You’ve decided to purchase the best DSLR camera that’s crafted out of perfection, ideal for crystal clear photos and powerful functionality, then the Canon EOS 5D Mark III 22.3 MP Full Frame Digital SLR Camera is the one for you. It features a wide array of professional-grade mechanisms that provide excellent quality and deliverance that will last you for many years to come. It features a 22 megapixel CMOS sensor with an ISO range that extends from 100 to 25,600 with an expansion range of 50 to 102,800. With a 61-point AF system and 1080p HD video recording inclusive of manual controls, this best DSLR camera can be contained for extensive usage by advanced photographers who require a powerful yet smooth camera with user-friendly controls. This camera works incredibly in low light situations, providing accurate photo quality and HD videos. With a solid magnesium alloy build, the Canon EOS 5D Mark III 22.3 MP Full Frame Digital SLR Camera has a Canon DIGIC 5+ Image Processor, an advanced iFCL metering system, and a High Dynamic Range.
Top Pick: Canon EOS 5D Mark III 22.3 MP Full Frame Digital SLR Camera
With shooting performance that scales up to 6.0 frames per second , the Canon EOS 5D Mark III 22.3 MP Full Frame Digital SLR Camera is reputed to provide exceptional clarity and beautiful cinematic movies in EOS HD quality with sharpness and attention to detail, even in low light. Being committed to a full-frame sensor in the 5D line, this best DSLR camera has impressive manual modes that beginners and professional photographers can experiment with. The most loved feature of this camera, according to happy photographers, is its 61-point AutoFocus. It is designed to effectively enhance every photograph, thus making it a masterpiece in the hands of the photographer. You can even assign ratings to each of your photographs to navigate through the exclusives easily while shooting. And with this camera’s innovative ‘Creative’ button in playback, you can view two images side-by-side to compare. For the price you pay for this best DSLR camera, it’s worth every penny because it consists of many more advanced features, ideal for professional photographers to achieve excellent quality and major-league proficiency.
The Pentax 645D CCD Sensor DSLR Camera is our extravagant, but valuable DSLR on the market. If you’re a professional photograph demanding highly-advanced performance without the restriction of limiting your own budget, then this best DSLR camera is perfect for you. It comes with a large CCD image sensor about 1.7 times the area ratio of 35 mm to produce accurate, shining and immaculate quality images to stimulate the expert impulses of the photographer. This best DSLR camera is commonly used by professional photographers for intense shooting expeditions, in-studio shoots, and in versatile outdoor adventures that demand an adaptable and reliable DSLR camera. The medium format camera is considerably bulkier than most professional-grade DSLR cameras on the market, but given its advanced controls, it’s nothing to concern about. Other excellent features of this expensive bet are its low pass filters, PRIME II processing engine, a CCD image sensor of 44 x 33mm, a 400 million pixel strength and a dual memory slot.
The Nikon D3300 24.2 MP CMOS Digital SLR is our budget-friendly pick on the best DSLR camera list, consisting of powerful features and a popular review rate on the market. It has a solid build quality as well as a solid image quality, with user-friendly controls and versatile features that can be useful to both beginners and professionals. This Nikon camera sits as the most powerful one among its siblings with its 24.2 megapixel CMOS DX-format image sensor and an 11 AutoFocus point feature with 3D tracking. Its sport-sculpted hand-grip and solid construction are inevitably reliable for such an entry-level DSLR camera. It also features resistive textured leather-like finish with its twin infrared image sensors positioned in the front of the hand-grip and on the top rear left. It’s comfortable to hold, carry-around, with a considerably good viewing feature that’s the viewfinder. It has a 0.85x magnification with a 3 inch LCD display screen with 921,000 dots. The Nikon D3300 24.2 MP CMOS Digital SLR is the best bang for your buck because it compiles some of the greatest DSLR features parallel to its pro camera competitors, giving you a complete fresh and pro-like camera handle.
Why to buy a DSLR camera?
