Best DSLR Cameras

Morning everyone, hope you are ok. I’m rather excited right now as this upcoming Sunday, we’re going to visit my sister and nephew (sadly, we won’t get to see Chris as he will be away at the time), but I’m looking forward to spending some time with Kim and Isaac as it’s been quite a while since the last time we saw them, mainly due to the fact that we’ve all been really busy so timing it for when we’ve all been free has been difficult and this Sunday is the first chance we’ve had to be able to see one another. We would have visited them last week during my dad’s week off but again timing was an issue as they were on a little holiday (here in the UK) at Centre Parcs for the week, luckily the weather was nice and warm for them to be able to do some outdoor activities and not have to be stuck inside the entire time, and from a couple of things we’ve been told they had a great time! We’ll most likely get told a few stories (more than likely funny ones involving Isaac) on Sunday.

We didn’t waste my dad’s week off though, as I said in last Wednesday’s post, it was non-stop, from going to the Doctors and then the Hospital within the first couple of days of the week, and then having appointments with a few people throughout the rest of the week, it’s amazing we were able to go to Skegness and Ingoldmells for a couple of days so I could take pictures with my camera again, as it’s been in storage for the past few weeks, meaning I haven’t been able to go out and take photos since my dad managed to retrieve it within the last week, so I’ve been a very happy girl being able to get back to my photography, which kind of brings me to today’s post…

The best DSLRs still stack up really well against the latest mirrorless cameras, especially if you value old-school handling over the latest gadgets. Mirrorless cameras may be all the rage now, but DSLR design still offers a strong, chunky build, value for money, and a range of lenses that mirrorless cameras have yet to match. There’s a good reason why many photographers’ first “real” camera will be a DSLR. They offer everything you need to learn about photography and get you used to techniques such as using different lenses, shooting in manual, and utilizing raw format, and you might find that you don’t need some of the newer technologies that mirrorless provides. One of the benefits of opting for DSLR over mirrorless is the sheer size of the ecosystem that they sit within. That means there’s a huge range of lenses and accessories that mirrorless options still don’t quite match. So, whatever kind of photography you’re into – or rather, whatever it is you like to photograph – you should be able to find something that meets your needs with a DSLR. So if you are trying to find the perfect camera to fit your needs, below is a list of 10 of the best DLSRs available today.

The best DSLR cameras still have a lot to offer, even if very few new models are being released these days. It’s true that the best mirrorless cameras are now more popular, and that plenty of manufacturers, including Canon and Nikon, have seemingly stopped making Digital Single-Lens Reflex cameras. But they remain the preferred choice for many photographers, both professional and amateur — and there are good reasons why. For instance, many landscape photographers may prefer viewing their scene through an optical viewfinder, which is a hallmark of the DSLR. Meanwhile, sports and wildlife photographers might appreciate the precision of a DSLR’s phase detection autofocus. The best DSLRs also have a rugged body design that is weather-sealed to prevent water ingress, and many photographers also love the DSLR’s classic deep handgrip. So, if you’re confused about the different options out there, read on to discover which could be your next DSLR camera.

Nikon D3500

SPECIFICATIONS

Megapixels/sensor: 24.3/APS-C
ISO Range: 100-25,600
Max Video Resolution: 1080p/60 fps
Shooting Speed: 5 fps
Autofocus: 11-point phase/contrast
Display: 3-inch fixed LCD
Battery Life: 1,550 shots
Ports: USB, mini HDMI
Card Slots: one SD/SDHC/SDXC
LCD Slides: 4.9 x 3.9 x 2.8 inches
Weight: 12.9 ounces

