Best DSLR Camera – Top 10 Reviewed and Testedwww.sleeklens.com
In this day and age, with the rise of smartphones, smartphone cameras, and social networks, it’s not at all surprising that more and more people are becoming interested in digital photography. With the arrival of DSLR Cameras (digital single-lens reflex camera) in the 2000s, this previously professional-only industry became much more accessible to the average consumer. Even though mirrorless system cameras are rapidly gaining popularity, the DSLR remains the most popular type of interchangeable lens camera. Today, companies such as Nikon and Canon are producing a whole range of these types of cameras, suitable for different users. Whether you are a complete beginner looking to move up to something more than a smartphone camera or a point-and-shoot, a photography enthusiast, or an experienced professional photographer, there is something for you in the 2018 market.
In this article, we will review the Top 10 DSLRs which are, in our opinion, the best available choices in 2018. Not all of these cameras are actually from this year, some of them were released a few years ago, but they are still available for purchase and represent a viable buying option. You can also find the top 10 Nikon Lenses reviewed on this page, and if you are into Canon, We have the 10 best Canon lenses here as well.
For those of you who are new to the DSLR game, before we begin, we should probably introduce you to some basic technical terms which you will see a lot, not only in this article but whenever talking about DSLR in general. Understanding the basics will make it much easier when choosing the right system for you.
APS-C image sensors – Advanced Photo System type-C – These are usually referred to as cropped frame sensors because they are considerably smaller than 35mm standard film. In practice, this means the sensor will see a smaller portion of the image, while the lens captures the whole image. In effect, using any lens with this type of sensor will give you a smaller field of view and more zoom, compared to using the same lens with a full-frame camera sensor. They are commonly used in entry-level, enthusiast and semi-pro classes of DSLRs.
Full-frame sensors – The term used to describe sensors which are a digital equivalent of the 35mm standard film. Commonly used in high-end, professional-grade DSLRs.
ISO – This term describes the sensor’s sensitivity. Lower sensitivity (ISO) settings mean the sensor will be less sensitive to light, producing images with less brightness and finer quality.
A company like Nikon have certainly hit a jackpot after creating the very first camera that became the part of their D800 series of full frame devices as they have managed to up the game in terms of high-resolution sensors but also packs it in a body filled with different types of technology that professional users will surely appreciate. As time went by, those cameras became better and better with each generation and have become capable in providing their buyers more than a camera that is only good for taking highly detailed shots of mainly still or slow-moving subjects and the Nikon D850 is here to close the gap by bringing even more resolution but also high performance and good video recording capabilities.
Overall rating:
86
Image quality:
0
91
100
Build quality:
0
94
100
Performance:
0
87
100
Price:
0
70
100
Pros
Extremely high resolution sensor
Good noise performance
9 fps burst rate
Great build quality
Weather resistance
Very long endurance
Highly advanced AF system
1/8000 sec shutter speed
4K recording
Slow-motion 1080p 120 fps mode
Microphone and headphone ports
Wi-Fi
Bluetooth 4.1 LE
NFC
USB 3.0 support
Dual card slots
Large and very sharp touchscreen
100% viewfinder
Cons
No built-in flash, Slow AF for video, No Focus peaking option during 4K recording, High price point
The first thing that has been changed over the D810 is the imaging sensor, which is now a 46-megapixel full frame BSI-CMOS unit free of any kind of AA filter. This essentially means that you will be able to get incredibly detailed photos that could only be rivaled by a couple of mainstream cameras on the market (but to do so will require you to invest in some high-quality lenses). Despite its high resolution, the said sensor is also capable of producing great looking photos in low light conditions and on those occasions where a high dynamic range is required to make the most out of your shooting scene. It also managed to match the noise performance of a lot of cameras that feature much lower resolution sensors (like 20 or 24 megapixels) which is a big achievement from a technological standpoint. Nikon has also managed to bring the native lowest ISO value down to 64 to improve the dynamic range even further and you’ll also be able to drop the ISO value to 32 or increase it to as high as 102400 (if you can accept the fact that those are the expandable values).
While no one would blame you if you thought that such a demanding high-resolution camera like the D850 wouldn’t be able to keep up the same level of performance of some of its less-demanding competitors, you’d be surprised of how good of a job Nikon have done to keep it as responsive as possible. It features both the powerful Expeed 5 processor and a very advanced 153-point (99 of those focus points are of the cross-type variety), which are the very same units found in the company’s current flagship DSLR, the D5. It also manages to sustain a burst rate of 9 fps at full resolution (something that was previously unheard of on a camera with such a performance-hungry sensor), shoot at a maximum shutter speed of 1/800 sec (or a flash sync speed of 1/250 sec) and do it all while retaining an impressive battery life of 1840 shots.
Lastly, the Nikon D850 also doesn’t disappoint in terms of either its build quality or the video recording capabilities. It’s as durable and as packed with different controls and ports as much as you would expect from a flagship DSLR, has all the modern wireless technologies built-in (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and NFC), is capable of recording both the 4K footage and the very fast 1080p videos at a framerate of 120 fps, comes equipped with one of the best screen and viewfinder combinations ever featured on a modern DSLR and much more. The only things that could stop you from getting the Nikon D850 are its slow focusing performance during video recording, lack on a built-in flash unit and a somewhat high price point (although it probably won’t be an issue for many professionals that have grown accustomed to paying a lot to get the best photography tech around).
