Dslr With Good Video Quality
Berniece Domnick
The size difference is often also related to sensor size. More affordable DSLRs tend to have APS-C size sensors, while pro-friendly ones like the Nikon D850 are full-frame cameras. You can see a diagram showing the difference below.
When it comes to choosing between a beginner DSLR and a mid-range model, paying a bit more for the latter will usually get you increased shooting flexibility, which could see you keep the camera for longer and save you money in the long run. The extra features you tend to get are improved continuous shooting speeds (handy for shooting sport or wildlife), superior high ISO performance (useful in lower light), and sometimes an extra memory card slot.
You can also find outstanding value by shopping for a second-hand DSLR from a reputable retailer. Because many manufacturers are no longer making new DSLR models, there is a healthy market for good quality used models. The Canon EOS 800D, for example, is a solid entry-level DSLR that can be found at a good discount. Similarly, the Nikon D750 is an older full-frame option that represents excellent second-hand value.
The result of this industry shift is that many of the biggest camera manufacturers have stopped developing new DSLR cameras. That includes two former stalwarts of the genre: Canon announced in 2021 that the EOS 1D X Mark III would be its last DSLR flagship, while Nikon followed suit in 2022. Some feel it could be a good thing for photography as a whole.
Every option below has been tested comprehensively in the real world, to assess factors such as handling, battery life, autofocus and image quality. Like our list of the best beginner DSLR cameras, the idea behind this guide is to help you find the right DSLR for your needs and budget.
If you want a shortcut to the best DSLR cameras in 2024, the round-up below will give you an instant overview. If any options take your fancy, use the links beneath each entry to jump to our full summary.
The EOS 90D was quite the step forward for the EOS DSLR line when it launched in 2019. It was the first of its kind to sport a 32.5MP APS-C sensor, giving it a decent number of pixels for both cropping and producing large prints. Unlike the earlier 80D, it offered uncropped 4K video recording, along with a new processing engine and faster burst shooting. The 1300-shot battery also provided far more juice than the average mirrorless camera, while protection against dust and water was a bonus.
It still stacks up well today. In our review, we were impressed by the versatility of the 90D. It's an excellent all-rounder for those who like to photograph a broad range of different subjects. It is worth weighing up whether the benefits of a mirrorless alternative to the EOS 90D, like the Canon EOS M6 Mark II, might appeal to you. The M6 Mark II is smaller, cheaper and offers faster burst shooting. But by focusing on key areas like battery life, handling and a fully articulating rear screen, Canon has made the EOS 90D a strong and versatile alternative for anyone who prefers the DSLR experience.
The D780 is effectively a hybrid of a full-frame DSLR and a mirrorless camera like the original Nikon Z6. While it's still relatively expensive, the D780's slight price drop since it landed in 2020 means it's now our top pick for anyone who wants to combine the benefits of mirrorless tech and DSLRs. Our review revealed that the D780's image quality is among the best around, while its 4K video skills are boosted by the inclusion of modern features like Face and Eye detection.
Building on the solid foundation laid by the D750, the D780 uses the same 273-point on-sensor phase-detection AF system as the Z6, allowing it to focus rapidly when you're shooting via Live View. If you prefer to frame through its optical viewfinder, you'll be able to make the most of its impressive 2,260-shot battery life. As one of the latest DSLR it's still quite pricey, but if that isn't an issue for you, then the D780 is one of the best full-frame all-rounders you can buy.
If you're trying to learn your way around manual settings like aperture and shutter speed, which is one of the main benefits of a DSLR, then you'll ideally need a model that's small and light. This means you'll be more likely to take it out regularly and master those controls. The most beginner-friendly cameras, including the Nikon D3500 and Canon 250D, tend to be particularly small for DSLRs, so take a close look at those.
Another factor to consider is the camera's sensor size. Most beginner-friendly DSLRs have APS-C sensors, which are much larger than a smartphone's and more than good enough for those starting out on the photography journeys. But if you're buying second-hand, you may find that full-frame options like the Nikon D610 and D750 come into your price range.
