The best DSLR cameras still compare very well to the latest mirrorless cameras in the market today, especially if you prefer old-school handling to the latest devices. Mirrorless cameras have been the most favorable right now, but DSLR design still offers value for money and a range of lenses that mirrorless cameras can’t quite match yet.
Photo by KAL VISUALS on Unsplash
Introduction:
The best DSLR cameras today are still not that far away from their mirrorless counterparts. Many DSLRs come with modern mirrorless features like 4K video, on-sensor phase-detection autofocus, and effective Live View modes.
DSLRs are an affordable way to make the leap from a phone camera or a compact point-and-shoot camera. Another big advantage of buying a DSLR over a mirrorless camera is that you have a variety of lenses to choose from.
There are some highlights of a DSLR that merit notable attention. The Nikon D3500 is, was, and may always be, the best entry-level DSLR you can buy, while the Nikon D850 is a rugged, pro-level camera that’s fun and has the resolution, shooting speed, and even video capabilities to make it relevant today to be. And for enthusiasts, the powerful Canon EOS 90D offers everything the Best Mirrorless Cameras can, with the handling and optical viewfinder of a DSLR.
Here’s an article on Mirrorless Cameras vs DSLRs that explains all the practical and technical differences, and while mirrorless cameras have very clear advantages in some ways, it’s by no means one-sided.
The Best DSLR Cameras 2023:
1. Nikon D850
It is one of the all-time favorites of professional photographers with a heavy build, great controls, speed, and high resolution.
Specifications
Type: DSLR
Sensor: Full frame
Megapixels: 45.7MP
Lens mount: Nikon FX
Screen: 3.2in tilting touchscreen, 2,359,000 dots
Viewfinder: Pentaprism
Max burst speed: 7fps
Max video resolution: 4K
User level: Enthusiast/Professional
| Image | Product | Price |
|---|---|---|
|
Nikon D850 | Check Price |
The Nikon D850 is an expensive camera, but with capabilities that put it in a class of its own. Its 45.7MP resolution is spectacular, it features a 153-point autofocus system and is capable of capturing images at 7fps or 9fps with the optional MB-D18 battery grip. Incredible video capabilities also make it one of the best 4K camera options, although the newer Nikon D780 would be a better and cheaper option for videographers.
The Nikon D850 doesn’t have the Hybrid On-Sensor AF technology of the new Nikon D780, so their AF speeds in Live View are relatively pedestrian, but they didn’t find this to be a significant disadvantage for measurements with professional ones and it doesn’t detract from the overall appeal of the D850 as arguably the best DSLR ever for pro photographers.
——————————————
2. Nikon D780
It is an excellent enthusiastic DSLR to deliver the same mirrorless performance at a good price.
Specifications
Type: DSLR
Sensor: Full frame
Megapixels: 24.4MP
Lens mount: Nikon FX
Screen: 3.2in tilting screen, 2,359k dots
Viewfinder: Pentaprism
Max burst speed: 7/12fps
Max video resolution: 4K UHD
User level: Enthusiast/Professional
| Image | Product | Price |
|---|---|---|
|
Nikon D780 | Check Price |
The Nikon D780 features the same on-sensor phase-detection autofocus as the Nikon Z6 to deliver the same mirrorless Live View performance – a huge plus for photos and especially video. Admittedly, Nikon was a bit slow, as Canon used its own Dual Pixel CMOS AF on its DSLRs for years to do the same.
The D780 hasn’t just evolved in Live View AF, but – it also has a high-resolution, tilting touchscreen, 4K UHD video, dual UHS-II-compatible memory card slots, and burst speeds of up to 12fps in Live View mode. Combine this with the solid design and comfortable grip and you have a camera that will become an instant classic. The D780, like other Nikon DSLRs, combines a thoughtful design with solid construction and very satisfying handling.
——————————————
3. Canon EOS-1D X Mark III
The most advanced Hybrid DLSR ever made by Canon for professional photographers.
Specifications
Type: DSLR
Sensor: Full frame
Megapixels: 20.1MP
Lens mount: Canon EF-mount
Screen: 3.2-inch fixed touchscreen, 2.1million dots
Viewfinder: Pentaprism
Max burst speed: Optical viewfinder 16fps mechanical shutter / Live View 20fps mechanical or electronic shutter
Max video resolution: 4K RAW, 4K DCI, 4K UHD, 4K DCI Cropped at 23.98, 24, 25, 29.97, 50, 59.94fps / 1080p at (23.98, 24, 25, 29.97, 50, 59.94, 120fps
User level: Professional
| Image | Product | Price |
|---|---|---|
|
Canon EOS-1D X Mark III | Check Price |
With Canon’s EOS 1-D X Mark III, the company has released a camera packed with cutting-edge technology, including deep learning AF, an optical Smart Controller, HEIF and HDR PQ support, CFexpress, 12 internal 4K RAW bits, head tracking, and much more. Canon has combined the advantages of mirrorless and DSLR cameras to produce a hybrid body that can shoot depending on the situation.
