3 Best DSLR Cameras Under 30000 (Updated with Latest Options)
A DSLR camera is the gold standard in cameras and photography. However, DSLRs are known for breaking your bank.
We have a massive guide on choosing the best DSLR camera in India, and they include all types of DSLRs on the market.
But what if you’re on a budget and only have 30,000 rupees to spend on a DSLR camera? Well, that’s where this post comes in to your help.
We have covered everything you need to know about choosing the best DSLR camera under 30,000 as well as all the options you can explore.
Best DSLR Cameras Under 30,000 Rupees
Let us now review the 3 best DSLR cameras under 30,000 rupees before we get into details on the factors you need to consider when choosing one.
We will review these cameras on different aspects – performance, image quality, video recording, functionality, and more.
Canon EOS 3000D
The Canon EOS 3000D is priced just a little over 30,000 rupees at the time of writing this post. It’s certainly the best DSLR camera under 30,000 in our opinion.
Complete package
It covers pretty much every aspect of photography, all while being super beginner-friendly. If you’re looking to enter the world of DSLR photography, then the EOS 3000D may turn out to be perfect companion for you.
Excellent image quality
The photo quality is better than what you would expect at this price point. There is good clarity, the images are sharp, the colour saturation is taken good care of, and the tiny details are well-captured.
Moreover, you won’t need to spend hours trying to set the perfect settings to start taking great quality images. Just make sure your focus is spot on and everything will come out great.
Full 1080p HD video quality
That said, the video quality isn’t as good but then it’s nothing to complain about as well. At this price point, the video quality is just good enough. It takes 1080p full HD videos.
However, you can improve things a lot, both in terms of image and video quality, if you can some additional lens. The Canon 50 mm 1.8 prime lens would go a long way in significantly boosting the overall quality of your images and videos.
Similarly, depending on your overall use, the Canon EF-S 55-250mm telephoto zoom lens may be a great addition too. This is especially for users who want to shoot distant images and still want all the details to be captured. This lens is going to help you do that.
On that note, if you do decide to get any of these lens, this guide on cleaning DSLR lens properly might help you.
Additional details
As far as the technical specifications are concerned, you get a 18 megapixel CMOS sensor and DIGIC 4+ image processor. Not bad in this price range.
The EOS 3000D also boasts a 9-point autofocus system, ISO range up to 6400 (which is also expandable up to 12800), and supports Wi-Fi.
The battery life is also pretty good for the price. Overall, you get a good package of features at a very affordable price.
Final verdict
You probably can’t get anything better than this with a budget of around 30,000 rupees. And that’s especially if the image quality is the most important factor for you, since it offers excellent image quality for its price.
Pros:
- Probably the best image quality you can get at this price point
- Super beginner-friendly, perfect for people starting into DSLR photography
- 1080p full HD video recording
- Significantly improved performance with additional improved lens
- Good battery life
Cons:
- The video quality isn’t as good as the image quality, especially in low light
Canon EOS 1500D
This is another budget DSLR from Canon, but it’s priced a little over 35,000 at the time of writing this post. So it’s not exactly available under 30,000 rupees, but considering the reasons we discussed above, this is a good choice all the same.
If you can increase your budget a little, you can get a much better set of functionalities with the Canon EOS 1500D.
Beginner-friendly
First things first, it’s another beginner-friendly DSLR that you should have no problem getting familiar with. It comes with many of the same features and functionalities as the EOS 3000D, but it offers some additional advanced functionalities as well.
Video recording
While you get the same 1080p full HD video recording, you also get full manual control and the ability to choose your frame rates. This paves the way for a much better level of control, precision and performance.
Then there’s also a live mode operation feature, and there’s no lagging there.
However, one must not forget that at the end of the day, the EOS 1500D is also a budget DSLR. So the low light video recording performance is not going to be stellar, and the same goes for video autofocus.
Impressive image quality
Coming to the image quality, this is one aspect where none of the Canon DSLRs disappoint. The EOS 1500D comes with a more powerful 24.1 MP CMOS sensor. You can expect considerably better quality images with the EOS 1500D than with the EOS 3000D, especially if you get the additional premium lens we mentioned above.
The images come out surprisingly good even in low light. But you may find some noise in images taken in low light conditions. In good conditions, though, the images turn out sharp with great details.
