If you haven’t noticed, things have changed dramatically in the camera industry over the last five years. Mirrorless cameras are officially the future and DSLRs have become an afterthought for most camera manufacturers. But does that you shouldn’t buy DSLR cameras in 2023? Absolutely not. In fact, DSLRs might be the best cameras to learn with, since you develop a much better understanding of the basic elements of photography than when starting with a mirrorless camera. DSLRs are reliable cameras that are still the preference for many photographers around the world — from beginners to professionals alike. Because of that, we’re taking the time to break down everything you need to know about the DSLR cameras — from frequently asked questions to the best DSLR cameras you can buy in 2023.
What is a DSLR Camera?
A DSLR or Digital Single Lens Reflex is a digital camera that operates with a single, fixed, digital sensor and uses the same lens for framing, focusing, and taking an image. A DSLR uses a reflex mirror that reflects light into the optical viewfinder, allowing the photographer to view the frame in front of them. Once the shutter is triggered and released, the light is moved to the camera sensor, which processes and produces a photograph.
DSLR vs Mirrorless Camera
The main difference between the two camera types comes in their physical design. As their name suggests, mirrorless cameras are completely mirrorless, and the complex mirror systems found in DSLRs are removed, so the image is solely processed and created by a larger, more powerful image sensor.
The removal of mirrors also means that these more complex, powerful sensors found in mirrorless cameras also do multiple jobs, including autofocus, auto exposure, and more. A DSLR uses independent components for autofocus and exposure that work hand-in-hand with their mirror system and the light and information it passes through.
You can learn more at: Mirrorless vs DSLRs: How Do They Compare?
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a DSLR camera still worth it?
Even though mirrorless cameras are becoming the norm and main focus for camera manufacturers over the last several years, DSLR cameras are still worth buying. Many photographers prefer DSLR cameras because of their ability to work with interchangeable lenses, their optical viewfinders, better battery life, and now, their overall affordability versus newer mirrorless cameras.
DSLR cameras still provide incredible performance and typically have an established series of manufacturer and 3rd party lenses that work seamlessly with these DSLR bodies. While they might not be built with the latest technology, DSLRs have been a trusted camera for beginners and professionals for years, and continue to be a fantastic choice to learn and master photography.
What are the drawbacks of a DSLR camera?
Now, investing in a DSLR camera certainly has its drawbacks. DSLRs are typically bulkier and heavier therefore, not as portable for travel. DSLRs are also not compatible with the latest and highest-performing lenses, and are essentially stuck in outdated mechanisms and technology. The biggest drawback to DSLR cameras are their video performance and autofocusing speed, which now lag far behind top, pro-level mirrorless cameras, which use phase detection autofocus over the traditional contrast detection autofocus.
Should a beginner buy a DSLR camera?
DSLR cameras are great options for beginners because they allow you to learn the three basic elements of photography: ISO, aperture, and shutter speed. Mirrorless cameras can make photography much easier because of their advanced electronic viewfinders but take away from actually reading and understanding exposure meters, histograms, and other on-screen monitors that help with becoming confident in photography. Starting with a DSLR and moving into a mirrorless camera setup is a great option for a beginner.
Best DSLR Cameras
Canon EOS 1DX Mark III DSLR Body
The Canon 1DX series has been Canon’s flagship DSLR series for years. The Canon EOS 1DX Mark III DSLR camera carries that title to the next level, with some of the most powerful and impressive photo and video features ever found in a DSLR camera.
Key Features:
- 1 MP full-frame CMOS Sensor Combined with Newly Designed low Pass Filter.
- 4K 60p with Canon Log
- 10-bit 4:2:2 HDMI Output and 12-bit 5.5K RAW Video Internal Recording
- DIGIC X Image Processor with an ISO range of 100-102400; Expandable to 50-819200
- New 191-point AF System capable of tracking the subject’s head and face using Deep Learning Technology
- Dual Pixel CMOS AF for fast and accurate Auto Focus using up to 3869 manual AF positions and up to 525 Automatic Positions
- 16 fps Mechanical Shutter, with Optical Viewfinder, 20 fps Mechanical or Electronic Shutter, During Live View
- Possible Maximum Burst Rate of 1,000 images
- Backlit buttons
- Dust and weather-resistant build
Canon EOS 5D Mark IV DSLR Body
The Canon EOS 5D Mark IV DSLR camera builds on the powerful legacy of the Canon 5D series and offers one of the best professional DSLR cameras ever built, with powerful performance, versatility, and stunning image quality.
Key Features:
- 4 MP full-frame CMOS sensor
- ISO range 100-32000; expandable up to 50-102400 (equivalent ISO)
- 4K Motion JPEG video at 30p or 24p; in-camera still frame grab of 4K
- High-speed continuous shooting at up to 7 fps
- High-performance DIGIC 6+ Image Processor
- Dual Pixel CMOS AF for Fast and Accurate Auto Focus with 61 AF points with expanded vertical coverage with 41 cross-points
- 8-Megapixel images; Full HD up to 60p, and HD up to 120p
- LCD monitor with full touch-screen interface
- Built-in Wi-Fi and NFC connectivity
- Built-in GPS
- Includes Canon Log for better post-production color grading
- Dust and weather-resistant build
Canon EOS 6D Mark II DSLR Camera Body
As a compact, fully featured, full-frame DSLR camera, the Canon EOS 6D Mark II DSLR camera is an excellent enthusiast-level option for photographers who travel often and need reliable gear that performs at a high level but won’t weigh them down.
