The best DSLR cameras are still popular for a reason. With optical viewfinders, chunky handgrips, long battery life and big lens selections, DSLRs provide a classically dependable photographic experience that has been serving amateurs, enthusiasts and professionals for years. Look at a recent shortlist for any contemporary photo competition, and you’ll still see plenty of images shot on DSLRs.
Our team of photographic experts has covered every major DSLR release since the beginning. While we don’t see too many DSLRs released these days, there are still occasional new arrivals, with the Pentax K-3 Mark III Monochrome arriving as recently as 2023. Since the second-hand market for DSLRs is busier than ever, we also keep our reviews regularly updated to assess which DSLR cameras are worth your money in 2024.
This guide contains the best of the best from the key DSLR manufacturers — Canon, Nikon and Pentax. If you want to know more about DSLRs, scroll to the bottom of this page where we’ve put together an explainer and answers to some commonly asked questions. And don’t forget that you’ll also want to pick up one of the , or , depending on which camera you end up picking.
This brilliant professional all-rounder DSLR provides a winning combination of high resolution and speed. Its 45.7MP full-frame sensor produces fine results at high ISOs and the autofocus is incredibly responsive and accurate.
The build quality and handling should also satisfy the most demanding of us.