Other factors
The battery life is pretty good with the EOS 1500D, just like it is with pretty much every Canon DSLR out there. The EOS 1500D also offers NFC and Bluetooth as connectivity options in addition to Wi-Fi.
Finally, while the 9-point AF system sounds good in this price point, the accuracy is a bit of a concern. But then you may have to increase your budget significantly if you’re after a DSLR that offers an advanced autofocus system with great accuracy.
Pro:
- Beginner-friendly, easy to handle
- Takes great images, though there’s some noise when shooting in low light conditions
- More powerful 24.1 MP CMOS sensor
- Live mode operation works without any lagging
- Good battery life
Cons:
KODAK PIXPRO Astro Zoom AZ421-BK
Now, this is not a DSLR camera. It’s a point and shoot camera but one of the more powerful ones. We believe it can be a good alternative to budget DSLRs, especially when the options are quite limited.
Great first camera for beginners
It’s a great starting camera for beginners, though you will have to spend some time with it to learn the settings and stuff. However, once you get used to it, you will be surprised at the quality of images it delivers at this price point.
Solid image quality with excellent zoom functionality
It comes with a 16.1 MP CCD sensor that’s not only powerful but also works great at images that require you to zoom in. The zoom functionality in particular is the biggest highlight of this model.
It boasts a solid 42x zoom which makes it great for taking distant images or videos. It also comes with a 24mm wide angle lens that further adds to the distant-shooting performance.
Additional functionalities
Then there’s the facial detection features as well. They can work like an accurate autofocus system if used in the right way.
There are also loads of built-in editing and optimization features like reducing facial flaws, enhancing skin tone, and more. The panorama mode also adds to the creativity you can put into your shooting as well as the overall performance.
Video recording
The video recording isn’t the best you can get, though. You can only shoot 720p videos using this camera, but you should also consider the fact that it’s available at a much cheaper price than the DSLR cameras we reviewed above.
Cheapest non-DSLR choice
All things considered, this camera isn’t very popular in India, at least as of now. But that doesn’t stop us from including it on our list of the best DSLRs under 30,000 because it offers a surprisingly good performance for the price.
You will be able to find more information and other technical specifications on the product page of this camera on Amazon.
Pros:
- Surprisingly powerful performance in this price range
- Takes great images
- Very strong zoom functionality for taking detailed distant images
- Many additional optimization features like facial detection and panorama mode
Cons:
- It’s not a DSLR camera but a powerful point and shoot camera that’s comparable to entry-level DSLRs
How to Choose the Best DSLR Camera Under 30,000?
Well, the biggest challenge you will be faced with is finding enough options priced under 30,000 rupees. You can find plenty of point and shoot cameras under 30,000 rupees, but you will have a hard time finding even a couple DSLR options at that price point.
That’s the reason we did all the hard work for you. We found and reviewed what seem to be the only two DSLR cameras available around 30,000 rupees right now.
With that said, let us go through some important factors when choosing the best DSLR cameras for your needs under 30,000 rupees.
Beginner-Friendly
Surprisingly, at this price point, the beginner-friendliness of a DSLR is going to be the most important factor for most users. If someone is looking for a DSLR camera at around 30,000, then they are most likely a beginner to the world of photography, or DSLR photography for that matter.
And mind you, some advanced DSLRs can be a struggle to get used to. If you’re not well-versed with operating DSLRs, you may have trouble using a more sophisticated DSLR.
This is why a beginner-friendly operation is going to be a very important factor for you. Being able to take great images right out of the box would allow you to hit the ground running.
While features like full manual control may impress some of those pros out there, you as a beginner may want something that allows you to take quality images on auto mode.
Image and Video Quality
We believe most users looking for a DSLR at this price point would be more after a better image quality than video quality. That said, if you’re a YouTube or looking for a DSLR that offers a great video recording experience, then this is not the price point you should be looking at.
You may have to increase your budget to something closer to 50,000 at the least to find a DSLR that also offers an excellent video recording experience. In fact, there are many more options when it comes to the best DSLR cameras under 50000.
At a price of under or around 30,000 rupees, you can find DSLRs that offer an excellent image quality, but not video quality. The first two DSLRs we reviewed above offer 1080p full HD video recording, but the low light performance and overall quality is just not up to the mark.
