The best DSLR camera you can buy for novices, hobbyists and pros
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The top DSLR cameras still have a lot to offer photographers in 2024, based on our extensive testing of them. See our comparison of mirrorless and DSLR cameras if you’re still not sure about the format. If DSLRs are more your style, the following list includes everything from budget-friendly models to flagship full-frame models.
We have examined a number of DSLR cameras, and the Nikon D3500 is our personal favourite. We believe it to be among the finest cameras for beginners because it is simple to operate and produces excellent photographs. Although it has been officially discontinued, it is still accessible online. Additionally, we advise keeping a look out for it in the Prime Day camera sales on Amazon.
We also recognise that the D3500 won’t be great for everyone. Similar to selecting any other camera, the best DSLR for 2024 will rely on your shooting style, price, and skill level. With our professional guide, which is based on rigorous real-world testing, you can obtain detailed feedback from our reviews for every camera, making that decision easier.
- A DSLR that’s as easy to use as a point and shoot camera
- Compact, comfortable design that’s great for travel and special events
- Image sensor that’s 15x larger than those used in typical smartphones for sharper, clearer pictures
- Works with Nikon’s snap bridge app for sharing photos with a compatible smartphone or tablet
- 1080p full hd videos with monaural sound at the touch of a button. Bluetooth version 4.1
Although Nikon has stopped producing the D3500, it is still accessible online and in used condition. That’s fortunate for novices wishing to hone their skills, as we believe it to be a great option. The D3500 boasts a very good APS-C sensor for its era. To get the most out of it, we suggest purchasing the D3500 along with the kit lens marked as “VR,” which adds Nikon’s image stabilisation feature for a nominal additional fee. Nikon also offers a huge selection of DX system lenses, so you’ll have lots of options when your abilities improve to the point where a glass change makes sense.
The Nikon D3500, in our opinion, is evidence that excellent cameras don’t have to be expensive. We tested it and discovered that it provided excellent photographs. The camera’s ease of use and long battery life also impressed us. In our evaluation, we gave the guide mode and the controls’ learner accessibility high marks for the way they expose inexperienced users to manual controls. The D3500 can compete with far more expensive cameras in the proper hands, although enthusiasts should search lower on this list.
Pros
- Terrific 24MP sensor
- Excellent value for money
Cons
- Basic external controls
- Only 1080p Full HD video
![Canon DSLR Camera [EOS 90D] with Built-in Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, DIGIC 8 Image Processor, 4K Video, Dual Pixel CMOS AF, and 3.0 Inch Vari-Angle Touch LCD Screen, [Body Only], Black](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41CT8Bz8kQL._SL160_.jpg)
- High image quality with 32.5 Megapixel CMOS (APS-C) sensor
- High-speed continuous shooting of up to 10 fps with no time Lag during ovf shooting
- 4K UHD 30P/ Full HD 120P video
- 45-Point All Cross-type AF System supports up to 27 points with an F/8 metering
- Use the EOS Utility Webcam Beta Software (Mac and Windows) to turn your Canon camera into a high-quality webcam, or do the same using a clean HDMI output.
When the EOS 90D was introduced in 2019, it marked a significant advancement for the EOS DSLR lineup. With a 32.5MP APS-C sensor—the first of its kind—it had a respectable quantity of pixels for cropping and making huge prints. In contrast to the previous 80D, it featured faster burst shooting, a new processing engine, and uncropped 4K video recording. In addition to having significantly more battery life than the typical mirrorless camera, the 1300-shot battery offered added protection from dust and water.
It still holds up nicely now. The 90D’s adaptability struck us during our evaluation. It’s a great all-arounder for people who enjoy taking pictures of a variety of themes. It’s important to consider if you might benefit from using a mirrorless camera such as the Canon EOS M6 Mark II instead of the EOS 90D. Smaller, less expensive, and capable of quicker burst shooting is the M6 Mark II. However, by emphasising important features like handling, battery life, and a fully articulating rear screen, Canon has improved the EOS 90D to become a competitive and adaptable substitute for anyone who prefers DSLR operation.
