The best DSLR camera for 2024: top choices for photography and video (2024)

Mirrorless might be the future, but the DSLR isn’t dead yet: as the best DSLR cameras in this list prove, the format still has a lot to offer for photographers and videographers in 2024. From entry-level models to full-frame flagships, we’ve reviewed a whole range of DSLR cameras to compile our ranked guide. There’s something below to suit every skill level, budget and shooting style.

Based on hours of in-depth testing, the Nikon D3500 remains our favorite DSLR camera for most people. Officially, it’s been discontinued, but the model can still be found online. And we think it’s worth looking for: with a simple interface, excellent sensor and reliable battery life, it ticks all the right boxes for beginners. That said, we know it won’t be the right choice for everyone, especially if you’re more experienced.

That’s why we’ve covered all bases in our round-up. We suggest reading it all for a full summary of the best DSLR cameras available in 2024. Each and every option we recommend has been tested comprehensively in a number of real-world situations, where our expert reviewers assess factors such as handling, battery life, autofocus and image quality. Like our list of the best beginner DSLR cameras, the idea behind this guide is to help you find the right DSLR for your needs and budget.

Written by

Written by

Timothy Coleman

Tim is TechRadar's Cameras editor, with over 15 years in the photo video industry and most of those in the world of tech journalism, Tim has developed a deeply technical knowledge and practical experience with all things camera related. Tim notes, "new DSLRs are a rarity these days, with the camera giants now focusing almost entirely on mirrorless models. Still, if you're a fan of the DSLR format, there are some great new and second-hand options out there."

The quick list

If you want a shortcut to the best DSLR cameras in 2024, the round-up below will give you an instant overview. If any options take your fancy, use the links beneath each entry to jump to our full summary.

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The best DSLRs for 2024

Below you'll find full write-ups for each of the best DSLR cameras in our list. We've tested each one extensively, so you can be sure that our recommendations can be trusted.

The best DSLR camera overall

Nikon has discontinued the D3500, but you can still find it at many online retailers. That’s a good thing, because it’s an ideal choice for beginners looking to sharpen their photography skills. Despite its age, the D3500 has a fantastically capable APS-C sensor. In our tests, we found the images it produced were top-notch. We were also impressed by its battery life and ease of handling.

While experienced photographers should look further down this list for a suitable DSLR, we think the Nikon D3500 is proof that you don’t have to pay a fortune to get a great camera. Its controls are accessible for learners and, in the right hands, it’s a match for cameras that cost a lot more. During our review, we praised its guide mode for the way it introduces novices to manual controls, building their confidence and creativity.

To get the most out of the 24.2MP sensor, we’d recommend buying the D3500 with the ‘VR’ version of its kit lens, as this incorporates Nikon’s image stabilization system at little extra cost. Nikon also has a vast catalog of DX system lenses, giving you plenty of choice when your skills advance enough to justify a glass upgrade.

Read our in-depth Nikon D3500 review

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The best crop-sensor DSLR

The EOS 90D is quite the step forward for the EOS DSLR line. It's the first model of its kind to sport a 32.5MP APS-C sensor, which is a generous amount of pixels for both cropping and producing large prints. Unlike the earlier 80D, it also offers uncropped 4K video recording, while a new processing engine and faster burst shooting are also highlights. The 1300-shot battery provides far more juice than you'll get from the average mirrorless camera, while protection against dust and water is also a bonus.

In our review, we were impressed by the versatility of the 90D. It's an excellent all-rounder for those who like to photograph a broad range of different subjects.

It's worth weighing up whether the benefits of a mirrorless alternative to the EOS 90D, like the Canon EOS M6 Mark II, might appeal to you. The M6 Mark II is smaller, cheaper and offers faster burst shooting. But by focusing on key areas like battery life, handling and a fully articulating rear screen, Canon has made the EOS 90D a strong and versatile alternative for anyone who prefers the DSLR experience.

