Despite the constantly improving compact devices with a camera function, full-fledged cameras still remain in demand and popular among professional photographers and among beginners. After all, so far no smartphone or tablet can match the clarity of the image and color reproduction with high-quality high-quality photo devices, created just to capture the moment, especially when it comes to DSLRs.
A DSLR camera is the best option for taking photos in really high resolution, inaccessible to simple “soap dishes” and even to most cameras with interchangeable lenses. Thanks to the mirror viewfinder, which gave the name of the entire category, these devices provide an absolute coincidence of the image that the lens “sees” and the result, which allows full control over the shooting process.
At the same time, DSLR cameras are characterized by better detail, illumination and color depth of pictures, so even a novice amateur photographer can easily get a beautiful photo. An equally important feature of DSLRs is a wide range of opportunities for experimentation and creativity. Even the simplest amateur beginner cameras are supplemented by interesting modes and the ability to change lenses, use various formats and image processing methods, while advanced and professional versions offer a myriad of personal settings and rare, but very valuable additional options that are useful in work.
For more our buying guides, take a look at the popular links: Superzoom Cameras, Nikon Cameras, Compact Digital Cameras.
DSLR Camera Reviews
Best Amateur DSLR Cameras
#1 Canon EOS 2000D DSLR Camera
Highlights of Canon EOS 2000D:
DIGIC 7 Image Processor
3.0″ 1.04m-Dot Vari-Angle Touchscreen
Full HD 1080p Video Recording at 60 fps
The latest camera of the famous brand confidently entered the list of the best DSLRs for beginning photographers already at the very start of sales. Weighing only 475 grams and the most affordable price, the model received intuitive settings and an excellent set of properties. Unlike many competitors, the Canon 2000D is the ideal choice for those who value innovation and the ability to instantly share invaluable shots with friends on social networks.
Thanks to Wi-Fi and NFC support, pictures are transferred to the smartphone in seconds without loss of quality. Also, these technologies allow you to control the camera remotely, which is very convenient for group shooting. The manufacturer also took care of another popular feature – high-quality shooting of stories with a neat background blur. Intelligent scenario mode, automatic creative mode and useful tips will help photographers just beginning to master the DSLR.
#2 Nikon D5300 DSLR Camera
Highlights of Nikon D5300:
No Optical Low-Pass Filter
24.2MP DX-Format CMOS Sensor
3.2″ 1,037k-Dot Vari-Angle LCD Monitor
The price of an entry-level DSLR camera is close to semi-professional models, but the technology is worth the money and gives excellent potential for professional growth. Nikon has a lot of automatic modes and artistic effects, but the technical specifications of the camera are on top.
Noises are not particularly noticeable up to 1000 ISO. The SLR camera has an excellent dynamic range, fast autofocus, copes with maintaining the subject during serial shooting. But the series cannot be fully enjoyed due to the small clipboard. When choosing the RAW format, the camera ponders the processing of information for a long time. The same contradiction applies to video recording. Full HD picture quality is beyond praise, but focus fails. In LiveView mode, it is slow and noisy, which affects the overall impression.
Despite its shortcomings, the Nikon D5300 Kit is a great multi-point focus DSLR. Paired with a fixed lens, the camera will produce a result close to professional shooting. A nice bonus will be the built-in Wi-Fi and GPS modules that allow you to control the camera from your phone and determine where the picture is taken.
#3 Canon EOS 4000D DSLR Camera
Highlights of Canon EOS 4000D:
Autofocus: 9-point AF
Small and low-resolution screen
18MP sensor can trace its roots back to 2010
This novelty of the famous Japanese company is rapidly gaining popularity, because it is the most inexpensive DSLR camera that can be found in the store. However, the record low cost did not prevent the development of Canon to get a lot of advantages.
Any novice amateur photographer who is not used to holding a weighty camera in his hands will be pleasantly surprised by the modest weight, not exceeding 436 grams with batteries, and the miniature dimensions will help to focus on creativity, and not on holding the device.
At the same time, the camera is equipped very well for its price. The model takes pictures in all popular formats, recognizes the face, shoots Full HD video and supports Wi-Fi. In addition, the state employee performs not only general, but also multi-zone metering. Also, the best features of this DSLR, according to reviews, include a user-friendly interface and shooting quality. However, not everyone likes the size and resolution of the screen.
Best Advanced DSLR Cameras
#4 Canon EOS 80D DSLR Camera
Highlights of Canon EOS 80D:
24.2MP APS-C CMOS Sensor
3.0″ 1.04m-Dot Vari-Angle Touchscreen
Full HD 1080p Video Recording at 60 fps
Despite the emergence of more “fresh” devices, this proven model does not lose its relevance. For the middle class DSLR cameras, it gives out, perhaps, the best quality photos even in motion.
