The best DSLR of 2020

The best DSLR of 2020

 DSLR

A DSLR is nothing more than a modern version of the venerable Single Lens Reflex camera. Light passes through the lens and reflects off a mirror into the viewfinder. When you press the shutter, the mirror flips up, exposing the image sensor to the light. Traditionally, DSLRs have offered the best in terms of image quality, because they have had the largest image sensors. And, DSLRs have the widest range of lenses available which makes them the most flexible platform for photographers. Another advantage of DSLRs is that they can also accommodate older lenses, many of which are still some of the best you can find.

Here, Are The best DSLR of 2020…

1.Canon EOS Rebel T100 / EOS 4000D

Canon has deliberately built the EOS Rebel T100 (EOS 4000D) down to a price, and we think they might have taken the cost-cutting a fraction too far. It’s a decent camera, but only if you can get it for a lot less than the Nikon D3500, above. The Canon is well suited to beginners, with the same ‘intelligent’ full auto shooting mode and feature guide as you’ll find in pricier Canon cameras.

The Quick menu of Canon EOS Rebel T100 / EOS 4000D is typically intuitive, and there are plenty of scene modes as well as more advanced shooting modes. There’s also a Creative Auto mode to help you progress from ‘basic zone’ to ‘creative zone modes. The 18MP image sensor is a little lacking in megapixels compared with most current DSLRs, though, and there are more serious cutbacks in other areas. We wouldn’t expect a touchscreen at this price, but the rear LCD is disappointingly small and low-resolution. Ultimately, it’s a very basic camera but the best DSLR to get if you just want to dip your toe in the photographic water and spend as little cash as possible.

2.Nikon D780

The Nikon D780 takes the on-sensor phase detection autofocus of Nikon’s mirrorless Z6 model to offer a DSLR with mirrorless camera live view performance – brilliant! In fairness, Nikon has been a bit slow off the mark here, since Canon DSLRs have long used Canon’s Dual Pixel CMOS AF technology to do the same thing.

Essentially, the D780 is like a modernized, supercharged version of Nikon’s still popular D750 full-frame DSLR. The D780 doesn’t just have advanced live view AF – it also comes with a high-resolution tilting touchscreen display, 4K UHD video, dual UHS-II compatible memory card slots and continuous shooting speeds up to 12fps in live view mode. Combine that with its solid design and comfortable grip and you’ve got a camera that’s an instant classic. The D780, like other Nikon DSLRs, combines well thought out design with a solid build and very satisfying handling.

3.Sony A9 Mark II

To quote from our review, the Sony A9 II is the fastest, most ferocious full-frame sports camera we’ve ever used – but this was before we tested the EOS-1D X Mark III. Nevertheless, the Sony A9 Mark II’s blistering speed and autofocus performance are impressive and matched only by its phenomenal connectivity, which promises to be a game-changer for pro shooters. We would love to have seen Sony implement something akin to Olympus’ Pro Capture feature so that you never miss the critical moment. However, if our most damning criticism is that the A9 II is too fast for us to keep up with, surely that’s nothing but mission accomplished for Sony!

4.Panasonic Lumix S1R

The new S range Panasonic Lumix S1R is a very interesting proposition for professional photographers. The downside is that a full range of lenses is still up to two years away, and there are signs that Panasonic is positioning this as a premium product, so don’t expect it to be a cheap alternative to the rest. The Lumix S1R looks like the most enticing proposition for pros, combining excellent 4K video capture with a high-speed 6K photo mode and a huge 47.3MP resolution. The 5.76-million dot electronic viewfinder is amazing, and the S1R handles very well too.

5.Nikon Z 7 DSLR

Nikon took its time launching its first full-frame mirrorless cameras, but its unhurried, careful development process has paid off – both the 45.7 megapixel Z 7 and the 24-megapixel Z 6 already feel like fully mature, finished products. The Z7 is the model that we recommend for pros, offering huge resolution, good 4K video, a great autofocus system, and a compact but wieldy design.