Read our in-depth Canon EOS 90D review

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The best full-frame hybrid DSLR

The D780 is effectively a hybrid of a full-frame DSLR and a mirrorless camera like the original Nikon Z6. And while it's still relatively expensive, the D780's slight price drop since it landed in 2020 means it's now our top pick for anyone who wants to combine the benefits of mirrorless tech and DSLRs.

Building on the solid foundation laid by the D750 (see no.8), the D780 uses the same 273-point on-sensor phase-detection AF system as the Z6, allowing it to focus rapidly when you're shooting via Live View. If you prefer to frame through its optical viewfinder, you'll be able to make the most of its impressive 2,260-shot battery life.

Our review revealed that the D780's image quality is among the best around, while its 4K video skills are boosted by the inclusion of modern features like Face and Eye detection. As one of the latest DSLR it's still quite pricey, but if that isn't an issue for you, then the D780 is one of the best full-frame all-rounders you can buy.

Read our in-depth Nikon D780 review

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The best DSLR all-rounder for enthusiasts

Fancy the Nikon D500 but don't fancy the price tag? Well, if you're prepared to make a few compromises here and there, the D7500 is what you should be looking at. It's packed with the same 20.9MP APS-C sensor (or 'DX' as Nikon calls it) as its more senior stablemate, and also matches it in offering 4K video recording.

Nikon has also furnished it with the same 180k-pixel RGB metering sensor and the tilting screen on the back is just as large at 3.2 inches in size, although not quite as detailed, and it's all wrapped up inside a weather-sealed body.In our tests, we were impressed by a number of things, including battery life, image quality and handling. It's a great all-rounder for those with a healthy amount of budget.

On an even tighter budget? There's also the older 24.2MP Nikon D7200, which continues to offer great value –if you can find it on sale.

Read our in-depth Nikon D7500 review

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The best entry-level full-frame DSLR

Although it's a full-frame DSLR, the entry-level EOS 6D Mark II is impressively user-friendly. While the chassis can feel rather plasticky, the 26MP sensor housed within is stellar, and offers Canon's trusty Dual Pixel CMOS AF system when using live view mode.

With 45 AF points to choose from and a burst speed of 6.5fps, there's plenty you can capture – including some decent wildlife shots as well. It's not quite fast enough for speedy trackside racing shots, but we discovered in our review that it does surprisingly well for most anything else.

The rear touchscreen also offers tap-to-focus and tap-to-shoot for anyone missing a joystick. Despite that the 6D Mark II is reliable, produces great results and is still a favorite amongst enthusiast photographers.

Read our in-depth Canon EOS 6D Mark II review

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The best flagship DSLR

Canon's EOS 5D series has a rich heritage: the original EOS 5D brought full-frame photography to the masses, the Mark II unleashed Full HD video capture for the first time on a DSLR, and the Mark III became a firm favorite among photographers for doing everything it did so well.

The EOS 5D Mark IV tweaks and improves on almost everything before it, with a 30.4MP sensor and advanced 61-point AF system, together with 4K video recording – all of which performed well in our real-world tests. With a 5D Mark V successor essentially ruled out by Canon, the Mark IV will continue to be one of the most compelling DSLRs at this price point.

Its 4K video options are a little limited, with the frame-rate topping out at 30fps and no options to shoot in a flat gamma profile. But if you're mainly looking for a powerful DSLR for stills photography, the EOS 5D Mark IV remains a surprisingly modern proposition, considering its age – and the fact that you can still buy it new is a testament to its popularity.

Read our in-depth Canon EOS 5D Mark IV review

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The best DSLR for image quality

It's hard to think of another DSLR that wows like the D850 does, even after several years on the market. It's on the pricey side for sure, but this is justified by the things we discovered in our tests, including excellent image quality, bags of features and a rugged, weather-resistant magnesium alloy body. The 45MP sensor is still 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 its 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.

