A DSLR is an ideal camera for photography, and almost everyone has it on their wish list. On average, a DSLR camera is estimated to cost around $700. What if I told you that you can get your hands on the best DSLR under 300? Yes, you read that correctly; you can have the best DSLR camera under 300. Here is a list of the best DSLR under 300. The following list consists of the best used DSLR under $300.
These DSLR cameras are ideal for travelers, beginner photographers, and anyone who wants to capture moments casually and without compromising on the picture quality.
Let’s see what this list holds for you!
Best DSLR under $300 – Top 7 Updated Pick
S No. | Camera Name | Video Quality | Image Sensor |
---|---|---|---|
1. | Canon Digital Rebel XSI | - | 12.2 MP |
2. | Panasonic Lumix FZ80 | 4K QFHD | 18.1 |
3. | Canon EOS 40D | - | 10.1 |
4. | Sony Alpha A200K | - | 10.2 |
5. | Canon EOS 4000 | 1080p | 18 MP |
6. | Nikon D3400 | 1080p | 24.2 MP |
7. | Pentax K-S1 | 1080p | 20.1 MP |
Best DSLR under 300
1. Canon Digital Rebel XSI
For a $300 range, the Canon Digital Rebel XSI 12.2 MP offers you a plethora of benefits due to its innovative technology. It allows you to capture stunning photographs with its LiveView functions and integrated cleaning system. Furthermore, its powerful image processor with a 12.2 MP CMOS sensor and optical image stabilizer adds to its ability to provide crisp pictures.
Moreover, this beautiful model comes with a 3.0-inch LCD monitor which is compatible with a lot of various accessories like SDHC and SD cards. All of these features enhance the whole experience for you. The crisp clarity and tonal range that the Canon Digital Rebel XSI 12.2 MP provides are what makes it one of the best DSLR cameras under 300. Moreover, its light-gathering capability intensely levels up the quality of the picture and increases the speed of the operations which provides you with easy and uninterrupted functioning.
This is not all that the Canon Digital Rebel XSI offers. Yes, there is more to this beauty. The camera performs amazingly in any type of lighting. Moreover, it also comes with a feature that allows you to change light colors into darker colors. Its professional software enables it to provide you with a high definition picture. This is all due to its 14-bit conversion technology prioritizes every single detail and hence, you are presented with a high definition image.
- High-quality image results
- Budget friendly and affordable
- High quality 3.0-inch LCD monitor
- Lightweight and travel friendly
- Contains Optical Image Stabilization
- Contains LiveView and Integrated Cleaning System
- Low quality auto focus
Why should one buy this?
The Canon Digital Rebel XSI 12.2 MP is a great option for beginner professional photographers as it provides high definition pictures at a $300 price range. Amazing low-light performance, CMOS sensor, smooth and speedy operation, and optical image stabilization; it is a lot more than what a beginner would need to polish his photography skills.
Best DSLR camera under 300
2. Panasonic Lumix FZ80
The Panasonic Lumix comes with the best focal point feature which allows you to experience an excellent photography session. Moreover, it comes with a long zoom which is very much appreciated by traveling photographers and bloggers. With an exclusive 4K video and photo capture features, the camera performs elegantly and delivers breathtaking images. Moreover, this 8.1 MP camera comes with the Lumix Vario Lens which is more than what a beginner could ask for or need.
The camera provides an optical image stabilization with an aperture range of 2.8 to 5.9 and it also contains the OIS tech by Panasonic. Moreover, its focus stacking features and post focus allows you to alter the depth of a field for over the top and creative imagery. It also comes with various modern features like a USB port, touch display, viewfinder, and Wi-Fi connection to allow its users with maximum ease. Its wide lens makes it ideal for landscape photography as well. With an amazing low light performance, modern features, flexibility, and 4K technology, the Panasonic Lumix is definitely one of the best DSLR cameras under 300.
- High definition results
- Modern features and accessories
- Affordable
- Ergonomic grip
- USB ports and Wi-Fi connectivity
- Lacks FAST FPS and focus ring
Why should one buy this?
If you want a DSLR camera with all the modern features at a $300 range then Panasonic Lumix is the ideal fit for you. It is great for anyone who has little to none knowledge of functioning DSLR cameras.
Canon DSLR under 300
3. Canon EOS 40D
Canon releasing a DSLR camera under $300 is something to get hyped over. Canon has launched a plethora of amazing professional cameras and gadgets and has successfully made its name for providing high-quality photography experience. The Canon EOS 40D is known for its professional results and an amazing list of features.
Considering that this Canon DSLR under 300 was launched in the year 2007, it is pretty ahead of its time. The fact that it is still a popular choice among beginner photography enthusiasts says a lot about its specs and overall performance. One of the main factors which make the Canon 40D a beginner’s favorite is the fact that it offers a battery life of 800 shots. This means you can have a quite long practice session without any battery life issues. Moreover, it comes with a 10.1 MP resolution, 14-bit conversion as tonal rendition, an APS-C CMOS sensor with a DIGIC III image processor. Another one of its impressive features include point and shoot for 6.5/ second and that in a burst shooting mode which is mind-blowing considering how old the Canon EOS 40D model is. As if all these features were not enough, the camera also comes with 9 point autofocus which allows you to even capture moving objects with extreme ease.
