Which DSLR camera is best? Which should I buy for filming high-quality videos and photos? These are some of the questions that we have seen while continuing our research on the Best DSLR Cameras. When it comes to making videos, the standard for having a decent DSLR camera has become quite solid. We used to see a large number of “camcorders” and other easily identifiable models dominated the market in the early 2000s, but they are not even made! You can always take the professional route, but sometimes they are not that slim, budget-friendly, or just what people want. DSLR cameras are extremely popular for some reason, so let’s see which models have made the film for video recording.
What Is a DSLR Camera?
DSLR cameras (which represent “digital single-lens reflex”) are the most popular types of cameras (both for photography and for filming video) and will remain so for a long time. There was a reason why our video camera buying guide has quite a few DSLRs. For a quick overview of how they work, these specific cameras use a special reflex design that differentiates them from your daily digital camera. The design allows light to travel through a lens and also a mirror that can be combined as the mechanism that directs the image/video to the built-in image sensor. This enables higher quality and more efficient technology that is built into the camera.
Best DSLR Cameras
Although we have seen the increase in mirrorless cameras for video (still worth considering if you have a high budget, although the differences between DSLR and mirrorless require some insight), DSLR cameras are considered by many to be one of the best choices not only for photography, but also for filming videos (except maybe action cameras that also continue to grow, but they are pretty specific with regard to use and who they attract). We think you have made a great decision to invest in one, and it will last for many years to come.
Nikon D3500
The best DSLR for beginners
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While you’re still learning and deciding what type of device is best for you, choose a device that’s simple enough to understand right away and affordable enough that you can change your mind and change it later if you decide you need something different. The D3500 is the entry-level model in Nikon’s DSLR lineup, but it has a 24.2MP sensor that is as good as a camera at twice the price, and it offers a very good continuous shooting speed of 5 fps for a beginner’s camera.
The Guide mode will help beginners get started and understand the basics, but the D3500 has all the manual controls you need to become familiar with photography while improving your skills. It sometimes comes a little cheaper with a non-VR (unstabilized) kit lens, but it’s certainly worth paying a little more for the VR version. Overall, this is one of the best DSLR cameras.
Nikon D7500
A powerful DSLR for professionals
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Nikon fans ready to switch from a beginner’s model should look at the Nikon D7500. It’s a larger and more robust camera that offers 8fps continuous shooting, Nikon’s renowned 51-point autofocus system, and the ability to shoot 4K movies. Its rear screen is tiltable, unlike the Nikon D5600’s, which is fully articulated, making vertical shots more difficult, but it is suitable for both video and horizontal shots. The D7500 has a lower resolution sensor than the D5600 (20MP vs. 24MP), but it’s a newer design that sacrifices a few megapixels in exchange for better image quality at high ISO levels and faster image capture. Overall, this is one of the best DSLR cameras.
Canon EOS 6D Mark II
The best full-frame DSLR
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Now that it is a few years old, the price of this full-frame camera has gone down and it is now accessible to those who do not make photography a full-time job. The Canon EOS 6D Mark II is the best DSLR camera with a full-frame sensor in this price range. The EOS 6D Mark II takes excellent pictures in a variety of conditions, and we also like the fact that it can take pictures at 6.6 frames per second and has a fully articulated touch screen. Its dual-pixel CMOS autofocus has a good 45-point average but does not cover the entire sensor.
We’d also like this camera to have more than one memory card slot, but its battery has a rated life of 1,200 shots, making it easy to get ready for a day of shooting. For those who want a full-format DSLR without spending a cent, the Canon EOS 6D Mark II is a good option. Overall, this is one of the best DSLR cameras.
Canon EOS Rebel SL3
If you stretch your budget, you can get 4k and a vari-angle touchscreen
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Canon manufactures a few cheaper DSLRs than this one, including the 18-megapixel EOS 4000D and the 24-megapixel EOS 2000D, but we think they are too small in terms of functionality and build quality and recommend paying a small surcharge for the EOS Rebel SL3 DSLR (sold as the EOS 250D in Europe). Why is this? Because it has a variable-angle touch screen on the back and a sensor with Canon’s dual-pixel AF CMOS technology, so real-world autofocus is really fast.
