9 best DSLR cameras to suit all budgets and abilities

Best: Overall

• Weight: 415g
• Megapixels: 24.2
• 4K Video: No
• Autofocus: 11-point
• ISO Sensitivity: 100-25600
• LCD Monitor: Vari angle non-touchscreen

Perhaps one of the kings of the entry-level DSLR market, the D3500 provides a 24.2 APS-C sensor, a long battery life and a neat little guide feature that’s perfectly tuned towards the beginner photographer. A highly capable camera, albeit one that you may find has some limitations if you’re an experienced photographer. For the price, we’d highly recommend this for family holidays, candid shots and day-to-day snapping.

Best: Live view

• Weight: 515g
• Megapixels: 24.1
• 4K Video: Yes
• Autofocus: 45-point
• ISO Sensitivity: 100-25600
• LCD Monitor: Vari angle touchscreen

The three-digit line-up from Canon has had a long and distinguished history – back in the early 2000s the 300D was the first DSLR camera offered at a sub-£1,000 price point, and these easy to use, enthusiast-focused cameras have improved through the years and provide the perfect jump-up from a compact or a phone camera. The live view in particular is one of this camera’s strengths, however for future-proofing, we’d also recommend considering newer mirrorless alternatives that are lighter in weight and less bulky – the trend does seem to be going towards the mirrorless department for this price.

Best: Light model

• Weight: 449g
• Megapixels: 24.1
• 4K Video: Yes
• Autofocus: Dual-pixel CMOS
• ISO Sensitivity: 100-25600 (expandable to 51200) 
• LCD Monitor: Vari angle touchscreen

Billed as the world’s lightest camera with a moveable screen, the 250D Mk II is a diminutive package – we also liked the connectivity options that mean sharing images is a breeze with Bluetooth and built-in wifi. We would especially recommend this for newcomers to video making, as the ability to record 4K is great for this type of package at this price.

Best: For wildlife photographers

• Weight: 701g
• Megapixels: 32.5
• 4K Video: Yes
• Autofocus: 45-point
• ISO Sensitivity: 100-25600
• LCD Monitor: Vari angle touchscreen

This is a next-stage camera for amateurs who want to take more control over their picture making. The 90D doesn’t depart dramatically from previous incarnations of Canon’s two-digit product range, but an improved sensor, 32.5 megapixels and dual pixel autofocus through live view makes sure this camera stands out from earlier generations. Shooting up to 10fps makes it perfect for fast-moving sports and wildlife photography.

Best: For mid-level full frame shooting

• Weight: 765g
• Megapixels: 26.2
• 4K Video: Yes
• Autofocus: 45-point
• ISO Sensitivity: 100-40000
• LCD Monitor: Vari angle touchscreen

With 26.2 megapixels and a full-frame sensor, the 6D gets close to professional level photography capability in a smaller, more travel-friendly and lighter weight package. It comes with Bluetooth and wifi connectivity and its protective, professional-grade weatherproof sealing makes it a good option for landscape photographers and travel photographers. Twinned with the right lens, this is a compelling and highly versatile DSLR offering.

Best: Budget buy

• Weight: 465g
• Megapixels: 26.2
• 4K Video: No
• Autofocus: 39-point
• ISO Sensitivity: 100-25600
• LCD Monitor: Vari angle touchscreen

Although a step up from the D3500 featured above, the D5600 is very firmly in the budget, beginner friendly category, However, its decent autofocus system and range of flexibility in terms of shooting modes means that paired with the right lenses and accessories, it’s a good option those wanting to learn more about how a good DSLR camera works.

Best: For full-frame excellence

• Weight: 800g
• Megapixels: 30.4
• 4K Video: Yes
• Autofocus: Dual Pixel CMOS
• ISO Sensitivity: 100-150000
• LCD Monitor: Fixed touchscreen

Still one of the benchmarks professional cameras are judged against, the 5D range is now in its fourth incarnation and is better than ever. It might be a substantial investment, but for the money you get a touchscreen LCD display, a 30.4 Megapixel full frame sensor and the autofocus system lifted from 1D X Mark II, perhaps the holy-grail of all professional-level DSLRs out there at the moment. If you’re serious about taking your photography professional, this is the perfect purchase.

Best: For high-resolution stills

• Weight: 1kg
• Megapixels: 45.7
• 4K Video: Yes
• Autofocus: 153-point
• ISO Sensitivity: 64-24500
• LCD Monitor: Vari angle touchscreen

With a massive 45.7 megapixels and a full-frame sensor capable of shooting 4K video with no crop factor, this is the perfect companion for photographers who need to shoot professional grade images at superb detail and high resolution. It’s also one of the most durable cameras out there – it’s made with a tough magnesium-alloy on the frame with in-built weather sealing. One of the best DSLRs out there that still falls within the remit of the consumer market.

Best: For professional videographers

• Weight: 1kg
• Megapixels: 12.1
• 4K Video: Yes at 120p
• Autofocus: Phase-detection
• ISO Sensitivity: 80-102400
• LCD Monitor: Vari angle touchscreen

When Sony came out with its A-range a few years back, it shook the world, and opened up a whole new area of video recording for professional filmmaking teams. Non-cropped 4K footage up to 120p and a variety of clever codecs (pieces of code that interpret digital signals) mean that this is the best camera out there for quality and colour matching. This third edition of the A7S features an improved autofocus system – this is the very best camera out there for “run-and-gun” shooting or capturing additional professional grade B-Roll footage. High details stills shooters may want to look elsewhere, as it only offers up 12MP for stills and it isn’t really what it’s built for.