Moreover, the camera is durable, and easy to carry around as it only weighs about 822g including the battery. It is also very easy to control and smooth in performance that even a child could master it.
- 9 point autofocus system
- Durable and easy to carry
- Affordable
- Provides great value for money
- High definition results
- Technical for extreme beginners
Why should one buy this?
You should get your hands on the Canon EOS 40D for its amazing detail retention and intensely colorful results. The burst shooting mode and the 9 point autofocus system at a price like this is also another reason why you should not miss out on this DSLR camera under 300.
Cheap DSLR cameras under 300
4. Sony Alpha A200K
This entry-level DSLR camera offers you a 10 MP resolution and a 3 frames per second range due to its Dynamic Range Optimizer. Even the established photographers prefer it for more casual shoots and professional portfolio shoots due to its high-end specs and features.
The camera is easy to use and carry around due to its compact body and handy mode dial, which is an added bonus to its overall appeal. With a 2.7-inch high-resolution monitor, you can easily playback the pictures to go through your clicks. The users used to complain about its noise control which was later corrected and improved by its developers which aids in providing a better image quality.
Moreover, it comes with a low volume shutter sound, predictive control performance feature, auto popup flash, and durable and long battery life. Its image stabilizing feature allows you to shoot 2.5 to 3.5 steps slower than other models. You can also reduce the size of the picture and comes with slots for flash media cards. All in all, it is a practical camera for beginners who want to take their hobby to a professional level without having to spend a fortune on it.
- Comes with multiple flash media slots
- Affordable and provides value for money
- Amazing picture quality
- Quick autofocus
- User friendly interface
- Easy to carry around
- Does not contain modern memory cards but uses flash cards
Why should one buy this?
It is affordable and compact which is ideal for a beginner photographer. In just $300, you get to shoot professional images and overall experience a professional photography experience. It contains all the features that you need in order to practice and take your photography skills to the next level.
Canon DSLR under 300
5. Canon EOS 4000D
This best-used DSLR under 300 is known for its photo bundle photography which is made possible through its 3.5 to 5.6 focal length range and 18mm to 55mm EF-s. Its lens is also of over the top quality which is always a plus. Moreover, the camera comes with a pro lens wipe cloth, LC E10 charger, an LP E10 battery, a Canon neck strap for supporting the camera, and its lens cap.
Apart from the accessories, let’s now talk about its specifications. The Canon EOS 4000D comes with a DIGIC 4+ image processor, 18.0 MP CMOS sensor, full HD 1080p resolution for videos, and a high-resolution LCD screen. Moreover, you can also control the autofocus and be able to connect with a nearby Wi-Fi modem.
What makes the Canon EOS 4000D different from its rivals is its amazing aperture range and micro motor app technology. This technology pretty much makes it a smart camera. As if all of this wasn’t enough, the camera also comes with creative and fun filters that take your photography game to the next level.
- User friendly interface
- Ideal for beginners
- Provides great value for money
- Intelligent autofocus technology
- Not as durable as other models
Why should one buy this?
If you are a beginner with little to no experience in dealing with cameras then this is a good purchase for you. It is easy to use and contains all the functions you could need for starting your career or pursuing your hobby of photography.
Nikon DSLR under 300
6. Nikon D3400
The Nikon D3400 is probably the best Nikon DSLR under 300 for a beginner level photographer. The camera is known for exceeding expectations and ticks off all the basic features required in an ideal DSLR camera. From balance, to price, to battery life, and a durable body; this camera has everything and so much more.
Its specifications include a single digital lens reflex, 24.2 MO DX-format CMOS sensor coupled with an Expeed 4 image processor. One of its best features is its ISO range which allows the camera to span up to 25600 without emulation. Moreover, you can use the burst shooting mode to capture 5 frames in second and 60 full HD video frames in a minute. Another one of its amazing features includes its ongoing battery life that lets you shoot back to back 1200 consecutive clicks.
Additionally, the camera is lightweight, durable, and comes with an ergonomic grip which is ideal for a beginner level photography enthusiast.
- Pleasant and photography experience
- Lightweight
- Easy to use
- Affordable
- Provides great value for money
- Contains all the ideal features and more
- Lacks intelligent autofocus
Why should one buy this?
Anyone looking for a casual photography camera within budget should get their hands on the Nikon D3400. It is your typical family-owned DSLR camera that does not disappoint with its results.
Best-used DLSR under 300
7. Pentax K-S1
The DSLR and camera gadget industry is heavily dominated by brands like Nikon, Sony, and Canon but, Pentax is providing pretty good alternatives for these “kind of pricey” brands. The Pentax K-S1 DSLR comes with a sensor of 20 million pixels. The only thing it lacks is the anti-aliasing filter which is used for further enhancing the detail of the image.