We also like the fact that you can start with a simple guided user interface while you’re still learning, and then switch to the standard setup when you feel more confident and want more control. The Rebel SL3 / EOS 250D replaces Canon’s previous Rebel SL2/EOS 200D, adding 4K video and better autofocus in live view. It’s a DSLR that can beat mirrorless cameras at their own game! Overall, this is one of the best DSLR cameras.
Canon EOS 90D
The best DSLR camera for video
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While many mirrorless cameras can shoot 4K video, this feature is relatively rare in DSLR cameras under $2,000. The Canon EOS 90D is one of the few exceptions, which is why it is the best DSLR camera for those who also want to shoot, but don’t want to spend a lot of money. When shooting video, the Canon EOS 90D’s dual-pixel sensors lock onto the subject you point at, keeping it in focus no matter where it moves.
Plus, 45 autofocus points allow it to accurately track subjects moving in front of the lens. And it shoots 4K video at up to 30 frames per second. A 3-inch touch screen that tilts and folds down lets you compose photos and videos from different angles, and a headset and microphone jack make sure you get the best sound. Overall, this is one of the best DSLR cameras.
Nikon D780
The new Nikon D780 offers the best of both worlds!
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The Nikon D780 takes the phase-detecting autofocus on Nikon’s mirrorless Z6 model sensor to offer DSLR with mirrorless camera live view performance – great! In fact, the D780 is like an upgraded and upgraded version of Nikon’s ever-popular D750 full-frame DSLR. Not only does the D780 feature advanced AF in live view mode, but it’s also equipped with a high-resolution tilt-touch screen, 4K UHD video, two UHS-II-compatible memory card slots, and a continuous shooting speed of up to 12 frames/s in live view mode.
Combine that with its solid design and comfortable grip, and you’ve got a camera that’s an instant classic. We’d just like the price to come down a bit, though – being brand new, it’s a bit expensive at the moment. It also reminds us how good (and cheap) the older Nikon D750 is at the moment. If all you need is a good quality classic camera, the D750 is still a great buy. Overall, this is one of the best DSLR cameras.
Nikon D850
This is the ultimate Nikon pro DSLR, the camera with everything
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The legendary Nikon D800 and D810 set new standards in high-resolution Nikon DSLRs and the Nikon D850 pushes things even further, raising the resolution from 36.3MP to 45.7MP, making it one of the best DSLR cameras. It has the same high-tech measuring module on Nikon’s high-end D5 and D500 DSLRs, as well as an improved autofocus system with 153 instead of 53 points and an increase of the maximum continuous recording speed from 5 fps to 7 fps. You can increase the drive rate to 9 fps by adding the optional MB-D18 battery grip and EN-EL 18b battery. 4K movie recording is another upgrade. The ultra-high-resolution ensures that image quality can start somewhat noisily at a very high ISO setting, so if you shoot in low light, the Nikon D5 and D750 are a better choice.
Canon EOS 5D Mark IV
Canon’s full-frame workhorse is massively popular with pros
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The EOS 5D Mark IV is Canon’s one of the best DSLR cameras all the time if you want a fairly high number of megapixels without sacrificing continuous drive speed and clean, noise-free picture quality at very high ISO settings. A newer design than the Canon EOS 5DS and 5DS R cameras (at number 7 in this manual), major improvements are 4K movie recording, a touchscreen interface, relatively fast Live View autofocus thanks to the Dual Pixel CMOS AF image sensor, and f/8 compatibility with normal focus with all 61 AF points, instead of just the central point. It features the classic EOS 5D operating system, which is intuitive and easy to live with, and image quality is simply stellar.
