Even with the emergence of mirrorless cameras, DSLR cameras are still a top alternative for any individual who wants to take their photography to the next level. It doesn’t matter if you’re a beginner, professional, or enthusiast photographer, their image quality is still outstanding.
The good news is that there are lots of DSLR cameras to choose from. For professionals, this might be a simple task juggling between the different types and brands, while for beginners, this might be a new experience altogether. But with the ever-changing technology, professional photographers may as well find it challenging. This is because they may lack the time and resources to sort out the best DSLR from the pile.
In short, whether you’re a pro or beginner, there are lots of things that you’ve to keep in mind while selecting the best DSLR camera. In this review, we’ve simplified things for you by creating a buying guide that will help you find the best DSLR cameras in 2019.
Buying a quality DSLR camera will give you exceptional picture quality. And some of the unique features of a DSLR camera are the interchangeable lenses and manual controls. Due to their excellent performance; wildlife, professional sport, and press photographers prefer full-frame DSLR cameras over any other type of camera.
Without much ado, let’s take a look at the best DSLR cameras, their features, pros, and cons. Also, we’ve included a detailed buying guide that will help you make a well-informed decision on which DSLR camera to pick.
What is a DSLR camera?
First and foremost, DSLR in full means digital standard lens reflex. A DSLR is a type of camera that uses interchangeable lenses. Due to this resemblance, many people confuse it with mirrorless cameras, which also utilize interchangeable lenses. DSLR cameras use mirrors to reflect light from the lenses to the optical viewfinder. Unlike DSLR cameras, mirrorless cameras don’t have the mirror system and optical viewfinder, thus the name.
Top 10 DSLR Cameras : Quick Picks
Nikon D850 861 sq. mm 45.7 7 fps
Nikon D750 861 sq. mm 24.3 6 fps
Canon EOS 5D Mark IV 864 sq. mm 30.4 7 fps
Nikon D500 369 sq. mm 20.9 10 fps
Canon EOS 7D Mark II 336 sq. mm 20.2 10 fps
Canon EOS 80D 337 sq. mm 24.6 7 fps
Nikon D7500 366 sq. mm 20.9 8 fps
Nikon D5600 366 sq. mm 24.2 5 fps
Canon EOS Rebel T7i/800D 332 sq. mm 24.2 6 fps
Canon EOS Rebel T5 332 sq. mm 18 3 fps
Our Top 10 DSLR Cameras Detailed Reviews With Features, Pros & Cons
<Best DSLR Ever>
- Nikon D850 Digital SLR Camer
The Nikon D850 is regarded by many photographers as the best DSLR ever. The full-frame camera has one of the best resolutions and large sensors that allow it to take high-quality images. Moreover, the camera comes with impressive 153-point autofocus. They have some of the best cameras with amazing features.
Features
- The camera can shoot time-lapse in 8K6 & 4K
- Has the ability to shoot up to 9 frames per second
- The full frame sensor with no optical low-pass filter ensures outstanding pictures with a lot of details
- It allows you to record slow motion videos at up to 120 fps at 1080p
- The 45.7 megapixels offers excellent resolution
Another feature that makes the Nikon D850 DSLR camera to be special is its large viewfinder. The viewfinder is large and bright, making it fun to take photos with. But this isn’t the only special feature; its battery is very powerful as it is rated at 1840 shots in a single battery. This is really amazing as many cameras don’t come close to this.
With such amazing features, the Nikon D850 is the best Nikon camera money can buy. Despite having a few setbacks, this is the camera that every professional photographer should dream of having.
Why We Like It:
- Provides outstanding image quality, more so sharpness
- It has a very fast autofocus
- Extremely brighter screen when compared to other Nikon cameras
- Features a highly responsive and intuitive screen
- Great battery performance
Why We Hate It:
- Live view focusing is slow
- There is no focus peaking with 4K video
Check Customer Reviews and Price of this DSLR Camera
<Most value and affordable DSLR >
- Nikon D750
Additionally, this camera has some amazing features that make it be ideal for professional as well as enthusiast photographers. One of such features is its 24.3 megapixel that provides lovely and detailed images. Before we dig deeper into this camera, here are some of its features:
Features
- Built-in Wi-Fi connectivity for easy transfer
- Can shoot at full HD with different frame rate options
- Features 51-point autofocus system
- Great full-frame 24.3 megapixel CMOS image sensor
- Uses power aperture control for smooth iris transitions
The impressive 51-point autofocus mechanism is very advanced and functions well in any scenario. Moreover, it has a tilt-angle touchscreen that offers flexibility and efficiency when shooting your target without coming across any obstacle. Above all, this Nikon D750 DSLR cam is very lightweight. This makes carrying it in your DSLR camera bag to be easy and fun.
