The best two beginner DSLRs we've seen recently are the Nikon D3500 and Canon Rebel SL3 / 250D. While the former wins out for value, for this list we've gone for the slightly pricier 250D.

Having the rather dubious moniker as the world's smallest DSLR with a fully-articulating screen, the 250D is still a great option to learn with. Thanks to that screen, it's also a decent option for vloggers or video fans. Being an upgrade from the popular 200D, it brings with it some new features such as 4K video recording and a new processor. If your budget is limited and you don't need 4K video, the older SL2 / 200D is a good option, putting the cash you save towards a new lens. 

If you're new to a "proper" camera, the 24.2-megapixel sensor of the EOS 250D will give your photography a good step-up, while the fluid AF system comes into play when shooting live view and videos. There's also an easy-to-understand interface, which is great for those who are just starting out. The number of lenses available for Canon's EF mount is almost endless, while accessories are also numerous.

It works flawlessly with all Canon EF and EF-S lenses made since 1987. It won't work with EF-M lenses, which are for Canon's mirrorless APS-C cameras, and it won't work with Canon's RF lenses, which are for Canon's full-frame mirrorless cameras.

It's a 1.0-inch sensor with a resolution of 20.1MP, and that surface area is about four times the size of the sensors in most other travel zoom compacts. This means image quality is much better, with much greater detail.There's a large 3.0-inch touchscreen on the rear of the camera (although it sits flush with the body and can't be angled outwards), while the Lumix ZS200 / TZ200 follows on from the Lumix ZS100 / TZ100 and sports a built-in electronic viewfinder (EVF); this gets a small bump up in resolution over its predecessor, but it still feels pretty small and claustrophobic to look through, so while it's handy for composing shots in bright sunlight, the rest of the time you'll find yourself using the excellent rear display.