A camera that lets you grow, the D3500 is one of the best DSLR cameras for beginners, as it has guides to explain its more advanced features, but it will shoot great photos in almost any situation. While it has many of the same features as its predecessor (the D3400), including a 24.3-MP APS-C image sensor, the Nikon D3500 has a faster processor and a refreshed design that makes it easier to use. It does away with an optical low-pass filter to help to maximize the ability of the sensor to resolve fine detail images. The D3500 is also notable for its great body design, deep grip, and intuitive layout of controls that make it straightforward to use. You’ll also find a range of Nikon lenses available, with Nikon ‘DX’ lenses being specifically designed for the camera’s APS-C sensor. However, this camera isn’t the best when shooting video, as it maxes out at 1080p and lacks a microphone jack. Plus, its rear LCD is fixed and lacks touch capabilities. But for those who are looking for a DSLR to learn the basics, you can’t go wrong with the Nikon D3500.

Canon EOS Rebel T8i

SPECIFICATIONS

Megapixels: 24.1 MP APS-C
Lens Type: Interchangeable
ISO Range: ISO 100-25600
Image Stabilization: In-lens
Autofocus: 45-point phase detection
Video (Max Resolution): 4K at 24 fps
Shooting Speed: 7 fps
Display: 3.2-inch swiveling touchscreen
Wi-Fi: 802.11 b,g and Bluetooth 4.1
Battery Life: 1240 shots (viewfinder), 360 shots (live view
Size/Weight: 5.16 x 4 x 3 inches/18.2 ounces

Most casual photographers will find the Canon EOS Rebel T8i to be the best camera for them if they’re looking for a DSLR-style system. Like its predecessors, the T8i has a 45-point autofocus system, takes excellent photos, and has a number of handy built-in guides to help newbies learn the ins and outs of the camera. The EOS Rebel T8i can also shoot video at a resolution of 4K; while the framerate is capped at 24 fps, it should suffice for those who want to capture higher-quality movies. It also has a microphone jack for better audio and can even shoot vertical video, ideal for social media. The versatile, vari-angle LCD screen and comfortably familiar button layout make it a breeze to shoot with, and you also get 800 shots per charge when shooting with the viewfinder. The only real downside is that the 4K video mode still involves a crop and the loss of phase-detection autofocus, which means this is still very much a camera for 1080p video. But If you don’t mind that and prefer the advantages of DSLRs, including battery life and handling, then the Rebel Ti / EOS 850D is a fine choice to kick off your photography hobby.

Canon EOS 90D

SPECIFICATIONS

Megapixels/sensor: 32.5 APS-C
ISO Range: 100-25600
Max Video Resolution: 4K/30 fps
Shooting Speed: 10 fps
Autofocus: 45-point phase detection
Display: 3-inch articulating touch screen
Battery Life: 960 shots
Ports: USB, Mini HDMI, headphones, mic
Card Slots: one SD/SDHC/SDXC
Size: 5.5 x 4.1 x 3 inches
Weight: 24.7 ounces

The EOS 90D has been designed to excel in all genres of photography and video but is particularly handy for sports and wildlife photographers who demand a camera that can rattle out a continuous burst and resolve excellent detail from a high-resolution 32.5MP APS-C CMOS sensor. This well-made camera can shoot at 10fps with autofocus tracking when using the viewfinder and 11fps when using Live View with fixed AF, and there’s also Canon’s Eye Detection AF with tracking for stills and movies. You can also record 4K video (using the full width of the sensor) at 25/30p or Full HD video at up to 120fps, which is great for shooting slow-mo sequences. A rear 3-inch, 1040k-dot vari-angle (which aids creative framing and composition) touchscreen displays a good, clean feed to assist composition and video recording in Live View. Images are well displayed in playback mode too. Colors are faithful and you get four thumbnail views to quickly search through hundreds of images on the memory card.