Why We Like It:
- It is durable and weather-sealed
- Offers amazing image quality from a top-quality image sensor
- Excellent autofocus system
- Outstanding performance at high ISO
- Built-in Wi-Fi allows sharing and transferring of images and videos
- It is compact and lightweight for easy use
Why We Hate It:
- Its shutter is a bit louder
Check Customer Reviews and Price of this DSLR Camera
<Best of the best>
- Canon EOS 5D Mark IV
Features
- It has 30.4 megapixels full-frame CMOS sensor
- It features Canon’s iconic touchscreen
- Has 61-point AF system, with 41 cross-type AF points
- Built-in Wi-Fi and GPS with NFC
- Provides 7 frames per second continuous shooting
The Canon EOS 5d Mark IV camera may not be the most durable camera on the market, but it is one of the most powerful and best-performing DSLR cameras. It is also considered by many as the best canon camera.
The EOS 5D Mark IV is equipped with one of the most responsive touchscreens that you’ll ever come across. In addition, it has an excellent autofocus system, which is very quick and easy to use. It is also a full frame sensor camera, although it doesn’t possess as many megapixels as its competitor.
Another amazing feature about this camera is its impressive range of connectivity options. This allows you to share and transfer your photos and videos as you wish to.
Why We Like It:
- Excellent low light performance and amazing image quality
- Great weather sealing
- Dynamic range is better than 7D Mark II and newer 760D
- The 30-megapixel sensor shows a lot of details
- Backpack camera case for easy storage
- Great video quality with 1080p at 60p
- 1-year Canon USA limited warranty
Why We Hate It:
- It has a poor battery life
Check Customer Reviews and Price of this DSLR Camera
<Best crop sensor DSLR Camera>
- Nikon D500
Features
- 10 frames per shooting for up to 200 frames
- Eye-level pentaprism reflex viewfinder
- 20.9-megapixel DX-format CMOS sensor
- 153-point autofocus system
- 4K video recording at 30 fps
- Tilting touchscreen LCD
The Nikon D500 is an APS-C sensor camera but competes favorably with some of the best full frame cameras. Thanks to its 153-point autofocus system, this allows you to shoot fast-moving targets. Additionally, it can shoot pictures at ten frames second for 200 RAW files.
Apart from being made of durable material, the D500 DSLR camera is also weather sealed. This means you can take photos in a drizzle. And if you want to take quality images with rich color, then the D500 camera is a good option, despite it being an old model. With such impressive features, the Nikon D500 is one of the best DSLR cameras for videos.
Why We Like It:
- Durably built for longevity
- Outstanding battery life
- Excellent image quality for an APS-C camera
- 4K UHD video quality is good
- Comes with a large and bright optical viewfinder
Why We Hate It:
- Slow autofocus on live view display and tilting screen
- Doesn’t come with a built-in flash
Check Customer Reviews and Price of this DSLR Camera
<Great upgrade>
- Canon EOS 7D Mark II
Features
- The dual Pixel autofocus system
- 10 frames per second shooting at full resolution
- 20.2 megapixel APS-C CMOS Sensor
- 65-point all cross-type phase-detect autofocusing feature
- Built-in GPS receiver
- Outstanding electronic viewfinder
The crop grade sensor camera is still one of the best when it comes to shooting fast-moving subjects, despite being an older model. It is also easy to handle due to its ergonomic design and can be customized with much ease as it features granular controls.
Regardless of being a crop sensor camera, the EOS 7D Mark II DSLR camera still takes awesome images that can be compared to other high-end cameras. The only shortcoming is that users don’t get to enjoy the benefits of a touch screen and they have to separately purchase a Wi-Fi accessory.