At the same time, the camera supports up to 25 original RAW images without compression and 110 photos in all known JPEG. Therefore, many experts attribute this advanced DSLR to the number of optimal solutions for shooting sports events and other active events.
A good combination of value and quality is also confirmed by numerous reviews of satisfied customers. All praise the moving touch screen, gorgeous color reproduction and great Full HD video.
Often, people also note a good supply of battery, designed for 960 photos or 160 minutes of video. In addition, the camera pleases with a number of modern technologies, including support for Wi-Fi, NFC and a connector for a remote control.
#5 Nikon D7200 DSLR Camera
Highlights of Nikon D7200:
51 point autofocus system
ISO Sensitivity: ISO 100 – 25,600
No Optical Low-Pass Filter (OLPF)
A powerful camera for advanced photographers has become famous as the best mid-range studio DSLR thanks to a number of key features. In addition to the tripod mount jack and voice memos, which are especially convenient for working with clients, the SLR camera is also equipped with a sync contact.
This connector for connecting an external flash will allow you to connect a non-standard flash, which can be useful when shooting in studio conditions.
However, Nikon is good not only for the studio. The case with magnesium alloy covers, protected from dust and a small amount of moisture, guarantees reliable operation of the DSLR on site shooting. Also, the AF camera takes beautiful photos in low light conditions. Hybrid autofocus, combining the best features of contrast and phase autofocus, together with the clearest LCD screen in the category ensures accurate image display.
#6 Canon EOS 77D DSLR Camera
Highlights of Canon EOS 77D:
24.2MP APS-C CMOS Sensor
3.0″ 1.04m-Dot Vari-Angle Touchscreen
Full HD 1080p Video Recording at 60 fps
Not the most expensive, but very functional, this semi-professional DSLR has become the golden mean between price, level of performance and capabilities. The maximum for this class image resolution of 6000 by 4000 pixels, the Japanese camera successfully combines with a variety of formats, support for several types of metering, HDR shooting and a minimum weight of 540 grams.
At the same time, this Canon model received several unique professional features, such as the presence of a special connector for connecting external power, which significantly increases the autonomy of the camera, and a composite interface for transmitting images to a TV or VCR.
Also, the authors of the reviews note the gorgeous quality of the photo even at night, the presence of stabilization, as well as a clear touch screen. Moreover, the model is easy to use and offers an extensive selection of basic manual settings and all kinds of automatic modes.
#7 Nikon D7500 DSLR Camera
Highlights of Nikon D7500:
20.9MP DX-Format CMOS Sensor
4K UHD Video Recording at 30 fps
3.2″ 922k-Dot Tilting Touchscreen LCD
Nikon D7500 is a rare find, because this camera differs from its competitors not only in a couple of curious functions, but also in the quality of shooting. This model has become one of the few mirror designs that can not only take an excellent photo, but also shoot video with an unattainable resolution for most 4K cameras. At the same time, not only video recording, but also sound is at a height, because the creation of Nikon also supports stereo audio recording.
The presence of a microphone input allows you to achieve even more clear and high-quality sound, and thanks to the output to the headphones, you can listen to the result immediately. Also a strong point of the DSLR was the variety of interfaces, including even Bluetooth, which is extremely rare in devices of this category.
In addition to useful additional options, the advanced camera boasts excellent fast shooting speed, 3D exposure metering and increased light sensitivity. But the number of effective megapixels of the matrix for this price is not enough.
Best Professional DSLR Cameras
#8 Nikon D750 DSLR Camera
Highlights of Nikon D750:
24.3MP FX-Format CMOS Sensor
Full HD 1080p Video Recording at 60 fps
3.2″ 1,229k-Dot RGBW Tilting LCD Monitor
Lightweight, accurate and fast model, the merits of which will be appreciated by reporting photographers. Excellent dynamics are created by the autofocus system: 51 focus points cover a significant part of the frame. With such parameters, it is comfortable to shoot scenes with fast-moving objects. As far as the matrix is concerned, manufacturers worked without complaints: there is a high working ISO and a wide dynamic range. Nikon D750 is equipped with a rare professional-grade rotary screen.
The first places in the ratings of the best SLR cameras can be occupied by a high speed of work – 6.5 frames per second. But the clipboard capacity is slightly cropped, the camera freezes and thinks about processing the footage.
The camera has characteristics comparable to professional video cameras: the shooting speed at a resolution of 1920 by 1080 pixels is up to 60 frames per second. There are connectors for an external microphone and headphones, a capacious battery, two slots for memory cards.
