With mirrorless cameras gradually chipping away at the prevalence of DSLRs, there is still good reason to invest in a camera with a mirror, beyond the obvious advantage of a clear, optical viewfinder. Thanks to their decades of service, there is a plethora of affordable, high quality accessories made specifically for DSLRs, and whether you’re just beginning your journey as a photographer, or even if you’re a long time professional, the potential cost savings and creative flexibility this wide range of available equipment affords is not to be ignored. DSLRs are true workhorse cameras. Timelapse video shooters will appreciate its 8k timelapse mode, and videographers will love the quality of its 4k video capability. It will also appeal to film photographers with its negative digitizer mode that works in concert with the optional ES-2 Film Digitizer Adapter. The Nikon D850 comes startlingly close to being the perfect all around DSLR for almost every kind of photographer. Resolution: 45.7MP | Sensor Type: Full-frame | Max ISO: 102,400 | Connectivity: WiFi, Bluetooth In the D780 you will find a 26.3 Megapixel sensor and Expeed 6 processor that combine to produce high quality 4k footage at up to 30fps, and 1080p footage at up to 120fps for spectacular slow motion shots. Additionally, the camera excels at shooting in low light with an ISO range of 100 to 51,200. Lightning quick autofocus with eye tracking aids immensely whether you’re shooting stills or video. Pro photographers will appreciate the D780’s dual card slots for in-camera image backup. Resolution: 24.5MP | Sensor Type: Full-frame | Max ISO: 51200 | Connectivity: WiFi, Bluetooth Resolution: 24.7MP | Sensor Type: APS-C | Max ISO: 25600 | Connectivity: Bluetooth Resolution: 32.5MP | Sensor Type: APS-C | Max ISO: 25600 | Connectivity: Bluetooth, WiFi In addition to its robust build quality, the K1 Mark II features a high resolution 36.5 Megapixel sensor, and can achieve even greater resolution using its pixel shift mode. Furthermore, this DSLR is one of the few to feature 5 axis image stabilization, which means that it can offer stabilization for any lens and shoot handheld at slower shutter speeds. In-body image stabilization means that the camera actually moves the sensor itself to correct for camera shake. Pentax has made clever use of this moveable sensor to implement both its high resolution pixel shift technology, as well as a few other modes. One of these modes is Composition Assist, where you can actually move the sensor around to make micro adjustments to your composition without needing to move the camera itself. For people looking to photograph the stars, its AstroTracer mode could be an indispensable feature. This mode uses the built in GPS to automatically track the movement and position of the stars, while also utilizing a digital compass. This works in conjunction with the moveable sensor to sync the camera to the movement of the stars and minimize star trails while capturing long exposures. Resolution: 36.4MP | Sensor Type: Full-frame | Max ISO: 819200 | Connectivity: WiFi The 6D Mark II achieves its attractive price point largely by implementing slightly dated technology, primarily in its 26.2 Megapixel sensor and last gen Digic 7 processor. However, given the cost of this camera, such aging hardware should be considered to be more like aged cheese than spoiled milk, and the camera is capable of producing fantastic full frame photos and video, so long as you can deal with being limited to 1080p at 60fps and 6.5fps still frame shooting. It’s worth considering that if you don’t mind the smaller sensor, the cheaper Canon 90D offers more modern components and better specs. Despite this, the 6D Mark II offers a more enthusiast grade experience and the improved image quality that a full frame sensor provides. Resolution: 26.2MP | Sensor Type: Full-frame | Max ISO: 40000 | Connectivity: Built-in WiFi, NFC, and Bluetooth You might expect the 1D X Mark III to feature a sensor with ludicrous resolution, but in fact its 20.1 megapixels fall well below the count found in most modern DSLRs. The 1D X Mark III is proof that megapixel count isn’t everything. It’s capable of continuously shooting full resolution still images at up to 20 fps, aided by a state of the art autofocus system, built in image stabilization, and Canon’s cutting edge Digic X image processor. It is also capable of shooting 4k video at up to 60fps, or even 5.5k RAW video. With other amazing specs such as an ISO range of 100 to 102,400, and tank-like rugged build quality, the 1D X Mark III is a cutting-edge do-it-all beast that will deliver fantastic results for many years to come. Resolution: 20.1MP | Sensor Type: Full-frame | Max ISO: 102400 | Connectivity: WiFi, Bluetooth This is a very specialized camera. It is big, heavy, slow, and not a good pick for video. It’s designed for those photographers who need to capture the highest quality images, with speed and weight being but minor, secondary features. Resolution: 51.4MP | Sensor Type: Medium Format (>35mm) | Max ISO: 204800 | Connectivity: None Katie Dundas is a freelance journalist and tech writer. She’s also an experienced photographer who frequently covers cameras, photography, and drones. Adam Doud has been writing in the technology space for almost a decade. When he’s not hosting the Benefit of the Doud podcast, he’s playing with the latest phones, tablets, and laptops. When not working, he’s a cyclist, geocacher, and spends as much time outside as he can.
What to Look For in a DSLR Camera
Sensor Size
The sensor is what captures the image and transforms light into digital information, and in DSLRs it comes in one of three sizes. APS-C (also known as DX) measures 23.5mm x 15.6mm, Full Frame sensors are 36mm x 24mm, while Medium Format sensors are 44mm x 33mm. Typically, the bigger the sensor, the better the image quality, but also greater weight and expense. The same goes for the lenses each sensor size requires.
Lens Compatibility
If you already have other cameras and lenses, it makes sense to purchase a camera that’s compatible with your other lens mounts. Lenses are a big investment, so many photographers tend to be loyal to one camera brand so that they can use their lenses interchangeably.
Weight and Size
If you’re going to be shooting all day or carrying around your camera as you travel, it helps to think about weight and size. Some DSLRs tend to be large and bulky, especially after adding on a large lens. Sometimes, a more compact camera can be more comfortable when traveling.
