For years, DSLR cameras were the preferred tool of amateur and professional photographers. While mirrorless cameras have caught up to and, in many ways, surpassed DSLRs, with more competitive autofocus systems and better video capabilities, there's still no shortage of DSLRs that deliver when it comes to photography. Some people may also prefer the unfiltered view you get with an optical viewfinder, and of course, DSLRs are still largely unbeatable on battery life. A DSLR may also be the most economical choice, with more models available on the used market like eBay or at retailers like Adorama, B&H Photo Video, KEH Camera, or MPB, along with well-established lens ecosystems. Note that many of these models have become much harder to find recently, with prices varying widely, so your mileage may vary depending on your region.
If you're looking for the best DSLR camera, you'll find our top picks below, narrowed down from the over 125 cameras we've bought and tested. If you're just starting out, you might want to look at the best DSLRs for beginners instead. You can also check out our picks for the best cameras for photography or the best cameras in general.
We've independently purchased over 100 cameras and tested them using a standardized methodology. All the results are available to help you make the right purchasing decision for your needs, with objective, data-driven reviews. We keep every product in our lab inventory to ensure we can go back, retest models, and verify that all the information we provide is still accurate.
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Best DSLR Camera
Travel Photography7.5Landscape Photography8.2Sports & Wildlife Photography8.0Vlogging5.1Studio Video7.1Action Video3.6Raw Photo8.4Body Type:DSLRMirrorless:NoSee all our test resultsSensor Size:Full FrameThe Nikon D850 is the best DSLR camera we've tested. This pro-level tank of a camera is built to withstand heavy use and features a fantastic 45-megapixel sensor that's even been adapted to newer mirrorless models like the Nikon Z 7II. It has a remarkably wide dynamic range to capture a greater range of detail in high-contrast settings, and it resolves enough fine detail to give you plenty of leeway to crop your images. This is a photographer's camera through and through, and with the well-established F mount system, you'll have a ton of high-quality and affordable lenses to choose from for all kinds of photography, whether you shoot portraits or wildlife.
Of course, this won't be your go-to travel camera due to its substantial size and weight, and its controls can be a bit intimidating, especially if you've never shot a Nikon before, but it's very durable and has an excellent battery life. If you'd prefer something a bit lighter, with a better Live View autofocus system that makes it more suited to video work, you could also consider the Nikon D780. However, the D850's sensor gives it an edge for photography.
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Best Upper Mid-Range DSLR Camera
Travel Photography7.2Landscape Photography7.3Sport & Wildlife Photography7.0Raw Photo Performance7.4Vlogging5.9Studio Video5.5Action Video3.4Body Type:DSLRMirrorless:NoSee all our test resultsSensor Size:Full FrameIf the Nikon D850 is out of your price range or too large for your liking, the Canon EOS 6D Mark II is a great full-frame option that sits at a lower price point. It isn't quite as tank-like as the Nikon or its higher-end stablemate, the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV. However, it's still well-built, with a weather-sealed body and plenty of physical controls that make it easy to adjust settings on the fly. While the D850 has a better sensor, with advantages in areas like noise control and dynamic range, you'll still get amazing photos out of the 6D Mark II, and it has a solid autofocus system to boot.
The biggest trade-off here is that it can't shoot 4k video. You also lose out on a secondary SD card slot and headphone jack. Ultimately, this is primarily a photography camera, whereas a higher-end model like the Nikon offers pro-grade features like dual memory card slots and 4k video capability. But if you can live without those features, this is still an excellent camera for the price.
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Best Mid-Range DSLR Camera
Travel Photography7.5Landscape Photography7.3Sport & Wildlife Photography7.9Raw Photo Performance7.4Vlogging7.3Studio Video8.2Action Video4.1Body Type:DSLRMirrorless:NoSee all our test resultsSensor Size:APS-CIf video is more important to you, stepping down to an enthusiast-level crop sensor model like the Canon EOS 90D is a good way to save even more money without sacrificing high-end features. While it doesn't have a full-frame sensor like the picks above, this model has a 32.5-megapixel APS-C sensor that can capture plenty of fine detail, along with a very good autofocus system. In fact, the AF is newer than that of the Canon EOS 6D Mark II, so it supports both face and eye detection for more precise focusing. It can also record 4k video if that's a must-have for you.