The functionality of the SLR camera is enough for commercial shooting, but some professionals are skeptical about this model. Confusing excessive versatility and trimmed characteristics (for example, a minimum shutter speed of 1/4000).
#9 Canon EOS 5D Mark IV DSLR Camera
Highlights of Canon EOS 5D Mark IV:
DIGIC 6+ Image Processor
DCI 4K Video at 30 fps; 8.8MP Still Grab
3.2″ 1.62m-Dot Touchscreen LCD Monitor
This elite professional camera will undoubtedly impress even the most experienced photographer. First of all, Canon’s significant trump card was the resolution of 6720 by 4480 pixels, one of the best among all. However, the main feature of the Japanese is amazing additional features.
Unlike its closest competitors, the EOS 5D Mark IV model shoots not just basic 4K video, but video with a resolution of 4096 by 2160 pixels, which makes it a truly universal device for shooting critical moments in outstanding quality. At the same time, when shooting at a lower resolution, the camera is capable of writing at a speed of 120 frames per second, so it is possible to convert the material it has shot into fashionable slow motion video.
At the same time, the photographer will never forget what and where he captured, thanks to the built-in GPS, the data of which will be written to the memory card along with photo and video materials. And the best choice of formats will allow you to instantly save everything in the right form and not waste time on subsequent file conversion.
#10 Nikon D850 DSLR Camera
Highlights of Nikon D850:
4K UHD Video Recording at 30 fps
45.7MP FX-Format BSI CMOS Sensor
3.2″ 2.36m-Dot Tilting Touchscreen LCD
The Nikon D850 is known not only as one of the most expensive cameras, but also as a device with the best resolution, because it is the only DSLR capable of capturing a photograph of 8256 by 5504 pixels. Also, the strength of the outstanding professional apparatus was the number of points of the photosensitive matrix, reaching a record figure of 45.7 megapixels, and an equally impressive number of focus points, several times the value of analogues.
All this guarantees incredible detail of the picture. An equally important plus of the category leader is another rare feature – a capacious battery, the stock of which is designed for as many as 1840 photos.
Despite the huge price, this DSLR camera received a lot of reviews. Photographers highly appreciate the model for its luxurious colors, three-dimensional image and focus speed. Other benefits include white balance, quiet shutter speeds and high speed burst shooting, making Nikon ideal for reporting.
Best DSLR cameras with Built-in Flash
#11 Canon EOS Rebel SL2 DSLR Camera
Highlights of Canon EOS Rebel SL2:
Vary angle Touch Screen, 3.0 inch LCD
24.2 Megapixel CMOS (APS C) Sensor
Full HD 60p & External Microphone Input
Despite belonging to the amateur class, this DSLR has become one of the brightest and most powerful new products in 2020. Weighing just 451 grams along with batteries, the model received not only a durable combined case made of plastic and metal, but also a capacious battery designed to take 1070 photos from a single charge.
Also, the strengths of the best DSLR camera for beginners include the incredibly extensive functionality for amateur technology. Canon EOS Rebel SL2 supports many interfaces, including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, video interface and even NFC, so the footage is convenient to view and edit on a variety of devices. The connector for the remote control allows you to control the camera remotely.
At the same time, the camera boasts the best maximum photosensitivity and the presence of white balance bracketing, thanks to which you can take a series of shots with different color balance settings. The presence of a touch screen emphasizes the modernity and novelty of the model.
#12 Nikon D7200 DX-format DSLR Camera
Highlights of Nikon D7200 DX-format:
51 point autofocus system
No Optical Low-Pass Filter (OLPF)
24.2 MP DX-format CMOS image sensor
Nikon D7200 is a true legend of night shooting and experiments with illumination and white balance. Equipped with a bright flash, which lasts for as much as 12 meters, flash bracketing, which allows you to make a series of photos with different flash output, and white balance bracketing, this camera allows the photographer to conduct all kinds of experiments in a simple and clear automatic mode.
Advanced metering in three-dimensional color matrix mode provides the best accuracy of the application of all Nikon development functionality, which was a special occasion to highly appreciate this unit.
The traditional DSLR camera equipment is complemented by an electronic rangefinder, greatly simplifying manual focusing, an excellent choice of ISO modes, the presence of a sync terminal for connecting an external flash, and a second screen. The reviews also highlight the user-friendly interface, excellent photo processing, and reliability.
