The best DSLR
Digital Single Lens Reflex (DSLR) cameras are a very popular choice for amateur and professional photographers alike. These cameras feature an optical viewfinder that presents a direct optical view through the lens. In contrast, mirrorless cameras capture the image with their sensor and project it on a screen.
There is a wide and growing choice of DSLRs on the market. It is not easy to decide which one is best. Indeed, what does it really mean to look for the best DSLR? The camera that offers the best imaging experience? The one with the highest sensor resolution? The one that is most portable? The DSLR that does not break the bank? The answers to these questions come down to personal preference, but hopefully the listings below will prove to be useful for your camera decision process.
The highest rated DSLR
The Camera Elo represents a comprehensive rating that takes the body, sensor and feature characteristics of digital cameras into account. It is based on the outcomes of thousands of pair-wise comparisons undertaken via the CAM-parator app.
The Pentax K-3 III is currently the top-ranked DSLR with a Camera Elo of 2833, followed in second place by the Canon 1D X Mark III with a rating of 2832. The table below lists the 20 highest ranked DSLR in descending order of their Elo. It also reports the cameras' DXO Mark sensor quality score, which can be taken as indicators of pure image quality. For both the Camera Elo and the DXO score, higher values represent better performance.
| Camera Model |
Lens Mount |
Camera Elo |
DXO Score |
Sensor Class |
Resolution (MP) |
Video Format |
Camera Launch | Launch Price | Street Price |
||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Pentax K-3 III | Pentax K | 2833 | 85 | APS-C | 25.6 | 4K/30p | Mar 2021 | US$ 1 999 | amazon.com | |
| 2. | Canon 1D X Mark III | Canon EF | 2832 | 91 | Full Frame | 20.0 | 4K/60p | Jan 2020 | US$ 6 499 | amazon.com | |
| 3. | Nikon D780 | Nikon FX | 2807 | 95 | Full Frame | 24.3 | 4K/30p | Jan 2020 | US$ 2 299 | amazon.com | |
| 4. | Nikon D6 | Nikon FX | 2770 | 95 | Full Frame | 20.7 | 4K/30p | Feb 2020 | US$ 6 499 | amazon.com | |
| 5. | Canon 90D | Canon EF-S | 2659 | 83 | APS-C | 32.3 | 4K/30p | Aug 2019 | US$ 1 199 | amazon.com | |
| 6. | Nikon D850 | Nikon FX | 2597 | 100 | Full Frame | 45.4 | 4K/30p | Jul 2017 | US$ 3 299 | amazon.com | |
| 7. | Pentax K-1 II | Pentax K | 2521 | 93 | Full Frame | 36.2 | 1080/60i | Feb 2018 | US$ 1 999 | amazon.com | |
| 8. | Sony A99 II | Sony A | 2512 | 92 | Full Frame | 42.2 | 4K/30p | Sep 2016 | US$ 3 199 | ebay.com | |
| 9. | Canon T8i | Canon EF-S | 2485 | 83 | APS-C | 24.0 | 4K/24p | Feb 2020 | US$ 749 | ebay.com | |
| 10. | Canon SL3 | Canon EF-S | 2482 | 82 | APS-C | 24.0 | 4K/25p | Apr 2019 | US$ 599 | amazon.com | |
| 11. | Leica S3 | Leica S | 2472 | 98 | Medium Format | 64.0 | 4K/24p | Sep 2018 | US$ 18 999 | ebay.com | |
| 12. | Canon 5D Mark IV | Canon EF | 2457 | 91 | Full Frame | 30.1 | 4K/30p | Aug 2016 | US$ 3 499 | amazon.com | |
| 13. | Nikon D500 | Nikon DX | 2418 | 83 | APS-C | 20.7 | 4K/30p | Jan 2016 | US$ 1 999 | ebay.com | |
| 14. | Canon 1D X Mark II | Canon EF | 2403 | 88 | Full Frame | 20.0 | 4K/60p | Feb 2016 | US$ 5 999 | ebay.com | |
| 15. | Canon 6D Mark II | Canon EF | 2397 | 85 | Full Frame | 26.0 | 1080/60p | Jun 2017 | US$ 1 999 | amazon.com | |
| 16. | Pentax K-1 | Pentax K | 2381 | 96 | Full Frame | 36.2 | 1080/60i | Feb 2016 | US$ 1 799 | ebay.com | |
| 17. | Nikon D7500 | Nikon DX | 2367 | 86 | APS-C | 20.7 | 4K/30p | Apr 2017 | US$ 1 299 | amazon.com | |
| 18. | Nikon D5 | Nikon FX | 2332 | 88 | Full Frame | 20.7 | 4K/30p | Jan 2016 | US$ 6 499 | ebay.com | |
| 19. | Canon SL2 | Canon EF-S | 2331 | 79 | APS-C | 24.0 | 1080/60p | Jun 2017 | US$ 549 | ebay.com | |
| 20. | Canon 77D | Canon EF-S | 2315 | 78 | APS-C | 24.0 | 1080/60p | Feb 2017 | US$ 899 | ebay.com | |
| Note: DXO values in italics represent estimates based on sensor size and age. | |||||||||||
You can access more detail on the listed cameras by clicking on the camera's name. Alternatively, you can compare two DSLR using the search boxes below. Just enter two model names into the input fields and you will promptly be taken to a respective comparison.
