Best Entry Level DSLR's

Entry-level digital SLRs are perfect for photographers who've gone beyond the basics and want to take photography a bit more seriously. The point about DSLRs is that they deliver a big step up in image quality from a compact camera, much more manual control and the ability to change lenses to tackle a huge variety of projects. Best of all, entry-level DSLRs are remarkably cheap. Obviously, the more features you want the more you pay, but do you actually need them? Our top camera is one of the cheapest - but it's still a serious camera that's a massive step up from a compact camera and is likely to do everything you want for a long time to come, especially if you're still learning.

There are four makers competing for your money. The two biggest are Nikon and Canon, but don't rule out Pentax DSLRs either, and we've included a Sony SLT camera, even though it's not strictly an SLR - it still looks like one, handles like one and does all the same things.

Best Buy: Nikon D3300

Price with kit lens: about Rs 35000/- | Sensor: APS-C CMOS | Megapixels: 24.2 | Lens mount: Nikon DX | Screen: 3-inch fixed, 921,000 dots | Continuous shooting speed: 5fps | Max video resolution: 1080p

The D3300 is the best DSLRs for beginners right now and you get a lot for your money. The 24 million pixel sensor provides bags of detail resolution, which means you can safely crop into the image for extra reach or to improve composition. A higher pixel count can mean a greater risk of noise, but the D3300 keeps it well under control. Noise only really becomes apparent at ISO 3200 or higher and even then, it's at acceptable levels. As with several other DSLRs in Nikon's range, the D3300 does without an anti-aliasing filter so that you get slightly sharper, more detailed shots.

The D3300 is also easy to use. The Guide Mode is a great learning tool for less experienced photographers, giving real time explanations of important functions and features. Moreover, the 18-55mm lens collapses down to make it more convenient to carry, which will further widen this camera's appeal. It's a shame you don't get an articulated touch-screen display, but that's a lot to expect at this price. The D3300 lacks built-in Wi-Fi too, though Nikon makes a cheap Wi-Fi adaptor that just plugs straight in. Otherwise, though, the D3300 is a winner.

Nikon D3200: Best Bargain

Price with kit lens: about Rs30000/- | Sensor: APS-C CMOS | Megapixels: 24.2 | Lens mount: Nikon DX | Screen: 3-inch fixed, 921,000 dots | Continuous shooting speed: 5fps | Max video resolution: 1080p

In theory, the Nikon D3300 replaces the D3200, but Nikon keeps selling older cameras alongside newer ones, often at bargain prices. The D3200 doesn't have the retracting lens or anti-alias-removed sensor of the D3300, but it still produces high-resolution 24-megapixel images, shoots at an impressive 5 frames per second (excellent for a budget DSLR) and is a brilliant camera for beginners. There's no built-in Wi-Fi, but it takes the same inexpensive plug-in Wi-Fi adaptor as the D3300.

Canon EOS 1200D (or Rebel T5): Cheapest Canon (I guess)

Price with kit lens:  Sensor: APS-C CMOS | Megapixels: 18 | Lens mount: Canon EF-S | Screen: 3-inch fixed, 460,000 dots | Continuous shooting speed: 3fps | Max video resolution: 1080p

The 1200D is a solid if unspectacular DSLR but it is the cheapest way to buy into the Canon DSLR system right now. The 18MP sensor is quite long in the tooth now and while still good, is not as good as Nikon's 24MP sensor. The 1200D's 3fps continuous shooting speed is leisurely next to the Nikon D3300's 5fps rates and you have to download beginner’s guides through a separate smartphone app, which again makes the Nikon D3300 seem a better integrated option. For Canon fans, though, this is a still a cheap and effective camera.

Sony Alpha A58: Alternative tech

Price with kit lens: Sensor: APS-C CMOS | Megapixels: 20.1 | Lens mount: Sony A | Screen: 2.7-inch articulating, 460,800 dots | Continuous shooting speed: 8fps | Max video resolution: 1080p

The Sony is not strictly an SLR, being an SLT (single lens translucent) device instead. This means you get an electronic viewfinder (EVF) rather than an optical one - but the EVF on the A58 is bright and clear. What the SLT design does deliver is fast autofocus in live view (the A58 is always in live view, effectively) and 8fps continuous shooting - amazing for an entry-level camera. Sony is swapping its attention to compact system cameras now, but the A58 is still out there and still a real bargain.

Canon EOS 100D (or Rebel SL1): Small is beautiful

Price with kit lens: about £369 | Sensor: APS-C CMOS | Megapixels: 18 | Lens mount: Canon EF-S | Screen: 3-inch, 1,040,000 dots | Continuous shooting speed: 4fps | Max video resolution: 1080p

Put off by the comparative bulk and weight of DSLRs? The amazingly light and compact (for a DSLR) EOS 100D houses an 18 megapixel APS-C sensor with hybrid hybrid phase-detection AF built in for faster autofocus in live view and movie modes. But although the 100D is tiny, it uses the same lenses as other Canon DSLRs, which add to the bulk and negate much of its advantage. If you want a Canon, though, it's a useful step up from the EOS 1200D and pretty cheap now.

Pentax K-50: Tough and tasty

Price with kit lens: about £395 | Sensor: APS-C CMOS | Megapixels: 16.3 | Lens mount:Pentax K | Screen: 3-inch, 921,000 dots | Continuous shooting speed: 6fps | Max video resolution: 1080p

Just because you are a less experienced photographer doesn't mean you aren't an adventurous one. The weatherproofed K-50 will encourage you to get out shooting in all conditions, though you'll have to partner it with the more expensive WR (weather resistant) lens for the full benefit. Pentax's Shake Reduction system cuts camera shake and can even correct slightly skewed horizons. The K-50 is a good example of a entry level SLR that goes the extra mile. Well worth considering if you're not wedded to Canon or Nikon.

Canon EOS 750D (Rebel T6i): Canon's game-changer?

Price with kit lens: about £689 | Sensor: APS-C CMOS | Megapixels: 24.2 | Lens mount:Canon EF-S | Screen: 3-inch articulating touch-screen, 1,040,000 dots | Continuous shooting speed: 5fps | Max video resolution: 1080p

The EOS 750D is brand new, so we've not been able to get one in for review yet. What we really want to check out is the performance of Canon's new 24.2-megapixel sensor, a long-awaited replacement for the ageing 18-megapixel sensor used for so long in the company's APS-C format cameras. What's especially interesting is that the 750D is on sale for not a whole lot more than the much older EOS 700D. To be honest, we can't wait to find out what it can do.

Nikon D5500: Polished but pricey

Price with kit lens: about £899 | Sensor: APS-C CMOS | Megapixels: 24.2 | Lens mount: Nikon DX | Screen: 3.2-inch articulating touch-screen, 1,040,000 dots | Continuous shooting speed:5fps | Max video resolution: 1080p

This is Nikon's brand new 'top beginners' DSLR. The Nikon D3000-series cameras are designed for cost-conscious first-time DSLR users, while the D5000-series cameras are for those who want to get a bit more creative. The touch-screen display is a first for Nikon, and the 24-megapixel non-anti-aliased sensor deliver excellent resolution. However, Nikon still hasn't cracked speedy live view autofocus, and at current prices this is a lot to pay for a beginner's camera.