Best DSLR Cameras Under $750

Canon's EOS Rebel XSi contains plenty of features to like for the photographer looking for a first DSLR. Canon has included a nice mixture of automatic shooting settings and manual control settings, helping intermediate photographers learn more about photography. With 12.2 megapixels of resolution, the EOS Rebel XSi can create high-quality photographs for large prints. The continuous shooting mode in the Rebel XSi is especially impressive, shooting at 3.5 frames per second up to 53 full-resolution JPEG images. Canon offers the EOS Rebel XSi in two colors, black and silver, making it different from most DSLRs. Even the LCD with the Rebel XSi is impressive, measuring 3.0 inches diagonally and offering a viewing angle up to 170 degrees.

The D5000 from Nikon burst upon the scene upon its mid-2009 release, receiving praise from many different reviewers. The D5000 offers 12.3 megapixels of resolution, which is a good amount of resolution for an intermediate-level DSLR camera. With its mixture of scene modes and manual control settings, the D5000 will work well for intermediate photographers looking to learn more about photography. With its ISO settings between 200 and 3200, the D5000 works especially well in low-light shooting situations. You can purchase an optional geotagging unit, allowing you to include information about where you shot each photo. Finally, the Nikon D5000 includes a 2.7-inch LCD that can be rotated, and it can shoot HD movie clips at a 720p resolution.

Among DSLR cameras, the E-620 from Olympus is one of the smallest and lightest available, weighing only 16.76 ounces. As an entry-level DSLR model, the E-620 offers a nice mixture of automatic and manual-control features. Its 2.7-inch LCD is a little smaller than some others in this price range, but it does swivel up to 270 degrees away from the camera. You can shoot at four different aspect ratios with the E-620, including the 16:9 ratio that's popular for displaying images on an HDTV. Olympus' interesting new art filters feature, which allows you to apply special effects to your images as soon as you take them, is included with the E-620. Finally, the E-620 includes 12.3 megapixels of resolution and powerful image stabilization features.

The K20D from Pentax is a slightly older model than some other beginner DSLRs, but it remains a good camera for the price. For models in this price range, the K20D offers a large amount of resolution at 14.6 megapixels. Many of the K20D's features are based on the previously released K10D from Pentax, with some improvements, including a much higher resolution. For example, the K20D can shoot at 21 frames per second in burst mode at a 1.6 megapixel resolution. The 2.7-inch LCD can zoom up to 32X when playing back images, and the LCD monitor offers a color adjustment mode. Finally, the K20D includes basic weather sealing features, preventing dust and moisture from entering the camera body.

Sony included 14.2 megapixels with the DSLR-A350, giving it plenty of resolution for intermediate and advanced photographers. One interesting feature of the DSLR-A350's 2.7-inch LCD is that you can shoot up to two frames per second while the image remains "live" on the LCD. With many cameras, especially point and shoot models, the LCD goes blank in all continuous shot modes. You can tilt the LCD for shooting at a variety of angles, too. Keep in mind that the DSLR-A350 is a little larger than some other models in this price range, as it measures 5.25 by 4 by 3 inches. Because this is a larger-than-normal camera body, you definitely will want to try out this model before you buy it, just to make sure it fits your hands.