DSLR Cameras: The Top 3 Best Sellers Under $500

Shopping for a new DSLR camera can be overwhelming, even for advanced photographers. So many choices, pixels, and lenses. Since I am in the market for a new DSLR camera myself, I pulled together a list of the top 3 (because, honestly, 10 is overwhelming!) DSLR cameras and kit lenses (18-55mm) priced under $500.  Yes, you can pick up a great DSLR camera and an 18-55mm lens for under $500.

Keep in mind these tips:

1. There are variations to kits, for example you might want to add a telephoto lens if you know you will be using it from the get-go. There are kits available with a full range of filters, camera bags, and extra lenses.

2. Megapixels vary from camera to camera. If you plan on enlarging photos, aim for a camera with higher megapixels for clarity and sharper images. But, honestly, I have an 18 MP camera that enlarges photo to 16x20 very nicely.

Here are the Top 3 Best Sellers in order by ranking, not price.


1. $399 Canon EOS Rebel T5 EF-S 18-55mm IS II Digital SLR Kit


Features:

• 18 megapixel CMOS (APS-C) sensor with DIGIC 4 image processor
• 3-inch LCD TFT color, liquid-crystal monitor for easy viewing and sharing
• EOS 1080p full HD movie mode helps you capture brilliant results
• Features include continuous shooting up to 3fps, Scene Intelligent Auto mode, creative filers, built-in flash and feature guide

2. $496.95 Nikon D3300 24.2 MP CMOS Digital SLR with AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR II Zoom Lens (Black)

Features:

• 24.2 MP CMOS DX-format sensor
• 5 frames per second continuous shooting
• 11 AF points with 3D tracking
• ISO 100-12800 (expandable to 25600)
• 1080 (60, 50, 30, 25, 24 fps) HD video (MPEG-4/H.264/MOV)
• 3 inch LCD with 921,000 dots
• Expeed 4 processing

3. $499 Canon EOS Rebel SL1 Digital SLR with 18-55mm STM Lens


Features:

• 18 MP APS-C CMOS sensor
• 4 FPS continuous shooting
• 9 point AF system, center AF point is cross-type
• ISO 100-12800 (expandable to 25600)
• 1080 (30, 25, 24 fps) and 720 (60, 50 fps) HD video (29min limit, H.264 format)
• 3" touch panel LCD screen with 1,040,000 dots
• Movie Servo AF for continuous focus tracking of moving subjects

Although I've been a Canon user for years, I'm personally tempted to go to the other side and try a Nikon just so I can argue both sides of a coin. Heads, Canon, Tails, Nikon. Win-win. If you have a favorite brand, some, I know, prefer Sony or others, leave a note in the comments! I'd love to know what people shoot with.