Canon EOS Rebel T7i
Still a solid entry-level DSLR for beginners
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Canon launched the EOS Rebel T7i (or EOS 800D in Europe) for 2021, but there is still a lot to do for beginners. We also believe it offers better value for money than the new Canon EOS Rebel T8i / EOS 850D. Those who want to tackle the traditional weight of a DSLR will appreciate its great maneuverability, complemented by a user-friendly interface and excellent controls on the variable angle touch screen.
Performance is not to be outdone: the 45-point dual-pixel autofocus works brilliantly with Live View, while 6fps burst shooting is not too bad for an entry-level DSLR. And the battery life of 600 shots makes any point of view disappear from the water. There are of course some compromises: the polycarbonate shell will never be confused with the high-end, while the viewfinder covers only 95% of the scene. The video resolution is also limited to 1080p, and while the overall image quality is impressive, the dynamic range could be better. Overall, this is one of the best DSLR cameras.
Pentax K-1 Mark II
Pentax makes only one full-frame DSLR, but it’s a cracker!
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Another classic DSLR option for those looking for the best Pentax cameras to buy, offering many features while handling itself in a way that is familiar to photo enthusiasts. Again, as it is a Pentax, we have built-in vibration reduction, but the real selling point is the full-frame sensor with its 36.4 million pixel resolution. The scissor-action rear screen and extended exposure modes, as well as the two SD card slots, are also impressive.
It’s not all good news; the camera only offers a modest maximum burst speed of 4.4 fps in full-frame, which, while sufficient, won’t impress sports or action photographers. There’s also no phase-detection hybrid AF system for its live view mode and “only” Full HD video capability rather than 4K, but we’re fortunate to have the same precise and powerful 33-point AF system as its predecessor. But at the end of the day, excellent image quality at an affordable price awaits you with this Pentax DSLR. Overall, this is one of the best DSLR cameras.
How To Choose the Best DSLR Cameras?
- Your Budget – Most of the Best DSLR cameras that are worth watching that we’ve included here do not fall below $300, while others that offer you first-class quality and general additive features will exceed $1000. How much money you have on hand to invest in your DSLR camera will really steer you in the direction.
- Lenses – Many of these DSLR video cameras come with a standard lens that works fine when filming videos. Unless you go for a specific look and know what you’re looking for, using what’s in the box will work great. If you do indeed purchase a “Body Only” package, you want to purchase a lens to make it work correctly. For those who are not concerned with the technical, beautiful lens look, and want something just to make their 1080p videos, grab a high-valued budget-friendly lens that is no more than a hundred dollars or two. Otherwise, we recommend reading our articles for a DSLR lens article if you want something spiffy.
- Additional Features – First of all, we ensured that each of the recommended models included at least 1080p HD recordings (30 fps if possible). In addition, what extra functions you want in your DSLR video camera really depends on your taste, such as filters, continuous shooting modes (for photography), and more.
- Video Quality – As mentioned earlier, the standard now comes to 1080p or is not worth it. If you can get a DSLR camera that also delivers up to 30 fps, you are in the right place in the long run. However, if you want to go a step further and want to be more advanced, you can start by looking at the compression types, digic processors, and the overall quality that the specific model offers. We have tried to shed some light on this subject where it applies, otherwise, we have made sure that every recommendation has given us the 1080p standard HD video clips. As can be seen in our best 4K video camera line, it still has a long way to go before it is affordable, supported by devices, and more popularly recorded in cameras (especially DSLRs).
- Extra Accessories – Besides the fact that you need some solid video editing software to finalize your videos, popular accessories include tripods, (as mentioned above) lenses, belts, bags, and more. Do you need other items besides your DSLR video camera? Some eCommerce stores sell camera packages that contain them and can appeal to you.
- Nikon VS Canon – As you will notice, there are actually only Nikon and Canon DSLR video cameras that dominate the market. This debate between Canon and Nikon is relatively popular with video camera enthusiasts, but our recommendation is to keep in mind that a brand is a brand and to choose a model that you think fits your needs as opposed to a name that does not a name is based on the camera. The article linked to the debate also sheds light on the differences if you need more help in this category.