Key Features:
- 2 MP full-frame CMOS Sensor
- Optical Viewfinder with a 45-point All Cross-type AF System
- Dual Pixel CMOS AF with Phase-detection
- Full HD 60p recording
- DIGIC 7 Image Processor
- ISO 100-40000
- Vari-angle Touch Screen, 3.0-inch LCD
- Built-in Wi-Fi, NFC, Bluetooth, and GPS
- High-speed continuous shooting at up to 6.5 fps
- Dust and weather-resistant build
Canon EOS 90D DSLR Camera Body
The Canon EOS 90D DSLR camera is one of Canon’s newest APS-C DSLRs, with a fantastic, well-rounded feature set. It’s built for any enthusiast looking to step up their game in portraits, weddings, sports, wildlife, and more.
Key Features
- 5 MP APS-C CMOS sensor
- High-speed continuous shooting at up to 10 fps
- Intelligent optical viewfinder, comfortable to use even over long periods
- Dual Pixel CMOS AF with 45 cross-type AF points with multi-controller
- iTR focus tracking keeps even fast-moving subjects in focus
- 4K filmmaking
- Maximum ISO 25,600
- Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
Nikon D850 DSLR Camera Body
The Nikon D850 DSLR camera is not just one of the most impressive DSLR cameras Nikon has created — it’s one of the best DSLR cameras ever made. It combines incredible image quality with an impressive blend of performance and industry-leading features that will suit the needs of even the most demanding professional photographer.
Key Features:
- Nikon-designed back-side illuminated (BSI), 45.7 MP full-frame image sensor with no optical low-pass filter
- High-speed continuous shooting at up to 9 fps
- 8K and 4K time-lapse movies
- Tilting touchscreen
- Focus Shift shooting mode
- Outstanding battery performance
- 4K Ultra HD video recording, slow motion up to 120FPS at 1080p
- The lowest base ISO (ISO 64) of any DSLR or mirrorless camera
- Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
- Dust and weather-resistant build
Nikon D780 FX-Format DSLR Camera Body
The Nikon D780 full-frame DSLR camera is one of Nikon’s latest DSLRs and combines a versatile blend of photo and video features into a powerful, capable, enthusiast-level DSLR camera built to handle everything from fast-moving subjects to low-lit landscapes.
Key Features:
- 5 MP full-frame CMOS image sensor
- EXPEED 6 Image Processor
- ISO range 100-51200, expandable to 204,800
- Ultra HD 4K video at up to 30, 25, and 24 fps
- 273-point Hybrid AF system with 51-point phase-detection AF with 15 cross-type points and Eye Detection
- 2”, 2.36m-dot tilting touchscreen LCD
- High-speed continuous shooting at up to 12 fps
- Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
- Dust and weather-resistant build
Nikon D7500 DSLR Camera Body
The Nikon D7500 APS-C DSLR camera combines the fantastic features of the Nikon D500 with the comfortable, practical, user-friendly body of the Nikon D7200. This is a great choice for beginner photographers and those who want bigger features, but not a bigger camera body.
Key Features:
- 9 MP APS-C image sensor
- The same EXPEED 5 image processor as the Nikon D500
- High-speed continuous shooting at up to 8 fps
- 4K Ultra HD or Full HD videos
- Tilting 3.2-inch touchscreen
- Dust and weather-resistant build
- Built-in Wi-Fi
- Built-in flash
Pentax K-1 Mark II DSLR Camera Body
The Pentax K-1 Mark II DSLR Camera is a powerful, enthusiast-to-professional full-frame DSLR for photographers, combining fantastic image quality, speed, and in-body stabilization with other amazing features. This makes it a stand-out option in a crowded DSLR space.
Key Features:
- 4 MP Full-Frame CMOS Sensor
- PRIME IV Image Processor
- 2″ Cross-Tilt LCD Monitor
- Full HD 1080p30 Video Recording
- SAFOX 12 33-Point AF Sensor
- Native ISO 819200; 4.4 fps Shooting
- Pixel Shift Resolution II
- 5-Axis In-Body and Shake Reduction
- Built-In Wi-Fi & GPS
- Dust and weather-resistant build
Pentax K-70 DSLR Camera Body
There are a lot of great, beginner APS-C DSLR cameras, but the Pentax K-70 is easily one of the most versatile and feature-packed you can buy. If you’re just learning photography and want a reliable DSLR to learn with, this camera is a fantastic choice.
Key Features:
- 24 MP, APS-C AA filter-less CMOS sensor
- In-body “SR” shake reduction mechanism
- Pixel Shift Resolution with Motion Correction
- 1/6000th sec. shutter speed
- 4K interval movie recording
- High-speed continuous shooting at up to 6 fps
- Dust and weather-resistant build
- Built-in Wi-Fi
Conclusion
Over the last few years, it’s been obvious that DSLR cameras are not the focus of top camera manufacturers around the world. While the world is shifting towards mirrorless, that doesn’t mean DSLR cameras aren’t incredible cameras worth buying. For years, DSLRs have been the go-to option for beginners and professional photographers and videographers alike, and are still a fantastic option today.
