Top 10 DSLR Cameras
“Oh, my Gawd! Why would you ever need a digital camera when you have a camera on your phone?!?” If this sounds like you, I strongly recommend closing your Internet browser and going back to messing around with the rainbow vomit filter on Snapshat.
Now that those people are gone, we can get down to brass tacks and discuss the importance of having one of the best DSLR cameras if you want to shoot professional-quality photos. Since the release of Fujifilm’s FinePix S1 Pro about seventeen years ago, I’ve been addicted to learning about the best DSLR cameras. Before I get into my recommendations, here is a little buyer’s guide I whipped up for you novices.
Fine: This Is Why Your Phone Doesn’t Compare
There is a lot that a good DSLR can do that your iPhone cannot. When it comes to things like focusing, shutter lag, and even start up, DSLRs are quicker. They can be used at a faster ISO, which leads to faster shutter speeds and less grain. So, you can count on better image quality. You pretty much get the exact image that you see.
Another way DSLRs reign supreme is their adaptability. You can fit them with an array of high-quality lenses. There is also a large ISO range, which lets you shoot in many different conditions. For instance, your camera phone probably can’t take very good pictures when you’re all up in the club because it’s too dark. But, you will get the perfect pic of bae with a good DSLR cam.
How Much Should You Spend on a DSLR?
If you don’t set a budget, you can easily blow your life savings on camera equipment. Some of the costs you need to consider are filters, memory cards, lenses, extended warranties (I think they’re a racket), camera bags, and batteries. The great thing about DSLRs is that if you already have gear, it is usually compatible with your new camera.
What Do You Want to Do with Your Camera?
The type of photography you want to do should serve as your main guide (aside from this guide) as you shop for a DSLR. This will help you think through what accessories and features you will need. Make a realistic list of the type of photography you will use your camera for, such as macro photography, recording life events, low-light photography (in da club), sports photography, or travel photos for never-ending slideshows.
Depending on how you plan to use your camera, here are some features you might want:
- Semi-Auto Modes – Often found in lower-end DSLRs to help hobbyist take sports, night, portrait, etc. photos.
- Dust Protection – This feature corrects a problem affecting the image sensor that many DSLR photographers have had to deal with.
- Screen Size – When viewing images on your camera, half an inch can make a world of difference.
- Max Shutter Speed – If you’re into action or sports photography, you will want top speeds. You will also want a DSLR with burst mode.
- Flash – No, we’re not talking about exposing your private parts to strangers, though it’s really strange that you went there in an article about cameras.
- Connectivity – USB ports are the classic way to get photos off your camera onto your printer or computer, but there are now some wireless options.
And, the list goes on. Now, that you know what you’re looking for. Here are my top ten best DSLR cameras reviews:
1. Nikon D5500 DX-format Digital SLR Dual Lens Kit
Nikon
Features:
- Built-in Wi-Fi connectivity
- 2-megapixel image sensor
- Comes with Nikon AF-P DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR & Nikon AF-P DX NIKKOR 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3G ED lenses
The Nikon D5500 is a great all-inclusive, entry-level DSLR. There is a little bit of a learning curve if you have no experience using digital SLR cameras, but once you get it, it is an excellent solution. I might even say it’s the best for its price and features. The D5500 is lightweight, so it’s easy to take with you wherever you go. Oh yeah, the LCD touchscreen is useful even if you have giant sausage fingers like me.
Buy the Nikon D5500 on Amazon
2. Canon EOS Rebel T3i 18 MP CMOS APS-C Sensor DIGIC 4 Image Processor Digital SLR Camera
Canon
Features:
- Continuously shoots 3.7 frames per second
- Comes with an ISO range of 100 to 6400 and is expandable to 12800
- 9-point autofocus system
No list of DSLR camera reviews is complete without the Canon Rebel T3i. It is an oldie but a goodie. It was released in early 2011. Despite how old it is, it continues to be Canon’s top consumer-level DSLR. What sets it apart is its HD movie capabilities, 18 MP sensor, Digic 4 image processor, high ISO performance, and 63-zone exposure metering system. In the photography world, there is a little bit of a Canon versus Nikon feud that is evocative of the East Coast-West Coast rap feud of the ‘90s. If you are a hobby photographer and prefer your camera Canon, this is for you.