Nikon D500

SPECIFICATIONS

Image Sensor: 20.0MP APS-C CMOS
Storage Media: SD/SDHC/SDXC and XQD
Image Stabilization: via OIS lenses
Display: 3.2-inch touch LCD
ISO: 100-51,200 (expandable to 1,640,000)
Max video resolution: 4K UHD 3,840 x 2,160/30 and 24 fps
Shooting Speed: Up to 10fpsWireless/Bluetooth/NFC: Yes
Ports: 10-pin remote terminal, HDMI, USB, Stereo microphone and headphone jacks
Battery life (CIPA): 1,240
Size (body): 5.8 x 4.6 x 3.2 inches
Weight: 26.9 ounces, body only

The Nikon D500 remains Nikon’s premier DX-series DSLR and puts many more recent cameras to shame. It’s big, well built, and fairly heavy, so not necessarily the camera to go for if you want something you can stick in a bag for a day trip, but as semi-pro enthusiast models go, it’s one of the best DSLR cameras. Image quality is excellent: its 20MP stills will rival or beat those from all but the most expensive full-frame models, and it also has excellent autofocus and a fast burst shooting speed of 10 fps. It can also shoot 4K video, although note that it maxes out at 30 fps; if you want to shoot smoother 60 fps footage, you’ll be limited to 1080p, so if a video is your primary concern you’ll probably want to look elsewhere. But if you mainly shoot wildlife, sports, or landscapes, it’s one of the best DSLR cameras you can buy.

Nikon D850

SPECIFICATIONS

Sensor: 45.7MP full-frame CMOS
Lens mount: Nikon F
Screen: 3.2-inch tilt-angle touchscreen, 2,359,000 dots
Burst shooting: 7fps
Autofocus: 153-point AF
Video: 4K
Connectivity: Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
Battery life: 1,840 shots
Weight: 1,005g

The Nikon D850 is now over five years old, but if you’re looking for a skills-focused DSLR, it remains one of the best you can buy. Thanks to its 45.7 MP full-frame BSI CMOS sensor capable of capturing extreme detail and superb dynamic range, the Nikon D850 is a dream camera for landscape, architecture, and studio photography needs. Coupled with a high-end autofocus system, low light autofocus sensitivity, an advanced 181,000-pixel RGB meter, fast EXPEED 5 processor, and impressive 7 frames per second (fps) continuous shooting speed that can be extended to 9 fps with the MB-D18 battery grip and amazing battery life, the D850 is also a formidable tool for photographing action, making it highly desirable for sports and wildlife photography. On the video side, 4K full-frame video recording with the ability to output 4:2:2 uncompressed video via HDMI, slow-motion video as well as 4K and 8K time-lapse shooting capabilities make it a top choice for videography needs. And lastly, all the extra features such as focus stacking, tilting touch-enabled LCD screen, illuminated buttons, built-in WiFi and Bluetooth, weather-sealed construction, and dual card slots show that Nikon used everything in its arsenal to make the Nikon D850 a “do-it-all” versatile camera.

Pentax K-3 III

SPECIFICATIONS

Image Sensor: 25.7MP APS-C CMOS
Storage Media: SD/SDHC/SDXC
Image Stabilization: 5-axis in-body
Display: 3.2-inch touch LCDISO: 100-1,600,400
Max video resolution: 4K UHD 3,840 x 2,160 @ 30 fps
Shooting Speed: Up to 12fps
Wireless/Bluetooth/NFC: Yes/yes/no
Ports: HDMI, USB, Stereo microphone, and headphone jacks
Battery life (CIPA): 800
Size (body): 134.5 x 103.5 x 73.5mm
Weight: 735g, body only

Developed as a camera that defines the PENTAX PRINCIPLES, the PENTAX K-3 Mark III features a host of functions and outstanding imaging performance to optimize the fun and excitement of the entire photo-shooting process — for photographers who are particular about the key values of SLR cameras, and who cherish photography as a lifetime passion. PENTAX developed a top-grade, easy-to-view optical viewfinder that fully immerses the photographer in shooting. It also renewed key devices, including the image sensor, imaging engine, and accelerator unit. This was done to provide the highest possible image quality and attain the super-high top sensitivity of ISO 1600000. The compact, sturdy camera body assures excellent operability and portability — benefits characteristic of the APS-C format. The premium kit includes the PENTAX K-3 Mark III Silver body and battery grip D-BG8. The battery grip is designed for exclusive use with the PENTAX K-3 Mark III, it features a dustproof, weather-resistant construction, and provides an extra set of control buttons (shutter release, Smart Function, AF/AE lock, exposure compensation, and green), a focus point selector lever, and a pair of electronic dials to facilitate vertical-position shooting. It is powered by the large-capacity D-LI90P Lithium-ion Battery, which is also used to power the camera body. This battery can be recharged using the camera’s USB terminal.