The highest resolution DSLR
Perhaps your primary aim is to capture images with great detail, for example in landscape photography, or to have the ability to crop images heavily in post processing while still maintaining good image quality. In this case, the best DSLR might be the one with the highest sensor resolution. The following table lists the 20 DSLRs with the highest megapixel count. Again, clicking on the camera's name will reveal further detail.
| Camera Model |
Lens Mount |
Resolution (MP) |
Camera Elo |
DXO Score |
Sensor Class |
Video Format |
Camera Launch | Launch Price | Street Price |
||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Leica S3 | Leica S | 64.0 | 2472 | 98 | Medium Format | 4K/24p | Sep 2018 | US$ 18 999 | ebay.com | |
| 2. | Pentax 645Z | Pentax 645 | 51.1 | 2004 | 101 | Medium Format | 1080/60i | Apr 2014 | US$ 8 499 | ebay.com | |
| 3. | Canon 5DS | Canon EF | 50.3 | 2069 | 87 | Full Frame | 1080/30p | Feb 2015 | US$ 3 699 | ebay.com | |
| 4. | Canon 5DS R | Canon EF | 50.3 | 2069 | 86 | Full Frame | 1080/30p | Feb 2015 | US$ 3 699 | ebay.com | |
| 5. | Nikon D850 | Nikon FX | 45.4 | 2597 | 100 | Full Frame | 4K/30p | Jul 2017 | US$ 3 299 | amazon.com | |
| 6. | Sony A99 II | Sony A | 42.2 | 2512 | 92 | Full Frame | 4K/30p | Sep 2016 | US$ 3 199 | ebay.com | |
| 7. | Pentax 645D | Pentax 645 | 39.5 | 1545 | 82 | Medium Format | - | Mar 2010 | US$ 9 995 | ebay.com | |
| 8. | Leica S Typ 007 | Leica S | 37.5 | 2150 | 93 | Medium Format | 4K/24p | Sep 2014 | US$ 24 499 | ebay.com | |
| 9. | Leica S-E Typ 006 | Leica S | 37.5 | 1871 | 93 | Medium Format | - | Sep 2014 | US$ 16 599 | ebay.com | |
| 10. | Leica S Typ 006 | Leica S | 37.5 | 1625 | 76 | Medium Format | - | Sep 2012 | US$ 21 949 | ebay.com | |
| 11. | Leica S2 | Leica S | 37.5 | 1520 | 82 | Medium Format | - | Sep 2008 | US$ 22 999 | ebay.com | |
| 12. | Pentax K-1 II | Pentax K | 36.2 | 2521 | 93 | Full Frame | 1080/60i | Feb 2018 | US$ 1 999 | amazon.com | |
| 13. | Pentax K-1 | Pentax K | 36.2 | 2381 | 96 | Full Frame | 1080/60i | Feb 2016 | US$ 1 799 | ebay.com | |
| 14. | Nikon D810 | Nikon FX | 36.2 | 2214 | 97 | Full Frame | 1080/60p | Jun 2014 | US$ 3 299 | ebay.com | |
| 15. | Nikon D800E | Nikon FX | 36.2 | 2013 | 96 | Full Frame | 1080/30p | Feb 2012 | US$ 3 299 | ebay.com | |
| 16. | Nikon D800 | Nikon FX | 36.2 | 2012 | 95 | Full Frame | 1080/30p | Feb 2012 | US$ 2 999 | ebay.com | |
| 17. | Canon 90D | Canon EF-S | 32.3 | 2659 | 83 | APS-C | 4K/30p | Aug 2019 | US$ 1 199 | amazon.com | |
| 18. | Canon 5D Mark IV | Canon EF | 30.1 | 2457 | 91 | Full Frame | 4K/30p | Aug 2016 | US$ 3 499 | amazon.com | |
| 19. | Canon 6D Mark II | Canon EF | 26.0 | 2397 | 85 | Full Frame | 1080/60p | Jun 2017 | US$ 1 999 | amazon.com | |
| 20. | Pentax K-3 III | Pentax K | 25.6 | 2833 | 85 | APS-C | 4K/30p | Mar 2021 | US$ 1 999 | amazon.com | |
| Note: DXO values in italics represent estimates based on sensor size and age. | |||||||||||
The most portable DSLR
A well-known proverb states that the best camera is the one that you have with you. As such, a smaller and lighter camera will likely get more use than a bulkier and heavier model. The table below lists the 20 lightest DSLR that have been released since 2015 in ascending order of their weight.
