Which Cheap DSLR Camera is the Absolute Best?

Is it the Canon Rebel T3, Nikon D3100 or Pentax K-x?

Cheap DSLR Camera Lineup

We are not talking "dirt cheap" DSLR Cameras here, because, after all these are just about semi-professional cameras. (Many pro photographers keep one of these in their bag as a backup.)

But when you consider the professional end of the spectrum, these are much less money. And you can get one of these without trading in your first-born child.

In fact, we are talking UNDER $650!

I'm making the assumption that those who are reading this article for serious decision making content have already decided that you want to upgrade from a point and shoot camera to a Digital Single Lens Reflex camera (DSLR).

So now you are thinking of getting a cheap DSLR camera because, either.. A - you are on a budget, or.. B - you are not quite sure if DSLR is for you.

Good News - You have made a great decision!

You will not regret it, even if you opt for the cheapest of the cheap DSLR cameras.

Empower Yourself With Your Very First (or upgraded) Cheap DSLR camera

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Having gotten to this point in your camera research, you know that there is a major difference between Compact and DSLR - right?

You buy a compact digital camera and you have everything you need to be a photographer already in or on the camera.

But when you buy a DSLR, you are committing to a serious hobby that involves other equipment, including, but not limited to:

lenses
tripod
camera case
etc. - you can get lots of "stuff" to go with your new camera

And, even though cameras are becoming more and more intuitive (user friendly), there are many things you can do, even with a cheap DSLR camera that you just cannot do with a point and shoot camera, with respect to camera settings, lenses, filters, and the like.

Now, don't get the wrong idea. You CAN buy one of the cheap DSLR cameras with the Kit Lens and be set, not having to make all those other purchases.

And you WILL be totally happy with the results, because a Digital SLR is just plain better than a point and shoot, even if you just "point and shoot" with your DSLR.

If you don't even consider any thing else, think about being able to press the shutter release button and the camera takes the picture you thought you were going to get. NO SHUTTER LAG!

That one benefit would seal the deal for many frustrated photographers.

But the whole point of buying a DSLR is the flexibility it gives you to change out the lens, or choose a manual setting to get that shot you just couldn't get with your old compact point and shoot model.

There is a feeling of empowerment when you are able to slap on your 100mm macro lens and get a shot of a jumping spider, some ice crystals, or a new hairy caterpillar (see photo - that caterpillar was about 1 inch long) that photo is hard to get with a point and shoot camera.

Here are the winners in the Cheap DSLR Camera category:

Canon Rebel T3
Nikon D3100
Pentax K-x

Canon Digital Rebel T3
(aka Rebel 1100D)

Canon has updated their cheapest Rebel, the Rebel XS (1000D) with the Canon Rebel T3, also known as the Rebel 1100D. The T3 is not to be confused with the T3i, which is a bit more sofisticated and a few hundred dollars more expensive.

The Canon Rebel T3 is meant to be the least expensive (OK - cheap) Digital SLR in the Canon line-up. It is as "bare-bones" as digital SLRs get. But in today's market, "bare-bones" does not mean that it lacks punch. This model has a respectable image sensor that produces good Canon quality. It replaces a Canon model that has topped the cheap DSLR sales at online stores for several years.

It is also compatible with all EF and EF-S lenses that Canon makes.

The T3 does not have all the features of the Big Boys, but if you are looking to make the switch to a digital SLR so that you can get better pictures than with a point and shoot model, this one could be the answer you have been looking for.

If Video is what you want, please see the recommendations for Entry Level DSLRs.

(and let me just say here - if you are really into the techy side of reading specs and such, please check out some of the camera review sites. My favorites are www.imaging-resource.com and www.dpreview.com.)

Here are the features of interest for the Digital Rebel T3/1100D:

12.2 megapixel image sensor
Kit Lens is 18-55mm IS (image stabilization) - a fine lens for starters.
DIGIC 4 image processor - Canon's image processor is recognized as one of the better ones in digital image processing.
2.7" LCD panel with excellent viewing, including in high light situations
Superior image quality when compared to other digital cameras in its class (see cnet.com)
A wide range of shooting modes, including all except the most complex features of the higher end Canon 7D, allowing the photographer to have as much or as little control over the outcome as desired.
Nearly all the controls of high-end cameras.

The two items that do not match up to Canon's high-end cameras are the sensor type (1.6 image crop - a techy term that simply means you get a better picture if you pay the extra money for the better camera) and burst speed (how many pictures per second you can snap off - in this case about 3fps).

You can see a more detailed look at the differences between the Canon Rebel T3 and T3i HERE.

In my humble opinion, overall, the Canon Digital Rebel 1100D matches up to ALL cameras in the Cheap Digital SLR class.

Nikon D3100

If you have ever visited the KenRockwell.com website you will know that he speaks very highly of the Nikon D40. His contention is that noone needs more than 6-megapixels to take super pictures. Even though Nikon's very first entry-level DSLR is no longer being produced, you may still be able to get it on Amazon and other camera stores, and it is still a fantastic camera.

News Flash: Nikon has discontinued the Nikon D40 and D60. You can still get one, but they will be disappearing from Online and Brick 'n Mortar stores. The newest inexpensive (OK - cheap) Nikon DSLR is the Nikon D3100. Nikon has done a great job of upgrading from its wildly popular models, the D40 and D60 while keeping the price VERY reasonable.

