Best DSLR Cameras (Jan. 2021) – Reviews & Buyer’s Guide

Let us say you are in the market looking for the best DSLR camera. The good news is that you will have a plethora of options available to you.

However, if this is your first time buying a DSLR camera, then you might run into some confusion. These cameras are a lot more technical for a newcomer, hobby photographer.

Even if you have used some DSLRs in the past, there is a whole lot of difference between using one and buying a new one for yourself.

What I am trying to say here is that buying a camera is not an easy task. Even if you are a veteran photographer, there is always a heap of things that you must keep in mind.

You can tell that by going through the reviews, we have done in which we looked at the ten best DSLR cameras in the market.

In conjunction with all the reviews that we have posted, we have prepared a DSLR buying guide for you that should help you buy the best possible DSLR. You can find the guide at the end.

Considering how DSLRs are just a part of a huge spectrum, we are going to cover other camera buying tips as well. This is going to be a definitive DSLR or camera buying guide that you are going to need.

However, for now, we are just going to take a look at the best DSLR cameras available in the market and review them as well.

The first camera that we are looking at is from Nikon. For a long time, Nikon has established itself as one of the best companies when it comes to the camera and imaging in general.

Few things that the camera lacks, there is no denying that the Nikon D850 is one of the best cameras available in the market. For starters, the live view focusing speed is not as fast as I would have liked. Secondly, I love the SnapBridge function, but at this point, it is still shoddy at best.

Nikon D850 Sample Photos

These awesome photos are clicked by Dixie Dixon, she is a commercial fashion photographer and nikon ambassador.

The camera comes equipped with the potential to take some of the most detailed images, and thanks to the large sensor, it is perfectly possible. Additionally, the camera has impressive 153-point autofocus. If this is too technical for you, know that the Nikon D850 has one of the most sophisticated autofocus systems that I have used.

For me, a good viewfinder in a DSLR is very important; thankfully, the viewfinder of the D850 is large, and it is very bright; making it a fantastic experience to take photos. Last but not least, the battery life on the Nikon D850 is one of the best I have seen. The camera is rated at 1,840 shots on a single charge. This is impressive, considering how many cameras do not come close.

Check out Nikon D850 Intro

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Canon is another company that is leading the DSLR market for some time now. Their EOS series is considered to be one of the best camera series in the market. Today, we look at the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV; one of Canon’s flagship cameras that aim to give the best possible performance to the professionals, and hobbyists alike.

I know that the camera might not look as strong as compared to the competition, but I can assure you that it is one of the most powerful DSLRs in the market.

The camera is packed with features that are revered by camera enthusiasts across the world. You can check them out below:

Canon EOS 5D Mark IV Sample Photos

Aside from all the greatness, there are some concerns. The ISO range is still the same, and although the 4K video shooting is fantastic, the options are on the limited side.

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There is no denying that Nikon has established itself as one of the industries leading camera manufacturers, and for all the right reasons.

Today, we look at the Nikon D750, an elder brother to the APS-C sized D7500. The D750 does come with a full-frame sensor that is capable of some serious performance.

Nikon has made sure that even if the D750 is not a flagship camera, it still comes with enough features to entertain just about anyone. Whether you are a hobby photographer, or an aspiring professional, the camera is certainly going to give you a great time.

Starting with the good things, the 24.3-megapixel full-frame sensor is among the best I have seen in any camera for a long time now. Pictures come out detailed, and beautiful.

Nikon D750 Sample Photos

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Nikon has had a series of great runs with their cameras, and they have proven time and again that they are one of the best, if not the best companies in the market.

The Nikon D500 is no different, even though it is an APS-C sensor camera the great thing about the D500 is that it manages to go toe to toe against some of the full-frame cameras of the market.

Now there are a lot of brilliant features in the Nikon D500, allow us to highlight some of the main features that you would find in this camera.

Despite being fairly old, the Nikon D500 is no slouch when it comes to having an impressive list of features. But is the camera all about features a no-show? Well, let’s find out.