A DSLR camera provides that extra mile when photographers are looking for something solid in image quality and a faster functioning gear. A digital SLR camera provides immense flexibility from the standard point-and-shoot cameras that can’t be stretched further than their limited performance. On the other hand, a DLSR grants professional flexibility, great control, excellent image and video quality, and last but not the least, a longer battery life. Choosing a DSLR first-handedly to kick-start a professional photography career can prove to be extremely useful, but on the other hand, a DSLR camera for enthusiasts and hobbyists can also prove to be more rewarding. You want something that offers versatile lens options, higher level of image clarity, and a professional look: buying a DSLR camera will grant you exactly that and much more!
What to look for in a best DSLR camera?
Apart from understanding the techniques of photography, find yourself on a simple check-list to know what exactly to look for when purchasing the best DSLR camera on the market. Things like a larger LCD screen, viewfinder, camera kit, extended warranty, additional accessories can really influence your purchasing decision for the long run.
Image Sensor
When purchasing the best DSLR camera, you’ll have to either pick a APS-C image sensor or a full-frame image sensor. APS-C sensors are one step above the image quality of any point-and-shoot camera out there, but when compared to full-frame image sensors, they’ve one step below. Full-frame image sensors are a perfect fit for DSLR cameras as they grant exceptional quality images. They are great for taking landscape shots and even panorama, something that APS-C sensors are incapable of producing.
Battery
The battery life of the best DSLR camera is as powerful as the camera itself, but the thing to consider is additional battery. It’s advised to seek out those that come with additional battery.
Flash
While professionals always come equipped with added features such as the flash, purchasing a DSLR with one is always the better choice, especially if you want to provide extra light any time you need it.
Megapixels
Contrary to popular beliefs, the best DSLR camera doesn’t always have to have a powerful megapixel range. If you’re looking for more fine cropping, image enlargements, you’ll want a higher megapixel range, but if none then even a 12 megapixel DSLR camera will provide excellent image quality.
Our best pick: Canon EOS 5D Mark III 22.3 MP Full Frame Digital SLR Camera
Top Pick: Canon EOS 5D Mark III 22.3 MP Full Frame Digital SLR Camera
Our best DSLR camera doesn’t fall short in regards to the complicated features that even a professional photograph may or may not demand from a DSLR. It consists of the kind of skill level, image quality, features and price value that makes it our best pick on the market. The Canon EOS 5D Mark III 22.3 MP Full Frame Digital SLR Camera is a capable photography gear with a very responsive and reliable operation that has strong video features, impressive photo quality with easy controls. You won’t find its sophisticated AutoFocus system and metering accuracy on any other competitive DSLR cameras. This powerhouse features a 22 megapixel CMOS image sensor with a 61-point AF with 1080p HD video capabilities that can handle up to 30 minutes of recording at a stretch. As professional photographers find the camera display one of the most important bonus points in a camera, the Canon EOS 5D Mark III features a 3.2 inch 170 degree viewable LCD screen with an impressive 1,040,000 dot VGA resolution and a reflection resistant display coating. It also has a 63 metering system that grants accurate image quality and color reading up to 6 frames per second. Another compelling feature of this beast is that it includes a dual slot design that can accommodate either an SD or CF card. The Canon EOS 5D Mark III 22.3 MP Full Frame Digital SLR Camera houses Canon’s LP-E6 rechargeable battery that can last 300 to 500 shots depending on the shooting condition. This is one of Canon’s original upgraded camera from 5D III, and it’s safe to say that this camera’s overall layout, display, performance, endurance and skill level is greatly reformed to fit the needs of a pro.
Our step up pick: Pentax 645D CCD Sensor DSLR Camera
Pentax 645D CCD Sensor DSLR Camera
With about 400 million effective pixels, this high-resolution Pentax 645D CCD Sensor DSLR Camera can be taken to any, and we mean any possible landscape, studio, etc. for challenging shoots that otherwise you would have to switch cameras between shoots to get the perfect photographic elements together. It features low pass filters in front of its CCD image sensor as low pass filters are designed to indefectibly eliminate the chances of excessive noise patterns spoiling images containing fine detail. It’s designed with a solid yet lightweight magnesium alloy and die-cast aluminum chassis with a mirror shock suppression mechanism operating noise that’s dust-proof and drip-proof, potentially providing high operating accuracy and performance overall. Keeping in line with the complicated photographic demands of a professional photographer, this beast offers shock-resistant construction which is backed with quiet operation standards, quickly adapts to any outdoor or indoor lighting condition only to produce excellent quality results. If you’re shooting for large-scale prints, the Pentax 645D CCD Sensor DSLR Camera is the one to go to despite its high price tag because when it comes to acquiring the best of the best, you want something that’s worth every buck. In company with these features, you will also find a dual memory slot set, a 3 inch display screen along with a second large LCD information display screen located on top for easy control viewing, and an optical viewfinder.