Other Factors
There are going to be some other factors, including some technical ones. For instance, the ISO range.
However, again, you’re not going to have much of a choice at this price point. You’re mostly only going to get an ISO range of 100-6400. But if you increase your budget a little, you can go for the EOS 1500D, which comes with a more powerful 24.1 MP CMOS sensor.
Coming to the battery life, that’s usually never a problem with Canon DSLRs. Some of the not-so-DSLR options like the KODAK PIXPRO Astro Zoom AZ421-BK also offer some nifty additional functionalities like a panorama mode, facial detection, and more.
Renewed/Refurbished vs. New
The reason I’m talking about this comparison is it’s almost impossible to find a brand new DSLR camera under 30,000 rupees. While some options are closer to the 30,000 rupee mark, none of them are actually below that price point.
However, you can find some renewed or refurbished DSLR models priced well under 30,000 rupees. Personally, I’m not a fan of refurbished products in general but for some users, it may be an alternative to expensive new DSLR cameras.
If you’re open to refurbished DSLR models priced under 30,000 rupees, this is the link on Amazon that you need to follow. You will find some refurbished DSLRs on Amazon priced under 30,000 rupees.
Alternatively, you can also increase your budget a bit and try finding a better option in the best DSLR cameras under 40000.
True DSLR vs. DSLR-Like
Since there aren’t any new DSLR camera options at all under 30,000 rupees, you may have to be open to other similar types of cameras with DSLR-like capabilities. And this is where those advanced mirrorless cameras come in.
A lot of advanced mirrorless and some other types of cameras do offer DSLR-like capabilities, but at a considerably lower cost. Sure, you would have to compromise on some aspects of the performance, but if 30,000 is all you got to spend on your camera then a good DSLR-like camera could be a nice alternative.
That being said, we may include some DSLR-like options on our list. Similarly, some of the options are bound to be priced over 30,000 rupees too. However, we would make sure they are still priced closer to 30,000 rupees so as to not go too much above your budget.
Which DSLR is Best Under 30000?
Well, to put simply, it’s not exactly a matter of best but a matter of availability at this price point. That being said, the only true DSLR available under or just around the 30000 mark is the Canon EOS 3000D.
That is, if you’re only looking to purchase only a new DSLR. If you’re open to refurbished options, you can find some more options under 30,000 rupees.
Which Brand is Best in DSLR Camera Under 30,000?
It’s undoubtedly Canon. It’s the only brand that has some decent DSLR offerings at this price point. Nikon DSLRs are priced much higher, well above the budget of anyone looking to buy a DSLR at around 30,000 rupees.
Which One is Better – Canon or Nikon?
Again, at this price point, you barely have a choice. Nikon doesn’t offer any DSLRs at anywhere near 30,000 rupees. So when we are talking budget DSLRs, Canon comes out a clear winner.
Best DSLR for Video Shooting Under 30000?
To be honest, there are no DSLR cameras that are very impressive at video shooting under 30000. That said, if we had to pick one from the available options, we would go with the Canon EOS 1500D.
It offers 1080p full HD video recording, a live mode operation that doesn’t lag, and good clarity and details in adequate lighting.
Best Budget Nikon DSLR
If you’re a Nikon fan and looking for the best budget Nikon DSLR, then the Nikon Z50 Mirrorless would probably fit the bill for you. It’s a fairly latest model and turns out to be a great choice for both taking professional quality images and a great video recording performance.
A Final Word
We have shared possibly everything a user looking for the best DSLR camera under 30000 might want to know. We are sure that after going through all the information above, you would have a much easier time picking the best budget DSLR for your needs.
However, if you’re still a little confused, then let us make it even clearer. If you can increase your budget a little closer to 37,000 or so, then the Canon EOS 1500D would turn out to be the best choice for you.
But if you can’t go much above 30,000 rupees, then the Canon EOS 1500D is probably the only choice for you.
However, if you’re also open to non-DSLR cameras that do offer a powerful performance all the same, then the KODAK PIXPRO Astro Zoom AZ421-BK may also make sense for some users. You can get it for an even cheaper price and still not have to compromise much on the overall functionality especially if you’re a beginner.