The normal layman out there might just get intimidated with the complicated features offered by a Digital Single Lens Reflex Camera or a DSLR as it is commonly called. An absolute must-have for professional photographers, a DSLR is gaining popularity among amateurs as well. In fact, it is the ideal kind of camera for anyone passionate about photography.

Within the broad spectrum of DSLR’s available in the market these days, there is a segment designed especially for beginners who have only recently forayed into the world of photography. A top level DSLR camera can puzzle and confuse any beginner with the many settings and control options. However, an entry level DSLR combines efficiency with ease of use in an attempt to simplify things.

Having said that, what should be a beginner’s expectations from a DSLR? How different are the criteria to be considered from a top level DSLR? Well, for starters beginners must look for that ideal balance between basic and advanced features. Look for a DSLR which allows you to experiment a little while still providing the basic photographic features. Additionally, a DSLR which comes with automated features is always a good purchase for someone who is still learning the tricks of the trade.

Considering these features, we have complied for you a list of the best DSLR cameras for beginners:

1. Canon Rebel T3i – The great part about this DSLR camera is that it incorporates certain features found typically in a professional DSLR, but yet it manages to keep things relatively simple. This Canon DSLR comes with the Live View mode using which you can actually see how changing some settings can modify a photo even as you are clicking it. This means that it is way easier for you to decide on the best settings for a particular photo.

Additionally, the camera has three zones- the Basic, the Creative and the Image Zone. The settings for all of these three are pre-regulated and they ensure that you get the best of photographs. After a while, when you are equipped with the necessary knowledge and experience, you can easily shift from the automatic to the manual mode of settings. Besides the convenience factor, this DSLR also comes with a state-of-art 18 megapixel CMOS which is basically a sensor which accentuates the level of detail of a photograph. To sum it up, the Canon Rebel T3i has everything you can ask for in an entry level DSLR- it is easy to use, it has features which are designed to uncomplicated things but at the same time, no compromises are made on the quality front.

2. Nikon D5100 – This DSLR also comes with several pre-programmed shooting modes like landscape, portrait, close-up etc. The settings have been regulated in a manner that enhances the final quality of your photographs. Apart from these basic modes, there are others like selective color, miniature effect and night vision.

Along with ease of use, this DSLR also promises professional features like a 16.2 megapixel CMOS and a wide ISO range. These terms can be a little confusing for beginners, so here is what they essentially mean (CMOS has already been explained earlier). The ISO range is normally used to measure film speed. In the case of a DSLR, it refers to the speed of shutter at which it can capture fast moving objects while maintain the sharpness and focus. All said done, the Nikon D5100 delivers on the two most crucial criteria- it is technically sound and it allows a beginner to be creative and experimental.

3. Sony SLT-A55 – Sony has always been known for its cutting edge technological innovations and quite rightly so. This DSLR is the first of its kind to introduce the Translucent Mirror Technology which works in combination with the Live View mode resulting in what Sony describes as the “what-you-see-is-what-you-get” phenomenon.

The Phase Detection Auto Focus along with the Dynamic Range Optimizer leave very little for you to do manually. These automatic settings work brilliantly in tandem to produce stunning photographs. Add to this an impressive ISO range and a variety of shooting modes and you have a perfectly balanced DSLR camera for beginners.