Our budget pick: Nikon D3300 24.2 MP CMOS Digital SLR
Nikon D3300 24.2 MP CMOS Digital SLR
With an impressive ISO range from 100 to 12,800 and a boost expansion of 25,600, the Nikon D3300 24.2 MP CMOS Digital SLR offers sharp, straightforward and top-performing image quality with an added 1080p HD video support that runs are 60 frames per second. It grants detail in appearance and well as performance, with the exclusive bonus of user-friendly controls and expeed 4 processing. You get easy panorama mode, a start-up guide mode with Wi-Fi enabled and Wireless Adapter that’s compatible with a smartphone. It supports memory cards of SD, SDXC and well as SDHC as well as hundreds of lens so you don’t have to bother about switching from one DSLR to another to match your needs. The battery life of this best DSLR camera is up to 700 shots depending upon your shooting condition. It weighs light with a 2.0 USB connection and an easy DSLR size spectrum perfect for beginners to experiment with. Being a budget-friendly pick, you won’t find any noticeable features that are basic to an affordable, but professional DSLR camera; the overall class of this best DSLR camera is fitted and tested by experts to provide optimal performance and prime image quality. On the camera body, you will find a mode dial, aperture/exposure compensation button, a power button along with an information control button for easy navigation even during low light conditions. It’s even got a built-in flash with its singular deployment and function button located just below the flash housing. For an affordable entry-level DSLR the menus and modes are impressively simple with versatile image manipulation settings for quick retouches and customizations.
Also consider: Nikon D810 FX-format Digital SLR
Nikon D810 FX-format Digital SLR
The Nikon D810 FX-format Digital SLR is a 36.3 megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor that’s the first of its kind with the electronic first-curtain shutter and a redesigned mirror mechanism. It’s a better camera challenging its former counterparts with innovative video and audio capabilities and an improved scene recognition system that allows accurate face detection in OVF mode. With a 51-point AF system with new ‘Group Area AF’ mode and a small pop-up flash, this best DSLR camera offers excellent image quality over everything else for serious and professional photographers. It also grants 30% faster expeed 4 image processing engine and max 5 frames per second shooting in FX mode and 7 frames per second in DX mode. In testing, noticed that the Nikon D810 FX-format Digital SLR is fully waterproofed, but now with exclusive rubber flaps to keep the water out. It features a 3.2 inch RGBW display screen with 1.23 million dots that uses the final sub-pixel to decrease power-usage even with the maximum screen brightness. A serious camera with maximum performance, consider buying this best DSLR camera when you’re hunting a new-generation camera with lots to offer!
Best entry-level DSLR camera
Nikon D3200 24.2 MP CMOS Digital SLR
The Nikon D3200 24.2 MP CMOS Digital SLR represents the advanced skill level performance that puts down most of the entry-level DSLR cameras on the market. It features a 24.2 megapixel CMOS sensor with expeed 3 processor and an 11-point AF system in setting that captures in both RAW and JPEG formats. It boasts of a 3 inch 921,000 dot LCD monitor with a one-touch 1080p HD video recording of 4 frames per second continuous shooting. In testing, we also found multiple versatile features such as the Live view mode and in interactive guide mode and functionality that serves the purpose of an entry-level DSLR camera that can teach beginners the proper method of photography. One great feature of this best DSLR camera is the exposure compensation button that lets you adjust its settings in a simple and smooth manner. Even in manual mode, you have easy-to-reach buttons that lets you control the aperture and shutter speed in conditions where there isn’t enough light for navigation. This best entry-level camera can record movies at cinema-like standards of 24 frames per second at the highest resolution. There’s more control, greater depth of field and faster functioning with the Nikon D3200 24.2 MP CMOS Digital SLR. Photographers achieve less image noise, more versatility, and a focused image quality with this best DSLR camera.
