DSLR cameras were the go-to tool for both amateur and professional photographers for a long time, with a wide range of models to fit almost any skill level and budget. Even though mirrorless cameras have caught up to DSLRs in recent years, with better autofocus systems and better video capabilities, there are still plenty of traditional DSLRs that do a good job of taking photos. Some people may also just like the unfiltered view you get with an optical viewfinder, and DSLRs still have the best battery life by far.
We bought and tried out more than 75 cameras, and here are our picks for the best DSLR cameras. If you are just starting out, you might want to look at the best DSLRs for beginners instead. You can also look at our choices for the best cameras in general or the best mirrorless cameras if you think you might like one of those.
1. Nikon D780
You won’t find a better full-frame DSLR than the Nikon D780 unless you look at professional models like the Nikon D850. It has more features than you would expect from a high-end camera. For one thing, it’s sealed against the weather and made to last. It also has a very long battery life that can last for days if needed. A tilting screen makes it easy to take pictures from waist level, and a small display on the top of the camera lets you quickly check settings, battery life, and storage.
But this camera’s hybrid autofocus system is really what makes it stand out. It borrows an on-sensor phase-detection system from the mirrorless Nikon Z 6 and uses a more traditional contrast-detection system when shooting through the viewfinder. This gives this camera a lot of flexibility. Even though the D780 can do almost everything, the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV is also worth mentioning. Even though it’s getting a little old, this high-end DSLR is still very popular among both professionals and amateurs. It takes great pictures and is built like a tank to handle professional use, but the D780 is a better all-around choice because it has more features and is less expensive.
2. EOS 6D Mark II from Canon
The Nikon D780 is a lot more expensive than the Canon EOS 6D Mark II, which is a great full-frame camera. It’s not as well made as the Nikon or the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV, which comes after it in Canon’s lineup. But it is still sealed against the elements and has a lot of physical controls that make it easy for more experienced photographers to change settings on the fly. The D780 has an advantage in areas like noise control and dynamic range because it has a newer, backside-illuminated sensor. However, the 6D still takes great photos and has a good autofocus system.
The biggest downside is that you can’t shoot 4k video with it. You also lose a headphone jack and a second SD card slot. In the end, it’s mostly a camera for taking photos, while a higher-end model like the Nikon is better for shooting both photos and videos. If you don’t need 4k, this is still a great camera for the price if you don’t need it.
3. EOS 90D Canon
If the Canon EOS 6D Mark II is too expensive for you, moving down to a camera with a cropped sensor will save you a lot of money without sacrificing quality or performance. If you don’t need the best lenses and image quality, you probably won’t notice a big difference in quality with an APS-C camera like the Canon EOS 90D. The only time you might notice a difference is in low light, when it can have more noise than full-frame models. Still, it has a high-resolution sensor that can take beautiful pictures and a very good autofocus (AF) system. The AF system is newer than the one in the 6D, so it can detect both eyes and faces for more accurate focusing. It can also record 4k video if you really need that.
Like most Canon DLSRs, it has a user interface and controls that are easy for both experts and beginners to understand. It’s also well-made, with a weather-sealed body and a display on top that makes it easy to check your settings. The battery life is also great, of course. Overall, this camera has high-end features and works well, but it’s not as well made as more expensive ones and has to make the usual trade-offs that come with an APS-C sensor.
4. The Canon Rebel T8i
Even though the Canon EOS 90D is more affordable than a full-frame camera, it still has enthusiast-level features like weather sealing and more buttons and dials. An entry-level camera like the Canon EOS Rebel T8i is even cheaper and has a lot to offer beginning and intermediate photographers. It doesn’t have as many bells and whistles, like a top display or weatherproofing, and it has fewer physical controls. But you get an APS-C sensor that can take high-quality photos and access to the same lenses. There are many affordable EF and EF-S lenses that you can upgrade to as your skills improve.
The camera can also record 4k video, has an excellent autofocus system, and has a very good battery life. In this price range, the Nikon D5600 is also a good option, especially if you need something a little more portable. But it isn’t as well-rounded because it can’t record 4K video and its autofocus isn’t as good. Overall, the T8i is one of the most full-featured entry-level DSLRs on the market. It’s a great choice for those who want a camera that’s not too cheap or too expensive.
All Review
Based on the needs of most people, the DSLRs we suggested above are what we think are the best ones to buy right now. We think about the price, what our customers say, and what’s available (no cameras that are difficult to find or almost out of stock in the U.S.).
If you want to choose for yourself, here is a list of all the DSLR cameras we’ve reviewed. Don’t let yourself get lost in the details. There is no one camera that is perfect. Your personal taste, what you like, and how you usually shoot will matter more.
