Best DSLR 2023
If you’re shopping for a DSLR you’ve come to the right place! At Camera Labs I write in-depth reviews of cameras but understand you’re busy people who sometimes just want recommendations of the most outstanding products. So here I’ll cut to the chase and list the best DSLRs around right now. Note if you’re looking for cameras by Fujifilm, Olympus, Panasonic or Sony, check out my best mirrorless camera guide. Also note like my other guides they’re listed by review date, not in order of preference.
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Best DSLR
Canon EOS 1Dx III review
I've now spent some time with the 1Dx Mark III, from a Canon field test in Spain to my own independent tests with a final production model later, and what I’ve seen so far is very impressive. Canon’s packed in a wealth of important upgrades crucially without getting in the way of the handling experience that pros have become familiar with. Owners of previous models can pick up the Mark III and just start shooting without skipping a beat. Of the new features, I was fascinated by the use of an imaging sensor for viewfinder autofocus duties. It makes a lot of sense, and driven by Deep Learning it did a great job at recognising and tracking people in often complex scenes. Coupled with the faster burst speeds, DIGIC X processing and swift card writing, this is a camera that effortlessly handles action at the highest level - as it should. I was also fond of the new Smart Controller which quickly allows you to reposition the AF area, and it’s a relief to finally find a camera company offer an alternative to JPEG for compressed images, with the HEIF format having a lot of potential. In terms of video, the 1Dx Mark III also becomes Canon's most capable model below the Cinema series, making it an extremely flexible camera for stills and movies. Arguably the most controversial aspect is that it’s still a traditional DSLR, but Canon firmly believes this is still its best technology for the very specific requirements of demanding pro sports photographers.Check prices on the Canon EOS 1Dx III at B&H, Adorama, or Wex. Alternatively get yourself a copy of my In Camera book or treat me to a coffee! Thanks!
Canon EOS 90D review
The EOS 90D becomes Canon’s most powerful mid-range DSLR to date, inheriting the body, side-hinged screen, optical viewfinder and 45-point autofocus of the earlier 80D, while upgrading the sensor resolution to 32.5 Megapixels, offering uncropped 4k video at 25 or 30p, faster burst shooting of 10fps, and reinstating the AF joystick which went missing on the three previous models. As such there’s upgrades whether you shoot still photos, film video, or like most owners of this series, do both. The image quality has the potential to beat 24 Megapixel models, but not by a huge margin and crucially only when fitted with a quality lens. In terms of video it’s great to finally enjoy uncropped 4k with Dual Pixel AF on an EOS body, but while it resolves more detail than 1080, it’s not as good as 4k from the best of its rivals, most notably the Sony A6400 and Fujifilm X-T30 and like other recent Canon cameras, there’s no sign of 24p either. More than making up for the restrictions for most people though is the sheer confidence with which Dual Pixel AF can keep a subject in focus. The increased burst speed is a nice bonus, but the viewfinder autofocus system is no better than the 80D and proved unremarkable for fast action in my tess. It’s much better at focusing in live view, but the bursts become slower and trying to follow action with the screen alone can prove a challenge. Revealingly the mirrorless M6 II which shares the same sensor proved much more capable for action in my tests, but ironically the 90D’s better features made it preferable for video, so choose carefully. Had Canon equipped the 90D with the 7D II’s viewfinder AF system, it could have had a leader in all respects. But for now, the upgrades across the board still allow the 90D and DSLRs to remain relevant and compelling to those who prefer their form factor and viewfinder to smaller mirrorless cameras with all-electronic composition; it’s especially tempting for 60D or 70D owners who want a bunch of upgrades but without changing the look and feel of their bodies.Check prices on the Canon EOS 90D at Amazon, B&H, Adorama, or Wex. Alternatively get yourself a copy of my In Camera book or treat me to a coffee! Thanks!
