Why Replace Your Point and Shoot With an Entry-Level DSLR?

Simple point-and-shoot cameras are an economical, easy-to-use photography option for many. However, they seldom deliver anything but simplified photos that lack the color saturation, light intensity and depth of their subject. Worse, with inaccurate LCD screens, even when point-and-shoot photos seem to be spot on, they can be miles wide of the mark. Sure they’re compact, easy to use and affordable, but what if your interest in photography is above average? You want to have pictures with depth, feeling and vibrant color. That’s where a DSLR will make the difference.

DSLR (digital single lens reflex) cameras used to belong only in the professional photographer category. But now, because the higher quality pictures they afford, demand is growing in the mass market. Entry-level DSLR cameras are now designed to take that professional quality of photos and put it in a device that’s simple and easy to use, even for those who are only familiar with a compact camera.

For both photo hobbyists looking to let their skills shine and casual photographers that want better pictures, entry-level DSLRs offer ease-of-use and quality of results that offer a perfect balance between simple point-and-shoot cameras and higher-grade, professional digital SLR cameras.

In this site you'll find articles helping you improve your photography skills from tips and tricks for better pictures to being able to understand the language of a professional photographer. We also have in-depth reviews on each camera to help you make an informed decision on which camera will work best for you. At TopTenREVIEWS – We do the research so you don’t have to.™

What to Look for in Entry-Level DSLR Cameras

An entry-level DLSR camera is a major purchase and should be the product of careful consideration and review. Choosing an entry-level DSLR camera that suits your interests, skill level, frequency of use, offers automated features to facilitate simple point-and-shoot use and adjustable features for personalized use are paramount to choosing the right entry-level DSLR camera. Below are the criteria TopTenREVIEWS used to evaluate entry-level DSLR cameras:

• Features: It's important to have a high megapixel resolution, a built-in image stabilizer either in the body of the camera or the kit lens that comes with it, light-weight and easy to use body as well as  a long battery life. We looked for which features help a point and shoot user feel comfortable and take better pictures right out of the box. We also looked at more difficult to use features, like max shutter speed, that will give photographers flexibility as they grow into their camera and their skills improve. The camera should be both easy to use at the beginning, but also will not hold you back from improving your photography skills.
• Ease of Use: With so many buttons and options to manually control the settings, it can be a little overwhelming for the first-time DSLR user. However, many of these entry-level cameras come with several automatic shooting modes and even Live View on the LCD screen that allow users to treat it like point and shoot while they’re getting the feel for their new camera. We've ranked the number of easy features that will help the first-time DSLR users feel comfortable.
• Value: We wanted to make sure the price matched up with the features that will help make the transition from point and shoot to DSLR as seamless as possible.
• Customer Satisfaction: Based on several user reviews, we scored each product on the overall opinion from those who actually bought it and used it.

If you’re looking to take that step up to the next level in photography with a DSLR, read our reviews of entry-level DSLR cameras to help you find the camera best suited for your needs.