Best DSLR Cameras with Waterproof Housing
#13 Pentax KP DSLR Camera
Highlights of Pentax KP:
Smart Function Exchangeable Grip
PRIME IV Engine with Accelerator Unit
24.3MP APS-C AA-Filterless CMOS Sensor
The most expensive representative of waterproof DSLRs has been awarded the best ratings from a variety of users, and this is well deserved. The Pentax KP model is equipped with an excellent matrix with the maximum number of effective megapixels of the matrix for this category of cameras, reaching 24.32. At the same time, the camera received almost all the known ISO brightness modes and white balance bracketing, so that the scope for experimenting with colors and light is almost unlimited.
A special feature of the Pentax development was the lack of a low-pass filter that erodes most of the small details. This significantly increases the sharpness of photographs and allows you to shoot every detail as realistically as possible.
In reviews, photographers often praise the device for other pluses, including effective five-axis image stabilization. Also, the camera is characterized by reliability, a flexible choice of settings and a minimum of noise.
#14 Canon EOS 7D Mark II DSLR Camera
Highlights of Canon EOS 7D Mark II:
65-point all cross-type AF system
20.2 MP CMOS sensor and ISO 100-16000
High speed continuous shooting up to 10.0 fps
Canon EOS 7D is the best choice for photojournalists and photographers at sports events, because this device is characterized not only by its unpretentiousness and even survivability, but also by its outstanding speed. The camera turns on and off in one tenth of a second, thanks to which the most interesting things will definitely not be missed due to the struggle with technology.
The ability to shoot a series of up to 24 pictures at a speed of 10 frames per second will also do a good job, because the more photos you can take, the better the choice. At the same time, the viewfinder’s field of view for this model is 100% percent identical to the field of view of the lens, which means that the photographer sees for sure what the camera is fixing.
Also, according to reviews, Canon can be proud of its excellent tenacious autofocus, which does not lose its target even at dusk, convenient operation and the option “flickering light”. However, the resolution, battery and image stabilization, according to users, for that kind of money could be better.
#15 Pentax K-70 DSLR Camera
Highlights of Pentax K-70:
PRIME MII Image Processor
Anti-Aliasing Filter Simulator
3.0″ 921k-Dot Vari-Angle LCD Monitor
Active travelers and athletes who cannot imagine their life without a photograph will definitely like a versatile and durable camera like the Pentax K-70. First of all, this is one of the few models that are protected not only from dust and splashes, but even from frost, so it is suitable for work in almost any conditions and in any climate.
In addition, the camera is really undemanding to the shooting conditions. Hybrid autofocus, Live View mode and effective stabilization with matrix shift will ensure proper quality even for pictures taken carelessly and at speed. Support for shooting video in the AVI format allows you to shoot even a small film in a universal format readable by all devices.
Another vital advantage of traveling DSLRs was the weight of 628 grams, which is very few for devices protected from moisture. At the same time, reviews often mention stylish lighting, pleasant ergonomics, build quality and excellent color reproduction.
How To Choose A Professional DSLR Camera?
At first glance – amateur, semi-professional and professional SLR cameras differ little among themselves: shooting modes, the number of megapixels, similar buttons on the case. The difference in functionality makes itself felt when taking pictures.
Quality matrix: The more professional the camera, the more comfortable it is to work with it in low light conditions. To do without a flash in twilight and a darkened room, you have to raise the ISO. The quality of photos taken on budget models decreases due to high noise, while full-frame DSLRs even consider ISO more than 3200 to be working. In other words, photos are bright and sharp.
Performance: Expensive SLR cameras have modern technical stuffing and cope with tasks faster. The shutter speed, burst shooting, recording information, clipboard capacity matters to the professional. If you make a series in the heavy RAW format on an amateur camera, the memory buffer will clog after 4-5 frames. Seconds of waiting are not important for the amateur, but in professional photography, time plays an important role.
Autofocus and metering accuracy: The more perfect the technical specifications, the more accurately the automation works. White balance without adjustment allows you to shoot in backlight (opposite the light source).
The resource of the camera: Depreciation of equipment depends on the quality of the materials used. As a rule, the shutter resource declared by the manufacturers of amateur DSLRs does not exceed 100 thousand frames. Enthusiasts of this margin of safety will last for many years, but it is not enough for professional work. In addition, the reliability of the SLR camera depends on the strength of the housing, dust and moisture protection.
Ergonomics: In amateur DSLRs, most of the settings are hidden inside the camera. To change them, you need to go to the menu. The more professional the model, the more shortcut buttons on the case. With their help, an experienced photographer can instantly adjust the shooting settings.
Final Thoughts
I hope you have found the best dslr camera for yourself after this tutorial. If you would like to comment, notice that the article content has not been updated in time, or suggest a dslr camera I did not include, please use our contact form to stay in touch.
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