Nikon D850 review
The D850 is Nikon's highest resolution DSLR to date, boasting a new 45.7 Megapixel full-frame sensor, coupled with the flagship D5's 153-point AF system, and fast burst shooting at 7fps, boost-able to 9fps with the optional battery grip. As such, this long-awaited successor to the D810 appeals to both those who desire the highest resolution images as well as wildlife and sports shooters who demand fast bursts and top-end autofocus. Movie shooters will also appreciate the presence of un-cropped 4k as well as a tilting touch-screen, but Nikon continues to lack embedded phase-detect AF on its DSLRs, so video and live view AF lacks the confidence of Canon and Sony. Meanwhile SnapBridge lacks the speed and flexibility demanded by pros who'll be driven to a Wifi accessory for the best wireless performance. But below-par movie autofocus and average Wifi aside, there's very little the D850 can't do. Indeed it's arguably one of the best DSLRs overall to date and comes Highly Recommended.Check prices on the Nikon D850 at Amazon, B&H, Adorama, or Wex. Alternatively get yourself a copy of my In Camera book or treat me to a coffee! Thanks!
Canon EOS 6D Mark II review
The EOS 6D Mark II is a 'low-priced' full-frame DSLR aimed at enthusiasts and upgraders from APSC bodies. The photo and movie quality looks great with the default settings and delivers noticeably less noise than the 80D at high ISOs. The combination of a fully-articulated touchscreen and Dual Pixel CMOS AF means shooting movies or in Live View is a highlight with confident focusing anywhere on the frame. The viewfinder AF is less successful though with limited coverage and a lower hit rate than in Live View. The 6D II also lacks 4k video, higher frame-rate 1080p, dual card slots and headphone jacks, four features present on most mirrorless cameras at this price, albeit normally combined with smaller sensors. So it's Canon's usual story of a feature-set carefully-pruned so not to step on the toes of its higher-end models. If you're wedded to Canon's World, you'll enjoy the 6D II's excellent touch interface, easy Wifi, effortless GPS tagging, leading movie autofocus, and crisp, clean photo quality. Recommended if you desire a full-frame camera at this price point but compare closely with Nikon's D750 and Sony's A7 Mark II.Check prices on the Canon EOS 6D Mark II at Amazon, B&H, Adorama, or Wex. Alternatively get yourself a copy of my In Camera book or treat me to a coffee! Thanks!
Canon EOS 200D / Rebel SL2 review
Canon's EOS 200D / Rebel SL2 is a compact DSLR aimed at photographers and vloggers buying their first interchangeable lens camera. Replacing the four-year-old EOS 100D / SL1, it offers a more sophisticated point-of-entry than the cheapest DSLRs and a smaller body to boot. You get a choice of three body colours, a 24 Megapixel APSC sensor with Dual Pixel CMOS AF for smooth and confident refocusing in Live View and movies, a fully-articulated touchscreen, and Wifi with NFC and Bluetooth for easy connectivity. The entry-level EOS 1300D / T6 may remain Canon's cheapest DSLR, but with its smaller body, superb movie autofocus, mic input and flip-out touchscreen, the EOS 200D / SL2 is simply much more compelling for first-time DSLR buyers who are willing to spend a little extra. It may not have 4k video, and the viewfinder autofocus and burst shooting are basic for sports and action, but overall for the money it remains a highly desirable and highly recommended camera, especially if you're into video.Check prices on the Canon EOS 200D / Rebel SL2 at Amazon, B&H, Adorama, or Wex. Alternatively get yourself a copy of my In Camera book or treat me to a coffee! Thanks!
Nikon D3400 review
The Nikon D3400 is an update to Nikon's entry-level DSLR, replacing the two year old D3300. The headline new feature is SnapBridge - Nikon's low-power Bluetooth connection that allows continuous image transfer to your smartphone in the background while you shoot. Battery life has been boosted to an impressive 1200 shots on a full charge and the kit lens has also been updated with quicker and quieter continuous AF for movies and Live view shooting. SnapBridge will ensure that the D3400 continues to be a popular choice for improving photographers who want a camera that’s more capable than a point-and-shoot compact or a phone, but don’t want to sacrifice the ease of sharing that those devices provide. Beyond that, there’s not a huge amount that’s new here over the D3300 and indeed a couple of features actually missing: the 3.5mm microphone input and ultrasonic anti-dust filter, no longer present on the D3400. Ultimately mirrorless cameras offer more features – not to mention greater portability – at this end of the market, but there’s no denying the D3400 offers one of the least expensive routes to a body with an APSC sensor, optical viewfinder and interchangeable lenses. As such it’ll continue to attract beginners and students, while the addition of SnapBridge means you’ll be sharing images quicker and more easily than most rival cameras.Check prices on the Nikon D3400 at Amazon, B&H, Adorama, or Wex. Alternatively get yourself a copy of my In Camera book or treat me to a coffee! Thanks!