Pros
- Excellent pixel count – highest in class
- Uncropped 4K video
Cons
- Default JPEG noise reduction not ideal
- No sensor-based stabilization
- The D780 features 24.5 MP resolution and robust EXPEED 6 image processing engine
- Capture full frame still images and 4K UHD video
- Wireless connectivity with the easy to use SnapBridge app
- Remoteless long exposures possible
Similar to the original Nikon Z6, the D780 is essentially a mix of a full-frame DSLR and a mirrorless camera. The D780 is still quite pricey, but since it came out in 2020, its price has dropped a little, making it our best option for those looking to combine the advantages of DSLRs and mirrorless technology. According to our evaluation, the D780 has some of the greatest image quality available, and the addition of contemporary technologies like Face and Eye detection improves its 4K video capabilities.
Using the same 273-point on-sensor phase-detection autofocus mechanism as the Z6, the D780 builds on the strong foundation set by the D750 and enables fast focussing while using Live View. You may take full advantage of its remarkable 2,260-shot battery life if you choose to frame through its optical viewfinder. The D780 is one of the greatest full-frame all-arounders available, but it’s still very expensive for one of the newest DSLRs. If that’s not a concern for you, though, it’s a great camera.
Pros
- Fast live-view focusing
- Tilting touchscreen
Cons
- Currently expensive
- Big and heavy
- Class leading image quality, ISO range, image processing and metering equivalent to the award winning D500
- Large 3.2” 922k dot, tilting Lcd screen with touch functionality. Temperature: 0 °c to 40 °c (32 °f to 104 °f) humidity: 85 percentage or less (no condensation)
- 51 point AF system with 15 cross type sensors and group area AF paired with up to 8 fps continuous shooting capability
- 4k ultra hd and 1080p full hd video with stereo sound, power aperture control, auto ISO, 4k UHD time lapse and more
- Built in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for easy connectivity through the Nikon snap bridge app
Do you like the Nikon D500, but not the price? That being said, the D7500 is the one you ought to consider if you’re willing to occasionally make some sacrifices. It offers 4K video recording and is equipped with the same 20.9MP APS-C sensor, dubbed ‘DX’ by Nikon, as its more senior stablemate.
The same 180k-pixel RGB metering sensor from Nikon is also included, and the 3.2-inch tilting screen on the back is just as big but not quite as detailed. Everything is housed inside a weather-sealed chassis. During our testing, we were pleased with the handling, battery life, and visual quality, among other things. It’s an excellent all-around player for those
Pros
- Excellent 20.9MP sensor
- Powerful 51-point AF system
Cons
- Only one SD card slot
- Live View focusing slow
- 26.2 Megapixel full frame CMOS sensor
- Optical viewfinder with a 45 point all cross type AF system. Compatible lenses: Canon EF lenses (excluding EF S and EF M lenses)
- Dual Pixel CMOS AF with phase detection & Full HD 60p
- DIGIC 7 Image Processor, ISO 100 40000. GPS, Wi Fi, NFC and Bluetooth low energy
- Vary angle touch screen, 3.0 inch LCD
The entry-level EOS 6D Mark II is surprisingly user-friendly for a full-frame DSLR. The 26MP sensor inside is fantastic and provides Canon’s reliable Dual Pixel CMOS AF system when in live view mode, despite the fact that we thought the chassis was a little plasticky throughout our review. For those without a joystick, the back touchscreen also provides tap-to-focus and tap-to-shoot functions.
With a burst speed of 6.5 frames per second and 45 AF points to select from, you can record a lot of images, including some respectable wildlife photos. Although it’s not quite quick enough for quick trackside racing photos, our testing revealed that it performs fairly well for the majority of other uses. The 6D Mark II is a favourite among enthusiast photographers due to its dependability and excellent performance.
Pros
- Impressive features
- Easy to use
Cons
- No 4K video
- Plastic finish
