8 Best DSLR Cameras under $400 (2021)

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Who doesn’t aspire to have a DSLR? Everybody wants to convert all those tiny moments into memorable events. The world wants to become picture perfect. And why not!

However, it’s a matter of the fact that DSLRs come expensive. Even if we have some less costly DSLRs, they might not be perfect for beginners. They all come with unique features and specifications that attract our attention quickly. To clear out any unnecessary confusion, we are here with some of the Best DSLRs under $400. Such Budget-friendly DSLRs also come with a lot of features. They offer a pretty standard quality of a DSLR.

So with this, let’s dive straight into the list!

Best DSLRs under 400$

Canon EOS Rebel T7

Canon EOS Rebel T7
Canon EOS Rebel T7

The camera deserves to be in the top list of best DSLR under $400. The features are currently upgraded and made suitable for some perfect shots. It comes with a 24.1 Megapixels APSC CMOS sensor for delivering maximum Precision and Details. It is boosted with the noise control formula.

However, the essential feature remains the 9 point Autofocus system that works real wonders when capturing still images and recording slow-motion videos. The camera is not very heavy. It comes with a textured body for a better grip. Also, the LCD screen works well for the users. You can expect lots of professionalism, precision, and clarity with this camera.

What we like about the camera:

  • 9 point Autofocus
  • 24.1 Megapixels APS-C CMOS sensor
  • Lightweight
  • Good grip
  • Compact and stylish
  • Damage proof

Nikon D3500

Nikon D3500
Nikon D3500

It is one of the Best DSLR even for Podcasting purposes and it is famous for its upgraded features. With an excellent 24 megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor the camera delivers some exceptional details.

It comes with an EXPEED 4 image processor. Capturing stills or taking some slow-motion videos, the camera sits perfectly in these places. You need not worry much about focusing on the still with this camera because it perfectly does the job itself.

The 11 points Multi-cam 1000 AF leaves no gap to stand on our expectations with the performance. The camera is weighing around a pound or so. This lightweight technology allows you to Crown it even with heavy lenses without making much of a difference in balancing the grip.

You get a better speed, good autofocus, and much more with Nikon D3500, more or less like a professional DSLR. The camera is very durable, ready to face some harsh handling.

What we like about the camera:

  • 11 points Multi-cam 1000 AF
  • 24 Megapixels APS-C CMOS sensor
  • Lightweight
  • Good grip
  • Elegant and classy
  • Damage proof
  • Very popular

Canon EOS Rebel SL1

Canon EOS Rebel SL1
Canon EOS Rebel SL1

Again a very user-friendly camera from Canon on our list is the EOS Rebel SL 1. The Camera comes with a standardized 18-megapixel autofocus system to give you fantastic sharpness and color details.

The image clarity reveals it all. It is equipped with a 9 point hybrid CMOS AF II sensor for capturing minute details with enhanced effects. The focusing speed is 0.8 seconds only.

The touch screen display at the back of the camera makes it so much handy for usage. The camera contains a textured body to provide a safe and comfortable grip.

Most of you might be aware that this is the smallest and the most lightweight camera, weighing just about a pound. It would be best if you did not risk it with rough handling, but otherwise, it is good enough for a DSLR.

What we like about the camera:

  • 9 point hybrid CMOS AF II
  • 18 Megapixels sensor
  • Lightest DSLR
  • Good grip
  • Smallest and compact model

Nikon D3300

Nikon D3300
Nikon D3300

While the population is more or less more than glad about the performance of the Nikon D3500, we should not forget to mention another version of DSLR from the same brand, which is the Nikon D3300. The ISO range of this camera ranges from 100 to 12800, and it could be expanded to 25600.

The sensor is a 24 megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor. The focus speed is better than other cameras, even in low light conditions. The 11 point autofocus system works accurately with the one cross-type point.

Even if you are a novice with a DSLR, you won’t face much difficulty handling this camera because it is a beginner’s friendly camera. Again the grip is ergonomic and safe for carrying out with large lenses too. The DSLR weighs about a pound. That’s pretty much a fair deal under $400.

So briefing up the long story, one can say that if you are not crazy about high quality or a premium standard DSLR, then you can settle down with this one because it is a good alternative of the same at a lesser price.

What we like about the camera:

  • 11 point AF
  • 24 Megapixels sensor
  • Lightweight
  • Ergonomic grip
  • Compact model
  • Beginners friendly

Canon EOS 1300D

Canon EOS 1300D
Canon EOS 1300D

We won’t waste much time introducing this model. It comes with three frames per second shooting speed and a battery life of 500 shots, only beginning with the features. That is decent enough to convince anyone looking for an affordable DSLR.