Canon EOS 5D Mark IV review
Canon's EOS 5D Mark IV is the long-awaited fourth model in the enormously popular series of full-frame DSLRs. Coming over four years after the previous EOS 5D Mark III, the Mark IV boosts the resolution to 30.4 Megapixels with a new full-frame sensor that supports Dual Pixel CMOS AF for confident refocusing during Live View and movies. It accelerates continuous shooting from 6 to 7fps, inherits the 61-point AF system and 3.2in touch-screen of the EOS 1Dx Mark II, and can film 4k movies (in the DCI Cinema format) up to 30p, along with 1080 / 60p and 720 / 120p. The body shares essentially the same control layout as before so will be immediately familiar to owners of the Mark III, but now features improved weather-proofing along with a built-in GPS and Wifi with NFC. It represents a significant step-up from the Mark III, but high-end videographers will be frustrated by the tight crop and high bit-rate when filming 4k, and the lack of Log profiles, peaking, zebras and 4k on the HDMI output; indeed if you're only into shooting 4k video, I'd recommend Sony's A7s Mark II for full-frame or the A6300 for APSC. But Canon is keen to retort the Mark IV is more about stills and it does these very well. It's undoubtedly a powerful all-rounder, just no longer the no-brainer the Mark III was for video.Check prices on the Canon 5D Mark IV at Amazon, B&H, Adorama, or Wex. Alternatively get yourself a copy of my In Camera book or treat me to a coffee! Thanks!
Nikon D7200 review
The Nikon D7200 is the company's latest upper mid-range DSLR aimed at enthusiast photographers. Successor to the D7100, it slots between the D5500 and D610 in the range, making it the highest-end Nikon DSLR with a cropped DX-format sensor. Externally the D7200 is essentially identical to the D7100, so you get a weather-sealed body with an optical viewfinder boasting 100% coverage, 3.2in / 1229k dot screen, 6fps burst shooting (boostable to 7fps in 1.3x crop mode), twin SD slots and a wealth of ports. The resolution remains 24 Megapixels but new to the D7200 are improved low-light AF, an enlarged buffer and built-in Wifi with NFC. Other enhancements include the faster EXPEED 4 processor, 9-frame AEB, a 50p / 60p video option (albeit only in the 1.3x crop mode), timelapse shooting, slightly extended battery life and a flat picture control profile. Compare closely with the Canon EOS 80D and 7D Mark II.Check prices on the Nikon D7200 at Amazon, B&H, or Adorama, or Wex. Alternatively get yourself a copy of my In Camera book or treat me to a coffee! Thanks!
Nikon D500 review
The D500 marks Nikon's welcome return to the high-end APSC DSLR market. The combination of a new 20 Megapixel sensor, 10fps continuous shooting, a deep buffer (especially if you're using XQD cards), and a new 153-point AF system shared with the D5, makes for a supremely confident camera. In my tests the D500 effortlessly tracked any subject I pointed it at, rattling-off bursts of focused images with eerie precision and consistency. On top of that you're getting a large viewfinder, twin memory card slots, tough build quality, and backlit buttons which make it easy to use in the dark. It also features a large and detailed screen that's touch-sensitive and tilts vertically, and allows you to record 4k UHD video in addition to 1080p. Learn how to configure SnapBridge and you'll also enjoy one of the easiest ways to wirelessly tag and share your images. Sports and wildlife photographers will love the D500 which is arguably the most confident APS-C DSLR to date.
