nikon-d40Everyone knows that DSLR Cameras can shoot way better photos than any of the top Compact Point and Shoot Cameras. But they are not common among ordinary people because they are bulky and uneasy to carry around and also need some knowledge of photography to take those great photos. But price of these cameras has been the biggest barrier between these two distinct group of cameras. A good DSLR with decent lenses can cost an average consumer an arm or a leg. But we have collected some low cost budget DSLR Cameras that has nearly the same price with the high end compact cameras these days. Here is the list of top 10 Budget DSLR Cameras. Choose one from the list if you want to enter the world of creative photography.

1. Nikon D40

This entry level DSLR is one of the most affordable DSLR models around though it does not have the latest features like Image Stabilization, Dust Reduction or AF motor system within its body.
d40

  • 6.1-megapixel CCD captures enough detail for photo-quality 14 x 19-inch prints
  • Kit includes 3x 18-55mm f3.5-5.6G ED II AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor lens
  • 2.5-inch LCD with three display options; built-in flash and hot shoe
  • Fast startup with instant shutter response; shoot at up to 2.5 frames per second
  • Powered by one rechargeable Li-ion battery EN-EL9 (included); stores images on SD memory cards (memory card not included)

Price

$449 with 18-55 mm kit lens

2. Canon EOS Rebel XS (1000D)

This is an entry level DSLR from Canon’s Range.
canon-eos-rebel-xs

  • 10 CMOS Megapixel Resolution APS-C size sensor (22.2 x 14.8mm)
  • DIGIC III Image Processor
  • Speedy, Precise Operation
  • High Magnification Viewfinder

Price

$499 (Body Only)

3. Olympus Evolt E620

This is a feature packed DSLR. This model has built-in stabilization that works with every lens you attach.
olympus-evolt-e620

  • 12.3-megapixel Live MOS sensor for photo-quality, poster-size prints
  • Lightweight ergonomic design; kit includes 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 Zuiko lens
  • TruePic III for superior image quality in all lighting situations; Supersonic Wave Drive (in-body sensor shift)
  • 2.7-inch HyperCrystal III Swivel LCD; Smooth Live View allows you to change the frame rate of the Live View display
  • Stores images to Compact Flash (Type I and II), Microdrive, xD Picture card (not included)

Price

$699 with 14-42 mm kit lens

4. Panasonic Lumix DMC-G1

Technically speaking the G1 is not a DSLR as it dispenses with the mirror and optical viewfinder to deliver a particularly compact body – but it does have a DSLR-sized sensor and removeable lenses, which is why it’s here.
panasonic-lumix-dmc-g1

  • 12.1-megapixel 4/3-type MOS sensor; world’s first Micro Four Thirds camera
  • Includes Lumix G Vario 14 - 45 mm F3.5 - F5.6 ASPH.Mega OIS lens
  • Live View Finder and bright 460,000-dot resolution, 3.0-inch LCD
  • New Contrast AF (Auto Focus) function; Face Detection and Intelligent Auto (iA) mode
  • Capture images to SD/SDHC/Multimedia cards (not included)

Price

$639 with 14-45 mm kit lens

5. Nikon D60

If you are not satisfied with the 6 MP resolution of D40 you may op for this better quality camera.
d60

  • Extraordinary 10.2-megapixel DX-format Nikon picture quality
  • Includes AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G Vibration Reduction lens
  • 2.5-inch LCD screen; horizontal and vertical orientation are detected automatically
  • Continuous shooting at 3 fps; Active Dust Reduction System with Airflow Control
  • Capture images to SD/SDHC memory cards (not included)

Price

$540 with 18-55 mm kit lens

6. Canon Digital Rebel XSi

It is a upper entry level DSLR providing a lot of features for the money.
canon-digital-rebel-xsi

  • 12.2-megapixel CMOS sensor captures enough detail for poster-size, photo-quality prints
  • Large 3.0-inch LCD display; includes Canon’s EF-S 18-55mm, f3.5-5.6 IS zoom lens
  • DIGIC III image processor provides fast, accurate image processing; improved Autofocus and framing rate
  • EOS Integrated Cleaning system, plus Dust Delete Data Detection in included software
  • Stores images on SD/SDHC memory cards (not included)

Price

$627 with 18-55mm kit lens

7. Olympus Evolt E520

This is also a nice DSLR from the house of Olympus.
olympus-evolt-e520

  • 10-megapixel CMOS sensor captures enough detail for photo-quality 18 x 24-inch prints
  • Lightweight ergonomic design; kit includes 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 Zuiko lens
  • Enhanced in-body Image Stabilization with Supersonic Wave Drive technology
  • Face Detection and Shadow Adjustment technologies; Perfect Shot Preview
  • Compatible with CompactFlash Type I and II, Microdrives, and xD-Picture Cards (not included)

Price

$449 with 14-42 mm Zuiko Lens

8. Nikon D3000

This is a newer model if you don’t want the old D40 model.
d3000

  • 10.2-megapixel DX-format imaging sensor for prints up to 20 x 30 inches
  • Includes 3x 18-55mm Zoom-Nikkor VR Image Stabilization lens
  • Nikon EXPEED image processing; in-camera image editing and Active D-Lighting
  • 3.0-inch color LCD screen; 170-degree wide-angle viewing
  • Capture images to SD/SDHC memory cards (not included)

Price

$599 with 18-55 mm kit lens

9. Olympus Evolt E410

This is the cheapest DSLR by all means.
olympus-evolt-e410

  • 10-megapixel CMOS sensor captures enough detail for photo-quality 18 x 24-inch prints
  • 2.5-inch Live View HyperCrystal LCD display
  • Exclusive dust-free technology for spot-free photos
  • TruePic III for superior image quality in all lighting situations
  • Lightweight ergonomic design; kit includes one 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 Zuiko Lens

Price

$350 with 14-42mm Zuiko Lens

10. Nikon D5000

Take a break. This is not a budget DSLR for the consumers but a professional photographer may find this one as a ‘budget’ DSLR. HaHa!
d5000

  • 12.3-megapixel DX-format CMOS image sensor
  • Outfit includes the 3x AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR lens with image stabilization
  • D-Movie Mode with sound; record 720p HD movie clips
  • Vari-angle color 2.7-inch LCD monitor; one-button Live View
  • Capture images to SD/SDHC memory cards (not included)

Price

$1520 (Body Only)