While mirrorless cameras gain the spotlight, DSLR cameras quietly hold their ground by offering enduring advantages. Among these are longer battery lives, rugged builds, and, arguably, better image quality.

While they are not cheap, you can still find many quality DSLR cameras at budget-friendly prices. You may have to compromise on some premium features, but an affordable DSLR is still an excellent camera for most.

Here are the best budget DSLR cameras available today.

Our Favorite Budget DSLR Cameras in 2023

The Nikon D3500 is one of the best DSLRs you can find for beginners, and it's also an affordable option for kick-starting your DSLR adventure. It’s compact and lightweight. In fact, it’s Nikon’s lightest DSLR at just 14.6oz, and it has a list of impressive features suitable for novices.

Learning how to use those features is a breeze with a built-in guide ideal for newbies looking to learn how to use the camera's various functions. You’ll get step-by-step directions on achieving shallow depth of field, using the AF and continuous shooting for action shots, and taking advantage of the camera’s 100-25,600 ISO range, among many other techniques.

It’s a basic, easy-to-use device that delivers fantastic image quality thanks to its 24.2MP DX-Format sensor and EXPEED 4 processor. Your photos will have good details, edge-to-edge sharpness, natural colors, and striking contrast. However, there is no 4K video. Instead, you have Full HD at up to 60fps. But, with a non-tilting, non-touch screen, it’s not specifically designed with video in mind.

The Nikon D3500 has a fast autofocus system and a 5fps continuous shooting rate. It’s by no means an action camera, but it’s certainly more efficient than most DSLRs in its price range. And, with a remarkable battery life rated at 1550 shots per charge, you can shoot from dusk to dawn without worrying about power.

For those on a strict budget, the Canon EOS Rebel T100, AKA the Canon EOS 4000D, is one of those rare breeds of DSLR cameras available at a rock-bottom price. However, that doesn’t mean you’ll be buying a lousy camera. It may not be the top pick for a professional or serious amateur, but if you seek a very affordable step up from smartphone to DSLR, it’s well worth considering.

It uses tech from older Rebel models, including an 18MP sensor and a DIGIC 4+ image processor. However, the picture quality is still respectable. There’s a good amount of detail and color saturation, although overexposure can be a problem at times, particularly in high-contrast scenes.

The 9-point autofocus and 3fps continuous shooting are to be expected at this low price, while focusing is a tad on the relaxed side. However, it’s fine for beginners and general use. The battery life is also decent at 500 shots, and the camera comes with the same EF-S 18-55mm kit lens found on many budget Canon DSLRs.

If you’re about to head off into the mountains for a hike and fancy investing in a quality yet well-priced DSLR, you could do much worse than the Pentax K-70. Despite its boxy design, it’s still relatively compact and lightweight at 24.2oz with the battery.

The camera is weather-resistant, with 100 seals found throughout, including on the articulating LCD. This resistance includes cold weather, too. The camera can withstand temperatures down to -10 degrees Celsius (14 degrees Fahrenheit), giving you confidence on those snowy or foggy treks. It’s also dustproof, enabling a level of protection in the desert or at the beach in windy conditions, and you can easily keep a hold of the camera when wearing gloves on frigid morning sunrise shoots, thanks to the ergonomic rubber grips.

In general, the image quality is excellent. The 24.2MP APS-C CMOS sensor retains detail thanks to the omission of an optical low-pass filter. In addition, the in-body image stabilization is sensor-based and effective up to 4.5EV steps. And noise is well-managed at high ISO settings, with minimal loss of sharpness up to ISO 12800.

Further, the K-70 features a Hybrid AF system with phase-detect AF pixels for quick live-view focusing. However, the 11-point AF system, while capable of general shooting, may not match some rivals in continuous focus performance.

While the Canon EOS Rebel T8i is still in the budget-price range for a DSLR, it is pushing toward the midrange. However, it’s not quite there and is still an affordable camera—which is impressive considering consider what you get.

The T8i, also known as the Canon EOS 850D, features a 24.1MP APS-C CMOS sensor, DIGIC 8 processors, and an ISO range of 100 - 25,600. Together, they deliver detailed images with accurate color. Further, with its 45-point all-cross-type AF system and continuous shooting at 7fps, you won't miss a shot. The autofocus is swift in good light, and there’s even Eye Detection AF for accurate tracking.

However, what really makes it stand out in this price range is its ability to shoot 4K video. You can shoot at up to 24fps, and content creators get the added bonus of 16:9 support. With the vari-angle touchscreen LCD and digital image stabilization (video only), it’s an excellent pick for DSLR-loving vloggers.