Best small-scale DSLR camera
Canon EOS Rebel SL1 Digital SLR
The Canon EOS Rebel SL1 Digital SLR features a 18 megapixel APS-C CMOS image sensor with a 9 point AutoFocus system and an ISO range from 100 to 12,800 with up to 25,600 expansion. It serves as our best small-scale DSLR camera for photographers looking for decent quality images with a set of advanced features perfect for light photographic modes. It features an excellent ergonomics and handling in a compact and lightweight package. It also features a speedy Canon DIGIC 5 image processor for expert image quality, Hybrid CMOS AF II range for accurate focus targeting during Live View mode. You can expect to shoot cinema-like standard videos with its STM lenses and Movie Servo AF. The Canon EOS Rebel SL1 Digital SLR is built with a 3 inch Clear View LCD monitor II with exclusive ‘Creative’ filters, special scene modes and real-time display, in addition to its optical viewfinder. Expect great things at such an affordable cost that makes complex functions simple, and simple image settings different than the rest. It’s compatible with SD/SDHC/SDXC memory cards, including Ultra High Speed cards. Other features of this best DSLR camera include a featured guide that allows you to suit your shooting needs more professionally, a GPS setting to geo-tag your work as you go, image rating, and JPEG resizing.
Best mid-level DSLR camera
Nikon D7100 24.1 MP DX-format CMOS Digital SLR
The Nikon D7100 24.1 MP DX-format CMOS Digital SLR features excellent image quality, speechless noise performance and amazing grip construction with its solid-built body that makes it the best mid-level DSLR on the market. This best DSLR camera has emerged as the aggressive upgraded model over the D7000 with its AutoFocus system and its ability to focus in low light conditions. It shoots with a 24.1 megapixel DX-format image sensor with the choicest ISO range from 100 to 6400. It also supports 1080p HD video quality with full-time AF and a built-in stereo mic. Its higher skill level and weather-sealing construction promises user-friendly controls, superb metering and focus accuracy and as well both sharp low light and high ISO performance. The Nikon D7100 24.1 MP DX-format CMOS Digital SLR is best designed for landscape and nature photographers who pay attention to detail at low ISO ranges with better handling and ergonomics. It doesn’t make use of an optical low pass filter, which makes this special DSLR camera produce the sharpest and outstanding images quality with its expeed 3 processing speed and intelligence. An extended feature of this best DSLR camera is its 6 frames per second precision that is capable of capturing continuously for up to 100 shots. To let photographers benefit more in focusing, this beast features 51 focus points, alongside 15 cross-type sensors that detect both vertical and horizontal contrast variations to achieve great focus. The thrust of this DSLR is quite exceptional as it is compatible with the WU-1a Wireless Mobile Adapter to share your photos wherever you are.
Best intermediate-level DSLR camera
Nikon D5500 DX-format Digital SLR
The Nikon D5500 DX-format Digital SLR is made keeping in mind the popular photographic demand of an ergonomic design with easy-to-use controls that’s small and durable enough to just grab and go. It even has a flip-out 3.2 LCD display screen that offers 270 degrees rotation. This special screen display is high resolution touchscreen with lots to offer while shooting large crowds and continuous videos using tripod work. This is one of the smallest DSLRs you will find on the market packed with advanced features such as a battery life of 820 shots per charge and a built-in Wi-Fi and smartphone compatibility for quick image sharing on the go. The camera features a 24.2 megapixel DX-format CMOS sensor with no optical low-pass filter and a 38 point AutoFocus system that promises polished image quality and impressive thrusts for photographers of all skill level. Its video capabilities are also note-worthy for an intermediate-level DSLR camera: it features 1080p HD video support with 60 frames per second, capable of capturing fast-moving subjects and slow-motion landscapes, effortlessly! It has a fully articulated touch screen 3.2 inch LCD of 1.04 million dots with a one-touch ‘Fn’ button that helps you access the basic features required for the perfect shot such as aperture, ISO sensitivity, and more. With expeed 4 image processing, expect big things in terms of image quality and high resolution sharpness from the Nikon D5500 DX-format Digital SLR. This best DSLR camera is exclusively portable, user-friendly with an amazing feature set and subject targeting ability.