Canon EOS 1300D / Rebel T6 review
The abundance of alternatives to the EOS 1300D / Rebel T6, both DSLR and mirrorless, highlights the need for Canon to keep pace with its competitors if its entry-level DSLRs are to continue to be attractive options for aspiring photographers. As a response to that challenge, the EOS 1300D / Rebel T6 is frankly a little underwhelming. But though it may be a little lacklustre, it nonetheless remains one of the least expensive routes to a body with an APSC sensor, optical viewfinder and interchangeable lenses. As such it'll continue to attract beginners and students, but remember if you want a kit lens with stabilisation, make sure you get the bundle with the EF-S 18-55mm f3.5-5.6 IS II rather than the DC III version which is unstabilised and only fractionally cheaper.Check prices at Amazon.com, B&H, or Adorama, or Wex. Alternatively get yourself a copy of my In Camera book or treat me to a coffee! Thanks!
Canon EOS Rebel T6s / 760D Review
Canon's EOS 760D / Rebel T6s is a solid DSLR that represents a good step-up over entry-level models. This has always been a very successful category for Canon, so it's not surprising to find the company now splitting it into two options: the EOS 750D / T6i gives you the core spec of 24 Megapixels, 19-point AF, 5fps burst shooting, pentamirror viewfinder, fully-articulated touchscreen and 1080p movies. Then if you fancy something a bit more sophisticated, spending an extra $100 USD / 70 GBP or so gets you the EOS 760D / T6s which adds an upper LCD information screen, eye sensor, rear control wheel and viewfinder levelling gauge, along with digital zoom and HDR options for movies, and continuous AF in Live View. These additions add up to a camera that handles much better than its cheaper sibling and is well worth spending the extra on, but equally I feel mirrorless options such as Panasonic's Lumix G7 and Sony's A6000 offer more still to the target audience - compare closely if you're not wedded to the idea of having an optical viewfinder.Check prices at Amazon, B&H, or Adorama. Alternatively get yourself a copy of my In Camera book or treat me to a coffee! Thanks!
Nikon D5500 review
Nikon's D5500 is an upper entry-level DSLR aimed at photographers looking for a step-up from a budget model without the expense or complication of a higher-end camera. It shares the same 24 Megapixel resolution as the models above and below it, but remains the only model in the entire range to feature a fully-articulated, side-hinged screen. Like the D5300 before it, the screen remains large at 3.2in, but in a welcome upgrade, it's now touch-sensitive. The GPS of its predecessor has sadly gone, but the Wifi remains, allowing you to wirelessly transfer images or remote control it with your smartphone. The collapsing kit zoom impacts the ultimate image quality, and the movie / live view autofocusing is slower and noisier than rival Canon bodies fitted with STM lenses. But none of this stands in the way of what's a very solid DSLR for the money. Do compare closely with Canon's EOS T6i / 750D, and in the mirrorless World, models like the Sony A6000.Check prices on the Nikon D5500 at Amazon, B&H, or Adorama, or Park Cameras. Alternatively get yourself a copy of my In Camera book or treat me to a coffee! Thanks!
Canon EOS 7D Mark II review
Canon's EOS 7D Mark II is one of the toughest, fastest and most confident DSLRs for sports, action and event photography. If you always wanted the flagship 1Dx but couldn't afford it or accommodate the size and weight, the 7D Mark II will give you most of its handling performance in a smaller, lighter and much cheaper package. Indeed it'll also throw-in AF in lower light, effective focusing for movies and a built-in GPS receiver. Sure it can't compete with full-frame cleanliness in low light, but the field reduction applied by the APSC sensor is actually preferred by many sports and wildlife photographers. If you're after a camera mostly for landscape, architecture or more general-use, you'll be better-served by one of the many high-end mirrorless options now available, but if you're a sports, action or event shooter who likes to seamlessly capture quality stills and video, the 7D Mark II will make your job a breeze. If you're not wedded to EF lenses though, also consider Nikon's newer and arguably even more confident D500.Check prices on the Canon EOS 7D Mark II at Amazon, B&H, Adorama, or Wex. Alternatively get yourself a copy of my In Camera book or treat me to a coffee! Thanks!
