❌ You want to shoot 4K video: Unlike most smartphones, the Nikon D3500 is limited to Full HD recording, rather than 4K footage. If you’re happy to consider other formats, take a look at our round-up of the best beginner cameras. Each entry has been tested by our experts in the real-world, to assess factors such as handling, usability and overall performance. Whatever your needs and budget, this guide will help you find your ideal beginner DSLR camera. That means 4K video, fast phase-detect autofocus and a 3-inch articulating touchscreen – features which put it on a par with some of the best beginner mirrorless cameras. It’s a more recent addition to the beginner DSLR market and has the skills to match. If you’re shopping with a bigger budget, we highly recommend the Canon EOS Rebel T8i – known as the Canon EOS 850D outside the US.
While it’s officially been discontinued, you can still find it available from many retailers. Its feature set is straightforward, but it gets all of the core requirements right: it’s easy to use, captures excellent images and has a large catalog of compatible lenses. We think the top choice for most people is the Nikon D3500.