Why We Like It:
- Amazing 10 frames per second continuous shooting
- Features a quick and reliable autofocus system
- Excellent image quality
- Perfectly designed camera
- Can be easily customized
Why We Hate It:
- Does not come with 4K video recording
- Has no touch screen
Check Customer Reviews and Price of this DSLR Cameras
<Best mid-range DSLR>
- Canon EOS 80D
Features
- Built-in Wi-Fi with NFC
- 24.2 megapixel APS-C CMOS Sensor
- Weather sealed body
- 45-point cross autofocus
- Outstanding, bright, touchscreen that is fully articulating
- Shoots up to 7 fps
- Has a headphone and microphone jack for right recording and monitoring
- Excellent pentaprism viewfinder
The Canon EOS 80D is a high-end, crop sensor camera with a fast and effective 45-point autofocusing system. Also, the camera features a clever Dual Pixel CMOS AF system for live view shooting, which provides quick focusing speeds.
Whether you’re a beginner or pro, handling this camera is easy and thus you’ll be able to shoot creatively as you easily make fast setting adjustments during use. With a high-quality 24.2 Megapixel sensor, you will capture stunning images and at the same time, the noise level will be kept low.
If you’re a photography enthusiast, the EOS 80D will be an ideal DSLR camera for you.
Why We Like It:
- Durable construction
- Performs well even in low light conditions
- Amazing 45-point all cross-type AF system
- 24MP captures high-quality images and exceptional ISO performance
- Easy to transfer or share images and videos with the built-in Wi-Fi with NFC
- 1-year USA warranty
Why We Hate It:
- The quick menu cannot be customized
- Lacks 4K video recording
Check Customer Reviews and Price of this DSLR Camera
<Upgrade pick>
- Nikon D7500
Features
- Built-in Wi-Fi & Bluetooth
- 51-point frame per second with 15 cross-type sensor
- Tilting LCD screen with touch functionality
- Supports 4k video
- Excellent image quality
- 8 frames per second continuous shooting
The Nikon D7500 DSLR camera is a wonderful APS-C camera that has been in the market for a while but it is still one of the best. The D7500 features one of the best performances at a higher ISO and its autofocusing system functions amazingly. At 20.9 megapixels, this crop sensor camera still shoots some of the best photos and a tilt-angle touch screen makes using it to be simple and fun.
Even with so many great features, I have to talk about the challenges that you’re likely to face with this camera. First of all, the tilting touch screen is not articulating and the live view focusing is still slower like most of the Nikon cameras. Besides this, the D7500 is a reliable and solid camera for taking photos in sports events, parties, and concerts.
Why We Like It:
- Easy and fun to operate
- The app combo enables it to serve as an external monitor
- Exceptional autofocus and ergonomic design
- Outstanding image quality
- Live view permits DSLR video recording
- The built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity simplify things for those who want to connect to smartphones or computers using the SnapBridge app.
Why We Hate It:
- Not the best camera in low light conditions
- It has a low screen resolution
Check Customer Reviews and Price of this DSLR Camera
<Nikon’s best budget DSLR>
- Nikon D5600
Features
- 24.2-megapixel DX-format sensor
- Built-in Wi-Fi with NFC and Bluetooth
- 39-point autofocus system
- Full HD video recording at 60 fps
- Supports lenses such as AF-P, AF-S, and AF-I
The sturdily built D5600 is an APS-C sensor camera with 24.2 megapixels that produce exceptional images in different light conditions. The camera is very easy to handle, thanks to its firm grip.
Additionally, the autofocus system is of great quality and will ensure that less time is spent focusing on the camera. Another great feature is the built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity that make transferring or sharing of images and videos easy.
If you decide to go for this camera, it is important to know some of the challenges that you will face. The D5600 has a cumbersome app which the brand should improve on. Moreover, the live view focus needs to be improved on as it is very slow.
Why We Like It:
- Compact and lightweight camera
- Durable construction
- Outstanding image quality in different conditions
- Excellent battery life
- Has a high resolution 24.2 MP sensor
- The LED panel swivels 360 degrees
- Favorable price
Why We Hate It:
- The app is a bit challenging to use
- Has a slow live view autofocusing system
Check Customer Reviews and Price of this DSLR Camera
<Best DSLR camera for beginners>
- Canon EOS Rebel T7i/800D
The Canon Rebel series features several outstanding budget-friendly cameras for beginners and enthusiast photographers. One of the latest additions to this series is the Canon EOS Rebel T7i. Even though it is an entry-level DSLR camera, the T7i series has some excellent features that make shooting photos by beginners to be fun.
