Best DSLR Camera Under $300 in 2023

Everyone knows the Nikon D3400 is one of the best DSLR cameras under $300, but what if you have a specific requirement? I evaluated more than 15 models in this price range and ultimately chose to write about 5 of my favorites.

A DSLR camera is the best place to start if you want to take up photography as a pastime because they offer a solid balance of features that make them perfect for newcomers. If you know anything about cameras, you know that DSLRs may be pretty pricey; nevertheless, specific models provide excellent value.

Because of this, today’s topic will be the top five best DSLR cameras under $300. Of course, you can’t expect to get a full-frame camera at that price, but you can get a friendly camera that will allow you to hone your photography skills, learn the fundamentals, and at the very least, take beautiful photographs. The top picks offer a variety of options that will satisfy every photographer. Without further ado, let’s examine this more closely.

Table of Contents

What is the best DSLR camera under $300?

We’ve found the 5 best DSLR cameras under $300 for photography that will make your photography lifestyle easier.

1. Canon Digital Rebel XTi

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Canon Digital Rebel XTi is the best DSLR camera for under $300. We are going to start this list with an unusual model coming in from Canon, the EOS Rebel XTi, or as some know it, the EOS Kiss Digital X. I should point out that this camera was released in 2006, which is a very long time ago by today’s standards. However, suppose we know anything about Canon and its reputation for quality. In that case, we can say that this camera can give a terrific experience for its incredibly low and budget pricing. Let’s look at it.

The Canon Digital Rebel XTi has some unique features despite being an ancient camera, and after looking at its feature list, I believe you will be convinced. A 3:2 aspect ratio, 10.1 Megapixel APS-C size CMOS sensor is included with this digital single-lens reflex camera. Moving on, it has the DIGIC II image processor, which for its time was quite groundbreaking. This camera can capture three frames per second in burst shooting mode and boasts a functional 9-point high-precision autofocus system. Additionally, it features an ISO range of 100 to 1600.

After it was unboxed, the camera gave off a robust and capable feeling. Before it arrived, I had some conflicting feelings, but I knew it would be worthwhile once I saw it. Given that it weighs only 556 grams with the battery and has a total dimension of 5 inches by 3.7 inches by 2.5 inches, you will notice immediately that it is surprisingly durable for its size.

However, to use this, you must locate a CompactFlash card, which is a little tricky to find but is not impossible. Additionally, it includes a superb 18-55mm kit lens that offers excellent value for the money. You will question why things become more complex over time while the controls generally seem solid and straightforward.

Even though this camera didn’t have many megapixels, at least by today’s standards, after using it for about two weeks to take pictures, I started to appreciate it. But then again, I started appreciating it as it gave some fantastic shots; I discovered that you could shoot 10 RAW images in a row. I found out that it suffered a little when you boosted the ISO, but it was expected. Overall given the price that it comes at, a must-buy.

Pros

Familiar design;
Compatibility with Canon lenses and flashes;
24MP photographs;
Quick autofocus for stills and video;

Cons

Optical viewfinder smaller than rival mirrorless EVFs;
Limited focus area while using the viewfinder;
Dead-end lens system;
4K footage is cropped;
Doesn’t use the newest image sensor;

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Best Mirrorless Cameras Under $300 — **Canon EOS 40D**

2. Canon EOS 40D

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I can’t wait to show you the Canon EOS 40D, another camera made by Canon. For its price and age, this camera is a beast that will make you pleased. It was created as a professional-level camera that can do marvels. This is your most excellent option if you want to master photography effectively without spending a fortune.

Since the Canon EOS 40D was launched in 2007, it was ahead. However, despite being produced in 2007, it is still available today and is incredibly well-liked by both beginners and enthusiasts. Why is this? Let’s find out. This camera boasts a 10.1 Megapixel APS-C size CMOS sensor; to go with that, it has the DIGIC III image processor, which has a startup time of 0.15 seconds and gives 14-bit data for tonal rendering.

The central selling point is that it can capture 6.5 frames per second in burst shooting mode, which is excellent even today’s standards. It also boasts a battery life of 800 shots. The Rebel XTi has the same 9-point focusing technology.

Unboxing the Canon EOS 40D, I immediately saw that I was dealing with a severe camera because it was ready for use. It was one of the most robust and resilient cameras on the market at the time, and it can still hold up today.

It is also not particularly large or heavy, measuring 5.7 x 4.2 x 2.9 inches overall and weighing 822 grams with the battery. I should point out that the controls and ergonomics exceeded my expectations, especially for a 12-year-old camera.

During testing, I was generally rather happy with this camera. Still, the features that stood out to me were the colors and the detail preservation, which, compared to other cameras in its price range, were ideal. I should also tell out that the burst shooting mode was excellent, and the cross-type focusing points performed admirably.

Pros

Large LCD display;
Impressive speed for continuous shooting;
10-megapixels;

Cons

No notable improvements in picture quality;

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Best Canon Cameras Under $300 — **Canon EOS Rebel T5**

3. Canon EOS Rebel T5

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The EOS Rebel T5 is a Canon model that will meet your photography needs if you want to get into photography but don’t want to spend a lot of money. A few years ago, it was introduced as a semi-pro model, offering excellent controls, incredible image quality, especially in good lighting, and a friendly, lightweight body that is quite impressive for its price.

The Canon EOS Rebel T5 is a significant upgrade over the two Canon models mentioned above, as can be seen from its spec sheet and feature list, but let’s see, it is still the best DSLR camera under $300. An 18-megapixel APS-C size CMOS sensor and the DIGIC 4 image processor are built into this camera.

This camera’s ISO sensitivity ranges from 100 to 6400, and its fast performance combines the capabilities of contrast-detect and phase-detect autofocus with 9 focus points. The continuous drive shooting mode is capable of 3 frames per second and 30 frames per second Full HD video recording.

