get overall benefits with this model due to its availability of high-end specifications. It is becoming quite handy among modern photographers because of its special features.
The lighter and easy to use best beginner DSLR camera under $300 is upgraded with the features like a wider 2.7-inch clear photo screen for easy playback. Moreover, it has a compact body along with the easily accessible mode dial. The developers have improved noise control to deliver higher quality images. You can also monitor the autofocus speed around 1.7 times faster than what was there in the previous model.
It makes use of an improved predictive control performance along with quieter shutter sound. Availability of automatic popup flash with prolonged battery life indicates that it will be a durable model. You can also get the image stabilization for shooting at shutter speeds around 2.5 to 3.5 steps slower when compared to other models.
The compatible lens attached to the camera can capture high-quality images that make use of advanced technology. The practical and ideal camera captures every detail in the pictures. It has the ability to reduce the picture size. The availability of slots for compact Flash media cards is an added benefit. The image quality is fantastic even in the backlit setups and high contrast areas.
Specifications:
- Megapixels: 10
- Dimensions: 10.7 x 7.7 x 7.1 inches
- Weight: 4.45 pounds
- Immediately picks up the autofocus before you are attempting to press the shutter
- The easy to use interface and function menu makes it a great model for the beginners
- It does not come with modern memory cards. Instead, it uses a compact flash card.
Buying Guide: Things To Know About Best DSLRs
Getting the depth of Creative freedom with the DSLR cameras to require following some set of specifications before purchasing one. So, now be ready to enjoy the standard full HD quality for your exciting scenes and fast-paced action. If it was always your dream to buy the first digital SLR camera that will be a fantastic model, you have to go through a number of specifications before buying a model.
Sensor size:
As far as the exposure flexibility and picture quality are reasons, one of the most popular reasons for buying the DSLR cameras is the size of the sensors and photo site are larger. The surface area of the photosite is also appropriate to capture the right image. In fact, most people look for the dynamic range in the resulting images as well a camera that has the ability to capture bright and also contrasting conditions. With these sensors, they can record every minute detail in the brightest and dim areas.
Brand:
Photographers who are already using a camera for capturing films and have an interchangeable pair of lenses, wish to get a digital camera from the same manufacturer. When you buy from a brand, it does make logical and financial sense. Most DSLR cameras have their focal length of around 45mm. If you choose to buy from a reputed brand, you can rest assured that it will be designed for imaging onto the film. It will also have a definite structure with the image sensor. The image quality will be a high-end one. These cameras are not even heavy and bulky.
Lens:
The entry-level DSLR has at least a medium-range lens for zooming. But most of the high-end models make use of two lenses. The additional less that is supplied with some of the models have the capability of zooming. The focal length ranges from 70 to 200mm. So, they are optimised to increase the speed of shooting without compromising the speed of the lens.
Camera megapixel resolution:
The number of megapixels supported on the camera is a mandatory factor that you must go through before buying a digital SLR. The number of megapixels in an image file should dictate the size that can be printed in the form of photo quality. You can also choose to produce an excellent A3 size printout with the help of A5 16 megapixel DSLR camera. The 8-megapixel sensor includes 30% more photo size when compared to a 6-megapixel sensor. Most photo enthusiasts will like the idea of buying a DSLR camera that has a high-grade megapixel DSLR.
Durability:
You should always keep in mind that the plastic bodies are not so tough and durable like the metal bodies. But, you can use them for normal handling.
How A DSLR Camera Will Sharpen Your Photography Skills?
If you are buying a DSLR camera and you are regularly working on it, you will definitely develop the habit of producing quality portraits and landscapes. DSLRs are not just for professional photography; rather, beginners can use it as well. They are portable and easy to handle for you to become a pro in sometime, When you operate your camera regularly, you will come to know more about it the way you know yourself. It will make sure that you will become habituated in mastering the skills.
Read the Manual
Here you will come to know about what your digicam can do. After this, you can start taking manual photos by ditching the preset and use them accordingly for shooting your subject. You can also learn about controlling the shooting speed of your camera. With time, you will develop a habit of checking the filters that will give you point and shoot quality of images. The camera will also give you an opportunity to learn that you don’t need to always use the camera whenever something is happening. You can take time in using it in a wise way.
Help you to discover new ways of shooting:
Only when you buy a good DSLR camera within the affordable range, you will get a lot to learn. With it, will give you the opportunity to make the most of what you already have. When you take your camera along with you for an outing or picnic time, it will give you an exceptional opportunity to take great shots anytime and anywhere. You can manually monitor the modes like automatic mode for portrait landscape, and the night mode for shooting during the night and low light conditions. You can use them and prepare yourself for shooting in a better manner. You will know about how to activate and use the night mode for creating a great shot. When you practice with a DSLR, you can also learn about setting the night mode in low light situations. Consequently, you will develop skills to capture a well-balanced picture with the use of a tripod.
Let you learn about picture capturing styles:
A DSLR will give you the opportunity to experiment with your style of clicking pictures. You don’t have to always aim towards using high-calibre styles. Sometimes, you can simply use HDR photography, panoramic shots, and infrared settings for testing the way they work. Even if you start shooting simple shots in black and white, you will naturally develop an idea about how to try landscape shots.
The opportunity to learn about the settings:
A DSLR camera definitely has an enormous number of settings. Lighting is one such factor that usually attracts beginners. The way you handle it and monitor the settings for proper lighting will let you learn how to even take a good vintage shot. All you have to do is to just take a creative subject in front of the camera and start clicking. With time, you will also develop the habit of positioning your frame in a proper manner.
FAQs:
1Q. Is it worth purchasing a DSLR camera?
Ans: These days the DSLR cameras are popular for many reasons. One of the most important reasons is the interchangeable lenses that 95% of the photographers, including professionals and amateurs use. They like purchasing the DSLR camera to start with their profitable photography business. On the other hand, some people love only taking pictures as a random hobby.
2Q. Does it really matter what cameras I am using?
Ans: The prime points of focus in photography these days are both the camera quality and a good eye. For professionals, a professional camera is definitely durable and reliable. Moreover, they can capture around 100000 exposures with weather-sealed lenses.
3Q. Mirrorless cameras are witnessing popularity these days, should I buy a mirrorless or DSLR?
Ans: Mirrorless cameras are lighter, faster and more compact for videos. But when it comes to the cost of accessing the fewer lenses and accessories, it is better to have the DSLR because they will give you an advantage in selecting lenses and the optical viewfinder that will work better even during low light conditions. The only problem is that they are bulky and complex.
4Q. What is the mode of shooting for professional photographers?
Ans: Professional photographers always choose to shoot with aperture priority mode. Even some hobbyist photographers use it most of the time when you set at this mode. You can capture at random shutter speeds for the proper exposure of the picture.
5Q. How many megapixels are there in 4K?
Ans: 1080 prefers 2.1 megapixels. Again, 4K refers to 8.5 megapixels. When you purchase an 8k resolution camera, you can get the pixel resolution range of professional grade. The high-end photography requires around 33.2 megapixels.
Conclusion:
The new technology in modern DSLRs will deliver outstanding images. Moreover, the analog to digital converter technology in the best DSLR camera under 300 will generate fine tones. Hope that you’ve liked our list of items that have the capability of delivering natural exposed pictures. Now it’s time to mention two special cameras on our list.
The third camera in our list, Canon Digital Rebel XSI 12.2 MP is quite a popular one with top quality specifications. Again, our fifth camera Sony Alpha A200K 10.2MP is the cheapest. So get ready to buy the camera suitable for you.