Canon EOS 1D-X Mark II is Canon's flagship camera of 2016. Like its predecessor, the 1D-X Mark II comes from company's 1-Series (thus the 1 in its name). 1-Series means it is a top-of-the-line product, the best of the best.
This DSLR is intended for professionals, be it in the sports or news industry. You might notice a large number of 1D-X Mark II’s at big sports events, like the upcoming Olympic games.
The body is sturdy, reliable and weather-resistant. Note that his comes with a price, which is a large and a relatively heavy body. So if you’re looking for a compact DSLR, this is definitely not the one. It is also important to notice that the design and layout of the body is very similar to the previous model. This is intentional, so that photographers who are upgrading from 1D-X or a similar camera, can quickly get used to their new shooter.
The EOS 1D-X Mk II features a new sensor, a mind-blowing continuous shooting mode, improved autofocus (AF) and 4K video recording.
The new sensor features a resolution of 20.2 megapixels (5472x3648), which admittedly is not a big climb from 1D-X’s 18.1 Mpx sensor. Some might think this is an unflattering resolution for a flagship, but folks at Canon think differently. We all know Canon can make larger sensors, but higher megapixel count also means more noise and less frame rate. So, given the set purpose of this camera, we agree that 20 Mpx is probably the sweet spot required to get the best photos at the fastest rate and still with a large enough size for magazine prints.
While testing for noise levels, we have determined that you can go up to ISO 3200 without getting serious noise. The photos are still more than usable, even without noise reduction. Once you get to ISO 12800, the noise becomes much more apparent and is definitely compromising image quality. However, with some noise reduction applied, images are still quite good, even more se if you’re not viewing them at maximum resolution. If you’re wondering where the upper limit is, we’re getting there – at ISO 32000, we were still able to get usable images, although with heavy noise reduction applied. Note that at this high ISO setting, you don’t want to use these images for large output sizes. We would not recommend using 1D-X Mark II with more than ISO 51200.
One more significant upgrade to consider is the 14 frames per second capture speed. If that is not enough, you can switch to Live View and get a whopping 16 fps. We are very impressed by this speed and the capability to capture a very precise moment of any given situation.
In conclusion, we would like to say that EOS 1D X Mark II is a worthy successor to its very popular predecessor, the EOS 1D X. If you are a professional and looking to get a very fast, reliable camera which delivers excellent image quality, look no further.
The Nikon D750 is a 24 megapixel full-frame DSLR which sits somewhere between the mid-range Nikon D610 and the professional class Nikon D810. It is the perfect option for users who would like a high-quality DSLR but without some extra features offered by pro DSLRs.
That is, if you can live without the extra dynamic range and specialized manual controls found on the D810, this camera would be a good opportunity to save some money and still get many of the high-end specifications.
The body, even though much of it is plastic, feels solid and sturdy. Its size is 140.5 x 113 x 78mm, a bit thinner than D610, but still quite heavy, weighing 840g. The plastic parts are reinforced with carbon fiber, while magnesium alloy is used for the rear panel and the top plate.
D750 has a very useful tilting screen, which uses WRGB pixel structure enabling high levels of brightness while not draining too much battery. Unlike the more expensive D810, it also features an integrated Wi-Fi capability. It is actually the first full-frame Nikon to come with a Wi-Fi. This is a very nice addition indeed, as you can also use your phone to take pictures.
The controls and key placement resemble those of a typical mid-range Nikon, which means more accessibility for less experienced enthusiasts. Unfortunately this also means some shortcut buttons that are found on pro-level Nikons are not available.
Image quality and autofocus (AF) is where this Nikon D750 starts to measure with pro DSLRs. It has the same image processor as the one found on D810. Images from D750 look nothing short of phenomenal. Colors are accurately reproduced with some added vibrancy. Skin tones are natural and pleasing. At ISO 450 you will find no noise whatsoever. Image quality remains very high up to ISO 1600. Moving up to ISO 4000, you will find slight increase in noise and detail loss. With some post-processing, D750 still produces pretty good images at ISO 4000. You can go up ISO 25600 and still get acceptable images if you shoot RAW and apply some noise reduction and sharpening.
D750 actually has better AF than D810. It uses the same 51-point Multi-CAM 3500FX AF system found on D810 and D800, but with increased sensitivity. However, only the 15 central focus points are cross-type points.
Video recording is virtually identical to that of the D810. You can record 1080p video in 24, 25, 30, 50 and 60 frames per second. It also has a microphone and headphone port.
The Nikon D750 is basically a lower-end D810, but with the addition of a few key points which are better than those of D810. These include better AF system, faster continuous shooting mode and goodies such as WiFi and tilt-screen. The down side is a somewhat less durable body and smaller resolution. All things considered, this a very good value DSLR
The Canon EOS 80D is a prime example of how an enthusiast level DSLR can be an impressive tool for photography. It is a successor to the Canon EOS 70D. The 80D builds upon 70D with a new 24 megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor, which features an auto focus (AF) system with a Dual-Pixel on-sensor phase-detection.
