Top 10 Best DSLR Camera To Buy In 2023 Reviews

DSLR cameras are rumored to be on their way out of the world of photography, with the advent of mirrorless camera bodies. This cannot be further from the truth. The fact is that DSLR cameras have their place and always will.

Because there is something about the feel in the hand and the sound of the shutter that makes working the camera very satisfying.

There are several well-known brands of DSLRs. And each brand has a few tiers of camera bodies to choose from. In this review, we are going to find the best DSLR camera within each brand’s mid-tier collection.

So, let’s get straight to it and find the perfect DSLR Camera for you…

Best DSLR Camera In 2023  – Top 10 Rated  Reviews

1 Nikon D3500 W/ AF-P DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR Black – Best Beginner’s DSLR Camera

A beginner’s camera…

The Nikon D3500 is a DSLR that seems just a little too light and small in the hand. It is not uncomfortable. But if you are used to working with DSLRs, you will notice what we are talking about. Nikon made this model for the casual photographer and to fit in a certain price point of the market.

This is truly a beginner’s camera and has a nice ‘guide’ mode that will give a new photographer some confidence.

What’s inside…

The autofocus is the Nikon Multi-Cam 1000 system. It uses 11-point phase-detection TTL (through the lens) and is center-weighted. Focus is accomplished using the viewfinder. And you can check your settings using the fixed LCD on the back panel.

The ‘guide’ mode will take you through the dials and buttons needed to be adjusted, as well as give basic settings for the chosen picture type. Video can be shot up to Full HD 1080 at 60p.

Who will use it…

The D3500 is a nice camera for capturing candid shots and other casual-type shots. With multiple lenses and other accessories available, you can get some great results. This is especially true if you want something more than what your smartphone can provide.

It is a great camera for travelers and others who like to take snapshots.

Specifications

Our rating: (4.8 / 5)

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2 Canon DSLR Camera [EOS 90D] – Best Mid Range Canon DSLR Camera

The Canon EOS 90D is a well-built, solid in the hand, and versatile camera with a lot to offer. It has very high-end features and makes decent use of them for being a mid-tier camera.

Easy to hold, the absence of image stabilization isn’t much of a problem and can be overcome using IS lenses. With a speed of 10fps at 32.5MP, you are guaranteed to get a couple of clean and sharp action shots.

Lots of great features…

The autofocus system is fast and accurate. The 45-Point All Cross-Type AF and Dual Pixel CMOS AF work very well in low or mixed lighting conditions. With the addition of the DIGIC 8 processor, keeping focus through the viewfinder is better than in most mid-tier Canon bodies.

Video can be shot in UHD 4K at 30p or Full HD 1080 at 120p, for a limit of 30minutes. The 4K seems a bit soft but is usable for many applications.

Control and monitoring can be done via the articulating LCD touchscreen. You can also work through the pentaprism type optical viewfinder and its assistive features.

A camera for everyone…

The Canon EOS 90D is a well-rounded still and video camera that probably gives you a little more than it should. It could do without some of the frills, such as UHD 4K, and replace them with functions such as an in-body stabilization system.

The AF and overall camera speed are ideal for shooting sports and events. This makes this camera an excellent addition to a professional’s or a photography buff’s gear bag.

Specifications

Our rating: (4.8 / 5)

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3 Nikon D750 FX-format Digital SLR – Best Mid Range Nikon DSLR Camera

A serious camera…

The Nikon D750 is a mid-level camera body that will give you the experience of working with a high-end system. The body has many of the control dials and function buttons as the professional systems in Nikon’s line-up.

The body is made of a carbon fiber polycarbonate blend and has a magnesium alloy top and backplate. It is weatherized and capable of working in many different climatic conditions. This makes it great for nature enthusiasts.

Why is it a good choice?

The 51-point phase-detection Multi-Cam 3500FX II with 15 cross-type points autofocus system is fast and accurate and does exceptionally well in low-light situations. Certain modes will allow you to combine points in order to create different focal areas.

The video is HD 1920 x 1080 at 60p, and is limited to 30 minutes. It comes with picture control profiles that allow for some customization and color balance options.