However, the Canon EOS Rebel T8i comes with an EF-S 18-55mm IS STM kit lens, which doesn’t have the greatest low-light performance. Getting the most out of this camera will likely require the purchase of better lenses for your specific purposes.

The Canon EOS Rebel T7 is the predecessor to the T8i and is, therefore, available at a much more agreeable price. In fact, you’ll be hard-pushed to find a DSLR for less. However, that in no way means it is a poor camera. While it does have basic specs and features, it’s still an excellent entry-level choice. It’s also compact and lightweight, meaning it’s an ideal choice for traveling DSLR novices.

The T7 has a 24.1MP APS-C sensor and is kitted with an EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS II lens. A two-lens kit with an extra Canon EF 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS STM lens is also available for a higher price and offers more versatility for covering different photography genres.

The T7 offers solid, basic specs, including its nine-point autofocus. Burst mode is also entry-level at 3fps. You won't be capturing high-speed, frozen moments in time like a passing bullet train or a galloping horse, but it’s good enough for general action shots.

Picture quality is also pleasing, especially in good light. Images have balanced exposures with vibrant colors and good contrast. Noise is well controlled up to ISO 6,400. However, using a tripod for nighttime shots will result in the best quality despite the kit lens’s image stabilization.

The SL3, otherwise known as the 250D, is another lightweight addition to the Canon Rebel series. It’s one of the smallest DSLRs at 3.7 inches tall by 4.8 wide. And the lens-free weight of just 15.8oz makes it the lightest DSLR to feature a fully tilting screen.

The camera comes kitted with a Canon EF-S 18-55mm IS STM Lens. It features a 4-stop optical image stabilizer that makes handheld shooting easier. It also has a DIGIC 8 image processor that supports 4K at 25fps video. However, shooting in 4K entails a heavy crop, and you can’t use Spot and Zone autofocus modes.

The 9-point AF system is reasonably fast and accurate. You can focus on subjects fairly quickly and shoot natural, candid photos. It’s a little slower in more challenging light, and keeping locked on can sometimes be difficult. It may not be the best choice for action genres, but the AF works more quickly when you use Live View mode.

The SL3 features an optical viewfinder and a sharp, fully articulating LCD with touch support. You can tap to set focus or navigate menus, and it even swings all the way out to the side, ideal for vloggers. And, with an excellent 1,070 CIPA-rated battery life when using the optical viewfinder, you have an ideal budget DSLR for travel.

The Pentax KF is a fresh take on the older Pentax K-70. If you want the most up-to-date version and don’t mind the higher cost (although it is still at a budget-price level for a DSLR), then the KF is for you. If you want to save a few bucks and are comfortable with an older model, the K-70 should be your choice.

The Pentax KF maintains the same excellent technology found in the K-70, including the 24.2MP APS-C CMOS sensor, the effective 4.5 stops of in-body image stabilization, the 11-point AF system, and the faster live-view hybrid phase/contrast AF. While video resolution remains at 1080p, the LCD has had an upgrade and is now more precise and sharper. It also sports a brand-new USB-C charger and features three new custom image modes for creative types.

The rebranding of the KF is essentially due to the unavailability of internal components. While there may be undisclosed changes inside the camera, it's worth noting that the KF is now slightly lighter than the K-70. However, the design is identical, with just minor changes to the tech, ensuring you still have the trusted features that made the K-70 so popular.

Things to Consider When Finding the Right Budget-Friendly DSLR for You

If you’re not yet ready to splash out on a premium DSLR and want to test the water with a budget-friendly one, then cost is your primary concern. So, if you want the most affordable, Canon offers decent options with the EOS Rebel T7 / 2000D and the EOS Rebel T100 / 4000D. You’re not getting poor-quality cameras, either. While it’s true that you will get more features and better images and video if you spend more, they are both capable cameras for getting to grips with DSLR photography.

However, if you need better features while still sticking in the affordable zone, the EOS Rebel T8i / 850D offers 4K video with stabilization, an articulating touchscreen LCD, good autofocus, and superior image quality. It does cost quite a bit more, but it’s still an excellent value for a DSLR. If you need something more rugged to take hiking, the Pentax K-70 is weather-sealed and has a superior build. It's also ideal for shooting sweeping landscapes.

However, the Nikon D3500 is the best pocket-friendly DSLR you can find and has an excellent price tag for what you get. While there is no 4K video, you can shoot in Full HD at the higher frame rate of 60fps. It’s the image quality, fast autofocus, and superior battery life that sets it apart from the rest. It’s also compact and lightweight, making it a good choice for travel photography.