All thanks to the 153 autofocus points; if you like to shoot fast-moving subjects, this camera is going to be great for that purpose. Additionally, the D500 allows you to shoot pictures at ten frames second for 200 RAW files.

Just when you thought Nikon could not improve their build quality, the D500 is made out of a metal body that is fully weather-sealed. Last but not the least, the image quality on the Nikon D500 is one of the best you will get to see.

…and despite being old, it is still one of the best cameras available in the market regarding image quality.

There are some things about the D500 that are not up to the mark; for starters, the live view AF system is not as fast as I would prefer, and the screen only tilts, rather than articulate, which can be an issue under certain conditions.

Nikon D500 Sample Photos

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The thing I love about Canon is that at every price bracket, they have served one user type or the other. Canon has gone above and beyond and released some pretty impressive cameras into the market.

Today, we look at the Canon EOS 80D; a camera that comes recommended from some of the best YouTubers, including Casey Neistat.

Now, the EOS 80D has been called the best camera for vlogging mainly due to the features that it presents; we are reviewing this camera not just for blogging, but its overall performance as a DSLR.

The EOS 80D is a high-end, crop sensor camera, and it is loaded with features.

The Canon EOS 80D is loaded with some of the most desirable features, and for all the right reasons, but how well does the camera itself perform?

Honestly, I tried my best to nitpick some issues in the Canon EOS 80D, but you would be surprised that I did not find a single problem that could break the deal. The only thing that I don’t like about the EOS 80D is the fact that the quick menu on the camera cannot be customized. However, that is more of a software issue than a metric to talk about the camera’s performance.

Canon EOS 80D Sample Photos

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Canon’s single digit cameras have been the enthusiast favorite for the longest time, and for all the right reasons as well. Canon has released some of the best cameras in this series including their famous 6D, and the 5D Mark IV that we reviewed earlier. Both of them are full frame sensors.

However, right now, we are looking at the 7D Mark II; an enthusiast-grade crop sensor camera that still manages to be relevant to this day. Not just that, the camera is a lot better than some of the competition.

While the specs on the 7D Mark II certainly talk about the camera is old, and there is no denying that it is an old camera, but that does not mean it is any less potent than some of the newer cameras in the market.

The 10 FPS continuous shooting makes it one of the best cameras for shooting fast-moving subjects. Additionally, the camera is very ergonomic, and handling it is an absolute treat. Canon has given granular controls to people who love customizing the camera and making sure that their experience is personalized.

Not to forget, the image quality on this camera is one of the best, and despite being a crop sensor, it still manages to produce some of the most stunning images.

Canon EOS 7D Mark II Sample Photos

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If you are not in the mood to spend top dollar on a Nikon camera but still want something that performs well and has an excellent sensor, then don’t worry. We are going to review the Nikon D7500 DX, a brilliant APS-C sensor camera that has been in the market for some time and still manages to hold its own.

I was a bit scared as I thought that you might not get enough features from the D7500. I was wrong, as the camera comes packed with so many amazing features.

During my experience, I took the Nikon D7500 DX and shot various scenarios with the camera. I have to tell you that despite being a crop sensor, the camera is one of the best I have seen.

Performance at higher ISO is one of the best I have seen, and the autofocus system works brilliantly as well. Making the whole camera an absolute treat to use. The sensor itself is terrific, and despite just being 20.9 megapixels, it can shoot some of the best-looking photos. The camera also comes with a tilt-angle touchscreen that should help the shooters.

Nikon D7500 Sample Photos

For more sample photos check out: ePHOTOzine

While having a touchscreen is great, I am bummed to tell you that it is not fully articulating. The resolution of the screen also happens to be on the lower side; however, the good news is that the situation is not as bad when taking photos or videos for that matter. The one thing that bugs me the most is that the live view focusing is still on the slower side. While I don’t use the live focus all that much, it is still an important thing that you must know about.

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The last camera on the list is from Nikon once again, and this time, we are looking at something that is for people who are not looking to spend a lot of money. The c is a mid-range camera that is aimed at people who want a great photographer experience, and want to learn a lot in the transition.