Features
- 45-point all cross-type phase-detect autofocus system
- 6 fps shoot
- Dual Pixel autofocus
- Built-in Wi-Fi with NFC and Bluetooth
- 24.2-megapixel APS-C sensor
- Vari-angle touch screen
- Full HD video recording
The Canon EOS Rebel 800D or T7i camera is an APS-C sensor camera with a touch screen and an intuitive user interface. In addition, it has a great autofocus performance that allows it to shoot amazing images and videos at full HD.
Sharing or transferring of the images and videos is easy as it is equipped with Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and NFC. With its excellent interface and high performing 45-point autofocus system, this is the best camera for the money.
Some of the issues that the company has to work on to make the camera more appealing are the exterior construction and include 4K video recording.
Why We Like It:
- Intuitive user interface
- Great autofocus performance
- Built-in Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and NFC makes sharing and transferring of images to be easy
- Easy and fun to use
- Shoots high-quality images
- Budget-friendly camera
- 1-year Canon USA warranty
Why We Hate It:
- It is not weather sealed
Check Customer Reviews and Price of this DSLR Camera
<Great DSLR camera for the price>
Canon EOS Rebel T5
Features
- Full HD video recording
- 3-inch color LCD screen
- 18-megapixel APS-C sensor
- Built-in flash
- Continuous shooting up to 3fps
- Cute carry bag
The Canon Rebel T5 DSLR camera is a good DSLR camera for beginners as it has some amazing features that will make their photo shooting experience one to remember. The most captivating feature of this camera is the lens out which allows you to attach different lenses and better your photography skills.
Furthermore, the Rebel T5 features support for RAW images, which means that you can have full control over how you want your images to look. Also, at higher ISO levels, the camera performs exceptionally, which is extremely impressive.
Since the camera is intended for beginners or enthusiasts, the intuitive user interface makes things easy for them as they can easily navigate through different features of the camera. With such quality features, this is one of the best DSLR cameras under $500.
But just like all the other cameras on this list, it also has some few setbacks such as pentamirror instead of pentaprism viewfinder, a fixed LCD screen instead of a tilting one, and it has a slow autofocus system.
Why We Like It:
- Easy to use
- Outstanding image quality
- Affordable DSLR camera
- Extremely versatile camera
- Features multiple focus points
- Stylish DSLR camera bag
Why We Hate It:
- Lacks Wi-Fi connectivity
Check Customer Reviews and Price of this DSLR Camera
A Detailed Guide to Buying the Best DSLR Cameras
If you’re in the market searching for a good DSLR camera, there is a high chance that you’ve already found what you’re looking for. However, you need to keep in mind that the entire process of looking for a DSLR camera is not an easy one.
You need to conduct some thorough research before you land on the DSLR camera of choice. Below are some of the points that will help you easily land the best DSLR ever for your needs.
Basic tips on selecting the best camera
Before we proceed and go through the whole buying guide, it is important to note some vital points that will help you pick the most ideal camera.
The tips that we’re going to look at are for all kinds of cameras in the market. Therefore, read them carefully and ensure to follow them. These are as follows:
- The camera specification is supposed to tell you about the best camera. Purchasing a new camera isn’t a simple thing as there is no single spec that can tell you that the camera you’re looking for is the best.
- Megapixels aren’t as important as you think. This is very common for people to think that megapixels matter a lot. This is not the case. As a matter of fact, the autofocus system, sensor size, in conjunction with some other features matter a lot.
- New does not mean the best. Buying the newest or latest camera doesn’t mean that it is the best. For instance, a 2-year-old Canon E0s 80D is still more powerful than the latest 77D.
- Always try the camera before buying it. If you have set your eyes on a camera of choice, you should try it out before buying. And if the model you want is not available for trial, try a model that was replaced to get its feel.
I have a phone – Do I really need a camera?
A lot of people ask this question, and it is very easy to understand why. There is no doubt that phone cameras are getting better and better every day.