Like most Canon DLSRs, it has a highly intuitive user interface and controls, making it easy to use for experienced and novice users alike. Plus, it's well-built, with a weather-sealed body and top display to easily keep an eye on your settings, and of course, its battery life is excellent. Overall, this camera offers plenty of high-end features, and its crop sensor makes it a good fit for action and wildlife photography, though you do lose a bit of low-light advantage compared to our full-frame picks above.
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Best Budget DSLR Camera
Travel Photography7.5Landscape Photography7.4Sport & Wildlife Photography6.9Raw Photo Performance7.6Vlogging5.9Studio Video3.5Action Video2.5Body Type:DSLRMirrorless:NoSee all our test resultsSensor Size:APS-CThe Nikon D5600 covers everything you need, as long as 4k video isn't on your list. Newcomers will find the controls simple and the interface easy to follow, and a fully articulated screen opens up shooting angles that would otherwise be awkward. Build quality is solid for the price, and it's much more portable than the Canon EOS 90D above. Its burst rate is slower than the EOS 90D's, and its autofocus system is less advanced, but neither holds back most beginner photographers.
Image quality is another strong point, as the high-resolution APS-C sensor captures plenty of detail. Nikon also made the camera compatible with both DX and FX lenses, so upgrading your kit as your skills develop won't mean starting over. That makes it a great mid-tier starter DSLR that won't cost you a fortune.
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Best Cheap DSLR Camera
Travel Photography6.9Landscape Photography6.8Sports & Wildlife Photography6.0Vlogging2.1Studio Video4.0Action Video2.3Raw Photo6.9Body Type:DSLRMirrorless:NoSee all our test resultsSensor Size:APS-CIf you're on an even tighter budget, the best way to save money is to buy a used model. But if you just want a cheap, simple camera and don't mind sacrificing features such as a tilt-screen and a more advanced autofocus system, the Canon EOS Rebel T7/2000D is one of the best truly affordable DSLRs that you can still buy new. At this price point, the build quality feels less sturdy and more plasticky than pricier models, and you don't get anything fancy like weather sealing or even a tilting screen.
But underneath that modest exterior is a high-resolution APS-C sensor that's still very capable of capturing high-quality images. Since this is an older, cheaper model than the Canon EOS Rebel SL3/250D, it doesn't perform as well in dynamic range and noise handling. However, it's still very good for the price, and it uses the same lens mount with plenty of lens options to choose from, meaning you can always upgrade to better lenses down the line for better results.
Notable Mentions
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Canon EOS 5D Mark IV:
The Canon EOS 5D Mark IV is a pro-level DSLR, with a similarly robust build and feature set as the Nikon D850. However, the Nikon has a more versatile tilting screen, a longer battery life, and a higher-resolution BSI sensor.
See our review - PENTAX K-3 Mark III: The PENTAX K-3 Mark III is one of the best APS-C cameras we've tested, with impressive low-light capabilities. However, its autofocus isn't as reliable as the Canon EOS 90D, and its premium price tag isn't worth the money for most people. See our review
Recent Updates
Sep 17, 2026:
We replaced the Canon EOS Rebel SL2, which has become difficult to find near its regular price, with the Nikon D5600. DSLR prices are particularly volatile, which could make the list less accurate over time. We'll make sure to update it as often as possible.
Jan 17, 2025:
We replaced the Nikon D780 with the Nikon D850 as the 'Best DSLR Camera' because of its slightly more robust build quality and higher-resolution sensor. We also added the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV as a Notable Mention.
Oct 21, 2024:
We reviewed the article to ensure the picks and information are up to date.
Aug 22, 2024: We moved the Canon EOS Rebel T8i/850D to the Notable Mentions since it's harder to find new in stock.
Jun 27, 2024: We've brushed up some of the text for clarity.
All Reviews
Our recommendations above are what we think are currently the best digital single-lens reflex cameras for most people to buy, according to their needs. We factor in the price, feedback from our visitors, and availability (no cameras that are difficult to find or almost out of stock in the U.S.).
If you would like to choose for yourself, here's the list of all our reviews for DSLR cameras. Be careful not to get caught up in the details. There is no single perfect camera. Personal taste, preference, and shooting habits will matter more in your selection.
