Top 5 best DSLR Camera Of 2024, mirrorless cameras may be the way of the future, but the top DSLR cameras will still have a lot to offer photographers. All models, from entry-level to full-frame flagships, share this feature. Check out our comparison of mirrorless and DSLR cameras if you’re still not sure. Still not convinced? Continue reading.
Selecting the ideal best DSLR Camera Of 2024 is just as difficult as selecting any other type of camera. It all depends on your shooting style, budget, and ability level. That means that while we do have a personal preference, the Nikon D3500, we are unable to universally advocate a single camera that is ideal for everyone.
Although the D3500 has been officially discontinued, it is still available online. We advise keeping an eye out for Amazon’s Prime Day camera bargains because it checks all the appropriate boxes for novices with an easy-to-use UI, a great sensor, and a dependable battery life.
The following options have all undergone extensive real-world testing to evaluate aspects including handling, battery life, autofocus, and image quality. The goal of this guide, like our list of the top entry-level DSLR cameras, is to assist you in selecting the ideal DSLR for your requirements and price range.
Table of Contents
Best DSLR Camera Of 2024
NO.1 : Nikon D3500
The best DSLR camera for most people
Pros
- Terrific 24MP sensor
- Excellent value for money
Cons
- Basic external controls
- Only 1080p Full HD video
Even though it’s been out for more than three years, the Nikon D3500 is still the greatest DSLR available for novices who want to experiment with creative manual photography in a conventional setting. Constructed with a robust core with excellent image quality, user-friendly menus, and exceptional battery life, the D3500 also provides remarkable value. Competitors without mirrors should also be taken into account, especially if you require 4K video or a touchscreen. However, Nikon’s entry-level DSLR still raises the standard for the format with handling and value that mirrorless cameras find difficult to match.
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 stabilization 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.
NO.2 : Canon EOS 90D
The best premium crop-sensor DSLR
Pros
- Excellent pixel count – highest in class
- Uncropped 4K video
Cons
- Default JPEG noise reduction not ideal
- No sensor-based stabilization
There are several reasons to choose the Canon EOS 90D if you still think DSLRs are preferable to mirrorless cameras. It’s a feature-rich DSLR with a high-resolution sensor and smooth, quick performance. Long-term comfort is ensured by its deeper grip, which gives it an advantage over rival mirrorless models. Its remarkable battery life is also a plus. This snapper is a strong all-around choice for people who are hesitant to switch to mirrorless or who already own Canon glass.
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 emphasizing 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.
NO.3 : Nikon D780
The best full-frame hybrid DSLR
Pros
- Fast live-view focusing
- Tilting touchscreen
Cons
- Currently expensive
- Big and heavy
The demise of the DSLR and the relentless ascent of mirrorless cameras are topics of much discussion. However, DSLRs continue to be the best option for many photographers, especially those who have used optical viewfinders to refine their skills or already own lenses; the D780 is among the best full-frame models available. It combines excellent image quality, a durable construction, a long battery life, and cutting-edge autofocus technology. Although it’s now somewhat expensive and lacks in-body image stabilization, the D780 is still an excellent all-around DSLR.
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 focusing 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.
NO.4 : Nikon D7500
The best value all-rounder for enthusiasts
Pros
- Excellent 20.9MP sensor
- Powerful 51-point AF system
Cons
- Only one SD card slot
- Live View focusing slow
The D7500 is still an excellent all-around performance despite its advanced age, especially considering its steadily dropping cost. Its combination of a powerful 20.9MP sensor and the same picture processing engine as the D500 is still amazing, and features like 4K video and 8fps burst shooting keep it competitive with many of the more recent models available today. Although its autofocus isn’t as good as it used to be, it’s hard to find a better DSLR for the price.
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. For those with a healthy budget, it’s a superb all-arounder.
NO.5 : Canon EOS 6D Mark II
The best entry-level full-frame DSLR
Pros
- Impressive features
- Easy to use
Cons
- No 4K video
- Plastic finish
The EOS 6D Mark II is undoubtedly a more feature-rich and well-specified camera from Canon than the EOS 6D, but it is not without problems. The otherwise excellent full-frame DSLR that is a joy to shoot with is somewhat marred by these annoyances. It will undoubtedly satisfy Canon enthusiasts who want to switch to full-frame shooting, but others might be better off exploring elsewhere.
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 remains a favorite among enthusiast photographers due to its dependability and excellent performance.
How do I choose the best DSLR camera?
A DSLR is still the least expensive option to purchase a camera with a viewfinder and interchangeable lenses (many entry-level mirrorless cameras lack viewfinders). What more, though, ought to you take into account while selecting one?
An entry-level DSLR and a more sophisticated one differ primarily in terms of design, sensor, and shooting capabilities. Novice DSLRs, such as the Nikon D3500 (see to point no. 1 above), are frequently smaller than its more expensive counterparts. Despite the fact that this typically translates into a lack of weatherproofing and fewer manual options, it has historically made them some of the best travel cameras available.