When you take a look at the pictures that were taken by the Galaxy S9 series, Galaxy Note 9, Google Pixel 2, and the most recent iPhones, you will be amazed at how the produce high-quality images.
Despite their greatness, phones still lag behind in several areas. For example, a camera on one of the above phones cannot keep up with the speed and controls of a professional camera.
Moreover, cameras on smartphones are equipped with fixed lenses. This implies that you cannot zoom in to that extent. Alternatively, if you need some other features of a good professional lens, you cannot apply them.
Finally, not every smartphone in the market is equipped with a high-quality camera.
Which one should I choose: A fixed lens or interchangeable lens?
When buying a camera, one has to choose between a fixed lens and interchangeable lens cameras. So, what’s the difference between these two?
Interchangeable lens cameras allow the user to change the lenses on the camera as they wish to. If you choose this type of camera, you’ll have to buy lenses. Some of the lenses to choose from include portrait, zoom, macro, or telephoto lenses.
You simply just have to pick a lens of your choice and don’t have to stick with one type. These cameras are amazing because they are extremely versatile.
However, interchangeable lens cameras have their setbacks, too. These cameras are very heavy and cumbersome to use. This can create a lot of problems for different users.
On the other hand, you can decide to go for fixed lens cameras. Fixed lens cameras are compact and can be carried with much ease. They are easy to store and very ideal for hiking and sports. Just put it in your cute DSLR camera bag and you’re on your way.
Unlike interchangeable lens cameras, fixed lens cameras do not allow you to change the lens as it is fixed. This is their biggest downside. In case you want to use another lens, you will have to acquire another camera.
The final decision comes down to your preference and the type of photos that you capture. If the photographs that you take are almost similar, then a fixed lens camera is okay. But if the nature of your photography changes most of the time, then you’re better off with an interchangeable lens camera for the best experience.
Sensor size
Many people take the sensor size for granted but it is a very crucial feature. According to the principle, the bigger the sensor, the better the picture you’re going to have.
With this in mind, just know that you will have to pay more for the bigger sensors. If you are not familiar with the different sensor sizes, below is some data on some of the most common sensors in the market:
- Full frame
This type of sensors are found in all the high-end cameras. Normally, these cameras are costly because of having the full-frame sensor. A full-frame sensor implies that the focal length of a lens will be used as needed. For example, if you have a 50mm lens, you will get 50mm focal length.
- APS-C
This type of sensor is a bit smaller than the full-frame sensor. They are also referred to as crop sensors. These sensors work through the focal range of the lens being multiplied by to the crop factor.
- Micro Four Thirds
This sensor is considered to be on the same level as APS-C sensors, though they are somehow smaller. This sensor was also introduced by Panasonic and Olympus in their mirrorless cameras.
To make your DSLR camera buying process easier, ensure that you consider all factors in order to get the best deal as possible. You will have an easier time when you understand what you’re looking for in a camera.
Which one is better: DSLR or Mirrorless camera?
When it comes to choosing the best camera, this is one of the factors that usually confuse people. Which one is better; DSLR camera or Mirrorless camera? Even though these cameras have been around for some time, choosing the best is still difficult. DSLR cameras are larger and heavy, while Mirrorless cameras are compact and don’t have a mirror inside them. Let’s look at the benefits of these cameras.
Benefits of DSLR cameras
- The battery life on DSLR cameras is better when compared to that on Mirrorless cameras. This is because of their optical viewfinder that doesn’t need any powering up.
- DSLR cameras use an optical viewfinder as compared to the electronic viewfinders that mirrorless cameras come with. The optical viewfinders are greater, and even on the low budget DSLR cameras, they are better than electronic viewfinders on mirrorless cameras.
- Price wise, an entry-level DSLR is cheaper and in some cases, performs better than an entry-level mirrorless camera.
- It is possible to use older lenses from film cameras on DSLR that support them without requiring an adapter. Also, there are lots of DSLR cameras to choose from as they’ve been in existence for over a long period of time.
Benefits of Mirrorless cameras
- In case you’re one of those individuals who love to shoot videos, then your experience with mirrorless cameras will be a great one. Because you are allowed to observe through the LCD and autofocusing is much better than with a DSLR camera.
