Compare Cameras > Inexpensive Digital SLR
Updated: November 2010

Inexpensive Digital SLR Cameras

Today, finding an inexpensive digital SLR camera is much easier than it used to be

While the average price for these cameras still hovers around $700.00 USD, there are several low-cost options out there.

Digital SLR cameras are a lot like cars and computers: as soon as a camera is released, its value starts falling.

That's why most of the inexpensive digital SLR cameras I list below are several months old.

If you really want the latest and greatest digital SLR camera, then you're going to have to pay a bit more to get it.

sony a390 pentax k-x
nikon d3000 canon 1000d

The Real Bargains: Old Models

If you'd like to get your feet wet in the world of digital SLR cameras, and really aren't keen on paying a ton of money, then your best bet is to find a camera that's several years old.

Older digital SLRs work just fine - mine from 2004 is still plugging along - they just don't have all the latest features like dust control, live view and face-detection autofocus.

Since camera technology advances so quickly, many models from just 3 years ago are no longer available new - the only way to get your hands on one is to find one used.

The good news for you is that there are plenty of people out there upgrading to new cameras to get the latest features.

This means that a quick search of eBay should yield plenty of inexpensive digital SLR cameras for you to choose from.

Low-Cost (New) Cameras

For those who aren't keen on the idea of buying a camera that's already somewhat obsolete, don't worry — you've still got options

You can still get an inexpensive digital SLR that's new as of 2010, but there's one feature that you'll most likely have to sacrifice: video.

If you're simply looking for a camera that will take great STILLS, then you're in luck - the least expensive DSLRs lack a movie mode, but this won't be an issue for you.

CAMERARELEASEDDESCRIPTIONPRICE
Sony A290
sony a290
July 2010
  • 14 megapixels
  • 9 AF points
  • 2.5 photos per second
  • 2.7 inch LCD
  • Built-in stabilization
$400 USD
COMPARE AT:
Sony DSLR-A390
sony dslr a390
July 2010
  • 14 megapixels
  • 9 AF points
  • 2.5 photos per second
  • 2.7 inch live view LCD
  • Built-in stabilization
$450 USD
COMPARE AT:
Canon Rebel XS (1000D)
canon rebel xs 1000d
Aug. 2008
  • 10 megapixels
  • 7 AF points
  • 3 photos per second
  • 2.5 inch live view LCD
$500 USD
COMPARE AT:
Nikon D3000
nikon d3000
Sept. 2009
  • 10 megapixels
  • 11 AF points
  • 3 photos per second
  • 3 inch LCD
$500 USD
COMPARE AT:
 

Inexpensive Digital SLRs - With Video

If capturing video with your DSLR is important to you, you won't have to pay hundreds of dollars more for this one feature. Right now, there's one camera that fills this need.

CAMERARELEASEDDESCRIPTIONPRICE
Pentax K-x
pentax k-x
Oct. 2009
  • 12 megapixels
  • 11 AF points
  • 4.7 photos per second
  • 2.7 inch LCD
  • Built-in stabilization
  • HD movie mode
$490 USD
COMPARE AT:

Learn More About Digital SLR Cameras - Free!

The monthly newsletter is packed with digital SLR tips and advice. Current Issue
First NameE-mail Address 
     
Your privacy is respected and your information is NEVER shared with anyone.
lessons