It offers the best of both worlds, with the sheer speed of an optical DSLR and the advanced precision of mirrorless cameras, and is a true hybrid system that adjusts to the needs of professional photographers and their shooting scenarios. It also marked a real turning point for Canon in terms of video, as it finally delivered the uncropped 4K video that the manufacturer had dodged for a long time.
——————————————
4. Canon EOS 250D
This is a beginner-friendly DSLR camera that is well-suited for photographers just starting out.
Specifications
Type: DSLR
Sensor: APS-C
Megapixels: 24.2MP
Lens mount: Canon EF-S
Screen: 3in vari-angle touchscreen, 1,040,000 dots
Max burst speed: 5fps
Max video resolution: 4K
User level: Beginner
| Image | Product | Price |
|---|---|---|
|
Canon EOS 250D | Check Price |
The Canon EOS 250D (also known as the Rebel SL3 in North America) is a beginner-friendly DSLR camera that is well-suited for photographers just starting out. It has a 24.1-megapixel APS-C image sensor, a fast and accurate autofocus system, with 45 focus points and 9 cross-type sensors. One of the standout features of the EOS 250D is its lightweight and compact design, which has a tilting touchscreen LCD, recording 1080p video at up to 60 fps, as well as 720p video at up to 120 fps for slow motion.
Overall, the Canon EOS 250D is a solid camera that offers good image and video quality for its price point. Its beginner-friendly features and compact design makes it a great choice for photographers who are just starting out and looking for an affordable and easy-to-use camera.
——————————————
5. Canon EOS 90D
The EOS 90D is a state-of-the-art enthusiast DSLR boasting ground-breaking specs unmatched by any other camera in this category.
Specifications
Type: DSLR
Sensor: APS-C
Megapixels: 32.5MP
Lens mount: Canon EF-S
Screen: 3in vari-angle touchscreen, 1,040,000 dots
Viewfinder: Pentaprism
Max burst speed: 10fps
Max video resolution: 4K UHD
User level: Enthusiast
| Image | Product | Price |
|---|---|---|
|
Canon EOS 90D | Check Price |
The Canon EOS 90D is Canon’s best enthusiast camera. It boasts ground-breaking specs unmatched by any other camera in this category and packs an incredible 32.5MP, the highest ever for an APS-C camera. – although you shouldn’t expect any obvious and immediate benefits to image quality. It all depends on the lens, and the 18-135mm kit lens isn’t among Canon’s best. Instead, enjoy this camera’s 10 fps burst capability and uncropped 4K video capture – consumer Canon that doesn’t reduce the angle of view for 4K video.
The extra megapixels take their toll on the EOS 90D’s high ISO/low light performance, but this camera has so much capability and potential that it makes a stunning camera for enthusiasts looking to explore all aspects of photography. Plus, with the flip-out screen and Dual Pixel CMOS AF, it’s like using a mirrorless camera in Live View mode.
——————————————
6. Nikon D7500
The Nikon D7500 still deserves recognition as one of the best enthusiast DSLRs out there but lacks the Canon EOS 90D’s specs.
Specifications
Type: DSLR
Sensor: APS-C
Megapixels: 20.9MP
Lens mount: Nikon DX
Screen: 3.2in tilting touchscreen, 922,000 dots
Viewfinder: Pentaprism
Max burst speed: 8fps
Max video resolution: 4K
User level: Enthusiast
| Image | Product | Price |
|---|---|---|
|
Nikon D7500 | Check Price |
Despite its release in 2017, the Nikon D7500 still deserves recognition as one of the best enthusiast DSLRs out there. It’s a decent all-rounder and Nikon’s equivalent of the Canon EOS 90D. It offers a slightly faster burst speed of 8fps, although it lacks the resolution of the 90D. The 51-point autofocus system is reliable and capable of recording 4K video.
It has a tilting rear window instead of the fully articulated design of the EOS 90D and uses a slower contrast. AF is in Live View mode, but if you’re taking most of your shots through the viewfinder, these are small dots. Nikon fans who enjoy sports photography might also want to check out the Nikon D500, but this camera is much more expensive and is becoming increasingly difficult to find. DSLR fans should know that great DSLRs still exist and the D7500 is one of them.
——————————————
7. Nikon D3500
Launched in 2018 the Nikon D3500 is one of the best Nikon cameras and one of the best cameras for beginners.
Specifications
Type: DSLR
Sensor: APS-C
Megapixels: 24.2MP
Lens mount: Nikon F (DX)
Screen: 3in, 921,000 dots
Max burst speed: 5fps
Max video resolution: 1080p (Full HD)
User level: Beginner
| Image | Product | Price |
|---|---|---|
|
Nikon D3500 | Check Price |
The Nikon D3500 was launched in 2018 and is still a popular camera among novice photographers today. It is one of the best Nikon cameras and one of the best cameras for beginners. This is because it has a handy “Guide” shooting mode. which serves as a tutorial and teaches the user how to use the camera through the LCD screen. The D3500 has a 24MP sensor that is capable of delivering super sharp images even with the 18-55mm kit lens, which is pretty good too.
