This is an exciting time for people to get interested in photography.  The price-point for Digital SLR cameras has come down to compete with many of the feature rich point and shoot models, have a lifespan that is longer and allows for far greater creativity.  Options for beginners this year are also really amazing, from all the manufactures.  Here’s a look at what the best have to offer.

Canon EOS Rebel XS

Canon’s least expensive offering packs a powerful punch.  Sporting 10mp, 7-point auto focus and 3 frames per second, the Rebel line of digital cameras has a lot to offer beginners without compromising quality.  It’s also Canon’s smallest and lightest DSLR to market, making it a great 2nd camera for many shooters who don’t want to lug their pro camera around.

The Rebel XS can use every auto-focus EF mount lens Canon offers as well as the EF-S lens mount made especially for cropped sensor cameras. For the money, this is one of the best deals to be had.

Canon EOS Rebel T2i

Canon also offered up an improved T-model camera, the T2i.  Sporting an 18mp sensor with ISO capable of 12,800, this entry level camera has professional quality features.  9-point auto-focus, a larger 3.0″ LCD screen and 3.7 frames per second are some of the improvements over the previous generation camera.  What’s most appealing in this low-price beginner camera however is the HD movie feature.

It’s the only entry-level camera on the market to offer HD video at an otherwise astounding price point.  Again, this camera is compatible with all of Canon’s EF and EF-S mount lenses.

Nikon D3000

Nikon’s beginner line of cameras offers some serious specs, including a 10.2mp sensor, SDHC memory card storage and 3 frames per second.  11-point auto-focus is enough to make sure your photos are always sharp and a high ISO of 3200 for the low light shots.

Compact, lightweight and easy to use, Nikon’s D3000 is compatible with the large line of Nikkor lenses available and has standard camera modes plus a slew of creative modes.

Sony Alpha A230

After taking over the Konica-Minolta Sony continues to make great digital SLRs.  The Alpha A230 has a 10.2mp sensor, in-camera image stabilization and a 2.7″ LCD screen.  The A230 accepts Sony Memory Sticks in addition to SDHC memory cards.

Additionally, of all beginner DSLR models, the A230 is the most affordable, yet still performs like a pro level camera.  Small, like the other beginner cameras, lightweight and easy to take with you anywhere.

Olympus Evolt E520

Olympus changed the game when they entered the DSLR market, offering some of the most ergonomically adept cameras that were affordable and geared towards photographers.  They consistently work towards building easy to use cameras for beginners and the E520 is just that.

10mp sensor, industry leading in-camera image stabilization and advanced features like face detection and shadow adjustment technology puts the E520 at the top of the back for beginners and advanced shooters.

Pentax K2000

Perhaps one of the most user friendly beginner DSLRs this year is the somewhat lesser known Pentax K2000.  Similar to the other cameras, it has a 10.2mp sensor, is small, lightweight and easy to shoot.  What sets it apart is the built in features geared towards those first-time DSLR buyers.  They include shake reduction for slower shutter speed shots, a dedicated Help button for the menu system and an Advanced Auto Picture mode to help select the right mode for any given shooting situation.  The K2000 will also accept all Pentax lenses.

Entry level digital SLR cameras no longer means lower quality and less features.  On the contrary, more features are being built into cameras now at a dropping price point, and these fully featured beginner cameras are giving point and shoot cameras a run for their money.