| Camera Model |
Lens Mount |
Camera Weight |
Camera Size |
Camera Elo |
Sensor Class |
Resolution (MP) |
Camera Launch | Launch Price | Street Price |
||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Nikon D3500 | Nikon DX | 14.6 oz | 4.9 x 3.8 x 2.8 in | 2004 | APS-C | 24.0 | Aug 2018 | US$ 429 | ebay.com | |
| 2. | Canon T100 | Canon EF-S | 15.4 oz | 5.1 x 4.0 x 3.0 in | 1799 | APS-C | 17.9 | Feb 2018 | US$ 399 | amazon.com | |
| 3. | Nikon D3400 | Nikon DX | 15.7 oz | 4.9 x 3.9 x 3.0 in | 1951 | APS-C | 24.0 | Aug 2016 | US$ 499 | ebay.com | |
| 4. | Canon SL3 | Canon EF-S | 15.8 oz | 4.8 x 3.7 x 2.8 in | 2482 | APS-C | 24.0 | Apr 2019 | US$ 599 | amazon.com | |
| 5. | Canon SL2 | Canon EF-S | 16.0 oz | 4.8 x 3.7 x 2.8 in | 2331 | APS-C | 24.0 | Jun 2017 | US$ 549 | ebay.com | |
| 6. | Nikon D5600 | Nikon DX | 16.4 oz | 4.9 x 3.8 x 2.8 in | 2304 | APS-C | 24.0 | Nov 2016 | US$ 699 | ebay.com | |
| 7. | Nikon D5500 | Nikon DX | 16.6 oz | 4.9 x 3.8 x 2.8 in | 2054 | APS-C | 24.0 | Jan 2015 | US$ 899 | ebay.com | |
| 8. | Canon T7 | Canon EF-S | 16.8 oz | 5.1 x 4.0 x 3.1 in | 1910 | APS-C | 24.0 | Feb 2018 | US$ 449 | amazon.com | |
| 9. | Canon T6 | Canon EF-S | 17.1 oz | 5.1 x 4.0 x 3.1 in | 1802 | APS-C | 17.9 | Mar 2016 | US$ 449 | ebay.com | |
| 10. | Canon T8i | Canon EF-S | 18.2 oz | 5.2 x 4.1 x 3.0 in | 2485 | APS-C | 24.0 | Feb 2020 | US$ 749 | ebay.com | |
| 11. | Canon T7i | Canon EF-S | 18.8 oz | 5.2 x 3.9 x 3.0 in | 2302 | APS-C | 24.0 | Feb 2017 | US$ 749 | ebay.com | |
| 12. | Canon 77D | Canon EF-S | 19.0 oz | 5.2 x 3.9 x 3.0 in | 2315 | APS-C | 24.0 | Feb 2017 | US$ 899 | ebay.com | |
| 13. | Canon T6i | Canon EF-S | 19.6 oz | 5.2 x 4.0 x 3.1 in | 2006 | APS-C | 24.0 | Feb 2015 | US$ 749 | ebay.com | |
| 14. | Canon T6s | Canon EF-S | 19.9 oz | 5.2 x 4.0 x 3.1 in | 2027 | APS-C | 24.0 | Feb 2015 | US$ 649 | ebay.com | |
| 15. | Sony A68 | Sony A | 21.5 oz | 5.6 x 4.1 x 3.2 in | 1948 | APS-C | 24.0 | Nov 2015 | US$ 699 | ebay.com | |
| 16. | Pentax K-S2 | Pentax K | 23.9 oz | 4.8 x 3.6 x 2.9 in | 2056 | APS-C | 20.0 | Feb 2015 | US$ 749 | ebay.com | |
| 17. | Pentax K-70 | Pentax K | 24.3 oz | 5.0 x 3.7 x 2.9 in | 2215 | APS-C | 24.0 | Jun 2016 | US$ 649 | ebay.com | |
| 18. | Canon 90D | Canon EF-S | 24.7 oz | 5.6 x 4.1 x 3.0 in | 2659 | APS-C | 32.3 | Aug 2019 | US$ 1 199 | amazon.com | |
| 19. | Pentax KP | Pentax K | 24.8 oz | 5.2 x 4.0 x 3.0 in | 2273 | APS-C | 24.1 | Jan 2017 | US$ 1 099 | ebay.com | |
| 20. | Nikon D7500 | Nikon DX | 25.4 oz | 5.4 x 4.1 x 2.9 in | 2367 | APS-C | 20.7 | Apr 2017 | US$ 1 299 | amazon.com |
The most affordable DSLR
A DSLR is only as good as the lens that is placed in front of its sensor. Thus, the best DSLR is one that leaves room enough in the budget to purchase a high quality lens to go with it. More generally, budgetary considerations are almost always important when deciding on a camera purchase, so that the following listing should be of interest. It displays the 20 least expensive DSLRs that have been released since 2015 in ascending order of their launch prices (camera only). The latter provide a good idea on the market position of the cameras, but it is often worthwhile to check the current pricing, as all except the most recent models might be available at discounts or as great deals on the pre-owned market.