The rear screen is fixed and the camera can only record up to Full HD and not 4K. The fact that it is easy to use, cheap, small, and light makes it attractive for beginners. While it might not have all the features of a mirrorless camera, thinking that all the thrills and bells and whistles are sometimes too much when you’re just starting out, and at this price point, nothing beats it.
——————————————
8. Canon EOS 6D Mark II
It is still a powerful and versatile DSLR for photographers just getting started with full-frame photography.
Specifications
Type: DSLR
Sensor: Full frame
Megapixels: 26.2MP
Lens mount: Canon EF
Screen: 3.2in vari-angle touchscreen, 1,040,000 dots
Viewfinder: Pentaprism
Max burst speed: 6.5fps
Max video resolution: 1080p (Full HD)
User level: Enthusiast
| Image | Product | Price |
|---|---|---|
|
Canon EOS 6D Mark II | Check Price |
The Canon EOS 6D Mark II has been around for a while now, and while its specs are barely up to date, it’s still a powerful and versatile DSLR for photographers just getting started with full-frame photography. Most importantly, it’s versatile, very well-designed, and easy to use. The 26-megapixel sensor is more good than great, but it features Canon’s Dual Pixel CMOS AF system, so Live View autofocus is very fast and effective.
The viewfinder AF system is quite good too, although all focus points are grouped toward the center of the screen. The EOS 6D Mark II can take pictures at 6.5 fps in burst mode and has an extremely useful vari-angle touchscreen. It’s outperformed the newer Canon EOS RP and other Canon mirrorless models a bit, but it’s a solid buy that’s cheaper than the Nikon D780.
——————————————
9. Canon EOS 5D Mark IV
Launched in 2016 the 5D Mark IV still continues to be a popular camera choice among professional photographers.
Specifications
Type: DSLR
Sensor: Full frame
Megapixels: 30.4MP
Lens mount: Canon EF
Screen: 3.2in touchscreen, 1,620,000 dots
Viewfinder: Pentaprism
Max burst speed: 7fps
Max video resolution: 4K
User level: Professional
| Image | Product | Price |
|---|---|---|
|
Canon EOS 5D Mark IV | Check Price |
The Canon EOS 5D IV, released in 2016, continues to be a popular camera among professional photographers. But it shows its age in both resolutions and cropped 4K videos. Its resolution might seem pretty average compared to the Nikon D850, but for many photographers, 30 megapixels is more than enough, and you can shoot 4K video with this camera too, but the format used means the files output is good but massive in size.
The EOS 5D Mark IV features Canon’s Dual Pixel CMOS AF, meaning users will benefit from fast autofocus performance in Live View and Video modes. It’s tough, reliable, and weather-resistant, which is a big plus for professional photographers. With Canon turning almost all of its attention to its new EOS R range of mirrorless cameras, it’s hard to say we will ever see a successor to the EOS 5D IV.
——————————————
Conclusion: Best DSLR Camera 2023
How to choose the best DSLR camera?
3 things to consider when choosing the Best DSLR Camera:
1. What is your experience level?
When you’re just starting out, you don’t want to spend thousands of dollars on a camera and lenses that you may never use. If you are a beginner with DSLR cameras, we recommend one of the basic models, to help you learn the basics of how a DSLR camera works, which has a number of built-in guides.
2. What are you going to use it for?
It’s easy to go crazy with a camera and lenses, and we do get tempted to buy the best new DSLR cameras that will let you see a tick on a dog’s head, a half-mile away. But to be honest, if you only use the camera for holiday photos and photos of your pet, then probably you don’t need anything super advanced.
3. How much do you want to spend?
Before you start looking for the best DSLR cameras, set a price limit on how much you are willing to spend, then find the camera that best suits that character. Finally, you should try the camera in person before you buy it to see if you can hold it comfortably. Try to reach all buttons and controls with your fingers and not lose your grip.
——————————————
Related articles to read:
Mirrorless Cameras vs DSLR 2023
Best Mirrorless Cameras 2023
About the Author:
Yazaad B Karai is a professional freelance photographer based in Mumbai, India, a diploma holder from Ultimate Photography Courses (IAO) UK, and have carved a niche in professional photography and work with a passion in the field of Architecture, Food, Portrait, and Product photography.
He constantly updates his content with helpful information and articles in his Blogs, where he shares knowledge in photography and photography equipment. You can find him HERE.
Disclaimer:
The views expressed in this article are the author’s own. The information contained in this article is for general information purposes only and does not necessarily reflect the opinions of any organization. The author will not be held responsible for any actions taken based on the information provided in this article.
Yazaad B Karai Photocraft uses affiliate links and does earn a commission from certain links, posted on the website or blog. This does not affect your purchases or the price you may pay. If you purchase a product or service with the links provided, I may receive a small commission. There is no additional charge to you. Thank you for supporting me so I can continue to provide you with free content.