Canon EOS 5D Mark IV

SPECIFICATIONS

Sensor: 36 x 24mm 30.4MP CMOS
Focal length conversion: 1x (full-frame)
Memory: One CompactFlash; one SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-I)
Viewfinder: Optical pentaprism with approx. 100% coverage
Max video resolution: 4K (4,096 x 2,160) at 30fps
ISO range: 100-32,000 (50-102,400 expansion)
Autofocus points: 61 points. Max of 41 cross-type AF points inc 5 dual cross-type at f/2.8 and 21 cross-type AF points at f/8. The number of cross-type AF points will differ depending on the lens
Max burst rate: 7fps
Screen: 3.2in Clear View II touchscreen LCD; approx. 1,620,000 dots
Shutter speeds: 30-1/8,000 sec plus Bulb
Weight: 890g
Dimensions: 51 x 116 x 76mm

Released in 2016, the Canon EOS 5D IV is still a popular camera among professional photographers. Compared to the Nikon D850, its resolution might seem pretty average, but for lots of photographers 30 megapixels is more than enough and you can shoot a 4K video with this camera too, but the format used means the files it outputs are good but massive. The EOS 5D Mark IV features Canon’s Dual Pixel CMOS AF which means users benefit from fast autofocus performance in live view and video modes. It’s robust, reliable, and weather resistant which is a major plus for pro photographers. The large 3.2-inch display boasts an impressive 1,620,000 dots and touchscreen functionality. The touchscreen interface is active all the time, enabling menu navigation and image review as well. The screen is fixed, however, without any tilting or vari-angle mec. The AF system is sensitive down to -3EV (-4EV in Live View) – that’s darker than moonlight, so focusing shouldn’t be an issue in poor light, while the fact that you can use lens/teleconverter combinations with a maximum aperture of f/8 and still have the luxury of all 61 AF points (21 cross-type) will be a real draw for sports and wildlife photographers.

Nikon D7500

SPECIFICATIONS

Megapixels/sensor: 20.9 APS-C
ISO Range: 100-51,200
Max Video Resolution: 4k/30 fps
Shooting Speed: 8 fps
Autofocus: 51 points
Display: 3.2-inch tilting touch screen
Battery Life: 950 shots
Ports: USB, mini HDMI, 3.5mm audio, stereo mic
Card Slots: one SD/SDHC/SDXC
Size: 5.4 x 4.1 x 2.9 inches
Weight: 22.6 ounces

The D7500 is best thought of as a mini version of the D500, with some of its big sibling’s features stripped out but with a smaller body and a cheaper price tag. The 20.9-megapixel sensor is exactly the same as that in the D500, as is the Expeed 5 image processor, but continuous shooting is reduced to 8 fps and there are only 51 autofocus points rather than 153 as on the more expensive model. It also has a smaller viewfinder and one card slot rather than two. That said, you still get 4K video recording up to 30 fps and a handy 3.2-inch tilting LCD touchscreen display, and the image quality is excellent. And, like all of Nikon’s recent cameras, the D7500 sports the company’s SnapBridge technology, so you can use Bluetooth, NFC, and built-in Wi-Fi to connect the camera to your smartphone, tablet, or laptop to transfer photos and videos, and even control the camera remotely. If you can’t stretch to the D500 but want more than an entry-level model, it’s a fine choice.