The AF system has a 45-points all of which are cross-type, which a big improvement from 70D’s 19-point AF system. Among other improvements there is a better dynamic range, more detail at lower ISO, and better performance at higher ISO. Not everything is perfect though, despite offering capable video recording capabilities, it still lacks some of the modern features which are popular with newer DSLRs. There is considerable appeal with cameras in this range, because they offer semi-pro features at an affordable price.
The body is made mostly from plastic, with a magnesium alloy chassis. A nice addition is resistance to moisture and dust. A full weather-resistant body would be a bit too much to expect from this price range. You will be happy to know the screen is touch sensitive, making it useful for video because of touch focus capability.
Dual-Pixel AF system ensures continuous focus during both video and still shots, including live view mode. You can expect impressive focusing capability with moving subjects, thanks to the 45 cross-type focusing points. Burst mode gives you 7 frames per second, which is fast enough.
Noise handling with this camera is not fantastic, but still an improvement over its successor and a good performance for this price tag. As always, the higher the ISO settings get the more noise we see. With ISO 100 – 200, images are clear with virtually no noise. As we go higher, with ISO 3200, the results are still impressive, although we start to see noticeable amount of noise. At ISO 6400, images are quite noisy, but still usable if post-processing is applied. We would not recommend going beyond ISO 12800 unless you are aiming to get scaled-down, web-oriented photos. Generally speaking, you expect sharp, clear, high quality images from 80D.
DSLR’s have come a long way, and with sensors like the Dual-Pixel CMOS you can record very high quality videos. The 80D fully takes advantage of this sensor and delivers impressive video performance. You can record 60 fps, 50 fps, 30 fps, 25 fps and 24 fps at 1080p or 720p. 4K video is unfortunately not available. Sound recording is done with two front microphones for stereo sound.
Quite simply put, if you feel like a photography enthusiast this could be just the right camera for you. This does not mean you can’t do professional work with Canon EOS 80D, it is strong, feature-packed DSLR which would do fine for things like portrait and wedding photography.
Nikon D500, a 21MP DSLR is effectively able to shoot up to 10 frames per second and also features an exceptional auto-focusing system. This is the kind of a top quality DX format which appeared to be extinct with the D300S.
Just by exploring the general possibilities of this camera performance, it goes without saying that the D500 respectfully deserves its title as being one of the best APS-C cameras on the market today.
Even though this camera's capabilities have a wide reach, it is still challenged by situations such as high speed shots, sports scenarios and similar needs. The features which expand this niche however, are the upgrades to the video factors, the viewfinder and also its connectivity capabilities.
Let us take a look at some of this camera's key features. With a 180,000 pixel RGB sensor and the 153-point AF module combined, This model gives the user exceptional focusing speed as well as outstanding image quality.
Much like the D5, the AF system of the D500 offers two different parameters which provide much more precise auto-focus tracing, and fine tuning abilities. This is Nikon's worked out attempt to expand the AF system's shooting range to a wider variation of different situations.
Other key features of the Nikon D500 include the AF point joystick, up to 200 shots with 10 fps shooting - including a lossless compressed Raw to XQD card 14-bit, the improved viewfinder along with a 1.0x magnification and much more.
The connection is USB 3.0. Other expected but noteworthy features include microphone and headphone sockets, anti-flicker options, 4K UHD video and much more.
When taking a shot, we have 55 AF points which we can select from, which are accessible by a joystick and touchscreen, allowing the user to select a certain point much faster. Assuming you've got an XQD card, You will be able to take up to 200 raw frames before needing to slow down.
When it comes to shooting in-sync with brightest shot points, or in the situation of flickering artificial lights, the D500 comes forth with an excellent anti-flicker option. Again, this comes most in handy when shooting indoor sports at close range.
Additionally, the upgraded viewfinder really tells us that this is a top quality camera. Also, in the 4K department, the video capabilities of the D500 include an optional external microphone usage, as well as headphone sockets. This is neat when it comes to monitoring the audio.
Post-processing flexibility is taken care of with the offering of a flat picture profile. The screen will show off warnings which both remind and allow you to change the movie-mode aperture.
One thing that's not so great, however, is the fact that there are no peaking focus options, and the inability to zoom-in when recording.
To conclude and summarize, the D500 really bring a lot of new and improved features as opposed to its predecessor. It is showing exceptional capabilities with high-end quality when shooting fast-paced action, especially indoors.
For professionals who need high megapixel count DSLR for printing and cropping, Canon has introduced two new 50 megapixel cameras, the Canon 5DS and 5DS R. We're talking about full-frame camers with ultra-high resolution.
These cameras are not intended for high-speed shooting in challenging lighting. They are primarily aimed at still photographers, for studio, landscape and wedding photography. The two models don't have many differences, with the main difference being an optical low-pass filter which comes with 'S' model, while the 'S R' uses a self-canceling filter. In this review, we will focus on Canon 5DS.
