A short intro to the Best DSLR Cameras
Whether you are a pro or beginner, there are more than enough DSLR cameras to make sure that your Photography skills are put into good use. The cameras also come at different prices and hence even the enthusiast on a tight budget can still get a decent camera they can work with. Unfortunately, having so many DSLR cameras in the market is also a problem because not all of them are as good as the manufacturer’s paint them out to be. We also have a lot of overpriced cameras that will charge you so much money for specs that you can get at a much lower price. So what do you do to avoid all this? It all comes down to research. You need to take your time and look at the various DSLR cameras on offer and determine which one aligns with your needs the best.
To save you from having to do the tedious task of researching 100+ cameras, we have highlighted some of the best cameras that we believe they can fit with different consumers of different skill levels.
What’s the best DSLR Camera?
The Nikon D850 is the best DSLR camera in the market. It delivers high-resolution results in record time, making it one of the best buys for anyone serious about photography. Other than resolution and speed, the camera also ticks all other boxes a professional would want in a DSLR camera, and that’s why it is retailing at an insane price of around $3000!
Here is the thing though, there is no one particular camera that is perfect for everyone. Given the huge variation in features when you move from an entry-level to a professional DSLR camera, it is very difficult to choose an outright winner. We can highlight a few incredible options that are likely to appeal to people across the board but ultimately, the best camera will depend on your skill levels. In a practical sense, an excellent DSLR camera meant for professionals will be very limiting to novice for various reasons. Not only could such a camera overwhelm the user with too many features, but the price is likely to be extremely high, yet a beginner photographer will most probably never utilize all the features. Likewise, an entry-level DSLR will probably be useless to anyone who is doing photography at a professional level. Therefore, the sensible thing would be to discuss the best DSLR camera in regards to the skill level and perhaps the price tag.
With that said, here are our top picks of the best DSLR Cameras:
Nikon D850
The Nikon D850 has completely changed what resolution is all about in the DSLR camera sector. The camera offers 45.7MP CMOS sensor with backside illumination (BSI), EXPEED 5 Image Processor, and the final result is nothing short of breathtaking. The image quality is marvelous with staggering true colors, and data readout is faster than ever. The powerful image processor pulls down the ISO to 64, thus increasing the dynamic range significantly, it lowers noise and enhances image details. The processor also supports full-frame 4K UHD recording and continuous shooting at around 9 frames per second, and you can also record 8K time-lapse sequences using the Interval Timer Mode. You could also do slow-mo recording of up to 120 frames per second at 1080p. All this makes the camera an incredible option for anyone who is looking to capture the perfect in-action images. This is further enhanced by the remarkable subject tracking which locks onto your subject to deliver sharp images even in the highest of speeds. You will find this camera very effective in high-speed shooting like sports events.
To improve image quality even further, Nikon has employed a dedicated AF processor and packed the camera with 153 focus points and 99 cross-type sensors. After testing so many DSLR cameras, we can say that the utilization of this AF system has delivered extremely sharp images that we don’t come across so often.
The Nikon D850 can autofocus all the way to -4 EV. This allows it to handle low-light scenes pretty well. The Focus Peaking also allows you to confirm your manual focus with the option of choosing between low, medium, and high sensitivity. Additionally, you can operate the manual focus mode of the D850 not just with the AF but also with any other compatible manual NIKON lenses.
Other than delivering an exquisite resolution, fast speeds, and superb image quality, the D850 has so much more to offer including:
- FX-format
- 35.9mm x 23.9mm sensor size
- Weight: 32.3oz
- Versatile sound controls. The sound attenuator will automatically reduce the microphone’s sensitivity should it detect an increase in audio
- Adjustable highlight detection to get just the right highlights
- Tilt and touch monitor to capture great recordings at different angles
- Customizable Focus Shift Mode
- Silent Live View allows you to capture essential events without the distraction of mechanical vibration or sounds
- MB-D18 M multi-battery power pack
- WT-7 wireless transmitter supports the transfer of movies and images via a wireless LAN
- ES-2 film digitizer adapter
- Creative Lighting System boosts flash control
- Compatible with the WR-A10/R10 transceiver improves
- Utilize the Picture Control System to adjust how your photos appear or use the automatic picture control
- XQD Storage
- Switch between 11.4MP, 25.6MP, and 45.4MP to get just the right image quality and reasonable size
- Built-in wireless connectivity
- Carbon fiber and Magnesium alloy body delivers excellent durability
- Decent battery life
Canon EOS Rebel SL2
The Canon EOS Rebel SL2 is an amazing option for anyone without $1000+ to spend on a DSLR. The camera stacks up very well with mirrorless cameras as far as portability goes. It’s also very easy to use, and hence, beginners should have an easy time customizing and utilizing the camera.
