While mirrorless cameras have dominated the market recently, nothing beats the old-school rugged feel of a DSLR camera. With their stronger builds, as well as their range of lenses and filters, they still hold up against modern cameras in terms of quality.

But with so many DSLR cameras out there with so many settings and features, it can be complicated to choose the right one for you. From low-end affordable cameras to feature-rich, professional ones, all you need to do is work out where you stand and find the right one for you.

Here are the best DSLR cameras for your money available today.

Our Top Picks for DSLR Cameras in 2023

The Nikon D850 is the ultimate DSLR camera for both professional photographers and amateurs alike. No longer must we choose between speed or resolution since the Nikon D850 manages to maintain both great speeds and an impressive 45.7MP resolution.

The new tilting touchscreen on the Nikon D850 is another great new feature of Nikon's DSLRs, adding the ability to pinpoint fine details and use touch focus or even change the touch shutter operation. This makes it easier than ever to use.

Live View mode on the Nikon D850 has a silent photography feature that eliminates any noise, making it ideal for taking shots without the risk of disturbing your subject.

Pentax's most recent flagship DSLR, the K-3 Mark III, comes with tons of improvements and new features. These easily make it one of the best DSLR cameras for your money available today.

With a robust magnesium alloy body that isn't just built to be sturdy but is also weather-resistant, the Pentax K-3 Mark III feels like the high-quality, well-built DSLR camera that it is.

It's slightly heavier than most modern DSLRs, but that's a small price to pay for a high-quality camera. And with a new autofocus engine and an improved 25.7 megapixels effective resolution, the Pentax K-3 Mark III's photos look as impressive as the camera itself.

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The Canon EOS Rebel T7 isn't just one of the cheapest DSLRs. It is also one of the best for beginners, making it perfect for those looking for an entry-level camera at an affordable price. This model comes with a versatile 18–55mm lens suitable for many photography styles.

If you prefer a smaller DSLR, then the Canon EOS Rebel T7 is the perfect choice for you, weighing in at 1.04 lbs. It's a small, lightweight camera that makes it easier to use for those transitioning to a DSLR from a smartphone or compact camera.

The settings on the Canon EOS Rebel T7 are great for novices. The color coding makes them easier to navigate, and the camera features an impressive My Menu function which allows you to save the six most-used settings. This convenience saves you from fumbling around in the settings menu and gives you more time to take stunning photos.

Four years after the Canon EOS 5D Mark III was released, the highly anticipated Canon EOS 5D Mark IV aimed to offer more for video enthusiasts who want more modern touchscreen controls and durability. For example, the Mark IV model adds built-in Wi-Fi and NFC, perfect for photographers shooting in the field and working professionals.

This all-rounder might only offer 1080p HDMI, but it boasts a 30.4MP full-frame CMOS sensor, 4K video at 30FPS, and up to 7FPS continuous shooting speed. It's not necessarily revolutionary, but it's taking us in the right direction, especially for those who value more reliable results.

The Canon EOS 5D Mark IV also continues to use CF and SD cards; they are cheap, cheerful, and plentiful. This DSLR is versatile and robust, and while it's not waterproof, it's still ideal for most types of photography.

The Canon EOS Rebel T8i, AKA the Canon EOS 850D, is an ideal DSLR choice for beginners. It’s relatively compact and lightweight for a DSLR and is easy to handle. The 3-inch LCD screen is also easy to navigate and provides crystal-clear images when reviewing your snaps. You can also adjust the screen to various angles, and along with its 4K video capability and excellent image stabilization, it’s a top choice for novice vloggers.

With a 24.1MP sensor, 45-point all cross-type AF system, and DIGIC 8 processors, beginners can easily capture vibrant and detailed shots. With its excellent variety of creative filters, you can also enjoy on-the-spot creativity without the need for additional editing software.

This model comes with a standard 18–55mm kit lens, but beginners may face some challenges when shooting in low light with it. However, you can overcome this by using a more suitable lens for these conditions. In well-lit environments, the camera's Dual Pixel CMOS autofocus operates with speed and precision, ensuring smooth and accurate tracking of fast-moving subjects.

Much like the Nikon D850, the Nikon D7500 is a top-range DSLR camera that boasts impressive features that will entice seasoned professionals and enthusiasts alike. With an excellent 8FPS continuous shooting speed and 20.9MP optical sensor resolution, as well as 4K video, the Nikon D7500 boasts fantastic image quality.

If you're shooting in the field, it's easy to share your snaps with the world in seconds using the innovative Nikon SnapBridge app. The D7500's other incredible features help set this camera apart from the rest. With a tilting 3.2-inch touchscreen display, you can explore taking next-level photos from any angle.

And, if you're in the market for an affordable DSLR that uses more modern technology, you'll be pleased to know it's easy to use the touchscreen to quickly choose where you want to focus, making it quick and easy to get that perfect shot. Plus, it boasts Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity.

With the Nikon D750, you had one of the best DSLR cameras ever released. Following on from that model was always going to be a tricky proposition. However, Nikon has managed to do so with the D780. It’s a durable, weather-sealed camera that is surprisingly lightweight and compact for a DSLR.