The body is sturdy, but also quite bulky, weighing at 930g. Build quality is fantastic, and you can tell this camera can take a beating and than some more.
As you might expect, 50 megapixels might be a bit over-the-top for many users. For others, like landscape photographers, this will be a welcoming resolution. 50 MPx files are quite large; going up to 70 MB per file. That is why you will be glad to hear 5DS also features a USB 3.0 port for faster file transfer. To be honest, this is a common feature in most modern high-end DSLR's. On the other hand, it disappointing Canon did not also integrate Wi-Fi and NFC, especially considering the price tag of this camera.
If you are wondering about speed, let me tell you right now, it doesn't shine. You can get up to 5 frames per second and no more. But given the resolution and file size, this is understandable, even impressive. Than again you are not buying this camera for speed.
Autofocus (AF) system is quite good. Canon claims it is the best on the market, and they're not off by much. The 5DS has 61-point AF with 41 cross-type points. We have tested 5DS with a variety of lenses and it has proven super fast with all of them.
When it comes to image quality, more precisely when it come to detail, you won't find anything better than Canon 5DS. The pure detail this camera can get is nothing less than staggering. But, details are not everything. Those who are willing to sacrifice some of these pixels for a better dynamic range, might opt-out for Nikon D810, which has a resolution of 38 MPx, best-in-class dynamic range and better noise handling than Canon 5DS.
While 5DS is capable of video recording at 1080p in 30fps, it's not really meant for videographers. That becomes obvious when you consider the model lacks both an uncompressed HDMI output as well as a headphone socket.
Bottom line, if you're a studio photographer who could really make use of the massive megapixel count, than there is nothing better out there for you.. But if you're looking to get an all-around camera with versatility to adapt to different situations, this is not the one. Canon 5DS crushes competition in a few distinct areas, like the resolution and AF, but heavily lags behind in many other areas.
Nikon D5 is Nikon's full-frame superstar when it comes to high-speed DSLRs. We are of course talking about the impressive continuous shooting mode of up to 14 frames per second. Other key features include 4K video recording, a 20Mpx sensor and extended ISO settings which go up to ISO 3,200,000!
Watch video review
Overall rating:
80
Image quality:
0
90
100
Body quality:
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86
100
Performance:
0
95
100
Price:
0
50
100
Pros
Exceptional noise handling
Very fast performance at 14fps
Durable, water-resistant body
Excellent image quality
4K video
Good battery life
Cons
4K video limited to 3 minutes before firmware update
Not surprisingly, whenever new models in existing high-end series come out, as far as the body goes, they turn out to be very similar to previous model. Nikon D5 is no exception; an inexperienced eye would have a hard time distinguishing it from Nikon D4 or F5. Experienced professional would of course notice some differences in layout and subtle changes in design. This is not a bad thing, as higher-tier Nikons are known for a comfortable and intuitive design.
Next to my D5, I have several older Nikon DSLR’s, including D3 and an older D2Xs from 2006. They’ve both suffered a considerable amount of beating over the years, yet they remain fully functional and without serious physical damage. These bodies are built to last.
Images taken with Nikon D5 generally look very good, with accurate white balance and sharp details. We have been testing how the sensor handles different ISO settings. As far as low ISO levels go, D800 remains unbeaten. It is in higher ISO that D5 really shines, we would even say the results are unmatched by any other DSLR out there. Everything up to ISO 409600 is quite usable if some post-processing is applied. You can go even higher if the intended purpose of the images is in smaller outposts for the web. The dynamic range is good, as always with top-quality Nikon DSLR’s. Autofocus (AF) is very fast and accurate.
As far as in-camera picture-taking settings go, you have control over clarity, contrast, brightness, hue and saturation, as well as sharpness.
As already mentioned, D5 offers 4K video recording. This feature will surely attract at least intermediate videographers. Video quality is fine and generally looks quite pleasing. You will be satisfied with sharpness and color reproduction. When D5 came out, there was a serious limitation with 4K video recording; it was limited to 3 minutes. Luckily for you, Nikon recently released a firmware update which increased the maximum recording time in 4K up to 30 minutes. Keep in mind these 30 minutes are divided in eight separate files. For comparison, Canon’s 1D-X Mark II is limited in 4K video recording to 10 minutes.
Nikon D5 comes as a nice upgrade to existing Nikon D3, D4 or D4s users. Battery life is excellent with up to 4000 shots per charge. If you’re a long-time Nikon follower with Nikon lens collection, and in need of a high-speed camera with excellent noise handling, than this DSLR is right for you.
While the enthusiast-oriented cameras are always ones that grab the most attention from the public and tend to be covered by the majority of tech news portals, it's the entry-level models that often get overlooked and fall in the shadows of their more expensive counterparts. While this article itself features more than a few of these types of high-end cameras (since this is an article about the best DSLRs out there), the best doesn't always mean the most expensive or the most feature packed. To prove our point, we have decided to include one of the more affordable (but still capable) DSLRs on the market, the Nikon D5600. It represents one of the best values for money amongst these types of cameras and aims to bring high-quality photography in the hands of more people (especially those that are beginners but want a camera that will mark a big step up over their smartphones or point-and-shoots).
