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The Best DSLR Camera

Last updated on August 14, 2024
Categories Electronics Tags

We looked at the top 18 DSLR Cameras and dug through the reviews from 110 of the most popular review sites including and more. The result is a ranking of the best DSLR Cameras.

Best DSLR Camera

Our Review Process

Don't Waste Your Money is focused on helping you make the best purchasing decision. Our team of experts spends hundreds of hours analyzing, testing, and researching products so you don't have to. Learn more.

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Our Picks For The Top DSLR Cameras

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Product Overview
Key Takeaway
Pros
Cons
  The Best Overall
  The Best Value

Canon EOS Rebel T6 UV Protector DSLR Camera

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Canon

EOS Rebel T6 UV Protector DSLR Camera

Overall Take

Pros
" Good value. Wi-Fi and NFC connectivity. Easy to use. High-resolution screen."
Cons
"There’s no dedicated Wi-Fi button to take you to a menu, and it seems the only way to enable the function is to cycle through various menus (the LCD has no touch capability, so it can take a while)."
 Best Canon

Canon EOS Rebel T7 Professional Live View DSLR Camera

Canon

EOS Rebel T7 Professional Live View DSLR Camera

You can't go wrong with this DSLR camera bundle. In addition to the high-quality camera, this set comes with two memory cards, a tripod, a flash light and much much more. The camera itself features a 3-inch LCD monitor, full HD video recording capabilities and three filters.

Overall Take

Accessory Kit IncludedThis excellent point and shoot DSLR camera has built-in Wi-Fi with NFCa.

 4

Sony Alpha a6000 Compact DSLR Camera

Sony

Alpha a6000 Compact DSLR Camera

Need to take pictures of your kids on the soccer field? Go with this DSLR camera, which shoots 11 frames per second. The camera has built-in Wi-Fi, which means it also allows for instantly sharing your favorite pictures using your smartphone.

Overall Take

Lightweight and CompactThanks to this DSLR camera's intuitive controls, you're sure to capture professional-quality shots every time.

 We Also Like

Canon EOS 5D Mark IV DSLR

Canon

EOS 5D Mark IV DSLR

This DSLR is a top-of-the-line professional camera. It offers many upgrades from the previous model. It has a higher resolution sensor with Dual Pixel auto-focus. The upgrades aren't limited to still photography, as it now has 4K video and an upgraded AF system. The touchscreen and improved weather-sealing also make it easy to use and more durable.

Overall Take

Numerous UpgradesThis prime DSLR camera has too many upgrades to count, including weather sealing, 4K video and a high resolution sensor.

Pros
" Superb autofocusing, including a Servo Al mode that can track a subject as it moves across the scene."
Cons
"Frame rate isn’t particularly high."

Buying Guide

At one time, you couldn’t get the same high-quality picture with a digital camera as you could with traditional, film-based cameras. But DSLR cameras changed all that, providing high-quality, professional results without the need to go through the process of developing prints. This allows professional photographers to service the many customers who now prefer digital files to paper-based photos. It also lets amateurs refine their photography skills without the cost of film developing.

But if you’re in the market for a DSLR camera, be prepared to spend some money. Top-notch DSLR cameras can cost in the thousands, making it tough for hobbyists to make room in their budget. However, you can find a DSLR camera for a few hundred dollars, so it’s important to go into your shopping trip knowing exactly what features you’ll need. When setting your budget for a new DSLR camera, always be sure to factor in additional costs for a lens, says Jay Soriano, a portrait photographer based in Las Vegas.

First up is image quality, which is likely a top consideration, no matter how advanced your photography skills are. A bad camera can make it tough to provide images that have that “wow” factor, even if you have all the skills. There are multiple things that factor into whether a camera shoots well, though, including the lenses you use and the build of the camera itself. Little things, like whether your camera can shoot higher-quality images when lighting isn’t ideal, can make a big difference.

Whether you’re a professional photographer or someone still learning your trade, there are times when you’ll want to rely on autofocus. It can especially come in handy with action shots, where you don’t have an abundance of time.

Another important factor with action shots is whether or not your camera supports continuous shooting. The faster your camera can grab images at sports games, live performances or even red carpet events, the less likely you’ll miss that all-important shot. This is measured in frames per second, and the top cameras are all in a similar range. However, if you’re comparing two cameras and all other features are equal, frames per second can tip the scales.

If you plan to shoot outdoors even occasionally, you may want to consider your camera’s level of weather resistance. Some cameras are built specifically to withstand the rain and debris that you’ll at least occasionally encounter on outdoor shoots. A camera with that feature can come in handy over the years.

Our Expert Consultant

Jay Soriano   
Portrait photographer

Jay Soriano a headshot and portrait photographer in Las Vegas.

Don't just take for granted what one reviewer says. Along with our own experts, DWYM analyzes the top expert reviews of the leading products and generates a score you can actually trust.
25

Products Considered

We identified the majority of the dslr cameras available to purchase.
18

Products Analyzed

We then selected the leading and most popular products for our team to review.

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110

Expert Reviews Included

In addition to our expert reviews, we also incorporate feedback and analysis of some of the most respected sources including: Tech Radar, DP Review, Digital Trends, New York Times Wirecutter, Digital Camera World.

54,577

User Opinions Analyzed

We also incorporate user reviews from the leading retailers including

Our experts reviewed the top 18 DSLR Cameras and also dug through the reviews from 110 of the most popular review sites including and more. The result is a ranking of the best of the best DSLR Cameras.

DWYM is your trusted roduct review source. Our team reviews thousands of product reviews from the trusted top experts and combines them into one easy-to-understand score. Learn more.

