Inexpensive Digital SLR Cameras

Page updated: October 2009

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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 many 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.

Compare SLR Cameras

Introduction By Megapixels By Cost (Inexpensive) By Ratings (Top Rated) By Size (Smallest) By Speed (Fastest) By Special Features By Type

The Real Bargains

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 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

Each manufacturer has at least one inexpensive digital SLR camera - while simpler than the more advanced cameras, the simplicity can be appealing if you're just a beginning SLR photographer.

NOTE: in the description field below, I list some of the main features of each camera. If a feature is not listed, it means that the camera doesn't include it.

For example, if you'd like your DSLR to have a live view LCD, don't pick the Nikon D3000 - live view isn't an option with this camera.

CAMERA	RELEASED	DESCRIPTION	PRICE
Olympus E-520	Aug. 2008	10 megapixels 3 AF points 3.5 photos per second 2.7 inch live view LCD Built-in stabilization More Info	$450 USD COMPARE AT: Amazon Adorama B&H Photo
Canon Rebel XS (1000D)	Aug. 2008	10 megapixels 7 AF points 3 photos per second 2.5 inch live view LCD More Info	$520 USD COMPARE AT: Amazon Adorama B&H Photo
Nikon D3000	Sept. 2009	10 megapixels 11 AF points 3 photos per second 3 inch LCD More Info	$550 USD COMPARE AT: Amazon Adorama B&H Photo
Sony DSLR-A330	July 2009	10 megapixels 9 AF points 2.5 photos per second 2.7 inch live view LCD Built-in stabilization More Info	$600 USD COMPARE AT: Amazon Adorama B&H Photo
Pentax K-x	Oct. 2009	12 megapixels 11 AF points 4.7 photos per second 2.7 inch live view LCD Built-in stabilization HD movie mode More Info	$650 USD COMPARE AT: Amazon Adorama B&H Photo

Best Value

While clearly the most expensive camera in this group, I think that the Pentax K-x provides a lot of value for money.

For an additional cost of about $100 USD relative to the other inexpensive digital SLRs, you get improvements across the board:

HD movie mode - no other camera in this list can capture movies
Built-in image stabilization - designed to work with every Pentax lens ever made
Faster performance - with 11 autofocus points and 4.7 photos per second, you can capture fast-moving subjects

It's also worth noting that the Pentax K-x is also a small sized digital SLR camera which makes it very portable for photographers on the go.

Plus, it's the only digital SLR on the market for people who are tired of the generic black color of most cameras: the body is available in black, white, red and navy blue.