Now I know that the APS-C cameras get a lot of bad rep in the market, but I can assure you that the Nikon D5600 is no slouch. The camera is more than capable of taking some fantastic photos.

Now as far as the features are concerned, you might think that Nikon has not done a good job making this camera, but I can assure you, this camera is every bit as good as the competition that it has to face.

For starter, the 24.2-megapixel sensor is responsible for producing some of the best looking images that I can think of. The grip on the camera is also one of the best I have seen, and you can easily hold the camera without feeling fatigued in your fingers, or hands. The autofocus system is also pretty decent, and with the right amount of lighting, it does not take long for the camera to focus. Last but not the least, Nikon’s touchscreen implementation is also pretty good.

There are some quirks though that I would like to mention here. As a long-standing lover of Nikon cameras, I would like to suggest that the live view autofocus needs working on, as it still happens to be on the slower side. Additionally, the SnapBridge needs to be improved because, in its current state, it is not the best camera companion app.

Nikon D5600 Sample Photos

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There was a lot of speculation in the industry that Canon’s Rebel series will not be going anywhere because the cameras are for beginners, and with mobile cameras slowly becoming better and better, there won’t be any market for these cameras.

However, Canon did not think that way and release the Canon EOS Rebel T7i, their latest model in the Rebel series. The Canon EOS Rebel T7i or 800D an APS-C sensor with some impressive features that were even surprising to me in the beginning.

Okay, looking at the camera features, you might think that the camera is so much like the Canon EOS 80D. While it is true, the EOS 80D is still better. However, in many situations, both cameras are largely identical, and the best part of the 800D is that it is much cheaper.

Canon EOS Rebel T7i/800D Sample Photos

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The thing about Canon is that they have always done right with their fans by releasing some fine cameras. Even if you are on a budget, there is always something for everyone.

Today, I review a budget-oriented camera from Canon; the Canon EOS Rebel T5. For those of you who are not aware, Canon’s EOS Rebel series aims at newcomers who are not looking to spend a lot of money.

The EOS Rebel T5 comes with an 18-55mm kit lens, and you can check out some of the features of the camera.

Right from the feature list, you can tell that Canon has made this camera for people who are not looking to spend a lot of money on a camera.

Moving on to the actual good things, the EOS Rebel T5 comes with support for RAW images; meaning you can take full control over how your pictures are going to take a look.

The camera’s performance at higher ISO levels is another impressive thing that I have noticed.

Canon EOS Rebel 1200D/T5 Sample Photos

Last but not least, considering how this camera is for the newcomers, I love how Canon has added an on-screen guide that walks you through all the features of the camera. This is great for beginners who are trying to learn their first camera.

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The Definitive Guide to Buying the Best DSLR Cameras

If you are in the market looking for a good DSLR camera, the chances are that you have already rounded up your options. However, the thing that you need to know about buying a DSLR camera is that the entire process is not as easy as it may sound.

You do need to do a lot of research before you can finally buy it. Below are some very handy pointers that will help you make the right decision.

 1.0  A Few Basic Tips

Before we can go ahead and check out the entirety of the buying guide, we are going to take a look at a few basic tips that should help you buy the right camera.

These tips apply to all the cameras that you are going to find in the market. So, do read them carefully, and make sure you follow them:

 1.1  Do I Really Need a Camera When I Have a Phone?

Many people ask this question and to be honest, it is understandable. There is no denying that phone cameras are getting better, and better.

Just take a look at the photos taken by the Google Pixel 2, Galaxy S9 series, Galaxy Note 9, and the latest iPhones. You would be hard-pressed to question these cameras.

No matter how great, we have to admit that these cameras are still far behind in many aspects.

For instance, a camera on the aforementioned smartphones cannot match the speed, and controls of a professional camera.

Additionally, cameras on the smartphones come with fixed lenses; which means that you cannot zoom in to that extent.

Alternatively, if you want some other features of a good professional lens, you cannot use them. Last but not least, not every smartphone in the market comes with a good camera.