The Nikon D5600 brings a well-known 24-megapixel APS-C sensor that was already featured in many of Nikon's cameras and also forgoes the AA filter (which means that it will produce sharper photos but with the possibility of the moiré effect to appear on some occasions). While the said sensor doesn't break any new grounds with its image quality (those types of technological advancements are still reserved for the upper-tier cameras) it is still one of the most capable APS-C sensors around thanks to its excellent dynamic range and very good noise performance. For those reasons, the D5600 manages to live up to the expectations anyone would have formed a Nikon DSLRs in terms of image quality and thus should already pique the interest of those people interested in getting great looking photos on the cheap. It's also coupled with a capable Expeed 4 processor (which should bring mature JPEG processing) and brings a standard ISO range of 100-25600.
Performance-wise, the D5600 includes a decent set of features that won't impress anyone already invested in photography but will provide a great platform for any beginners and amateurs to work on their skills without any interruptions or bad responsiveness (something that used to be the case with some entry-level cameras while back). Its 39-point phase detect AF system will allow you to easily get perfectly focused shots in most conditions (shooting in low light will slow it down a bit) and even tackle some light sports photography and subject tracking (since this is the same focusing system featured in the older but venerable Nikon D7000). This also holds true for the included 5 fps burst rate, which certainly isn't the fastest around but decent for an entry-level DSLR. The fastest shutter speed of 1/4000 sec is also standard for this type of a camera but the battery life of 970 is great to have and will allow you to shoot away for days without charging the D5600 (if you're mostly shooting using the viewfinder and not the LCD screen).
While the build quality of this camera isn't anything exceptional by today's standards (since it doesn't feature any premium materials or any kind of protection against the elements) it will make its owners happy with its rational dimensions and very low weight of 465 grams (making it a very portable DSLR and easy to carry around without becoming any kind of serious burden). It also includes a basic control set (backed up by a rather nice 3.2-inch fully articulated TFT LCD touchscreen with a resolution of 1,037,000 dots), standards USB and HDMI ports (as well as the external microphone socket), full set of wireless technologies (Wi-Fi, NFC and Bluetooth), a usable but unimpressive 95% accurate optical viewfinder, a very capable pop-up flash unit that brings a maximum range of 12 meters and lastly, the necessary ports to connect the optional remote control and GPS units. More serious videographers out there won't appreciate the lack of a headphone jack, 4K recording and Log profiles, but the Nikon D5600 still presents itself as a decently capable DSLR for doing some amateur video work or vlogging thanks to its articulating touchscreen, narrow dimensions, smooth 1080p 60fps recording, stereo microphones (and the aforementioned microphone socket) and the great battery life. If you aren't in need of 4K recording, you will surely be satisfied with what it has to offer on the video front at its price point.
No article containing the best available DSLRs on the market would be the same without featuring a camera coming from one of Canon’s venerable 5D flagship series of cameras and this time things aren’t any different than they were more than a decade ago when the first DSLR in the series was released. While Canon was always taking their sweet time when it comes to bringing all the available modern tech to their cameras and instead focusing on giving their potential customers and loyal users the most reliable shooting experience possible, things are finally changing with their newest flagship, the 5D Mark IV. While it is still a traditional workhorse DSLR in almost every way, it does break some new grounds for Canon in terms of a couple of its features and thus making it very competitive against other high-end DSLRs and mirrorless cameras. It also retains the high price point that also came with the company’s flagship cameras and will still be out of grasp for most photographers, but since it’s a camera targeted at professional users, most of them surely won't’ mind paying the premium to get the best Canon experience possible when it comes to photography.
Overall rating:
90
Image quality:
0
98
100
Body quality:
0
93
100
Performance:
0
85
100
Price:
0
85
100
Pros
Excellent image quality
Great build construction
Weather sealing
Fast performance
Capable AF system
Large and sharp touchscreen
100% accurate viewfinder
1/8000 sec fastest shutter speed
7 fps burst rate
4K recording
Dual card slots
USB 3.0 support
Wi-Fi
NFC
GPS
Good battery life
Microphone and headphone jacks
Dual Pixel AF is great for video recording
HDR video
Dual Pixel RAW feature
Cons
No articulating screen
No built-in flash
No stereo microphones
Big crop applied to 4K footage
Video quality is excellent but takes a lot of space on a memory card due to an inefficient codec being used
Doesn’t support Log profile out of the box and requires a paid upgrade to obtain it
The Canon 5D Mark IV brings a much-improved sensor over its predecessor and manages to address a lot of its shortcomings on the way (a lot of them were the products of its time since it 5D Mark III was released 6 years ago). The new sensor is a 30.4-megapixel full frame unit that will give you noticeably more resolution to work with, very good dynamic range and noise performance (although not class leading, mind you) and also, Canon’s on-sensor Dual Pixel AF phase detection system. While higher resolution sensors do exist on other flagship cameras, we believe that 30 megapixels are a nice balance between good resolution and overall speed of operation that will be retained with the camera being given a lot more breathing room to work with its sensor efficiently. The said sensor also retains the Canon’s familiar JPEG algorithms known for their color accuracy and the capable Digic 6+ is here to provide the camera with enough oomph to process the images with great speed. The native ISO range is decent with values that can go as high as 32000 (expandable to 102400) and the Dual Pixel RAW feature will allow you to take your photos with the DPRAW format and gain more room for adjustments inside of Canon’s Digital Photo application (focus micro-adjustments, bokeh shift and aberration and flare corrections).
