How to Buy a DSLR Camera
Searching for single-lens DSLR cameras can quickly confuse you with photography jargon, specs, and accessories. You may know you want a traditional camera, but there are so many factors to weigh that they’re all starting to look the same.
There are several things you need to consider. But first, there are only two major DSLR manufacturers: Canon and Nikon. Companies like Sony and Fujifilm also produce DSLR models, but they aren’t as popular.
Aside from brand loyalty, the second factor to consider is the primary function of the camera. There are many DSLR models available, but some are better than others when it comes to recording video or capturing still photos.
Just a quick reminder: DSLR cameras use a reflex mirror to bounce light off the optical viewfinder. In contrast, mirrorless cameras do not have this and the light is transmitted directly to the image processor.
Main Function of DSLR Camera
Photography Considerations
Most DSLR users will turn to the camera for shooting stills, action-packed sports, or breathtaking landscapes. If so, aspects such as resolution, aspect ratio, shutter speed and sensor come into play.
For all intents and purposes, megapixels are what most users will look at first. But when it comes to DSLRs, they’re relatively unimportant. The size of the sensor determines the quality of your photos. The larger it is, the more light can fall on the processor, capturing more information. And basically photography, the more information an image contains, the better the final photo.
Considerations for recording videos
Taking photos may be the main reason for getting a digital camera, but many users want to take advantage of the video recording capabilities of a DSLR. But there’s an added benefit, as some models can also be used as high-powered webcams.
When looking at a DSLR for video recording, the most important factor is the capture resolution. No professional videographer will shoot in less than 4K, and there are plenty of cameras that can. However, this also comes with a caveat: some models crop the final 4K video that looks nothing like you imagined while shooting.
In addition to resolution, the accompanying frame rate determines the smoothness of the footage. Typically, most DSLR cameras record at 30 frames per second. This is fine for 1080p (full HD), but shooting in 4K resolution is best viewed at 60 frames per second.
What you need to buy to take pictures
Canon EOS 5D Mark IV Full Frame DSLR Camera
A powerful camera by any measure, it has a 30.4-megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor that can shoot bursts at seven frames per second. The built-in autofocus system can track 61 points to ensure continuous focus. It has a 3.2-inch screen on the back for easy settings and can record 4K video at 30fps.
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Nikon D850 FX-format DSLR camera
With Nikon’s rear-illuminated full-frame sensor, the D850 can shoot stills at 45.7-megapixel resolution. In addition, the autofocus allows shooting up to 9 frames per second at full resolution, while also being able to record 1080p slow-motion video at 120 frames per second.
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Nikon D3500
The D3500 is a classic Nikon camera loved by beginners for its simplicity and great photos. It has a 1-inch sensor with an image resolution of 24.7 megapixels and can shoot up to five frames per second. There is a 3 inch screen on the back and it can connect to other Bluetooth devices.
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Canon EOS Rebel T7 DSLR Camera with 18-55mm Lens
Weighing 1 pound, the Rebel T7 is another great choice for beginner photographers. The camera body houses a 24.1 megapixel image sensor, it can take up to three frames per second and it has built-in Wi-Fi. Additionally, it has a nine-point autofocus function and an optical viewfinder with 95% viewing coverage. It comes with an 18-55 millimeter lens.
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What you need to buy to shoot videos
Deluxe Video Kit for Canon EOS 90D DSLR Camera
An essential set for any photographer who wants to shoot better video, the kit includes the EOS 90D camera, tripod, multiple lenses, backpack and other accessories. The 90D has a 32.5 megapixel sensor and can record video in 4K resolution at 30 frames per second. There’s a 3.1-inch vari-angle LCD touchscreen on the rear, and the kit also includes an 18-55 millimeter lens and a 29-88 millimeter lens.
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Nikon D7500 DSLR Camera with 18-140mm Lens
With a 20.9 megapixel CMOS sensor and Nikon’s EXPEED 5 image processor, the D7500 is easily capable of recording 4K resolution images at 30 frames per second. It can also record time-lapse videos in 4K, which is aided by the 3.2-inch touchscreen on the back. Additionally, the system tracks 51 autofocus points for stills while shooting eight frames per second to keep things steady. The camera can connect to mobile devices via Bluetooth as a wireless shutter release and connects to Wi-Fi to automatically upload images to the cloud.
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Canon EOS 250D SLR (Rebel SL3)
The 250D may not be as powerful as others when it comes to recording capabilities, but it’s still a strong contender due to its ease of use. It has a 24.1-megapixel sensor, can record regular and time-lapse video in 4K resolution, and has a 3-inch Vari-Angle touchscreen on the back. The camera comes with a Canon EF-S 18-55mm IS STM lens with a 28.8-88mm equivalent focal length range.
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Charlie Fripp written for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their buying decisions, saving them time and money.
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