The Pentax K-S1 comes with a plethora of great features for a beginner level photography enthusiast which includes a max shutter speed of 1/6000 secs and ISO sensitivity up to 51,200. Apart from its surprising features, the Pentax K-S1 is known to catch the user’s eye for its stunning designs available in fun and vibrant colors.
Its amazing AA filter simulation feature makes use of its sensor shift stabilization tech which aids in improving the overall user experience and hence, the quality of the image as well. Moreover, it also offers you full high definition video capturing experience at a 1920 x 1080p resolution at 24, 25, or 30 FPS. Its LCD screen is also pretty good for its price as far as it works smoothly and does not disappoint.
- Fast and smooth performance
- Durable body
- Affordable price
- Contains all the basic features required in a beginner level DSLR
- Lacks value for money
- Stiff central control dial
Factors to Consider While Buying the Best DSLR under 300
Do you want to capture aesthetically pleasing and elegant images like your dream photographer? Well, for that you will have to get your hands on the correct DSLR camera otherwise, despite your eye for photography, you will not be able to procure the results you desire. Here are some basic factors one should consider while buying the best DSLR under 300.
Brand:
Not every DSLR brand is worth the bucks. Some aren’t durable, some don’t provide the required image quality, while the others have a terrible customer service. Look for a brand that not only provides durable, and high-quality products but also are known for fostering relationships with their customers. A DSLR is quite an investment, and you need to invest in a brand that stands by their product. The best way to check this is by seeing if the brand provides any warranties or promotional offers to their customer or not. Moreover, their customer service should also be quick and helpful to save you from the troubles of delayed services.
Quality of Lens:
As a beginner level photographer, you just need a medium-range lens to help you with the zooms. However, most DSLRs come with two lenses and that additional lens is capable of zooming. As a beginner, you need a lens with the focal range of 70mm to 200mm so you enjoy a high-quality and quick-paced photography session.
Resolution:
The resolution of a camera is calculated in Megapixels or MP. The megapixels of a camera is something that you should never ignore as the quality and clarity of your image results highly depend on it. Moreover, it also determines how large the picture can be printed without compromising on its quality and clarity. As a beginner, you should at the very least invest in an 8-megapixel camera and nothing less.
Strength and Durability:
A photographer has to get in various places and take some risks to get the perfect shots. Hence, you should not compromise on the strength and durability of a DSLR camera. So, it is better to invest in a metal body instead of a plastic body.
Size of Sensor:
The sensor size of a DSLR camera should be large enough to offer you amazing picture quality and exposure flexibility. The better the sensors, the brighter and detailed the picture. So, this is another factor you should not compromise on while looking for the best DSLR camera under 300.
Low Light Performance:
There is no point in investing in a DSLR camera if it has a terrible low light performance. Sometimes you are presented with an amazing click in unfortunate lighting, and an ideal DSLR is supposed to aid you to its maximum capability to capture that piece of art; which is not possible without exceptional low light performance.
Bust the Myths – Not Your Mind – FAQs
What modes do professional photographers choose?
Ans: Aperture Priority Mode is most used by professional photographers when capturing high definition images for high profile shoots. This mode allows you to shoot at various shutter speeds without compromising on the exposure of the image.
Do I really need a DSLR camera to capture high definition images?
Ans: Yes and no. You can also use a smartphone for capturing high definition images but, the question is if is it worth it? The answer is no because only the latest iPhones come close to the detailed and elegant image results of a DSLR camera. However, even then it does not contain all the features required for practicing photography at a professional level, and let’s not forget how flimsy and expensive an iPhone is. A DSLR camera will be your durable companion while providing high definition images hence, you need it if you want to pursue your photography career.
Does it matter what model or brand of DSLR I use?
Ans: There are two things that matter in a photography career such as, having a good eye for aesthetics and having a good quality camera. The brand and model of your camera predetermine the image results so, yes it does matter.
Is a mirrorless camera better than a DSLR?
Ans: Mirrorless cameras are lightweight, more compact, and quicker as compared to a DSLR. However, they are ideal for video shoots. The best option for photoshoots especially at the beginner level is definitely a DSLR due to its features, price factor, and added accessories.
Is DSLR good for video shoots?
Ans: Yes, DSLR cameras are ideal for both photo and video shoots as they mostly come with autofocus, wide-angle, and multiple lens options.
The Bottom Line
Money and time are two things people do not want or afford to lose. Hence, we compiled a list of the best DSLR cameras under 300. They are cheap yet, known for providing high definition results. Based on the above, I recommend you my two most favorite options from the list of best DSLR under 300.
The Canon Digital Rebel XSI is my favorite as it ticks off all the basic requirements and offers a lot more to its users. It is affordable, durable, high resolution, easy to use, and carry. Moreover, the brand also backs up their product and their customer service are known to be the best among all the other brands.
The Panasonic Lumix FZ80 takes up the second prize only because of the slightly underperforming low light feature as compared to our winner. All the options are great; you just have to pick the best for your needs.