The 5D Mark IV is also no slouch when it comes to its performance, as you would expect out of a flagship-grade camera. You could easily use instead of a more a sports-oriented camera if a burst speed of 7 fps is enough for your particular type of work (and you don’t need to shoot in RAW, as you’re only be getting a buffer size of around 30 shots). The buffer size for shooting JPEGs is unlimited though, no matter if you use the CF or the SD card, which is certainly a nice addition to the 5D Mark IV’s arsenal. The second thing that makes it a desirable DSLR for those in need of great performance is its AF system. It’s 61 focus point (41 of those are of the cross-type variety) system and one that will act fast and reliably no matter if you’re shooting still subjects in daylight or moving subjects in low light conditions (thanks to its -4EV rating in live view and -3EV when using the viewfinder). There is also the Dual Pixel AF technology (meaning great focusing performance in live view and during video recording), as well as the shutter speed of 1/8000 sec, endurance rating of 900 shots and the 1/200 sec flash sync speed to complete the impressive package.
Now, another reason to consider purchasing a flagship DSLR has to be the build quality, stability and the handling they tend to bring to the table and things are no different in case of the Canon 5D Mark IV. Its 890 gram body is made out of magnesium alloy, weather sealed, packed tight with different controls, slots and ports (like the headphone and microphone jacks, USB 3.0 and HDMI ports, as well as dual card slots), impressive 1,620,000-dot touchscreen, large 100% accurate optical pentaprism viewfinder and a range of different wireless technologies including Wi-Fi, NFC and GPS. The only things that are missing here are the built-in stereo microphones (there’s only a single mono microphone available) and the built-in pop-up flash and it’s only up to you to decide if you care about those features. Lastly, let us talk about video recording as it is yet another area in which the 5D Mark IV can handle itself very well. Things like 4K recording and the Log profile (although it is available as an optional upgrade) have finally found their way on a Canon DSLR and coupled together with all the necessary audio ports, Dual Pixel AF, 500 Mbps max bit-rate, 4K Frame Grab feature, HDR video (although only available for 1080p recording) really turn the Canon’s latest flagship into a fine camera for professional videographers (although some may miss features like the articulating screen and focus peaking).
A lot of photographers are always on the lookout for a best possible camera to bring them as many advanced features as possible without costing a premium amount of money and for this reason alone that part of the camera market has remained highly competitive through the years (since both the professionals that aren't in the need for a full frame camera and the amateurs looking into becoming more dedicated photographers are always considering the mid-range devices as their primary targets). While the mirrorless cameras are quickly increasing their presence on this part of the market, a lot of people still aren't interested in abandoning DSLRs any time soon and thus, we are still getting very interesting products like the Nikon D7500 that we are about to cover in this part of our article.
Overall rating:
85
Image quality:
0
85
100
Body quality:
0
87
100
Performance:
0
88
100
Price:
0
78
100
Pros
Very good image quality
Great Performance
8 fps burst rate
Capable AF system
Large and flexible touchscreen
Durable camera body
Weather sealing
Very good endurance
4K recording
Wi-Fi
Bluetooth LE
Microphone and headphone ports
Very useful built-in flash unit
1/250 sec flash sync speed
1/8000 sec maximum shutter speed
100% accurate viewfinder
Wide ISO range
Zebra patterns
Log profiles
3-axis Electronic stabilization
Cons
No dual card slots
Slow AF during video recording
No focus peaking
Averagely sharp screen
1.5x crop applied to 4K footage
The included stabilization is only available for resolutions of 1080p and below
As is expected, the D7500 is an upgraded version of D7200 and is the best choice of a camera for those that want a capable APS-C sensor, durable and ergonomic body, good performance, decent set of video recording features and also a wide variety of different ports but aren't ready to invest a premium amount of money for some additional features that they won't need.
The Nikon D7500 manages to borrow a few of its features from its bigger brother, the D500 and the most important one is its 20.9-megapixel APS-C sensor (which also lacks the AA filter to bring improved sharpness). While it brings lower resolution than the one found inside of the D7200, it did enable Nikon to bring faster shooting speeds and 4K recording (while retaining the same impressive dynamic range and noise performance) and such a trade-off in megapixels is worth it in our opinion (since most users won’t notice the difference between 20.9 and 24 megapixels). Then there’s also the new and powerful Expeed 5 processor, which aims to bring improved JPEG algorithms (as is the case with every new iteration of camera processors) and also something that is rarely seen on a DSLR, electronic image stabilization. While it isn’t as effective as a dedicated hardware-based solution and is only available for 1080p and lower resolutions, it should still be of use for those that are shooting handheld videos (especially vloggers) as a majority of them still tend to prefer full HD recording over the 4K resolution.