Buy the Canon Rebel T3i on Amazon
3. Nikon D3100 14.2MP Digital SLR Double-Zoom Lens Kit
Nikon
Features:
- 230K-dot three-inch LCD screen
- 2-megapixel sensor
- 11 autofocus points and 3D tracking
The D3100 is another good old Nikon camera. I have not touched on this yet, but all of these DSLR camera reviews feature devices with full 1080p HD video. You could conceivably make the next installment in the Spy Kids movie series with these cameras, but I’m not sure why you’d want to. Anyway, I’m mostly going to focus on the photo-taking abilities. And, the D3100 provides razor-sharp images that are sure to cut you.
4. Canon EOS 60D 18 MP CMOS Digital SLR Camera
Canon
Features:
- Continuous shooting at 5.3 frames per second
- Articulated Clear View three-inch LCD screen that has over a million dots (I counted’em!)
- Wireless flash control
The camera Canon 60D is a serious option for semi-pros. If you are a newb with way too much money to throw around, then you might consider this. You will need to check out YouTube, though, for tutorials that will keep you from looking like a dingus. The Canon 60D is a mid-range option between the Rebel T3i and 5D.
5. Nikon D3300 1532 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR II Auto Focus-S
Nikon
Features:
- Continuous five frames per second shooting
- ISO 100-12800 and is expandable to 25600
- As soon as your subject enters the frame, the eleven-point autofocus system locks onto them and stays with them all night
You may have noticed a pattern in the top options. Nikon cameras and Canon cameras are tops in the DSLR market. No one even comes close. What I’m trying to say is that you should not waste your money on anything by Sony, Fujifilm, Panasonic, or any of the other posers out there.
6. Canon EOS 6D 20.2 MP CMOS Digital SLR Camera with 3.0-Inch LCD (Body Only)
Canon
Features:
- At 1.7 pounds, this is among the lightest full-frame DSLR cameras on the market
- ISO 100-25600 and is expandable to 102400
- Built-in GPS and Wi-Fi
The 6D (not to be confused with the Canon 60D) is about as inexpensive as it gets if you want to take full-frame photography with a camera Canon. The sensor excels at high ISO shooting, and the 6D has an accurate, fast, and light sensitive center focus. Basically, if a strong image sensor is important to you, this is your best buy.
7. Canon EOS 5D Mark III 22.3 MP Full Frame CMOS with 1080p Full-HD Video Mode
Canon
Features:
- 61-point autofocus system
- 2-inch LCD screen with more than a million dots
- ISO 100 to 25600 with expansion to 50 to 102,800
Next in the camera Canon is the 5D Mark III. It is the Rolls Royce option. This camera was designed for professional photographers. What sets the 5D Mark III apart is its amazing autofocus abilities. It also does superb work in low light. If you have a business that relies on excellent photography, I’d go with the 5D Mark III instead of the Canon 60D, but make sure you get your tax write-off.
Buy the Canon 5D Mark III on Amazon
8. Canon EOS Rebel T5 Digital SLR Camera Kit with EF-S 18-55mm IS II Lens
Canon
Features:
- Three frames per second continuous shooting
- 18-megapixel sensor with Digic 4 image processor
- 3” LCD monitor
The Rebel T5 is the budget-friendly option for amateur photographers who want a DSLR camera. If you have a little extra to spend, though, I recommend buying the Nikon D3100 because it has superior quality and features.
Buy the Canon Rebel T5 on Amazon
9. Nikon D750 FX-format Digital SLR Camera Body
Nikon
Features:
- Full-frame 24.3 MP CMOS image sensor with Expeed 4 image processor
- 5 frames per second shooting with full resolution
- Professional-quality video
The D750 Nikon camera is ideal for professional or semi-professional photographers who like to shoot wildlife, sports, or concerts because of its ability to track and work well in challenging lighting situations.
10. Nikon D7200 DX-format DSLR w/ 18-140mm VR Lens (Black)
Nikon
Features:
- 51-point autofocus system
- Built-in Wi-Fi
- Shoots six frames per second
The Nikon camera D7200 is best known for its battery life, time-lapse photography capabilities, and its high ISO and low light performance. This is the perfect camera for when you want to take pictures in a black hole.
If you liked my best DSLR cameras reviews, won’t you share it with your paparazzi?