Monitoring your settings can be done through the Pentaprism viewfinder or by using the 3.2-inch articulating 1.2M dot RGBW LCD.

A true workhorse…

The D750 is an all-around workhorse and works well in most situations. The autofocus system is top-of-the-line for a mid-tier camera and pulls this camera away from its competitors. Professionals may consider this a fun back-up cam. And any enthusiast would be delighted to have this in their hands.

Specifications

Our rating: (4.6 / 5)

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4 Canon EOS 6D Mark II DSLR Camera – Best Value for the Money Canon DSLR Camera

Do not be confused. The Canon EOS 6D Mark II is not a professional-grade camera like the Canon EOS 5D or EOS 1 systems. It is a nice middle of the road, well-built, and weatherized camera system that offers solid modern features.

It fits well in the hand and has a comfortable weight. So you won’t get tired if hand-holding. The EOS 6D Mark II is reliable and good across the board, neither excelling nor failing in any one area.

Solid and reliable features…

The autofocus system is solid and fast. It uses Dual Pixel processing, plus 45 cross-type phase-detection points. It is reliable in a variety of lighting conditions and good at tracking. However, the system drops a bit in accuracy if using it through the viewfinder.

Video is HD 1920 x 1080 at 60p, up to 30 minutes. Some built-in functions allow for creating UHD 4K time-lapse imagery.

Many of the functions can be monitored and controlled using the 3” articulating 1.04M dot LCD touchscreen. This is the best way to control and make changes to the autofocus system.

A perfect fit for the market…

The EOS 6D Mark II is a solid performer. It is packed with modern features and undeniably reliable. Well-built and ready to go out of the box, it is a great camera for the enthusiast looking for versatility at a low to moderate price point.

Specifications

Our rating: (5 / 5)

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5 Pentax K-1 Mark II 36MP – Best DSLR Camera for Landscape Photography

Super durable…

Pentax is known for its solid construction and durability. The K-1 Mark II comes with a stainless steel frame wrapped by a magnesium-alloy body that is completely weather sealed. It is a tank of a camera.

It does fit very comfortably in the hand, and the top customizable dials make it very easy to use. However, the weight and slow burst speed do not make it an ideal choice for shooting sports. The features that the Pentax has to offer are best suited for serious still shot photographers.

What’s inside?

Pentax uses SOFAX 12AF, which consists of a 33-point phase-detection system. This is coupled with 25 cross-type points and three luminescence sensors, to enhance performance in all lighting situations. This is not set up well for tracking action but does very well for big scene stills.

Video is shot in HD 1920 x 1080 at 30p, for a maximum of 25 minutes. There are headphone and microphone jacks to offer high-quality audio when shooting video.

Monitoring and some functions can be accomplished using the 3.2” cross-tilting 1.03M dot LCD touchscreen. The screen is unique in that it stays aligned with the optical center of the camera.

A particular camera…

The Pentax K-1 Mark II is a solid and well-built camera. It is a balance of outdated or older technology, mixed with some great features like horizon correction. If you are really into shooting landscapes, architecture, or industrial photography, you should give this one some very serious thought.

Specifications

Our rating: (4.8 / 5)

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6 Nikon D7500 20.9MP DX-Format Digital SLR Camera – Best Budget DSLR Camera

The Nikon D7500 feels solid, is fully weatherized, and comes in a shade smaller and lighter than most camera bodies in the Nikon lineup. It is a well-rounded camera that has a lot in common with its bigger cousin, the D500. Although it has less of a handful of higher-end features and specifications.

A nature enthusiast or sports shooter would find the D7500 capable and budget-friendly for what the market has to offer.

Highlights…

The autofocus works using a 51-point Multi-Cam 3500FX II system, with 15 cross-type points. It works very well in situations with good contrast but may cause jumping or bouncing in lower contrast situations.

The video capabilities are standard fare and come with some of the usual enhancements. UHD 4K can be shot at 30p, limited to 30 minutes, and you will be shooting with a 1.5x crop. There is also the addition of time-lapse.

The 3.2-inch tilting 0.92M dot LCD touchscreen will help you keep track of your focus and settings. The screen will also allow you to change certain settings and focal points. Settings can also be viewed through the pentaprism viewfinder when shooting at eye level.

