The Best D-SLR Cameras
The Best D-SLR Cameras
It’s time for you to get a D-SLR. You may have outgrown your compact point-and-shoot, or perhaps your current interchangeable lens camera is just plain old. Regardless of your motivation, deciding on a new D-SLR can seem like a research project of its own—but it doesn’t have to be that difficult. If you don’t have any lenses or accessories for a system, you have the ability to start fresh. And if you do have lenses laying about—even from your old 35mm SLR—there’s a chance that they’ll work just fine on a new digital body.
Here’s the good news—if you have a 35mm Canon EOS autofocus D-SLR, a 1980s or newer Nikon, a Minolta Maxxum camera, or any sort of Pentax K-mount camera, your existing lenses will work on a modern digital SLR—with a few exceptions for oddball lens designs here and there, and the occasional limitation. If you’re wondering why there are no Minolta cameras on the list, fear not—Sony bought its camera division a few years back, and the Alpha mount has survived. Nikon users with manual focus lenses need to take a bit of care and research to make sure that a particular lens will fit on new cameras, but any autofocus Nikkor will work, although only AF-S lenses will autofocus on the entry-level bodies.
Now, if you don’t have legacy equipment laying around, your choices are broad. Nikon and Canon lead the pack in popularity, along with the sheer number of lenses and other accessories. Sony only offers consumer D-SLR models with electronic viewfinders, which may be a dealbreaker for traditionalists who will accept nothing less than an optical finder. The current Pentax lens lineup is pretty light on the zoom lens selection—although what they do offer is pretty good—but is rife with options for compact prime lenses. For more information on what to look for when deciding on a D-SLR, be sure to check out our buying guide, and then feel free to peruse the cameras which have rated highest in our tests. This roundup is heavy on entry-level and midrange models—but we’ve also reviewed the full spate of pro-level full-frame cameras. If you’re in the market for a top-of-the-line camera, take a look at our list of the best full-frame D-SLRs, and we’ve also put a list of our favorite mirrorless cameras together if you’re after the SLR-like image quality, but want a smaller camera.
FEATURED IN THIS ROUNDUP
APS-C Sensor Size (Less Than $1,000)
Nikon D5300
$799.95, body only
$696.95 at AmazonThe Nikon D5300 D-SLR is a modest upgrade from the previous model, but it’s just as worthy, making it our Editors’ Choice for entry-level D-SLRs. Read the full review ››
Canon EOS Rebel SL1
$649.99, body only
$499.00 at DellCanon’s high-performing EOS Rebel SL1 is the tiniest digital SLR you can put your hands on, but it may be too small for some hands. Read the full review ››
Nikon D3300
$649.95 with 18-55mm lens
$399.99 at GrouponThe Nikon D3300 is a solid entry-level camera for shooters moving up to a D-SLR, but it’s not quite worthy of being named Editors’ Choice. Read the full review ››
Pentax K-50
$699.95 direct, body only
$396.95 at B&H Photo-VideoThe Pentax K-50 is a fully weather-sealed D-SLR camera with an big optical viewfinder and fast burst shooting capability. It’s available to order in any of 120 color combinations, but its video functionality is behind the times. Read the full review ››
APS-C Sensor Size ($1,000 and Up)
Canon EOS 7D Mark II
$1,799, body only
$1,799.00 at B&H Photo-VideoThe Canon EOS 7D Mark II shoots at 10fps, offers pro-level video recording, and is built like a tank. It’s our Editors’ Choice for high-end APS-C D-SLRs. Read the full review ››
Nikon D7100
$1,199.95 direct, body only
$996.95 at DellIf you’re in the market for a serious D-SLR, but don’t want to go full-frame, the Nikon D7100 is the way to go; it’s our Editors’ Choice camera in its category. Read the full review ››
Pentax K-3
$1,299.95, body only
The Pentax K-3 is the most refined K-mount SLR to date, offering fast autofocus and superb image quality. Its video autofocus implementation isn’t the best, but it still manages to snag our Editors’ Choice award. Read the full review ››
Sony Alpha 77 II
$1,199.99, body only
$948.00 at AmazonThe Sony Alpha 77 II has one of the quickest autofocus systems we’ve seen on an SLR and can shoot at 12fps, making it our Editors’ Choice. Read the full review ››
Canon EOS 70D
$1,199, body only
£779.99 at AmazonThe Canon EOS 70D delivers the smoothest Live View focus we’ve seen in a traditional D-SLR, but it can struggle to lock that focus in dim light. Read the full review ››
Full-Frame
Nikon D750
$2,299.95, body only
£1,749.00 at PC WorldThe Nikon D750 delivers pro-level performance at a reasonable asking price, making it our Editor’s Choice for full-frame DSLRs under $2,500. Read the full review ››
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