For professional photographers, from Olympians to tigers in remote jungles, the DSLR camera has long been their weapon of choice. The solid and durable build quality, blazing-fast autofocus and long-term reliable service in all types of photography imaginable make DSLR cameras still deservedly popular.
As mirrorless cameras are gradually disappearing from DSLRs, there’s still a good reason to invest in a mirrorless camera beyond the obvious benefit of a bright optical viewfinder. With decades of service, there’s a wide range of affordable, high-quality accessories made specifically for DSLR cameras, and whether you’re just starting out as a photographer or a seasoned professional, the potential cost savings and creative flexibility that come with it. Equipment it provides should not be overlooked. DSLR cameras are real work cameras.
Best Overall: Nikon D850
There’s no denying that, despite its age, the D850 is still a camera to beat. With an insane 45.7MP Full Frame sensor, this is the DSLR everyone is measured by. It also offers continuous shooting at up to 9 fps and noise reduction at high ISOs, giving a usable base ISO of just 64. The 153-point autofocus system is great and can focus even in low light. Situations.
Time-lapse video enthusiasts will love the 8k time-lapse mode and videographers will love the quality of the 4k video capabilities. It also appeals to filmmakers thanks to its negative digitizer mode, which works in conjunction with the optional ES-2 Film Digitizer Adapter. The Nikon D850 comes incredibly close to being the perfect digital SLR camera for almost all types of photographers.
Best for Video: Nikon D780
Nikon’s latest DSLR has clearly taken more than a few notes from mirrorless cameras, and that’s great, especially for videographers. It’s safe to say that the Nikon D780 is the DSLR version of Nikon’s excellent Z6 mirrorless camera, which quickly became known for its video capabilities.
The D780 is equipped with a 26.3 megapixel sensor and an Exceed 6 processor, which together produce high-quality 4K movies up to 30 fps and 1080p movies up to 120 fps for stunning slow-motion visuals. In addition, the camera is excellent for low-light shooting in the ISO range of 100-51,200. Blazing-fast autofocus and eye detection are hugely helpful whether you’re shooting stills or videos. Professional photographers will appreciate the D780’s two card slots for in-camera backup.
Best Budget: Nikon D3500
For beginners looking to upgrade to a camera that can capture professional-quality images, but without the pro-level price tag, the Nikon D3500 is a very affordable choice. The 24-megapixel DX-format sensor delivers high-quality DSLR images for less than a lot of shots. You get 5 fps continuous shooting, an ISO range of 100-25,600 and a Full HD video recording speed of up to 60 fps (although you can’t shoot in 4k, unfortunately). Whether you’re just starting out with photography or need a decent budget camera quickly, the Nikon D3500 gets the job done.
Best DSLR with crop sensor: Canon EOS 90D
If you’re looking to upgrade to your entry-level Canon DSLR, but still want to use APS-C sized lenses, the Canon 90D offers top-notch functionality for the crop sensor body. This camera offers a lot of value between its 32.5MP sensor and Digi 8 image processor, which is great new technology for a Canon camera in this price range. It can shoot up to 10 fps and record 4K video with advanced face and eye detection and excellent autofocus. The Canon 90D falls outside the relatively modest price range. The only caveat is that it lacks a full-frame sensor and pro-level durability.
Sturdy enough: Pentax K-1 Mark II
For adventurers, durability and weather resistance are key in the gear they use. The Pentax K1 Mark II is designed to withstand all the elements thrown at it. Whether it’s sand, snow or pouring rain, this DSLR is built to last.
In addition to its solid build quality, the K1 Mark II is equipped with a 36.5-megapixel high-resolution sensor and can achieve even higher resolution using pixel shift mode. In addition, this DSLR is one of the few with 5-axis image stabilization, which means it can stabilize any lens and shoot handheld at slower shutter speeds.
Built-in image stabilization means that the camera moves the sensor itself to correct for camera shake. Pentax has cleverly used this mobile sensor to implement high-resolution pixel shift technology and a few other modes. One such mode is Composition Assist, where you can actually move the sensor to make micro-adjustments to your composition without having to move the camera itself.
Best mid-range price: Canon EOS 6D Mark II
The Canon 6D Mark II is the cheapest Canon DSLR with a full-frame sensor. It may lack some of the bells and whistles of more expensive full-frame cameras, but it offers an interesting entry-level option in the full-frame world.
The 6D Mark II achieves its attractive price largely by adopting some outdated technology, mainly in its 26.2-megapixel sensor and latest-generation Digi 7 processor. However, considering the cost of this camera, such outdated equipment should be considered old cheese and not rotten milk, and the camera can produce great full-frame photos and videos, as long as you can handle the 1080p limit at 60fps and 6.5fps. Shots.
However, the 6D Mark II offers a more exciting experience and the best image quality that a full-frame camera can offer.
Best high-end: Canon EOS-1D X Mark III
The Canon 1D X Mark III is the new and undisputed king of digital SLR cameras. It might be the most powerful and versatile camera ever made, but it also has the weight, size and price to make your mouth water.
You’d expect the 1D X Mark III to have a ridiculously high-resolution sensor, but in reality, 20.1 megapixels is far less than most modern DSLRs. The 1D X Mark III is proof that megapixel count isn’t everything. It can reproduce continuous still images at full resolution up to 20 fps thanks to its state-of-the-art autofocus system, built-in image stabilization and Canon’s advanced Digic X image processor. It can also record 4k videos up to 60 fps or up to 5.5k RAW video. With other great specs like an ISO range of 100-102,400 and a durable, tank-like build quality, the 1D X Mark III is a top-of-the-line beast that will deliver great results for many years to come.
Best medium format: Pentax 645Z
If a full-frame sensor isn’t your thing, the Pentax 645Z can offer exceptional photo quality from a medium-sized sensor at a relatively affordable price. Although the 645Z is getting old, that’s not a problem in terms of image quality; At 51.4 megapixels, it offers higher resolution than most cameras with smaller sensors. More importantly, those pixels are much larger, which is even more important for the best image quality. It’s usually available for around $5000, which is a rip-off for the midsize world.
This is a very specialized camera. It’s big, heavy, slow, and not a good choice for video. It is designed for photographers who want to take high-quality images, where speed and weight are only minor secondary features.
Final judgment
Our top pick for DSLR cameras is the Nikon D780 (check it out on Amazon) for its wide range of useful features, ease of use, and versatility—you can take beautiful photos and videos with this camera, regardless of camera type. Photo you like. There’s also the Nikon D3500 (check on Amazon). It’s a budget camera with easy-to-use controls and a long battery life. It’s an excellent choice for novice photographers or a reliable backup for seasoned professionals.