Canon EOS 1200D

The Canon EOS 1200D might be a "safe" replacement of the three-year-old 1100D model, but it holds enough weight to keep the entry-level DSLR market bubbling along.

If you want to use the rear LCD screen to take pictures then you might as well forget about it and look to a compact system camera instead. But if you're after an affordable viewfinder-based option with the latest and greatest image quality at this level then the 1200D has definite plus points.

Just like the Nikon D3200 (above) the Canon 1200D has the same 95 per cent field-of-view viewfinder limitations, but that's to be expected at this price point. Speaking of which, despite being the newest entry-level DSLR model out there, the asking price isn't overly inflated - it's only a touch more cash than the older Nikon.

Between the 1200D and the Nikon D3200 there's not a huge difference in either performance, price nor resulting image quality. The Canon has a companion app to help your learning, whileNikon opts for an in-camera Guide Mode. Whichever suits, choose wisely as once you're invested in a lens mount it'll pave the way for any future purchases and camera body progression. 

PRICE: around £390