Professional and amateur photographers favored DSLR cameras for many years. There’s no shortage of DSLRs that deliver when it comes to photography, even though mirrorless cameras have now caught up to and, in some respects, surpassed DSLRs with more competitive focusing systems and superior video capabilities. The unadulterated image that comes with an optical viewfinder may also be preferred by some, and DSLRs continue to have the best battery life, of course. With more models accessible on the used market—on eBay or from stores like Adorama, B&H Photo Video, KEH Camera, or MPB—as well as established lens ecosystems, a DSLR might also be the most affordable option.
The top DSLR cameras are listed below based on our extensive testing and acquisition of over 100 cameras. Consider taking a look at the top DSLRs for beginners if you’re just getting started. You can also see our selections for the best cameras overall or the best cameras for photography.
Best DSLR Camera
Travel Photography 7.7Landscape Photography 8.4Sport & WildlifePhotography 7.8Raw Photo Performance 8.7Vlogging 5.9Studio Video 8.2Action Video 4.9Body Type DSLRMirrorless NoSensor Size Full FrameSee all our test
There isn’t a better full-frame DSLR than the Nikon D780, unless you want to look at professional versions like the Nikon D850. It contains every function you could ask for in an advanced photography camera, plus a few more. Firstly, it is built to withstand heavy use. Its robust, weather-sealed body and exceptionally long battery life allow it to continue through extended shooting days. Furthermore, it still has one of the best backside-illuminated sensors we’ve encountered, with outstanding noise control for remarkably clear low-light photos. Using the same on-sensor phase-detection AF in Live View as the mirrorless Nikon Z 6, the camera’s hybrid focusing mechanism is particularly noteworthy. This makes the camera incredibly versatile for a variety of photographic techniques and even video.
Although the D780 is the best DSLR camera we’ve tested, we also think the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV is quite good. Even though it’s an older model and doesn’t have the Nikon’s more advanced autofocus system, professional and amateur photographers still like using this high-end DSLR. It has incredible image quality and is made like a tank to handle heavy use by pros. But the D780 is a better all-around option because to its cheaper pricing and better focusing.
Best Upper Mid-Range DSLR Camera
A fantastic full-frame choice at a cheaper price point is the Canon EOS 6D Mark II, should the Nikon D780 be outside your budget. It isn’t quite as robust as the Nikon or the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV, its more expensive stablemate. Still, it’s solidly constructed, with a weather-sealed casing and lots of physical controls that let you easily change settings at any time. Even while the D780 has an advantage over the 6D Mark II in areas like dynamic range and noise reduction due to its more recent, backside-illuminated sensor, the 6D Mark II still produces excellent images and has a reliable focusing system.
The inability to record 4K video is the main compromise here. A second SD card slot and headphone jack are also absent. In the end, this is mostly a photographic camera; for hybrid shooters, a higher-end model like the Nikon offers superior video capabilities. Still, given the price, this is a great camera if you can live without 4K footage.
Best Mid-Range DSLR Camera
Stepping down to an enthusiast-level crop sensor model like the Canon EOS 90D is a good way to save even more money without sacrificing high-end features. This model has a 32.5-megapixel APS-C sensor that can capture stunning images and detail, along with a very good autofocus system—it’s newer than that of the Canon EOS 6D Mark II, so it supports both face and eye detection for more precise focusing. It can also record 4k video if that’s a must-have for you.
Its extremely user-friendly controls and interface, like those of the majority of Canon DLSRs, make it simple to use for both novice and expert users. Its top display allows you to easily monitor your settings, and it is well-built with a weather-sealed casing. Its battery life is also outstanding. All in all, this camera has a ton of high-end features, and action and wildlife photography benefit greatly from its crop sensor.
Best Entry-Level DSLR Camera
Even while the Canon EOS 90D offers enthusiast-level features at a more affordable price than a full-frame camera, the Canon EOS Rebel T8i/850D is an entry-level model that is just as capable of providing lots of functionality for both novice and experienced photographers. It has fewer physical buttons and no weather-sealing or top display, but it does feature a fantastic APS-C sensor that produces excellent photos. Additionally, you have a wide selection of lenses to pick from because the camera has the same lens mount as the higher-end Canons mentioned above.
Aside from that, the Rebel T8i is among the few budget DSLRs that can capture 4k video and has a superb autofocus mechanism and long battery life. In this price range, the Nikon D5600 is also a good option to take into account, particularly if you require something more portable. It’s not as feature-rich, though, as it lacks 4K video support and has a less dependable autofocus system. All things considered, the T8i is among the most feature-rich entry-level DSLRs available, making it a fantastic choice for individuals seeking a camera that strikes a balance between affordability and higher-end models.
Best Budget DSLR Camera
The Canon EOS Rebel SL3/250D is the best budget DSLR camera we’ve tested. It’s also one of the most portable DSLRs Canon has ever produced, making it easy to take on the go. Its simple control layout is accessible to newcomers, and it has a fully articulated touchscreen to help you shoot at different angles. It also uses the same APS-C sensor found in the Canon EOS Rebel T8i/850D, so you’ll get comparable image quality. The biggest trade-off here is a more rudimentary autofocus system. Some people may also find the larger grip and ergonomics on the T8i more comfortable.
For those who are new to photography, the Nikon D3500 is an excellent low-cost choice. More basic than the SL3, Nikon’s best starting camera has a fixed screen and no support for 4K footage. But it also features a special ‘Guide’ shooting mode that teaches you the basics while you fire. It’s a great place to start if you’ve never used a dedicated camera before, but the SL3 is a better option if you’re looking for a less expensive device with more functionality.
Best Cheap DSLR Camera
Purchasing a secondhand model is the best option if your budget is even more constrained. However, the Canon EOS Rebel T7/2000D is one of the greatest genuinely inexpensive DSLRs that you can still purchase new if all you want is a cheap, basic camera. You don’t get anything fancy like weather sealing or even a tilting screen at this budget point, and the build quality feels less robust and more plasticky than on more expensive versions.
Beneath its understated look, however, is a high-resolution APS-C sensor that is still more than capable of producing photographs with excellent clarity. Its dynamic range and noise management are not as good as those of the Canon EOS Rebel T8i/850D and the Canon EOS Rebel SL3/250D because it is an older, less expensive model. It still performs admirably for the price, though, and since it has a wide variety of lens options and the same lens mount, you can always update to better lenses in the future for even better results.