“where cheap is chic” — wisebread
Also see our full DSLRs review:
  1. Cheap DSLRs
  2. Digital SLR Lenses
  3. DSLR Sensors, CMOS Sensors
  4. Digital SLR Image Stabilization, Burst Rate
  5. DSLR Reviews
  6. Discount DSLRs Features Comparison Table

If you're worried about finding a cheap digital SLR that can take sharp photos with accurate colors, don't. Camera makers have that part of DSLR technology down. So take into consideration the features that matter to you as you shop around for a cheap DSLR. Cameras with CCD sensors generally take better pictures but also tend to be more expensive than CMOS models -- though not necessarily, as the Sony A390 shows. As far as resolution goes, 10 megapixels is a good starting point; anything more on a cheap digital SLR is a nice bonus. We like cheap DSLRs with in-camera image stabilization, which reduces camera shake when snapping photos in low light. If you take action photos of sports (or kids playing at full speed), you should look for an entry-level DSLR camera with a fast continuous shooting rate or burst rate (measured in frames per second). And while live view is not essential, it's clearly a feature plenty of consumers want, especially if they're used to composing photos using the LCD screen on the back of a point-and-shoot.

Digital Image Sensor Resolution Internal Image Stabilization Continuous Shooting Rate Live View
Canon EOS Rebel T3 estimated price $479
CMOS 12.2MP No 3 fps Yes
Sony A390 estimated price $499
CCD 14.2MP Yes 2.5 fps Yes
Nikon D3000 estimated price $459
CCD 10.2MP No 3 fps No
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