As I said, this relatively small, lightweight camera will comfortably fit in any photographer’s hand. Its dimensions are 5.129.943.07 inches, weighing about 480 grams when the batteries are included. Although it may not be the most robust camera on the market, I saw that it could function in various circumstances. The controls were pleasant and straightforward, providing creative freedom without adding unnecessary complexity.

I should point out that after using this camera for a while, I can say that the experience is ideal, given the price. I was astounded by the DIGIC 4 sensor’s priceless color and detail retention performance. Even though it wasn’t the sharpest, the 3-inch TFT LCD was fantastic, and the viewfinder was colorful and bright. Although there was room for improvement in the video quality, given the price and other features, I believe anyone would be content.

Pros

An optically stabilized lens is included;
Raw shooting assistance;
High ISO photos that are detailed;
1080p video recording;
On-screen shooting instructions;

Cons

Static LCD;
Viewfinder with a pentamirror;
Sluggish autofocus;
A 3fps burst shooting cap;
When shooting in raw, a small buffer;
Not a microphone input;

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Best DSLR Panasonic Cameras Under $300 — **PANASONIC Lumix FZ80**

4. PANASONIC Lumix FZ80

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The PANASONIC Lumix FZ80, near the top of the list, is a unique camera that excels in many areas, notably video recording. This camera has all the contemporary features you could anticipate from a DSLR and does it in an incredibly competent, adaptable, user-friendly, and outstanding practical way that meets the expectations of even the fussiest consumers.

This is a bridge camera, but it possesses all the attributes of DSLR cameras. It is also one of the most feature-rich cameras available for the money. However, the two key components that make DSLRs alluring are still missing: interchangeable lenses and superior detail preservation. An 18MP BSI-CMOS sensor and the revolutionary Venus Engine image processor are both included in this camera.

It contains a contrast-detect sensor, a 49-point autofocus system, and an ISO sensitivity range of 80 to 6400. However, since it shoots great 4K video at 30 frames per second, video shooting is its most significant function. Additionally, it has rapid focusing and can quickly shoot in RAW at 10 frames per second.

Although it weighs approximately 616 grams with the battery and SD card installed, this camera feels like a decent model because it is generally relatively sturdy and durable yet still feels light. This results from the superb ergonomics, body balance, and incredibly deep and sculpted handgrip that makes it easy to grasp the camera. I should point out that there aren’t many buttons, but it only contributes to the camera’s superb usability.

Before making a decision, I tried this camera for approximately three weeks. I can attest that it provides plenty of fun. I didn’t anticipate the 60x optical zoom at this price point, but it was interesting.

Excellent video recording capabilities were available, and professional-quality photos could unquestionably be taken under ideal lighting conditions. The PANASONIC Lumix FZ80 is ideal if you want to start taking pictures and want a straightforward but functional solution.

Pros

The large zoom range of 60x;
Quick autofocus;
10-frame raw capture;
30 frames per second 4K photo capturing;
Touch LCD;
Clear EVF;
Wi-Fi;

Cons

No eye sensor for EVF;
A fixed back LCD;
A little raw buffer;
Excludes 24 frames per second video capturing;
A wobbling effect can be seen in telephoto footage;

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5. Nikon D3400

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On top of the list, we have a camera that will challenge Nikon’s outstanding D3400, the king of entry-level DSLRs and the best DSLR camera under $300. Despite being one of the most excellent entry-level cameras on the market with little competition, this camera is considerably more capable than you might imagine. It is perfectly balanced in terms of its body, performance, cost, battery, and many other factors.

This digital single-lens reflex camera is fantastic just by its features and specifications, so let’s take a closer look. Let me start by saying it has a 24.2MP DX-format CMOS sensor and Expeed 4 image processing. I should also mention that the camera has a native ISO range of 100 to 25600. It has an 11-point autofocus system but no optical low-pass filter. It can record Full HD video at 60 frames per second and shoot five frames per second in burst mode. I should also point out that it has one of the best battery lives on the market, lasting approximately 1200 photos.

Despite being one of the tiniest and lightest cameras on the market, this one feels quite robust. With its deep, ergonomic handgrip and thumb rest in the back, there are several locations to hold the camera. With the battery and memory card loaded, this camera weighs only 445 grams and has overall dimensions of 2.95 by 4.88 by 3.86 inches. The buttons are arranged logically, offering excellent creative freedom for your shooting requirements.

Regardless of whether you are interested in photography, I can state that everyone should get a Nikon D3400 because of the camera’s overall performance. With excellent metering and white balance performance, this camera offers one of the most enjoyable shooting experiences. With the right lens and some experience, I believe I have fallen in love with this camera, and you should too.

Pros

Long-lasting battery;
Small, lightweight, and simple to use;
Excellent performance in single-shot AF;
The smooth, compact kit lens;

Cons

Is touchscreen-less;
No port for a microphone;
LCD is secured in position;
Major connection issues;

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Verdict of Best DSLR Camera Under $300

The list above shows that the best DSLR camera under $300 is available. You will be more than satisfied if you don’t expect a full-frame image, a high-end ISO, state-of-the-art image stabilization technology, or other advanced features.

I started with a camera like that, but you can do even better. If it meets your requirements and has the aforementioned features, you may have plenty of fun with your inexpensive DSLR. Be sure to verify the camera’s sensor, video capabilities, and body.

What is the best DSLR camera under $300?

1. Canon Digital Rebel XTi

2. Canon EOS 40D

3. Canon EOS Rebel T5

4. PANASONIC Lumix FZ80

5. Nikon D3400

Verdict of Best DSLR Camera Under $300

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