The Best DSLR for Beginners

If you have a set of Canon or Nikon DSLR lenses or know that you prefer an optical viewfinder and don’t want to spend big on a camera, a beginner DSLR could be just the ticket. The Nikon D3500 is our pick for the best DSLR camera for novice photographers because it offers outstanding image quality for its price and a truly useful Guide Mode that helps you learn along the way. It boasts excellent battery life, easy smartphone connectivity, 1080/60p video with silent autofocus, and intuitive controls in a highly portable and lightweight body.As we explain here, if you don’t already have some DSLR lenses and don’t dislike electronic viewfinders, or plan to frame your photos on a screen the same way you do with your phone, you should look for a mirrorless camera.