Read our in-depth Nikon D850 review

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The best DSLR for sports and wildlife

Officially Canon’s final flagship DSLR, the EOS 1D X Mark III is a fitting swan song for the company’s DSLR division. Designed for professionals who need speed, performance and image quality in a sturdy package, the 1D X Mark III pretty much covers it all. In our tests, we found it could handle almost any situation, whether sports, wildlife or the kind of action that makes front pages.

We were extremely impressed with the 1D X Mark III’s capabilities. Its rugged build feels solid enough to survive a war zone and, while it’s a big camera, we appreciated its ergonomics during our review. Its performance was never in doubt: with a fast processor, deep buffer and rapid 20fps burst speeds, this is a camera that doesn’t compromise. That’s equally true of the AF system, which uses deep-learning to enhance precision.

Its video prowess is handy, too, with 4K/60p capture available. Stacked to the hilt with features and power, it’s probably overkill for the average photographer, especially considering its expensive price tag. Yet it’s also a truly impressive DSLR that represents a worth investment for professionals.

Read our in-depth Canon EOS 1D X Mark III review

The best black and white DSLR camera

Monochrome cameras are a niche proposition, but if you’re committed to shooting in black and white, we think the Pentax K-3 Mark III Monochrome is a great choice. There’s no escaping that it’s expensive for an APS-C camera without the versatility of color photography, but it is cheaper than both the Leica M and Q-series Monochrom models.

In our review, we were impressed with how the K-3 Mark III Monochrome handles, especially for a camera that’s large and heavy compared to the latest mirrorless options. We found it well-built, comfortable in the hand and blessed with an array of direct access controls. Together with an LCD on the top plate, these make the Monochrome a pleasure to shoot with.

Our tests also found image quality to be excellent, aided by impressive ISO control: stills are sharp and usable, even at ISO 51,200. 5-axis in-body image stabilization also assists in keeping results crisp. It might be eccentric, but the K-3 Mark III Monochrome is a well-equipped option if black and white is your style – particularly if you’re already invested in Pentax lenses.

Read our in-depth Pentax K-3 Mark III Monochrome review

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How to choose

How we test DSLRs

Buying a camera these days is a big investment, so every camera in this guide has been tested extensively by us. These days, real-world tests are the most revealing way to understand a camera's performance and character, so we focus heavily on those, along with standardized tests for factors like ISO performance.

To start with, we look at the camera's design, handling and controls to get a sense of what kind of photographer it's aimed at and who would most enjoy shooting with it. When we take it out on a shoot, we'll use it both handheld and on a tripod to get a sense of where its strengths lie, and test its startup speed.

When it comes to performance, we use a formatted SD card and shoot in both raw and JPEG (if available). For burst shooting tests, we dial in our regular test settings (1/250 sec, ISO 200, continuous AF) and shoot a series of frames in front of a stopwatch to see if it lives up to its claimed speeds. We'll also look at how quickly the buffers clears and repeat the test for both raw and JPEG files.

Where applicable, we also test the camera's different autofocus modes in different lighting conditions (including Face and Eye AF) in single point, area and continuous modes. We also shoot a range of photos of different styles (portrait, landscape, low light, macro/close-up) in raw and JPEG to get a sense of metering and its sensor's ability to handle noise and resolve fine detail.

If the camera's raw files are supported by Adobe Camera Raw, we'll also process some test images to see how we can push areas like shadow recovery. And we'll also test its ISO performance across the whole range to get a sense of the levels we'd be happy to push the camera to.

Battery life is tested in a real-world fashion, as we use the camera over the course of the day with the screen set to the default settings. Once the battery has reached zero, we'll then count the number of shots to see how it compares to the camera's CIPA rating. Finally, we test the camera's video skills (where necessary) by shooting some test footage at different frame rates and resolutions, along with its companion app.

We then take everything we've learned about the camera and factor in its price to get a sense of the value-for-money it offers, before reaching our final verdict.