Have you got more questions about making the upgrade from a smartphone camera to a DSLR camera? Checkout this cool guide by TechRadar.

 1.3  Interchangeable Lens or Fixed Lens Cameras

Not many people know this, but when you are buying cameras, you have the choice between interchangeable lens cameras or fixed lens cameras.

As the name suggests, when it comes to interchangeable lens cameras, you can easily change the lenses on the cameras should you wish to.

Sure, you will have to buy the lenses, but the option is indeed there. You can choose from macro, portrait, telephoto, or zoom lenses if you want to.

Freedom is undoubtedly there, and it is great because you do not have to worry about sticking to just one option. These cameras are great because they are versatile.

However, the biggest downside to these cameras is that they are on the heavier side, and not just that, they can also be cumbersome, which can create issues for a majority of people in the market.

On the other hand, the fixed lens cameras are compact, and they can easily be carried without any hassle. You can put them in your backpack, and be on your way.

However, their biggest crux is the fact that you cannot do anything about the lens. You have to use the one that is on the camera, and in case you want something different, you will need another camera.

It all comes down to preference; if the photographs you take were mostly similar, then you would be good with a fixed lens camera.

However, if the nature of your photography changes every time, then buy a camera with interchangeable lenses for the best possible experience.

 1.4  Mirrorless or DSLR

This is one of the factors that end up confusing a lot of people. Do you want to go for a mirrorless camera or a DSLR? Both have been around for some time, but deciding between them is not easy.

The mirrorless cameras are the ones that do not have a mirror inside them, making them much more compact, almost retro like. On the other hand, DSLRs larger, and bulkier as well.

When in the market for a good camera, make sure that you read all the details that I have shared above, so it can be helpful for you.

 1.5  Sensor Size

The sensor size is a lot more important than you might know. As per the rule of thumb, the bigger the sensor, the better the picture you are going to get.

Does sensor size still make a difference? Find out more informtion at DPReview.

However, bigger sensors are going to be more expensive. If you are confused with the sensor sizes, below is some information on the most common camera sensors:

Whenever you are buying a camera, make sure that you consider all the factors. This will make the whole buying experience much easier.

 1.6  Are You Going to Shoot Video?

Another important thing that you need to consider is whether you are going to use the camera for shooting videos.

You can find many DSLRs and mirrorless cameras capable of shooting at 4k. However, these cameras are certainly not going to be cheap, so you must consider that beforehand.

 1.7  Do You Want Weather Sealing?

If you are wondering whether the camera you are about to buy is waterproof or not, it is not. However, you can buy cameras that are weather sealed.

These cameras can operate under drizzle without any issue. However, full water submersion is something that I would not advise.

Additionally, one more important thing that I would highlight here is that cameras that are weather-sealed tend to be more expensive as compared to cameras that are not.

You can check out What really makes a camera Weather Sealed.

 1.8  Are You Looking for Wireless Capabilities

Another important thing that I would suggest you to consider whenever you are in the market for the camera is the wireless feature.

Most cameras do come with WiFi, Bluetooth, and NFC, but there are cameras with these features missing. Therefore, my suggestion to you is that you should look for these features.

They only make your photography experience much smoother, and you no longer have to worry about connecting your camera to your computer and then transferring. Simply transfer them wirelessly.

However, cameras with these features tend to be more expensive as compared to cameras that do not have this feature.

If you want the most convenience, I would suggest you go with cameras that give you wireless features to make sure your connectivity issues are not a problem.

DSLR Cheat sheet for Better Photography

Conclusion

Testing cameras is certainly not an easy job, especially when you have so many options available in the market. However, with this roundup, we have tried to make sure that whoever is in the market looking for a good DSLR, the experience is easy as it gets.

To keep things fair, we have included DSLRs from both Nikon, and Canon’s side of things, and additionally, we have covered some of the highest-end cameras as well as the most budget-oriented options.

Additionally, if you still need help, our comprehensive buying guide will help you buy the best possible DSLR.

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