Nikon D3100 £280, $399 (with 18-55mm lens)

Launched 2010

Nikon’s cheapest D-SLR is now nearly four years old, and has been superseded by the D3200 and D3300.

3fps shooting

The D3100’s continuous shooting speed was adequate at the time for a beginner’s camera but now looks slow.

14.2 megapixel DX sensor

Nikon’s 14.2-megapixel DX sensor was soon replaced by the superior 16.2-megapixel sensor in the D5100.

ISO100-3200, expandable to ISO12800

The ISO range is limited by today’s standards, but the D3100 can still deliver good results in poor light.