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Starting an eCommerce business can be challenging; sourcing products, branding your company, perfecting your digital storefront and calculating finances are all a lot of work. Especially if you’re selling products, where you have the added issue of shipping and packaging. However, the most overlooked aspect of eCommerce is photography. Without clear, professional-looking photographs, your customers won’t be able to experience the full quality and appeal of your products. Firstly, it’s best to look for a DSLR. In contrast to compact cameras, these are a big step up in image quality and manual control, without costing the earth. Yet, it’s not often that entrepreneurs are both business geniuses and photography nerds; this can make it hard to know which is the right camera for your needs. Here are our top five recommended entry-level DSLR cameras for eCommerce startups.
Product Comparison Table: Best Startup Photography Camera
| Title | Price | Rating (Amazon) | Best in class | Buy | |
 | Canon EOS Rebel T6i DSLR Camera | $$$ | 4.5 stars | Best for Beginners | Amazon |
 | Canon EOS Rebel T6s DSLR Camera | $$$ | 4.5 stars | Best Advanced | Amazon |
 | Nikon D3300 DSLR Camera | $ | 4.5 stars | Best Value | Amazon |
 | Nikon D5600 DSLR Camera with Lens and Accessories Kit | $$$$ | 4 stars | Best Complete Kit | Amazon |
 | Nikon D5300 DSLR Camera | $$ | 4.5 stars | Best Overall | Amazon |
Canon EOS Rebel T6i DSLR Camera
The Canon EOS Rebel T6i DSLR Camera (known internationally as the Canon EOS 750D) is not the cheapest camera on this list, but comes with a variety of useful features; the 24.2 MP sensor produces high quality, clear and accurate images, and the high ISO sensitivity reduces visual noise. The full HD movie mode also allows you to capture in MP4 format, and it has a high-speed continuous shooting capability up to 5fps for fast action. There’s also an improved auto-focus, which makes it easier for amateur photographers to just point and shoot. Lastly, you can even use the EOS Utility Webcam Beta Software (Mac and Windows exclusive) to turn your compatible Canon camera into a high-quality webcam.
Pros
- Auto-focus for high quality, clear images
- Full HD movie mode and 5fps shooting
- Utility Webcam software
Cons
- Expensive for beginners
- Anti-aliasing lowers detail resolution
Verdict
The Canon EOS Rebel T6i DSLR Camera is our top choice for beginners and very amateur photographers, with tons of features specifically designed for those who are new to photography. The auto-focus is a real highlight, and creates professional looking images with the minimal amount of effort or know-how. The slightly gimmicky webcam feature could also lend this camera some extra usefulness in other business contexts.
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Canon EOS Rebel T6s DSLR Camera
The Canon EOS Rebel T6s DSLR Camera (known internationally as the 760D) might sound similar to the last model we reviewed – this is because it’s from the same line. Being so closely related, they share a lot of the same features, including the 24.2 Megapixel CMOS (APS-C) sensor, full HD movie mode, high-speed continuous shooting and 19-point all cross-type AF system for superb auto-focus performance. It even has the same built-in Wi-Fi and NFC connection capabilities. However, what differentiates this camera is the secondary LCD screen, electronic level, and rear thumb-wheel, allowing you a more professional level of control over your shots.
Pros
- Auto-focus for high quality, clear images
- Full HD movie mode and 5fps shooting
- Extra features (secondary LCD, electronic level, thumb-wheel)
Cons
- Expensive for beginners
- Anti-aliasing lowers detail resolution
Verdict
The Canon EOS Rebel T6s DSLR Camera is our best more advanced camera option. Being so similar to the T6i makes it easy for photographers to transition to a more advanced model as they improve their skills, and the extra features are useful to have if you intend on taking photography further. Features like these are often only found in professional models. Considering that the prices are also similar, this model could be better value for money than the T6i – however, make sure you won’t just be confused by the extra features.
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Nikon D3300 DSLR Camera
The Nikon D3300 DSLR Camera is the cheapest camera on this list, but has a lot of the same features as more expensive models. It uses a 24.2-megapixel CMOS DX format sensor, with a minimal amount of visual noise. It can shoot 1080 HD video, too. The 11-point autofocus system locks onto your subjects as soon as they enter the frame and stays with them until you catch the shot you want. The best feature is the Smart Guidance mode, which helpfully teaches you about the different aspects of the camera and how to use them. However, this model doesn’t come with a touchscreen, or any Wi-Fi connectivity – there’s only a WiFi adapter.
Pros
- Advanced auto-focus
- Captures full HD video
- Smart Guidance mode
Cons
- No built-in WiFi connectivity
Verdict
For businesses on a budget, you won’t find better than the Nikon D3300 DSLR Camera . This great value model not only retails for half the price of its competitors, but offers a solid range of features and reliable performance. It may not have built-in Wi-fi, but with the adapter attached you can instantly transmit your photos to a compatible tablet or smartphone. For entrepreneurs who sell through third-party mobile platforms like Etsy, Depop or eBay, this could be invaluable.
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Nikon D5600 DSLR Camera with Lens and Accessories Kit
The Nikon D5600 DSLR Camera with Lens Kit is part of the D5000 range, created as a competitor for the Canon Rebel T6 range. The D5600 is one of the first Nikon cameras to feature an inbuilt touch screen and WiFi connectivity, so you can easily transfer your images to a compatible smartphone or computer. It also uses a 24.2 MP DX-format CMOS sensor, and boasts an advanced 39-point auto-focus system; although this sounds impressive, we found the auto-focus system far too slow compared to others. However, the best thing about this camera is the fact it comes in a set with all the accessories you need to get you started: a camera bag, external flash and tripod, plus multiple lenses, filters and memory cards.
Pros
- High quality images, low noise
- Comes with all accessories
- Built-in WiFi and touchscreen
Cons
- Slow auto-focus
Verdict
Whereas the Nikon D3000 series prioritised value, the D5000 prioritises creativity, with a ton of features geared towards photographers who need the equipment to support their artistic ideas. This kit contains all the things you need to create your own photography studio, and makes your camera adaptable for any time of day or environment. However, it’s perhaps better for users with a little more experience; features like the auto-focus are slightly lacking.
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Nikon D5300 DSLR Camera
The Nikon D5300 DSLR Camera has the same 24.2MP DX-format CMOS sensor with no optical low-pass filter as its cousin the D5000, and the same max ISO25600 image sensitiveness as its cousin, meaning it also creates high quality, professional-looking images. However, it doesn’t have the same cumbersome 39-point autofocus technology, meaning the experience is much smoother and faster. Instead, it combines the technology with 3D tracking and matrix metering, for the best auto-focus experience we surveyed. It can also shoot 5fps continuous, and capture full HD MP4 video. There’s even built-in WiFi for sharing, and remote camera control. There is no touch screen, though.
Pros
- Superb auto-focus for high quality, clear images
- Full HD movie mode and 5fps shooting
- Built-in WiFi (sharing and remote control)
Cons
- No touch screen
Verdict
If you combined all the best features of all the other cameras on this list, you’d come out with something that looks a lot like the Nikon D5300 DSLR. This powerful camera has the same high image quality as the others, with select technological differences that will really augment an amateur – or semi-professional – photographer’s shooting experience. The lack of a touch screen is really a minimal price to pay. If you’re looking for a camera to make your products look professional, the Nikon D5300 DSLR is our number one entry-level DSLR camera for eCommerce startups.