The size disparity and sensor size are frequently connected. Pro-friendly DSLRs, such as the Nikon D850, feature full-frame sensors, whereas more reasonably priced DSLRs often have APS-C size sensors. Below is a diagram that illustrates the differences.
Since every sensor size has pros and cons of its own, there is no one “better” size. Visit our page on purchasing a full-frame camera to learn more about these.
If you’re deciding between a novice DSLR and a mid-range model, investing a little bit more in the latter will typically provide you additional shooting options, which may allow you to retain the camera longer and end up saving money. Better continuous shooting speeds (great for photographing wildlife or sports), better high ISO performance (great for photography in low light), and perhaps an additional memory card slot are the extra features you usually get.
Purchasing a used DSLR from a reliable vendor might also get you an incredible deal. There is a sizable market for high-quality old DSLR models because several manufacturers are no longer producing new versions. For instance, the Canon EOS 800D is a reliable entry-level DSLR that is reasonably priced. In a similar vein, an older full-frame choice that offers great value for money used is the Nikon D750.
However, if all you’re looking for is a step up from your point-and-shoot or smartphone, an entry-level DSLR will provide you with the manual settings and improved image quality you need to develop your new pastime. Lastly, just a short tip if you don’t already have any lenses: it’s less expensive to get a kit lens along with your new DSLR than to buy them separately.
Top 5 best DSLR Camera Of 2024 : FAQS
Q. What is a DSLR camera exactly?
A DSLR can capture still photos on a memory card, just like the majority of contemporary cameras. The manner that a DSLR camera transmits light to its internal sensor is what sets it apart. Digital single-lens reflex camera is referred to as DSLR. To put it another way, the sensor is referred to be “digital.” Anything from a regular APS-C sensor to a full-frame or even bigger medium format sensor can be used for this.
The term “single-lens” refers to the fact that DSLR cameras focus, frame, and take pictures using the same lens. These days, almost all cameras do this function; however, the word originates from the retro rangefinder and twin-lens-reflex devices of the past, which employed multiple lenses to accomplish the many roles.
The term “reflex” describes what is arguably a DSLR camera’s most crucial part. It indicates that light entering the lens is directed by a mirror inside the body. This light is sent to the optical viewfinder during picture framing, providing you with an accurate analog representation of the scene. However, this mirror will flip up when you push the shutter button to begin an exposure. This would expose the film within an analog SLR camera. It enables the digital sensor of a DSLR to record the available light.
The reflecting method also has the advantage of requiring DSLR cameras to be larger than their mirrorless counterparts, in addition to the optical viewfinder. Although this may seem like a drawback, it means DSLR cameras may take use of their renownedly excellent ergonomics. Additionally, interchangeable lenses are supported by DSLR cameras, allowing you to convert to better optics while shooting different scenes—for example, from a prime lens to a zoom lens. Additionally, you should have no trouble locating compatible lenses and accessories because the format has been available for so long.
Q. Who stopped making DSLR cameras?
The aforementioned list illustrates how many top-notch DSLR cameras are still accessible for photographers. Nevertheless, it is an inescapable fact that the majority of manufacturers are currently totally focused on integrating their newest technology into mirrorless models.
Due to this transformation in the business, many of the largest camera manufacturers are no longer producing new DSLR cameras. Among them are two previous industry heavyweights: Canon declared in 2021 that the EOS 1D X Mark III would be the last DSLR flagship, while Nikon did the same in 2022. Some believe it could benefit photography in general.
That said, both of those businesses are still manufacturing their current models, so you may still purchase DSLR cameras from them. Actually, Canon has stated that it will keep producing DSLRs as long as there is a market for them. However, that does not imply that their future is safe either. Our favorite DSLR camera, the D3500, has been officially retired by Nikon, along with a number of other models. Neither brand plans to release any new versions in the market. They are not alone, either, as Sony has also taken the last of their DSLRs off the market.
Even if this development is unsettling for enthusiasts of the format, it’s likely still a few years before DSLRs completely disappear. Furthermore, the thriving second-hand market still offers excellent value.
Since purchasing a camera these days is a significant financial commitment, we have thoroughly tested each camera included in our list. These days, standardised tests for aspects like ISO performance are not as important as real-world testing, which provides the most insightful understanding of a camera’s performance and character.
Firstly, we examine the camera’s layout, functionality, and controls to determine the type of photographer it is intended for and who would most enjoy using it. We will test its startup speed and determine its capabilities by using it both handed and on a tripod during our shoot.
In terms of performance, we record in both raw and JPEG (if available) on a formatted SD card. In order to determine whether a burst shooting test lives up to its promised speeds, we set up our standard test parameters (1/250 sec, ISO 200, continuous AF). We then take a series of shots in front of a stopwatch. We’ll run the test for both raw and JPEG files and examine how quickly the buffers clear.
When appropriate, we additionally test the various autofocus modes of the camera in single point, area, and continuous modes under various lighting scenarios (including Face and Eye AF). In order to gain an understanding of the metering and the sensor’s capacity to manage noise and capture fine details, we also take a variety of images in both raw and JPEG formats, specializing in portrait, landscape, low light, macro, and close-up shots.