The ISO range ranges from 100 to 6400. The camera is based on the APS-C CMOS sensor with 18 megapixels.

The 9 point autofocus system is a pretty standard offer in this range. The grip is made ergonomic for a better hold and support. The controls are super handy and comfortable even for a beginner. The picture quality or recording clarity is worth admiration. The camera can sustain harsh conditions.

What we like about the camera:

  • 9 point AF
  • 18 Megapixels sensor
  • Lightweight
  • Ergonomic grip
  • Elegant looking model
  • Beginners friendly

Nikon D5600 DSLR camera

Nikon D5600 DSLR camera
Nikon D5600 DSLR camera

We see Canon and Nikon considerably qualifying the race. Still, this is yet another DSLR from the Nikon family. You get a hot shoe for the External Flash option. However the built-in flash covers most of the dark effects and brightens up the overall event together. The LCD screen is so designed to benefit working from any angle.

The LCD of 3.2 inches is good enough for customizing basic settings. The model comes with a 24.2 MP DX-format CMOS sensor. It carries an EXPEED 4 image processor. A 1080 pixel video recording at 60fps Multicam is not a classic piece of bread. We must not forget to mention a fantastic AF sensor. Well, that’s not all; there are good connectivity options with Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and NFC settings.

What we like about the camera:

  • Amazing AF
  • 24.2 Megapixels sensor
  • 1080 p resolution video recording at 60 fps
  • Safe grip
  • NFC
  • Handy LCD touchscreen for basic settings

Canon EOS 4000D (Rebel T100)

Canon EOS 4000D
Canon EOS 4000D

This is another suggestion for an affordable DSLR costing around $400. Canon 4000 comes with an 18 Megapixels APS-C CMOS DJ 4 processor. The ISO range of the camera ranges from 100 to 6400 and it is expandable up to 12800.

You get a beautiful 1080 pixel video recording at 30 fps. The 9 point autofocus gives standard clarity and precision in the picture quality. The LCD display is open for basic settings.

Overall, these are many features in an affordable range, so that we may call it a decent deal. A 1-year seller’s warranty works totally icing on the cake. The grip is textured and safe for handling.

What we like about the camera:

  • Amazing AF
  • 18 Megapixels sensor
  • 1080 p resolution video recording at 30 fps
  • Safe grip
  • Handy LCD touchscreen for basic settings

Other Picks under 400 Dollars

Well, this one definitely deserves mention but is not a DSLR. So, we decided to add it separately here. If you feel that this list was not sufficient for you, you should also check out the best DSLR under 300.

Now on-to this pick!

GoPro Hero 8

GoPro Hero 8
GoPro Hero 8

If you were still wondering if we have anything other than Nikon and Canon in the list. We do have. We are here with a GoPro Hero 8 camera. The camera has lots of connectivity options including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and USB type C.

This is an absolutely Waterproof camera and it can tolerate a depth of 33 feet. You get four Digital lenses: Narrow, Distortion-free, Linear wide, and Super view.

Definitely, you get a 4K resolution video at 60fps and absolutely full HD videos at 240 FPS. The Hyper smooth 2.0 Technology works best for multiple stabilization levels and horizon leveling.

The camera is great for night time pictures with 30 seconds shutter time. 12 Megapixels image sensor with HDR support is enough to quench our thirst.

What we like about the camera:

  • Good AF
  • 12 Megapixels sensor
  • 1080 p resolution video recording at 60 fps
  • Full HD videos at 240 fps
  • Good grip
  • Better connectivity options
  • HDR Support

So these were our best picks for DSLRs under $400. With such amazing features, the cameras are a treasure.

What are the 3 main features that matter the most while purchasing a DSLR?

The features are listed here:

  1. Sensor: The sensor of the camera becomes a very important concern for capturing minute details and beautiful precision. At present, at the price range that we are talking about which is under $400, we can get our hands on APS CMOS sensors. To our advantage, these work well enough for taking some amazing videos and pictures.
  2. Autofocus: The autofocus of the camera should hold more points in order to be able to focus immediately on an object with clarity. It should take less time to focus on the subject without hanging you much. That saves a lot of time and effort while focusing on the subject of capture.
  3. Battery life: Battery is the life of all such Electronic gadgets. Hence, the life of a battery matters the most with the device to deliver the best possible service.

Conclusion

We often hear images are so unique because they capture all positive memories, and we then preserve them as long as we can. And DSLRs can correctly do this for you. If you want to start your career in photography, YouTube, and/or blogging, a good camera is as essential as good food for a bodybuilder. DSLRs have become the trendsetters for maximum such events and professions.

We hope that you liked this list of the best DSLR under 400. If you’ve got any doubts or queries, feel free to comment them down below.

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