- Another advantage of mirrorless cameras over DSLR cameras is that they are smaller. For example, a micro four-thirds camera will be smaller than its DSLR equivalent, which is the APS-C sensor camera.
- The latest mid-range mirrorless cameras have greater image stabilization when compared to mid-range DSLR cameras because the image stabilization on the mirrorless camera utilizes a mixture of optical image stabilization and sensor-shift, while DSLR utilizes optical stabilization together with lesser digital image stabilization.
- The viewfinder in a mirrorless camera provides you access to a lot of information, and you can view the long exposure build, and also, you can even work perfectly with the filters.
What is the main purpose of the camera? Are you going to shoot video?
Before you buy a camera, it is vital that you know what you’re going to use it for. Is for taking pictures or videos? There are various DSLR and Mirrorless cameras that can be used for shooting at 4k. Nevertheless, these cameras are not going to be cheap. So, you should be prepared to spend a lot in order to purchase them.
Is the Camera weather sealed or not?
If you’re looking for a waterproof camera, we are sorry to tell you that there is nothing like a waterproof camera on the market. Instead, you can go for a weather-sealed camera.
Weather sealed cameras can function under a drizzle without any problem. However, I wouldn’t advise any photographer to use them in rainfall or to submerge them in water completely. Another thing to note is that weather sealed cameras are usually more expensive than cameras that are not.
Does the camera have wireless capabilities?
Last but not least, another important feature to look for is wireless capability. A good number of cameras are equipped with Bluetooth, WiFi, and NFC. So, check your camera and see if it has one or all of these wireless features.
This feature simplifies the work of the user as he or she can share pictures and videos easily with colleagues or even transfer them to his or her computer. The only problem is that you will have to spend more in order to get this type of camera as opposed to cameras without this type of feature.
DSLR Cheat Sheet for Better Photography
DSLR Cheat Sheet for Starters
DSLR – in full, it is the digital standard lens reflex. It is the mirror that’s position between the lens and the image sensor. Flash – it is utilized to add more light to a scene. This device can be connected to your DSLR or held separately.
Senor – this is the section of your camera that detects and records your image. Remote – it carries out the same task as the shutter button on your camera, but it can be pressed at a distance.
Lens – it is used together with a camera body and system to produce images of the objects. Filter – a device used to alter the color or type of light that comes into your lens.
Aperture – determines the level of light that gets in. Meter – the slopped bar that looks similar to a ruler that’s on the bottom of your viewfinder or on the display.
Depth of Field – refers to how much of your image will be in focus. Bokeh – the blur effect made in the out-of-focus sections of the image, taken with a narrow depth of field.
ISO – determines how sensitive your image sensor is. Tripod – a three-legged mount that holds your camera.
Shutter Speed – the period of time when the digital film or sensor inside the camera is exposed to light. HDMI – in full, high definition multimedia interface. It is used to transmit crystal-clear videos.
Exposure Triangle – three parts of a great image, aperture, shutter speed, and ISO. Rule of Thirds – it breaks the image into 9 different squares, putting subjects at their intersections.
Final thoughts
After reviewing the best 10 DSLR cameras on the market, you can now have an easy time choosing the best DSLR camera for your needs and budget. With many DSLR camera options available on the market, the process can be confusing and tiring. But our detailed guide and review have simplified things for you and you can now walk away with a camera that meets your needs.
To ensure that you get nothing less than the best, we’ve kept things simple by reviewing two of the best brands in Nikon and Canon. The cameras that we’ve selected are of a high-quality and favorably priced. So, whether you’re a professional photographer or a beginner who wants to take photographing to the next level, there is a DSLR camera on our list that meets your needs.
FAQ
Q. What is a good lens for portraits?
A. You can use any type of lens as a portrait lens depending on what style you’re going for. Actually, any lens from 16 mm to 200 mm will work. But the best lens for portraits should be either 35 mm or 50 mm.
Q. What’s the difference between RAW, JPEG, and TIFF?
A. These are formats in which you can save your images. JPEG is the most common format and it is accepted worldwide. RAW is ideal for DIYers and it easier to manipulate data. Last but not least, TIFF is the highest in quality, but it is not supported by some software and print labs. It is also the slowest to download because of bigger files.