Best full-frame DSLR camera
Nikon D750 FX-format Digital SLR Camera
The Nikon D750 FX-format Digital SLR Camera is a complex full-frame DSLR camera with abundant professional-grade features that caters to only professional photographers who understand and have experience with the basics of shooting DSLR. Although this camera is not suitable for novices as its extensive features don’t allow for a learning curve, this full-frame DSLR serves the purpose like a pro. It shoots with a 24.3 megapixel CMOS image sensor and an expeed 4 image processing system that promises a wide dynamic range of capturing subjects. Its robust ergonomics and handling makes it easy to track moving subjects easily and makes an excellent value for money. With a top 1080p HD video resolution that fires up to 60 frames per second, manual controls, and in-built headphone socket, this best DSLR camera is perfect for the detailed video shooter. Gain a new perspective as the Nikon D750 FX-format Digital SLR Camera uses 51 point AutoFocus system with 15 cross-type sensors and a 3D Color Matrix Metering III with a 91,000 pixel RGB sensor. It powers great aperture control, manual exposure shooting, the new ‘Flat’ picture control mode in addition to its zebra overexposure warnings. The new 1,229k dot tilt-able 3.2 LCD display screen with Vari-angle opens a whole world of composition possibilities, using smartphone or tablet compatibility as remote monitoring for Live View shooting. Last but not the least it features reduced image noise, sharp image definitions and minimal false colors with an ISO range from 100 to 12,800 (expandable up to 51,200).
Best DSLR camera for beginners
Canon EOS Rebel T6i Digital SLR
The Canon EOS Rebel T6i Digital SLR is our best DSLR camera for beginners as it features a solid 24 megapixel CMOS image sensor with a resolution that performs excellently in low light conditions. It has a fully articulating 3 inch 1.04 million dot LCD screen which can be flipped to the side and rotated about 270 degrees, a feature that comes in handy during video recording and easy focusing. Even sharing photos via your smartphone is possible with this best DSLR camera for beginners, plus you can even tag your photos and videos for sharing to social media sites right on the camera. Another impressive feature is the wireless flash control, designed to provide more creative lighting, also perfect for beginners to experiment with from time to time. You also get versatile shooting modes with manual exposure controls that not only grants more control to the photographer, but teaches a lesson to shoot perfectly along the way. Other influential features of this DSLR camera include a DIGIC 6 image processing system for improved light sensitivity, remote shooting and wireless printing, and last but not the least Intelligent Scene Analysis that detects insufficient light and alters your image to the perfect composition.
Best DSLR camera for enthusiasts
Canon EOS 6D 20.2 MP CMOS Digital SLR Camera
The Canon EOS 6D 20.2 MP CMOS Digital SLR Camera is for photography-enthusiasts willing to experiment profusely and creatively with an advanced, yet comfortably designed DSLR. This best DSLR camera brings tons of exciting features to the table, to begin with some: a 20.2 megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor, 11-point AutoFocus system, and 4.5 frames per second continuous shooting. On testing, we found that this camera is extremely flexible for nature and landscape photographers as it brings better control, low-light autofocus ability, and finally, impressive high-ISO performance universally. It also features a built-in Wi-Fi and GPS for connectivity and image-mapping while on the go. It works to show a 3 inch LCD with 1,040,000 dots display that’s anti-reflective with Canon’s Clear View technology for sharp display. It has numerous creative shooting modes such as the High Dynamic Range (HDR), Multiple Exposure Control, Scene Intelligent Auto mode, The Handheld Night Scene, and much more. With Distortion Correction recording, photographers can master the art of minimal distortion to no distortion at all so the images taken appear straight and sharp during intense shooting sessions. The Canon EOS 6D 20.2 MP CMOS Digital SLR Camera has high composing, metering and focusing features for the avid photographer along with unique capabilities that are matchless given the complexities of DSLR cameras on the market today.
