Best DSLR camera 2019: 10 great cameras to suit all budgets

by - August 07, 2019




And if you want to grab a great camera at a great price, you're in luck. Right now, ahead of Prime Day 2019, we're staying alert for the very best deals on DSLRs as they go live. With a handful of older models making out list, and some newer ones that manufacturers might want to boost, there's every chance that some of these might drop in price on or before the main event. So stay tuned.

DSLRs have long been the choice for professional users, thanks to their excellent image quality, manual control and flexibility in terms of lens options. Over the years, manufacturers started to fill their lines with options for enthusiasts and beginners too, and soon there was a fitting choice for first-time photographers through to those working in the most testing environments, and everyone in between.

Today, mirrorless cameras are incredibly popular as they manage to offer the benefits described above but, usually, in an even more compact and lighter package. The reason? They lack the mirror common to DSLRs (hence the name), and most replace the optical viewfinder with high-resolution electronic alternatives too. They may use smaller and lighter lenses too, which further helps to reduce size and weight.

If you want to know more about how they compare, read this: Mirrorless vs DSLR: 10 key differences. Or, if you want to know more about different camera types in general, check out our step-by-step guide: What camera should I buy?


BEST DSLR CAMERA


Nikon D850
The D850 isn't the newest model here, but with its high-resolution sensor, speedy burst rate and solidly constructed body, it's still arguably the best option for many users right now.
While mirrorless cameras are grabbing all the headlines at the moment, DSLRs remain relevant to many users. A DSLR is, after all, still the cheapest way to get a camera with interchangeable lenses and a viewfinder (you'll find most entry-level mirrorless cameras don't have viewfinders).

At the other end of the scale, almost all professional sports, press and wildlife photographers choose full-frame DSLRs over every other camera type. Mirrorless cameras are catching up here, but a combination of excellent autofocus systems, long battery life, wide-ranging native lens options and strong accessory support give them the edge.

That said, there are some cracking mirrorless cameras out there at the moment that are taking the place of DSLRs in pro photographers' kit bags, including the Fujifilm X-T3, Olympus OM-D E-M1 II, Panasonic Lumix S1 and Sony Alpha A7R III.

In between entry-level and full-frameDSLRs are a whole range of models aimed at different users, different levels of experience and different budgets. Here's our pick of the best DSLR cameras you can buy right now.



Great value option: Nikon D7200
This old-timer is still a cracking option for enthusiasts

Sensor: APS-C CMOS | Megapixels: 24.2MP | Autofocus: 51-point AF, 15 cross-type | Screen type: 3.2-inch screen, 1,299K dots | Maximum continuous shooting speed: 6fps | Movies: 1080p | User level: Intermediate

Before we get onto our top 10 picks of the best DSLRs you can buy right now, let's take a look at this great value option. The D7200 is a prime example of an older mid-range DSLR that packs enough under its skin to maintain its relevance in today's market. Ideal for those capturing outdoors, the 24.2MP APS-C sensor lacks a low-pass filter to help it retain plenty of detail, while the 51-point AF system is adept at tracking moving subjects. You also get a tough, magnesium-alloy body that's protected against inclement weather, together with two card slots and a large LCD scree. Its age, and the launch of the D7500 that updated it (below), has allowed its price to drop to a tempting level too. Well worth a look if you don't need the very newest camera

Best DSLR cameras in 2019

1. Nikon D850
High resolution meets high speed

Sensor: Full-frame CMOS | Megapixels: 45.4MP | Autofocus: 153-point AF, 99 cross-type | Screen type: 3.2-inch tilt-angle touchscreen, 2,359,000 dots | Maximum continuous shooting speed: 7fps | Movies: 4K | User level: Expert

It's hard to think of another DSLR that wows like the D850 does. It's on the pricey side for sure, but this is justified by excellent image quality, bags of features and a rugged, weather-resistant magnesium alloy body. The 45MP sensor is one of the highest in terms of resolution in any DSLR, while the 7fps burst mode is unusually high for a camera with such a sensor. Add to that a cracking AF system, wonderful handling and great 4K video, and it's versatility should be easy to appreciate. Like the sound of the D850, but want to go mirrorless? Well, while not strictly a mirrorless version of the D850, Nikon's newer Z7 mirrorless camera shares the same 45MP resolution as the D850, but features some clever tech of its own, including an all-new lens mount.

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