The D40 has experienced an almost Guiness Record 4.69 out of 5 user rating at Amazon and 4.61 out of 5 at DPReview.com.

Now that the D40 and D60 are history, the Nikon D3100 has taken over the spot as the Cheap, yet great, digital SLR in the Nikon line-up. The D3100 has all the necessary features for getting excellent results from a digital SLR camera... and then some.

Here is a comparison of the D40 and the D3100:

	D40	D3100
Sensor Size	6.0 Megapixels	14.2 Megapixels
Kit Lens	18-55mm w/ Vibration Reduction	18-55mm w/ Vibration Reduction
LCD	2.5"	3.0"
Capture Speed	2.5 fps	3.0 fps
ISO	200-1600	100-1600 (3200 expanded)
Auto Focus	3 auto focus points TTL	11 auto focus points TTL
Auto Sensor Cleaning	no	yes
Image size (largest)	3008 x 2000	4608 x 3072
LCD Live view	no	yes
Movie Mode	no	yes, 1080p @ 24fps
Price	about $499	about $649

Why compare a new release like the Nikon D310 to a relic like the Nikon D40, you may ask. It's simple. You can get an excellent camera with much better technology and features than the D40 for less than what you would have paid for the D40 in its prime market.

Everyone who owned a Nikon D40 was its biggest fan. Even Canon owners couldn't doubt its popularity.

The question: Does the D3100 rate as high in the user recommendation department? The answer is a resounding YES! Check the ratings at Amazon (use the link on the left), and you will see that the D3100 enjoys a whopping 4.6 out of 5 star rating.

You can't argue with that kind of success. And, if you get one of these cheap digital SLRs, you will see plenty of value.

Pentax K-x

Here is part of the Pentax product description:

The Pentax K-x offers high-end features including Live View, HD video and photographic performance that challenges higher class models. Since there’s no rule that SLR cameras must come in one color, try the K-x in a choice of white or black, as well as special, limited edition red and navy. With a one-handed shooting design that is extremely compact, lightweight, and easy-to-use, the very affordable K-x is perfect for users stepping up from a point-and-shoot digital camera to their first digital SLR.

Camera Features:

Image Sensor: 12.4-megapixel CMOS image sensor features sensor-shift Shake Reduction for stabilized image and video capture up to 4 stops max.
ISO: range covers sensitivities from 100-12800 for extreme low light photography.
Auto Focus: Responsive 11-point wide-angle SAFOX VIII autofocus system focuses quickly and accurately, and can easily track moving subjects.
LCD: Large 2.7-inch LCD features Live View with contrast, phase difference, and Face Detection autofocus (up to 16 faces).
Video: Capture widescreen HD video in full 720p resolution (1280x720) at 24fps cinematic framerate, using any Pentax 35mm lens.
Creative Modes: Creative processing and filter modes produce high quality finished images, while offering the ability to explore artistic freedom through unique special effects.
HDR image capture: blends 3 bracketed images into a single picture with outstanding shadow, highlight, and midrange detail.
Capture Rate: Image capture are 4.7 frames per second
Battery: Uses 4 AA lithium batteries (also compatible with AA NiMH rechargeable and alkaline batteries).

Benefits:

This is the ONLY model in the Cheap DSLR Camera group to have HD Video (or video of any kind). This is a huge plus at this price point.
Best in Class at image quality when ISO is above 800. This means you will get superior low-light photos in places where light is at a premium, such as indoor events and concerts.
HDR image capture. This camera has a built-in processor that takes 3 images at different light settings and blends them together into a High Dynamic Range photo.
If you own any Pentax lens, old or new, it will fit on this camera.
While this is technically not a benefit, just take a look at the user ratings below. They are the highest I have encountered for any camera.

User Ratings for the Pentax K-x are extremely high. At Amazon there is a rating of 4.8 out of 5, and at DPReview, the rating is almost as good at 4.61 out of 5.

Not-so-good:

The one item that is agreed upon by every review of this model is the lack of visual focal indicators. On most Digital SLR cameras, even the Cheap DSLR Cameras, there are visual indicators that show where the focal point of your picture is, and you can usually change those points of focus. The Pentax K-x does not have this feature. The positive side of this argument is that those who are moving up to a DSLR from a point and shoot camera are not used to having these focus point indicators, so it may not affect your use of the camera. All the reviewers are used to seeing these points and all were disappointed that they were not there.

The Bottom Line

As an entry level DSLR camera buyer, I would not hesitate for a nano-second to purchase either the Canon Rebel T3 or the Nikon D3100. Which side of the Canon/Nikon debate you come down on is not going to disappoint you at all. The quality of the images is pretty much identical. I will say that there are those who insist that Canon is the better Landscape camera while Nikon excels in sports photography. However, I'm not convinced. Just look at all the Canon lenses lined up in the end zone or side line of any sporting event. No sir, if you want the newest Nikon cheap camera on the market, Nikon's D3100 is for you, but that's about the only difference.

Now... after all the Canon/Nikon dust has settled, there sits that Black, RED or WHITE Pentax K-x. It has some very cool benefits that the other two do not, such as Video Mode. And DPReveiw has given this Cheap DSLR Camera its highest rating, due to its super features and high image quality. I even like the idea of a Red or White DSLR.