Canon EOS 6D Mark II

SPECIFICATIONS

Megapixels/sensor: 26.2 full-frame
ISO Range: 100-40,000
Max Video Resolution: 1080p/60 fps
Shooting Speed: 6.6 fps
Autofocus: 45-point phase detection
Display: 3-inch articulating touch screen
Battery Life: 1,200 shots
Ports: USB, mini HDMI, microphone
Card Slots: one SD/SDHC/SDXC
Size: 2.9 x 5.7 x 4.4 inches
Weight: 1.7 pounds

The Canon EOS 6D Mark II is for serious enthusiasts. It’s for the photographers that want to capture the best images they can. It isn’t the most versatile, but it plays to its strengths. It’s hard to beat the Canon EOS 6D Mark II on image quality. The 26.2MP sensor packs a wallop, and the expandable ISO range means it won’t let you down if the conditions change. The burst of 6.5fps is slow compared to some competitors. But the 45-point autofocus system is quick and reliable. It’s a rugged camera with the impressive build quality. Given the price of full-frame cameras — both DSLRs and mirrorless — the Canon EOS 6D Mark II offers good value for the money and is a comparatively affordable entry point to full-frame shooting. The camera also doesn’t skimp on features and functionality, either. If you’re a DSLR newbie or unfamiliar with some of Canon’s naming and menu structures, just turn on the help guide for assistance. If you want a DSLR that gives you quality images, the Canon EOS 6D Mark II won’t let you down. One of the very best DSLR cameras available.

Nikon D5600

SPECIFICATIONS

Megapixels/sensor: 24.2 APS-C
ISO Range: 100-25,600
Max Video Resolution: 1080p/60 fps
Shooting Speed: 5 fps
Autofocus: 39-point phase/contrast
Display: 3.2-inch articulating touch screen
Battery Life: 970 shots
Ports: UUSB, mini HDMI, microphone
Card Slots: one SD/SDHC/SDXC
LCD Slides: 4.9 x 3.9 x 2.8 inches
Weight: 14.7 ounces

The Nikon D5600 packs a good deal of quality into a camera that’s not too expensive. The D5600 sports a 24-megapixel sensor and an articulating touch screen, which makes tapping to focus and snapping a photo with a single touch a cinch. The D5600 delivers very sharp and detailed images, and sharing them is now easier with the inclusion of SnapBridge, which lets you transfer photos to your smartphone via Bluetooth. One of the limitations of the D5600 is that it can’t shoot a 4K video. Instead, it’s limited to 1080p/60 fps, and while the quality is good, if your primary reason for buying a camera is videography, this probably isn’t the one for you. The D5600 is a highly capable camera at an affordable price that will appeal to a range of DSLR users. Beginners will find getting good shots easy from the get-go, and more advanced users will appreciate the camera’s bells and whistles. Of course, image quality is key to any camera, and the D5600 doesn’t disappoint. And its compact and light body won’t weigh you down when you’re traveling, wandering the city, or hiking up a mountain, so overall, this is a great DSLR.

DSLR cameras may not be in vogue right now, but don’t let that put you off. The battle between DSLR and mirrorless cameras is not over. And Nikon, Canon, and Pentax are proving DSLRs still have a place in the world of photography. While recent years have seen mirrorless cameras growing in popularity, DSLR cameras still hold a place in many photographers’ tools of the trade. They still come with several advantages that make them top-notch choices, especially for pro photographers. These include optical viewfinder benefits, better ergonomics, longer-lasting batteries, and wider lens selection. More and more DSLRs are also becoming cheaper, making them more affordable ways to get into photography compared to mirrorless cameras. That said, there are still some really incredible cameras that are available as pretty good deals. Keep in mind, however, that the best DSLR for you depends on your budget and what you intend to shoot with a camera.

Thank you for visiting my blog and reading today’s post, I hope you all enjoy the rest of the week and I shall see you next time 😃