As we’ve already mentioned, one of the major improvements the D7500 has received over its predecessor can be found in the realm of performance. While the 51-point AF system has been borrowed from the previous model it is now noticeably better in tracking moving subjects (thanks to it working together with the new RBG metering sensor also found in the D500 and D5), can focus in dimly lit conditions with amounts of light as low as -3EV and also benefits from Nikon’s AF Fine Tune feature. The burst rate has also been improved and increased to 8 fps from the 6 fps found on the D7200, making the new camera a very decent solution for sports photographers on the budget. The 1/8000 sec fastest shutter speed, an endurance of 950 shots and the 1/250 sec flash sync speed also paint a nice picture of the D7500 in terms of its performance.
Lastly, we need to talk about the camera body and the video recording capabilities. Both of these areas are covered very well and further attribute to all the positive energy surrounding the Nikon’s latest mid-range DSLR. Its body features a magnesium alloy construction, weather sealing, advanced set of manual controls, microphone and headphone jacks, a decent 9,220,000-dot 3.2-inch TFT LCD fully articulating touchscreen and the respectably large and bright 100% accurate pentaprism viewfinder with a magnification of 0.94x, a pop-up flash unit with a very good range of 12 meters (at an ISO of 100), Wi-Fi and Bluetooth and also, the obligatory USB and HDMI ports. In terms of the features related to video recording, the D7500 includes support for 4K 30 fps and 1080p 60 fps recording, Zebra patterns, full manual control over exposure, different picture (log) profiles and also the aforementioned microphone and headphone jacks (as well as a set of its own built-in microphones).
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
I’m a photography enthusiast and an experienced photographer. I am looking to upgrade from an entry-level Mirrorless or DSLR. Which DSLR is my best option?
If you are looking for a general purpose, semi-professional or enthusiast-level DSLR, the Canon 80D is most likely your best option. It has an advanced Hybrid AF system, a very capable APS-C sensor and shares many of the design and control features found in professional DSLRs.
In case you are an established Nikon user, you should check out the Nikon D7500 or Nikon D7200, which are similarly positioned regarding camera class and purpose.
I need a weather-resistant DSLR, I am interested in seeing the options across different price points.
Weather-resistance is usually reserved for high-end DSLRs, but weather-sealing is also present in some mid-end cameras to a certain degree. If you are looking for weather-sealed DSLRs with APS-C sensor, take a look at the Canon 80D, Nikon D7200 and Canon 7D Mark II. If you want a full-frame DSLR that will resist rain and splashes, as well as other conditions, take a look at the Canon 5Ds, Canon 1D-X Mark II, Nikon D750 and Nikon D810.
What is the difference between a full-frame and APS-C DSLR?
Full-frame and APS-C are terms which determine the type of sensor used in a DSLR. Full-frame sensors are the digital sensor equivalents of a 35mm film and are larger than ASP-C sensors. Full-frame sensors are usually reserved for professional DSLR cameras while ASP-C sensors are used in entry-level, enthusiast and semi-professional cameras.
An important practical difference is the sensor crop factor which in turn affects lens focal length. For example, Canon APS-C sensors all have 1.6x crop factor which translates into longer focal length compared to the same lens used on a full-frame sensor.
Program modes – Manual, Auto, P, Av, Tv. What do they mean?
DSLR come with different program or shooting modes which are usually located on the main dial.
Tv – Shutter priority. You can choose the shutter speed, the camera takes care of the rest.
Av – Aperture priority. Same as with Tv, only this time you choose the aperture.
P – Program mode allows you to select parameters such as ISO, metering, exposure and white balance while the camera takes care of more advance settings such as shutter speed and aperture.
M – Manual mode allows you to manually set each setting.
Auto – Fully automatic mode where you only point and shoot.
What is a good entry-level DSLR for general purpose photography?
The Nikon D3300 is an excellent starting camera for an amateur photographer. Combined with a good lens it will even do justice for rising enthusiasts on a budget. Featuring a 24-megapixel CMOS APS-C sensor, it produces photos with excellent image quality.
Do I get a lens when I buy my first DSLR?
It depends. Most retail DSLRs, especially entry-level DSLRs, come with one or two kit lens. More often than not, you have the option to either buy the body only or buy body + lens.
What is focal length?
Focal length in photography is a lens-specific term that describes the level of magnification of the lens. Higher focal length means more optical zoom. At the same time, the higher the focal length the narrower will the field of view be.
For example, a lens with focal length of 10mm will capture an extremely wide field of view and is often used in landscape photography. On the other hand, if one would want to capture a very distant subject, a lens with a large focal length would be required, typically 200mm or more.
I need a fast DSLR for professional action and sports photography. What is the best choice?
That would be the Canon 1-DX Mark II. Released in 2016. It comes with all the latest features, but it really shines with raw performance. It can shoot at whopping 16 FPS and has excellent ISO performance and is able to produce usable images up to ISO51200. This means you will have no trouble taking sharp fast action photos even in poor lighting. The 1D-X also features 4K video recording.
I need a high-megapixel count camera for large print photography. What is the best option?