The Canon EOS rocks a 24.2Mp CMOS sensor, Dual Pixel CMOS AF and the DIGIC 7 image processor. The powerful CMOS sensor performed really well under different lighting conditions. Not only does it improve the details of the images, but it also delivers rich and dynamic colors, thus producing stunning images. Meanwhile, the Dual Pixel CMOS autofocus recorded excellent autofocusing speeds of around 0.03 seconds. The integrated phase-detection ensures that the camera detects and locks onto the object far away and adjusts the lenses for fast and smooth focusing. We didn’t just like the AF here for how fast and accurate it is, but also on how it managed to remain locked-on the object even during motion. The powerful image processor has also done a superb job improving image sharpness while reducing noise and grain.
For all starting vloggers, the Canon EOS Rebel SL2 is also one of the best vlogging cameras around for various reasons. Other than being affordable, it also supports Full HD movie recording at 60fps and a built-in microphone it a plug-and-play camera. The camera also comes in handy just in case your budget doesn’t allow you to go for a superior microphone sold separately. The included external microphone port keeps your options open should you decide to buy a better microphone in the future. Also, the Feature Assistant should help you get started with the basics of the camera and how each mode works.
The Canon EOS Rebel SL2 also comes with an optical viewfinder. This should complement the LCD screen in conditions such as bright sunlight where the screen is not visible properly. It will also improve autofocusing, allowing you to capture split-second moments.
Sharing photos is very easy, thanks to numerous built-in connectivity options. This includes Wi-Fi, which is the most convenient to use thanks to a dedicated Wi-Fi button. It’s also equipped with Bluetooth and NFC connectivity. You should be able to connect your smartphone or PC very easily for fast image and movie transfer.
Some of the other features of this incredible camera include:
- 3-inch touch screen LCD can be tilted to different angles
- 9-point AF system ISO 100 to 25600 with phase-detection and 63-zone evaluative metering
- Lightweight
- Compatible with most iPhones, Smartphones, and tablets
- SD/SDXC/SDHC memory cards
- Weight 15.98oz
- Decent battery life with good battery saving options such as auto-off after a set time
- Customizable controls with a quick control button
Nikon D3400
The Nikon D3400 is perhaps the best DSLR cameras under $500. At just $428, this camera gives you 24.2 MP CMOS sensor, EXPEED 4 Image Processor, Native ISO 100 to 25600 and with the SnapBridge, you can have your dynamic images transferred to your smartphone in a snap! It’s one thing for a DSLR to provide built-in wireless connectivity options and another thing for Nikon to include an option that automatically transfers your brilliant photos in an instant. And here is the thing, SnapBridge can be synced with not one, not two but up to five different smart devices; this is a complete game changer!
Apart from being a very affordable and easy to use the camera, the Nikon D3400 also stacks up really well with DSLR cameras above its price point. The 24.2MP CMOS sensor and the Expeed 4 image processor gets you into the world of unlimited creativity with the ability to capture remarkable photos at different times of the day. Whether it is on a bright day or in low light areas, the D3400 will illuminate the details and colors in your objects to serve you with a mind-blowing image. For a camera at this price point, the D3400 really impressed us when it comes to fast-shooting. The AF system is very precise and will keep your objects locked even in high-speed shootings.
The Nikon D3400 can record dazzling 1080p movies at 60 frames per second. The advanced lenses also support smooth autofocusing to capture every moment as perfectly as they occur. You can also get continuous shooting at 5FPS, create time-lapse videos, and make some smooth slow-motion sequences.
The D3400 also boasts of various other features including:
- Automatic cloud backups
- Lightweight and very compact
- Built-in microphone
- Intuitive controls
- DX-format
- 23.5mm x 15.6mm sensor size
- Guide Mode. An easy-to-understand step-by-step instruction guide for beginners
- Automatic Mode to give you the perfect photos under different conditions
- Utilizes the incredible NIKKOR lenses
- SD/SDXC/SDHC memory cards
- Bluetooth and Wi-Fi ready
- 3-inch wide view angle (170-degrees) LCD screen
- Weight: 13.9 oz