Is it worth it?

The Nikon D7500 is a capable camera that works on the DX-format. This means that it is in the middle echelon of what Nikon offers, and is more for the serious enthusiast or learner. The camera is very good in some areas but may fall short in others. Not to worry, though, as it is capable of getting you the images that may knock you into the upper echelon.

Specifications

Our rating: (4.7 / 5)

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7 Fujifilm X-T30 Mirrorless Digital Camera w/XC15-45mm Kit – Black – Best Travel DSLR Camera

Like all of the Fujifilm cameras, the X-T30 is compact, well built, and can fit in the pocket. It is ideal for travel, street shooting, and quick editorial type photography. The X-T30 is the baby brother of the X-T3 camera system and shares some of its features. Although it is mirrorless, it has been put in this category for best DSLR because it isn’t built around shooting 4K video and focuses more on still imagery.

Some of the tech highlights…

The autofocus uses a 425-point phase-detection system, meaning that it depends on contrast to operate. This is a nice system and works quickly but can have some issues in flat-lighting or low-contrast situations.

The video can be done in DCI or UHD 4K at 30p and has F-Log gamma settings. However, it has limitations of 10/15 minutes filming, depending upon the format.

You can control the focus and monitor the settings using the 3-inch tilting 1.04M dot LCD touchscreen or use the 2.36 M dot EVF when shooting at eye-level.

Who would have fun with it?

The Fujifilm X-T30 is not the travel vlogger’s camera but built more for the traveler or artist that likes to go out and about around the town. With its different still shooting modes, high quality yet short video capabilities, and nostalgic feel, the X-T30 is a fun camera for the photography enthusiast.

Specifications

Our rating: (4.7 / 5)

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8 Nikon D850 DSLR Digital Camera – Best Mid Range DSLR Camera

A smaller camera with a big feel…

A robust weatherized magnesium alloy body along with added accessories gives this camera the feel of a professional’s kit. We wouldn’t be surprised if some professionals use it as a backup.

A lot has been put into this camera. And the autofocus comes from its bigger professional line cousins. The D850 can easily cover the full spectrum of shooting methods and subjects. It is intended for the serious enthusiast or young professional.

Well-packaged workings…

The autofocus is extremely fast and accurate. It works through the sensor using a 153-point Multi-Cam 20 system with 99 cross-type sensors. It offers a plethora of focusing methods to cover most situations.

Monitoring and adjusting your settings is easily done on the 3.2-inch tilting 2.3M dot LCD touchscreen. When shooting at eye-level, you can use the pentaprism viewfinder along with the easily operable dials, buttons, and joystick.

Video can be shot up to UHD 4K at 30p. There is also an 8K time-lapse function, which could add nice effects to a project. You must be mindful of time, as there is a 30-minute limit while shooting video.

Not your social media star’s camera…

The Nikon D850 is a well-rounded camera with some excellent qualities and functions. It also has a few pitfalls and some mediocre functions. It is intended for more than the casual user and will take some time to understand and use it to its full potential.

Specifications

Our rating: (4.6 / 5)

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9 Canon EOS 250D / Rebel SL3 DSLR Camera w/ 18-55mm F/3.5-5.6 III Lens – Most Versatile DSLR Camera

Why is it called a rebel?

The EOS 250D (aka Rebel SL3) DSLR is the newest body in the popular line of cameras from Canon. It is a camera for the whole family. Take it when traveling. Use it for your video blog. Or simply play with it to improve your skills in still photography and shooting video.

Compact and light, it feels good in the hand. You won’t get tired while holding the system, especially when playing with all of the added features that the Rebel SL3 has to offer.

What makes it so good?

Using the dual phase-detection and 9-point phase-detection autofocus system with the 24.1MP CMOS sensor plus DIGIC 8 processor makes this a fast and capable camera.

The ‘guide’ mode for beginners is an excellent way to learn to work all of the dials and buttons, as well as setting the functions and learning what they do. You can set your focus and check your settings using the multi-angle LCD touchscreen or optical pentamirror viewfinder.