The camera delivers exceptional image quality with its 24MP sensor, showcasing excellent dynamic range, detail, and impressive performance in challenging lighting. Furthermore, The 51-point Multi-CAM 3500FX II autofocus system is first-rate. With on-sensor phase detection pixels, it achieves near-instant and accurate focus in live-view mode. Extra features, such as pinpoint AF area and reliable low-light focusing, ensure enhanced precision and performance.

For video enthusiasts, the D780 is one of the best DSLRs. It offers uncropped movies in 4K at 30FPS and supports 10-bit 4K video over HDMI. It also features N-Log capabilities for improved dynamic range. In addition to fast, accurate AF tracking, you get electronic vibration reduction, an excellent power aperture, highlight zebras, and focus peaking for sharper videos and more creative control.

The EOS 90D is the blockbuster sequel to the EOS 80D and features a classic Canon DSLR design. Yet it makes a number of significant improvements; it now features a high-resolution 32.5MP APS-C sensor powered by a DIGIC 8 processor, for starters. RAW image quality is up there with the best APS-C cameras can offer, while data processing is rapid.

The EOS 90D also offers a continuous shooting speed of up to 11FPS and utilizes Canon’s revolutionary Dual Pixel CMOS AF for precise tracking. Two autofocus systems are in place–one through the viewfinder and one via live view. Of the two, the live view AF has excellent face and eye detection and is far more reliable, although it does come with a 3FPS burst-rate sacrifice.

While it is an ideal camera for still photography, keen videographers may feel a little underwhelmed. 4K at 30FPS movies are uncropped, though they are not as detailed as many DSLR competitors. Additionally, there is no 24FPS option on offer. However, full HD videos look crisp and have 60- and 120-FPS options for impressive slow-motion captures.

The Nikon D3500 is an excellent and affordable entry-level DSLR that cuts out a lot of advanced features that newcomers won’t yet need. You can still take high-quality photos despite its lower price, though, making it the ideal camera for photography students and newcomers to the hobby. It comes with an excellent 24.2MP APS-C ‘DX’ sensor that surpasses the performance of many in its class. Together with its speedy image processing, photos are well-detailed, layered, and vibrant.

Driven by AF-P technology, the autofocus is silent and speedy, with live-view AF notably exceeding expectations. However, with a continuous shooting speed of 5FPS, it’s hardly an action camera. However, you can still capture some sharp, fast-paced moments during sports events and wildlife adventures.

This camera arrives complete with an 18-55mm AF-P kit lens, and its performance is better than you might expect. It brings consistent sharpness across the focal range with an impressive edge-to-edge quality. The camera also has in-body features to reduce distortion and fringing to maximize image quality.

The Canon EOS 6D Mark II is a top-tier DSLR that embodies Canon's signature comfort and durability. It’s dust and moisture-resistant and features a convenient tilting touchscreen that allows for efficient menu navigation, low-angle shooting, and seamless control over the excellent autofocus system.

The Mark II features a new 26.2MP full-frame CMOS sensor, which is a 20 percent pixel increase on the Mark I. It produces well-detailed images with impressive color accuracy and contrast, especially true when shooting in Picture Profile Standard. Photos are natural and balanced with a rich range of tones, while it also performs well in low-light situations with its boosted ISO range of up to 102,400.

The autofocus is speedy and accurate. With 45 cross-type AF points, it effortlessly focuses on and tracks people, animals, and vehicles, while offering a continuous shooting speed of up to 6.5 frames per second. For those interested in videography, the camera's Dual Pixel AF System is a valuable asset, enabling phase detection autofocus during live-view shooting. Furthermore, the electronic image stabilization on the sensor works in harmony with the stabilization on compatible lenses for stable movies. However, it's important to note that the camera only records in full HD, lacking 4K capability and advanced video features, making it more suitable for enthusiasts than professional videographers.

What You Need to Consider Before Buying a DSLR Camera in 2023

DSLRs are robust, sturdy cameras and are an excellent choice for beginners and advanced photographers alike. They tend to be more affordable than their mirrorless counterparts and provide better balance and stability for telephoto lenses. While mirrorless cameras have made significant strides in image quality, DSLRs still maintain an edge, particularly regarding sharpness and dynamic range. On top of all this, the battery life of a DSLR is still unbeatable. This longevity makes them a better choice for shutterbugs and professionals who love to snap away all day.

Midrange DSLR cameras often offer better value than their mirrorless rivals. Despite its bulk, the Pentax K-3 Mk III is a top midrange choice. Picture quality is pristine, and it’s an excellent option for travelers looking to take memorable landscapes. It’s also a worthy contender for wildlife photography, while it excels in other action genres, too. However, you can also get outstanding value at the budget end of the scale, and the Canon EOS Rebel T7 is available at a steal and is also a compact and lightweight camera for travelers.

Yet, for unparalleled DSLR quality, the Nikon D850 offers unrivaled image detail and amazing 4K videos. It may cost a little more than most DSLRs, but the step-up in class is noticeable with its level of detail and performance.