The LCD display likewise feels long in the tooth, with a 2.7-inch diagonal and 230k-dot resolution, while Live View performance is a little sluggish. The 18MP sensor and DIGIC 4+ processor are both aging, as is the modest 9-point autofocus system, which has been in Canon’s catalogue since 2009. There’s a lot about the 4000D that seems dated alongside the latest entry-level models. And if you’re looking for something very basic but very affordable, Canon’s 4000D (also called the 3000D in some markets) is a decent first choice. If you’re making your first foray into DSLR ownership, you don’t necessarily need a camera that can do everything. Small, low-res sensor -Dated 9-point autofocus Either way, the 90D proves that DSLRs still very much have a place in the mirrorless world. It's possibly a bit too much camera for an absolute beginner (both in price and features), but there's no doubt it offers a lot of room to grow into. Battery life is a boon, too, with 1,500 shots possible on a single charge. A deeper grip means the 90D is also really comfortable in the hand, while a joystick makes selecting from the Dual Pixel CMOS AF points a cinch.
Color reproduction is superb and there’s plenty of detail in both stills and video, aided by a new 216-zone metering system (even if noise can be an issue above ISO 8000). The versatile 90D packs a high-resolution sensor which, paired with Canon’s Digic 8 imaging engine, offers the enticing prospect of uncropped 4K video at 30fps. The Canon 90D might be the last enthusiast-level DSLR the company ever makes – and if so, it’s going out with a bang. No image stabilization -Not the cheapest option for beginners Both Canon and Nikon continue to offer a wide range of entry-level DSLR models, with extensive lens catalogues to match. It's worth noting that manufacturers have practically stopped making new DSLRs now – Sony has pretty much phased out its A-mount DSLRs, while Canon has discontinued its 7D line – but that doesn't mean the DSLR format is dead. If those features are more important to you than the latest autofocus or compact form factors, then an entry-level DSLR is likely the way to go. Plus, they remain the only cameras to feature true optical viewfinders (one that displays the actual scene as viewed through a lens, rather than a digital recreation). Why buy a DSLR over a mirrorless camera? DSLRs continue to offer some advantages over their mirrorless counterparts, particularly when it comes to handling and battery life. It's also one of the most affordable ways to buy a camera with a built-in viewfinder. It has everything a learner photographer needs: a handy Guide Mode to explain key settings, great handling, a huge selection of lenses, and excellent image quality. What's the best beginner DSLR you can buy right now? We think that title goes to the Nikon D3500. Fortunately, we've been testing DSLRs for a while now and have ranked our top picks for the best beginner DSLRs here – covering the major manufacturers, namely Canon, Nikon and Pentax – to help you find the right match. In fact, the choice is still so broad, that deciding the best one for you can be pretty overwhelming. There aren't many new DSLRs hitting the market these days, but that doesn't mean you can't find plenty of classics on the shelves.