Video can be shot in 4K at 25p and comes with the ability to do time-lapse in-camera. However, you need to be aware of time, as video can only be done for 30 minutes before draining the battery or possibly overheating the camera.

Final thoughts…

With the versatility and fun that the Rebel SL3 offers, it is difficult not to consider it as a top choice. Packaged with a wide-to-portrait telephoto lens and an inventory of others that can be purchased separately, you will be covered no matter where your skills may take you.

Specifications

Our rating: (4.8 / 5)

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10 Canon EOS 4000D DSLR Camera with EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 III Lens and Basic Accessory Kit – Best Basic DSLR Camera

What is a 1000 series Canon camera?

The Canon EOS 4000D is built for a specific audience and priced accordingly. Made of lower-grade materials and having just enough functionality, it is a perfect setup for office use or a teenager who has an interest in photography. The body comes with a wide-to-portrait focal length zoom lens, which is more than adequate to cover most needs.

How can it be at that price point?

The EOS 4000 operates using a 9-point center-weighted autofocus system and an 18MP CMOS sensor with a DIGIC4 processor. It has been stripped of many advanced technical features. This makes it a great ‘learning the basics’ camera.

Not to worry about the technology, because this camera allows you to shoot MPEG4 style video and has a very good and easy to use built-in wifi.

The back of the camera and dials are set up nicely and are easy to read. You also have the use of a fixed 2.7-inch LCD to monitor your settings and focus.

Who can use it?

Canon has really thought this out. The EOS 4000D gives just enough to be very useful and also be very budget-friendly. It is a perfect solution for those who want to document office events, a beginner in the world of photography, or the social media personality wanting more than what a phone can offer.

Specifications

Our rating: (4.5 / 5)

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Best DSLR Camera Buying Guide

Know What You Are Looking For…

The mid-tier camera market is filled with a variety of bodies that are beginner-friendly. Some would make a good backup system for a professional, as well as everything in-between. This means that the price points will have vast differences.

What Will You Do With It?

If the camera is for personal use, understand where you are as a photographer in terms of skill. Do you want to spend time learning how to operate it, or just have fun?

Several family-friendly cameras range from a little more than a point-and-shoot to some that will work well for each individual’s needs.

If the camera is intended for business, you can get by with a beginner’s camera or one slightly above that, even if it’s for internal documentation and event recording. If it will be used for promoting your business, it is wiser to go with a higher-end, more professional mid-tier model.

Things to pay attention to…

If you are leaning toward video, many of the cameras offer 4K and Full HD options. But you have to check the quality of the 4K, added features specifically for video, and for how long you can shoot. Most 4K will be nice for family videos, but may not be viable for commercial use.

If you lean toward still photography, you should determine what type of imagery you will be mostly doing. Pay close attention to the autofocus system and the speed at which the camera shoots. It can literally make or break the image.

Strangely, the lens mount needs some consideration as well. With the many different frame formats, you may find that not all brand lenses work or may need an adapter.

Looking For More Super Camera Options?

If you’re not sold on any of these DSLR cameras, we recommend that you check out a few of our other reviews. So take a look at our Best Compact Cameras Reviews, our Best Mirrorless Cameras Reviews, our Best Instant Cameras Reviews, our Best Camera Phone Reviews, and our Best GoPro Camera Reviews. These may have a model more suited to you and your purposes.

For the best camera accessories, head on over to our Best Memory Card for Camera Reviews, our Best Nikon Lenses Review, our Best Camera Backpack Reviews, and our reviews of the Best Tripods currently available in 2023.

So What Is The Best DSLR Camera?

With so many options and vast differences in capabilities, it is not easy to choose, which is the best DSLR camera. We are going to steer away from the cameras that would make a decent backup for a professional and the cameras for beginners. So, that leaves those that fall in-between.

Of our above-reviewed roundup, we chose the…

This is for its well-rounded capabilities, features, and price point. It is easy to use, has a guide mode, and can be used by everyone in the family for their own needs.

We hope these in-depth reviews helped you narrow down the selection of great DSLR cameras out there. And find out which may be the best for you.

Now get out there and use that photographic time machine to capture those special life moments.