The Canon 5Ds is designed to satisfy even the largest prints. It features a 50MP sensor with excellent performance. A number of details in the images is staggering. It’s a perfect choice for landscape photographers who wish to print their photos. This means it’s a great tool for commercial billboard photos but it will also do an awesome job in any situation, short of action photography.
What is camera remote control?
You can remotely control your camera’s shutter, as well as other settings by connecting it to an appropriate device via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth or cable. Modern cameras come with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for easier photo sharing as well.
Prime vs. Zoom lenses
This is not strictly a DSLR question but it is related to DSLR lenses. It is a question we get asked a lot and this might be a good place to give an answer. In case you are wondering, the difference between prime and zoom lenses is in focal length extendability. Zoom lens offers a certain range of focal length, say 18-55mm, while prime lenses offer a single fixed focal length, such as 35mm.
What are the most important parameters for handling low light photography?
For taking quality photos during low light, a camera should have a wide ISO range, but also a large sensor and good noise-reduction algorithms to cope with high ISO noise. Another equally important parameter is the aperture size in the lens (described by the F number). Larger aperture allows more light to come into the sensor. Shutter speed can be lowered to allow the sensor more time to collect more light. Note that using slower shutter speeds can introduce motion blur if the camera is not firmly fixed or if moving subjects are present.
Image stabilization – IS, OIS, DIS, IBIS, ILIS. What do they all mean?
Image stabilization, either optical (OIS) or digital (DIS) is used to combat camera shake and blur in photos. Optical image stabilization is far more effective than digital IS. OIS can be implemented either in the lens (ILIS) or in the camera body (IBIS). Image stabilization is extremely useful during low light photography when slower shutter speeds are necessary.
Selection Criteria
These are the criteria we take into review when recommending a camera.
Most important things we consider before recommending a cameraDesign
– Even the most basic DSLR can look intimidating compared to regular point-and-shoot cameras. There are usually a lot of controls, dials, and buttons to choose from. More advanced DSLRs have even more manual controls. A DSLR camera needs to be designed intuitively so it is relatively easy to operate and hold.
Price/Product rate – There is the best camera, and then there is best value camera. Our selection of recommendations is focused on the best quality for the price. Some cameras are unreasonably expensive while offering only slight improvement compared to rivals. We chose cameras with best product/price rate for you to choose from. There are no bad buys here.
Weight – Weight is something to pay attention to when choosing a DSLR camera. DSLRs are generally chunky and weighty compared to other cameras and it can prove a challenge in prolonged operation. Our list of options offers lightweight DSLRs for travel and casual photographers as well as heavier counterparts for professional work. Do note that weight will and can drastically increase once you add things such as lens and battery grip, among other accessories.
Waterproof capabilities – Having a waterproof camera can be a crucial factor or it can be an irrelevant factor. Depending on the type of photography you are doing, you might want to consider a fully waterproof camera. Some DSLR cameras are only partially waterproof while others are not at all.
Grip – Most DSLRs nowadays have good, deep grip, especially when compared to other types of camera. The grip is part of camera’s design and can be a deciding factor on whether you accidentally drop your camera or you start feeling pain in your hands after prolonged use.
Image Quality – Image quality sits right next to flexibility and performance among top reason people choose a DSLR camera. In our recommended list of Best DSLRs for 2017, there are no cameras with bad image quality. However, more expensive, higher class cameras cope better with the demanding condition, such as in low light photography.
Adaptability – DSLR cameras are highly adaptable to a wide variety of needs and circumstances. Some cameras have special features designed to increase adaptability in special circumstances.
Ease of Use – Any DSLR comes with a learning curve unless you’re going to exclusively shoot in Automatic mode. However, entry-level, amateur-oriented DSLRs are easier to use and have more user-friendly features. Advanced DSLRs designed for professionals do have a lot of manual controls, but the cameras we recommend are all intuitively designed to ensure appropriate ease of use.
Availability – All DSLR cameras listed in this buying guide are available for purchase online (through one of our Amazon) links, and locally from your closest reseller.
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If you had waited a bit longer you could have put Canon 5D Mark IV here, talking about TOP Cameras… 🙂
Nick •
Guest
At the moment I’m using a Pentax K-3. I believe that it deserves to be on the higher end of the list, becauseit offers a lot of features, that the cameras listed above do not have. At the moment this list looks more of a Canon versus Nikon list than anything else!
Christian •
Guest
I’m quite sure if you’ll get your hands on a Pentax K-3 / K-3 II / K-1 you’ll change quite quickly your top 10 😉
jkobleur •
Verified buyer
Have you had any experience with the Pentax K-1. It might make your list.
I’ve verified my software version
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Comments (4)
If you had waited a bit longer you could have put Canon 5D Mark IV here, talking about TOP Cameras… 🙂
At the moment I’m using a Pentax K-3. I believe that it deserves to be on the higher end of the list, becauseit offers a lot of features, that the cameras listed above do not have. At the moment this list looks more of a Canon versus Nikon list than anything else!
I’m quite sure if you’ll get your hands on a Pentax K-3 / K-3 II / K-1 you’ll change quite quickly your top 10 😉
Have you had any experience with the Pentax K-1. It might make your list.