| Camera Model |
Lens Mount |
Launch Price |
Camera Elo |
DXO Score |
Sensor Class |
Resolution (MP) |
Video Format | Camera Launch | Street Price |
||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Canon T100 | Canon EF-S | US$ 399 | 1799 | 63 | APS-C | 17.9 | 1080/30p | Feb 2018 | amazon.com | |
| 2. | Nikon D3500 | Nikon DX | US$ 429 | 2004 | 83 | APS-C | 24.0 | 1080/60p | Aug 2018 | ebay.com | |
| 3. | Canon T7 | Canon EF-S | US$ 449 | 1910 | 81 | APS-C | 24.0 | 1080/30p | Feb 2018 | amazon.com | |
| 4. | Canon T6 | Canon EF-S | US$ 449 | 1802 | 66 | APS-C | 17.9 | 1080/30p | Mar 2016 | ebay.com | |
| 5. | Nikon D3400 | Nikon DX | US$ 499 | 1951 | 86 | APS-C | 24.0 | 1080/60p | Aug 2016 | ebay.com | |
| 6. | Canon SL2 | Canon EF-S | US$ 549 | 2331 | 79 | APS-C | 24.0 | 1080/60p | Jun 2017 | ebay.com | |
| 7. | Canon SL3 | Canon EF-S | US$ 599 | 2482 | 82 | APS-C | 24.0 | 4K/25p | Apr 2019 | amazon.com | |
| 8. | Pentax K-70 | Pentax K | US$ 649 | 2215 | 80 | APS-C | 24.0 | 1080/60i | Jun 2016 | ebay.com | |
| 9. | Canon T6s | Canon EF-S | US$ 649 | 2027 | 70 | APS-C | 24.0 | 1080/30p | Feb 2015 | ebay.com | |
| 10. | Nikon D5600 | Nikon DX | US$ 699 | 2304 | 84 | APS-C | 24.0 | 1080/60p | Nov 2016 | ebay.com | |
| 11. | Sony A68 | Sony A | US$ 699 | 1948 | 79 | APS-C | 24.0 | 1080/60i | Nov 2015 | ebay.com | |
| 12. | Canon T8i | Canon EF-S | US$ 749 | 2485 | 83 | APS-C | 24.0 | 4K/24p | Feb 2020 | ebay.com | |
| 13. | Canon T7i | Canon EF-S | US$ 749 | 2302 | 80 | APS-C | 24.0 | 1080/60p | Feb 2017 | ebay.com | |
| 14. | Pentax K-S2 | Pentax K | US$ 749 | 2056 | 79 | APS-C | 20.0 | 1080/30p | Feb 2015 | ebay.com | |
| 15. | Canon T6i | Canon EF-S | US$ 749 | 2006 | 71 | APS-C | 24.0 | 1080/30p | Feb 2015 | ebay.com | |
| 16. | Canon 77D | Canon EF-S | US$ 899 | 2315 | 78 | APS-C | 24.0 | 1080/60p | Feb 2017 | ebay.com | |
| 17. | Nikon D5500 | Nikon DX | US$ 899 | 2054 | 84 | APS-C | 24.0 | 1080/60p | Jan 2015 | ebay.com | |
| 18. | Pentax KP | Pentax K | US$ 1 099 | 2273 | 81 | APS-C | 24.1 | 1080/60i | Jan 2017 | ebay.com | |
| 19. | Pentax K-3 II | Pentax K | US$ 1 099 | 2208 | 80 | APS-C | 24.1 | 1080/60i | Apr 2015 | ebay.com | |
| 20. | Canon 90D | Canon EF-S | US$ 1 199 | 2659 | 83 | APS-C | 32.3 | 4K/30p | Aug 2019 | amazon.com | |
| Note: DXO values in italics represent estimates based on sensor size and age. | |||||||||||
Further Reading
Additional information on the calculation of the Camera Elo can be found on a respective Elo methodology page. Moreover, there are other rankings of cameras by category that might be of interest:
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