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What to Look For

  • Every camera promises to produce great images, but how do you know that’s what you’re getting? There are quite a few factors playing into whether your pictures look great, starting with range. The Canon EOS 6D Mark II Wi-Fi Enabled Digital SLR Camera offers high image quality whether you’re shooting wide-angle or using a telephoto lens to get up close and personal.
  • Trying to find the perfect lighting can dramatically shorten your shooting window each day. If you have a camera that can snap sharp images in a variety of lighting situations, you’ll give yourself a great headstart. The Canon EOS 6D Mark II Wi-Fi Enabled Digital SLR Camera can shoot sharp images even in low lighting situations with no flash. Although the Nikon D3500 With AF-P DX NIKKOR offers some of the best image quality you’ll find in a camera, it really shines in low-lighting situations.  It can lock onto a subject and create a great picture in just 0.7 seconds, even in extremely dim light.
  • Noise is also an issue in images. The Nikon D3500 With AF-P DX NIKKOR displays very little noise disruption in images, especially between ISO 100 to 1600.
  • Today’s DSLR cameras can also handle video, but not all cameras are created equal in this area. The Canon EOS 6D Mark II Wi-Fi Enabled Digital SLR Camera records 4K video, allowing you to even capture 8.8-megapixel screen grabs from each video frame. As an added bonus, you’ll get high-quality audio recording in video mode, as well. However, it can’t output 4K over HDMI, which means by the time you export it, you’ll find it drops down to 1080p.
  • The sensor on your camera will also play a big role in image quality. The Canon EOS 6D Mark II Wi-Fi Enabled Digital SLR Camera has a 26.2-megapixel sensor that can output impressive image quality, even at a higher ISO range.  With the Nikon D3500 With AF-P DX NIKKOR Camera, you get a 24.7-MP sensor.
  • When shooting events, the pressure can be intense to get that perfect shot. Continuous shooting can lend a big hand. You’ll get the best results from the Canon EOS 6D Mark II Wi-Fi Enabled Digital SLR Camera, which offers shooting speeds of 7 frames per second. Even when you aren’t aiming for a burst of continual images, this model is faster at getting ready for the next shot than comparable cameras. The Nikon D3500 With AF-P DX NIKKOR also has impressive shutter speed, offering 5 frames per second at full resolution.
  • If you’re toting your camera around a while, you probably won’t want a camera that weighs you down. The Nikon D3500 With AF-P DX NIKKOR Camera weighs only 0.86 pounds, making it among the most portable in its class. The Canon EOS 6D Mark II Wi-Fi Enabled Digital SLR Camera weighs 3.45 pounds.
  • Although many photographers know autofocus has its weaknesses, technology has pushed the feature well beyond what it used to be. The Canon EOS 6D Mark II Wi-Fi Enabled Digital SLR Camera uses Canon’s specialized dual-pixel technology, which puts phase-detection points on the camera’s imaging sensor.
  • Even professional photographers don’t want to deal with complicated features that take hours to learn. The easier a camera is to use, the faster a photographer can get to work. The Nikon D3500 With AF-P DX NIKKOR Camera is designed as entry-level cameras, so it’s ideal for the photographer who is still learning. The Canon EOS 6D Mark II Wi-Fi Enabled Digital SLR Camera can be complex, but a touch-sensitive screen helps take some of the sting out of learning.
  • You won’t exactly have access to a wall outlet every time you want to snap photos. That makes battery life an essential feature to consider. The Nikon D3500 With AF-P DX NIKKOR Camera has great battery life, having increased by 30 percent over its previous model. The Canon EOS 6D Mark II Wi-Fi Enabled Digital SLR Camera also has an impressive battery life.
  • Camera prices tend to increase with the experience level of the photographers they’re built to serve. Keep your skill level in mind when looking at price.
  • One feature that’s increasingly important in newer cameras is Wi-Fi connectivity. Not only does this make it easy to move your photos from your camera to other devices for editing and sharing, but it also allows you to post your photos on social media. The Canon EOS 6D Mark II Wi-Fi Enabled Digital SLR Camera has built-in Wi-Fi and GPS. The Nikon D750 DSLR Camera has integrated Wi-Fi, which also lets you use your smartphone as a remote control for your camera.
  • If you shoot outdoors, you’ve likely experienced the frustration of being limited by the weather. The right weatherproof camera lets you capture images even when it’s raining or snowing outside. The Nikon D3500 With AF-P DX NIKKOR is both gasketed and sealed to keep dust and moisture out. The Canon EOS 6D Mark II Wi-Fi Enabled Digital SLR Camera is also weatherproof.
  • Before setting aside part of your budget for a camera, make sure you know how much you’ll have to spend on accessories. The Nikon D3500 With AF-P DX NIKKOR Camera comes with an 18-55mm lens, as well as an optional upgrade to include a bag. You can also upgrade to a 55-mm lens, but it will bump the cost up by a couple hundred dollars. The Canon EOS 6D Mark II Wi-Fi Enabled Digital SLR Camera has no built-in flash, and you’ll need to purchase a high-quality lens. There are a variety of bundle options, though, that will cost more but possibly save you money on buying the items separately. Look for a camera that comes with multiple accessories, including a rubber eyecup for the viewfinder, caps, a strap, a powerful battery and a built-in charger. Some models also come with an optically-stabilized lens.

More to Explore

DSLR cameras date all the way back to 1986, when Kodak and Canon worked together to insert a digital imaging sensor into a single-lens reflex camera. DSLR uses a mirror to transmit light coming in through the lens to the digital imaging sensor. It can alternately send that light to the viewfinder. In recent years, DSLR has faced increasing competition from a type of camera that doesn’t have a mirror inside at all. Called “mirrorless cameras,” the elimination of the mirror means you’re looking directly through the viewfinder, seeing exactly what the sensor sees. It also means one less internal part, allowing manufacturers to build cameras that are smaller and more lightweight.

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