For when a compact camera simply won't do

If you feel like you’ve outgrown your point-and-shoot model and want to explore the world of more advanced DSLR cameras, then ease-of-use will probably feature at the top of your list of requirements. After all, alongside the beefier specification found inside a DSLR, there’s little point in having much more picture-taking power at your fingertips if you’re not sure which function does what.

However, even using a DSLR in full auto mode will provide an improved photographic experience, including the core benefit of being able to shoot much larger RAW files. Added to that, oodles of extra features and the opportunity to adopt a more manual hands-on approach once you’ve mastered those new controls, means that it’s a step well-worth taking. 

So, here are ten beginner-friendly DSLRs that deliver way more than a conventional compact ever can, while retaining relatively simple and easy-to-use functionality that’ll help to take your photography to the next level. Yes, some of them are very expensive and yes, for a while you may only be using one of these snappers to a fraction of its abilities but if you're going to jump in the DSLR puddle - you may as well do it with both feet.

Click through the gallery for the full top 10, including some of 2013's biggest new releases....