If you're looking to shoot lots of video along with your stills, DSLRs can be cheap YouTube workhorses too, so make sure you look out for models with a vari-angle screen (like the ones on most Canon models) if you need this. These can help you shoot from different angles and also flip round to the front so you can check your framing while recording to camera.
While an 18-55mm kit lens will be more than enough to get you started, one of the big benefits of DSLRs is being able to add extra lenses for different kinds of photography. For example, wide-angle and telephoto zoom lenses, as well as high-quality macro options. You can also add a flashgun and other accessories, which help you to make the most of whatever types of photography you're into.
ISO: This stands for International Standards Organization. It's a way of measuring a sensor's sensitivity to light. Higher numbers can gather more light in dim conditions, but also introduce grain.
There are several similarities between the best beginner mirrorless and DSLR cameras. Both give you the option to change lenses, which means you can upgrade to different lenses as your skills grow. Both are also available with a range of sensor sizes, to suit your aspirations and budget.
But there are also key ways in which mirrorless and DSLR cameras differ. The main one is that DSLR cameras use a mirror to reflect light onto their sensor; mirrorless cameras do not. This means mirrorless cameras usually offer faster shooting speeds, which is useful if you'd like to try action or wildlife photography.
Even though Pentax still makes DSLRs, Canon and Nikon rule the market with the most DSLR models under their individual belts. And they both compete in terms of feature set, image quality and price. So which brand's entry-level DSRLs is best for you?
That will be a personal choice. Both manufacturers have several excellent choices as you can see from our list above. Both have beginner DSLRs that are compact, easy to use and come with a plethora of lenses to support your growing passion for photography. A lot of them are also wallet-friendly, in case you're looking for a budget DSLR.
The round-up below will give you an instant overview of the best beginner DSLR cameras available in 2024, including what each option is best for. When you find one that ticks your boxes, use the links beneath each entry to jump down to our full summary reviews.
The EOS Rebel SL3 (also known as the 250D and 200D Mark II outside the US) isn't Canon's cheapest DSLR, but we think it offers a great blend of features, performance and value. For a start, it's the smallest and lightest DSLR with an articulating screen, which means it isn't an intimidatingly large as some of its rivals. It also adds a fresh processing engine and 4K video recording to its Rebel SL2 (EOS 200D) predecessor.
We were impressed with its responsive touchscreen, speedy start-up time and excellent Dual Pixel CMOS AF system, which also works when you're shooting 1080p video (though not sadly in 4K). Its 5fps burst shooting can't compete with the latest mirrorless cameras, so those who like to shoot sports or action should look elsewhere. But for our money, the EOS Rebel SL3 / EOS 250D makes more sense than Canon's super-budget DSLRs, such as the EOS Rebel T100 (also know as the EOS 4000D / EOS 3000D).
The Canon EOS Rebel T8i (know as the EOS 850D outside the US) picks up the baton from the popular Rebel T7i / EOS 800D, which is now tricky to find. It isn't a huge upgrade: the most notable addition is a 4K video mode, which we found to be hampered by frame-rate restrictions. Still, the Rebel T8i / EOS 850D remains one of our favorite all-round DSLRs for beginners.
You get a Dual Pixel phase-detection AF system, which in our tests was fast, reliable and great for video. Its button layout is also very considered, while the vari-angle LCD screen handles really well. As long you ignore that headline of 4K video, which involves a crop and the loss of phase-detection autofocus, it remains a great option for anyone who's starting a photography hobby and prizes DSLR advantages like battery life and handling over the latest mirrorless tech.
We've bought and tested over 100 cameras, and below, you'll find our recommendations for the best DSLR cameras. 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.
Short of looking at professional models like the Nikon D850, you won't find a better full-frame DSLR than the Nikon D780. It has all the features you could want in a high-end photography camera and then some. For one, it's designed to put up with extensive use, with a sturdy, weather-sealed body and an incredibly long battery life to last through long shooting days. Plus, its backside-illuminated sensor is still one of the best we've tested, with remarkable noise handling for exceptionally clean images in low light. The camera's hybrid autofocus system also stands out, using the same on-sensor phase-detection AF in Live View as the mirrorless Nikon Z 6, making this a highly versatile camera for a range of photography styles and even video work.
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