Best DSLR camera for professionals
The Canon EOS- 1D X Mark II is the fastest shooting DSLR camera, capable of firing up to 14 frames per second in full high resolution RAW or JPEG, and up to 16 frames per second in Live View Mode with dual DIGIC 6 image processors. It features an advanced AutoFocus performance using 61-point, wide-range AF with 41 cross-type points. Expect extreme levels of image accuracy, focused sensitivity and image control with the new EOS Intelligent Tracking and Recognition AF with 360,000 pixel metering image sensor. 1080p HD video capabilities up to 120 frames per second for slow motion shots, plus an 8.8 megapixel still frame grab in camera of 4k video up to 60 frames per second. This best DSLR camera is the perfect deal for professional photographers looking for a durable and rugged magnesium allow body DSLR with dust and water resistance for challenging shooting situations. You get intense access with its 3.2 inch touchscreen LCD panel with 1.62 million dots and an anti-reflective construction. Professionals want complex features that deliver quality images and videos, such is the Canon EOS- 1D X Mark II. It also consists of a built-in GPS for geo-tagging photos, with an auto time syncing with UTC via satellites, and Wi-Fi connectivity for the multi-tasker. With its Dual Pixel CMOS AF and Movie Servo AF, get quick high quality frames and consistent autofocus that can work flawlessly during video shooting. All this in one professional piece of powerful ergonomics, the Canon EOS- 1D X Mark II is ideal for perfection and expert photographers alike.
Best DSLR camera for video
Sony Alpha SLT-A99V Full Frame SLR
The Sony Alpha SLT-A99V Full Frame SLR is our last, but not feeblest pick for video rangers in the industry. It comes with an up-to-speed package of 24 megapixel CMOS sensor, 1080p HD video capabilities with manual controls, 19 point AutoFocus system with complete face detection AF in video mode, and an SLT design with fixed semi-transparent mirror. It’s a forward-thinking video machine that allows videographers high-quality OLED EVF with magnification along with an excellent movie and video mode. It stands mighty in ergonomics and handling, low light performance and ISO sensitivities, and in metering and video focusing accuracy. It weighs the lightest with its 35mm full-frame interchangeable lens, thanks to its Translucent Mirror Technology and high-rigidity magnesium allow panel construction that adds the convenience a videographer requires during taxing shoots. You won’t find any defects as this best DSLR camera consists of a multi-point focal plane phase detection AF sensor with 102 exclusive AF points that maximizes focusing and precision for images and videos. One of the most demanding features for videographers is simple and quick navigation, that’s why the Sony Alpha SLT-A99V Full Frame SLR has an enhanced version of Quick Navi Pro which allows users to immediately access all of the camera’s parameter settings. Along with additional creative styles, this best DSLR camera has got it all: fast continuous shooting speeds, 200,000 shutter release durability, auto HDR built-in, D-range optimizer, vertical grip capability and much more.
Wrapping it up
The most recommendable DSLR cameras are those with solid construction, excellent image quality and scalable popularity among consumers, such is the Canon EOS 5D Mark III 22.3 MP Full Frame Digital SLR Camera which is our best DSLR camera on the market to-day. Following are our specialized lists that every novice and proficient photographer must consider before buying one that fits their specific needs correctly. As a photographer, it’s extremely important to match your photography skill level to the type of DSLR camera you purchase, which is why our extensive recommendations are researched and tested for versatile photographic needs such as entry-level, small-scale, for videos, etc.
Jen Miller is a former electrical engineer and product specialist with more than 20 years of product design and testing experience. She has designed more than 200 products for Fortune 500 companies, in fields ranging from home appliances to sports gear and outdoor equipment. She founded Jen Reviews to share her knowledge and critical eye for what makes consumers tick, and adopts a strict no-BS approach to help the reader filter through the maze of products and marketing hype out there. She writes regularly and has been featured on Forbes, Fast Company, The Muse, The Huffington Post, Tiny Buddha and MindBodyGreen.