Nikon’s steadily beefing up its Z-series lens range and, in the meantime, you can use current Nikon DSLR lenses via the Nikon FTZ adaptor. If you don’t need the Z 7’s mighty resolution but do need professional videos, take a look at the cheaper but equally robust Nikon Z 6 instead – it’s a little more accomplished for video than the Z 7.

6.Canon EOS Rebel SL3 / EOS 250D

Canon does make a couple of cheaper DSLRs than this one, but we reckon they’re a little cut down in features and build quality Because it has a touchscreen on the back and a sensor with Canon’s Dual Pixel CMOS AF technology, so the autofocus in live view is snappy. We also love the fact that you can start from a simple Guided user interface when you’re still learning, and then switch to the standard setup when you feel more confident and want more control.

This is the best DSLR for beginners keen to learn and experiment with new techniques – it’s also as good in live view mode as a mirrorless camera. We’re looking forward to trying out the new EOS 850D, but for now, this is the entry-level Canon DSLR we’d recommend, and it’s hard to imagine anything beating this more advanced beginner camera for features and value right now.

7.Nikon D3500

The Nikon D3500 was back in 2018 and is an evolution of Nikon’s best-selling line of digital cameras. We also rate it as one of the best Nikon cameras right now, as well as one of the best cameras for beginners. Novice photographers are often worried about DSLRs being complicated to use, but the Nikon D3500 has a brilliant ‘Guide’ shooting mode that acts as a fully interactive tutorial on photography, delivered via the rear LCD screen.

The rear screen is fixed, and you’re limited to Full HD video rather than 4K, but the 24-megapixel sensor delivers super-sharp images, and the retracting 18-55mm kit lens is rather good too. The D3500 is small, light, cheap, and easy to use – all the qualities that will appeal to beginners. It might seem as if camera technology is advancing at breakneck speed right now, but the D3500 has all the qualities we still look for in a beginner camera, and we still haven’t seen anything to touch it at this price.

 8.Canon EOS 5D Mark IV DSLR

On paper, the EOS 5D Mark IV looks a distinct second best to rival cameras with higher resolutions, faster frame rates, and better 4K video features – the EOS 5D Mark IV applies a heavy 4K video crop that makes ‘wide’ shots more difficult.

Nevertheless, the 5D Mark IV has proved itself a very effective, durable, and versatile camera for countless professional photographers, and its Dual Pixel AF technology gives it a peppy autofocus performance in live view and video modes. This camera was launched way back in 2016, though, and with no replacement announced or even rumored, it’s getting harder to recommend this solid but aging workhorse.

9.Canon EOS 6D Mark II DSLR

We like the Nikon D780, but the EOS 6D Mark II has been around longer and has impressive features of its own. The 26-megapixel sensor is good rather than great, but it does have Canon’s Dual Pixel CMOS AF system, so the live view autofocus is very fast and effective. The 45-point viewfinder AF system is pretty good too, although the focus points are all clustered towards the center of the screen. The EOS 6D Mark II can capture images at 6.5fps in burst mode, and extremely useful vari-angle touchscreen display. It has been upstaged somewhat by the Canon EOS RP and Canon’s other latest mirrorless models, but it’s a solid buy that’s cheaper than the Nikon D780 (above) and does have a fully articulating screen.

10.Nikon D5600 DSLR

The D5600’s polycarbonate shell fits nicely in the hand and is comfortable to grip, while the streamlined button layout proves uncluttered and easy to use. The articulating touchscreen is less effective for autofocus control, but flick to the viewfinder and you’ll find the AF system solid, fast, and accurate. The high resolution offers plenty of detail, while images captured at lower ISO sensitive are clean, with little noise – and it’s only at ISO6400 that quality starts to suffer.

Dynamic range is also impressive, aided by a matrix system that copes well with a range of lighting situations. And while 5fps burst shooting isn’t as fast as mirrorless rivals, an 820-shot battery life towers over most. So, while no single feature of the D5600 will blow you away, it’s nevertheless a solid all-rounder that’s more affordable than ever.

You may also like:

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *