Best DSLR cameras

Which is the best DSLR? Unfortunately there is no single right answer for everyone. We asked on Twitter what our followers favorite digital slr camera was and nearly every answer was different, or was a wish for an upgrade to an existing model. We can however show a list along with some explanations, that way you can make a more informed decision for buying the best dslr camera (and most affordable) that meets your needs.

There are hundreds of dslr cameras on the market, some with very close matches of specification or price. The process we used to come up with this list of the best was based on the same process we used to buy our favorite dslr, the Canon 7D. Our criteria for choosing the best dslr camera for your needs is based on price, resolution and speed. We put the top candidates into a spreadsheet and scored them in order from best to worst. Tallying up the scores gave us our results, with the best overall camera listed last.

What features were we interested in when considering various models of dslr cameras? Our review of cameras was assuming that most people reading this article are not professionals but also I not absolute beginners either. We assume that most people looking for a DSLR are likely to use at least some manual settings, but we also appreciate consumer type features such as a built-in flash. Of course, because we are not targeting high-end professionals with our list of the best dslr cameras, we appreciate lower prices versus high costs (the more affordable the camera the better)! For us, HD video in our DSLR camera was not a huge factor in our decisions though we are certainly happy when a camera has that feature.

Why are speed and resolution major factors for our list of the top rated DSLR cameras? We know some people would argue that your lens and sensor have a bigger impact on the output quality, and the end result is the whole point, right? Well, sure, but I started out in DSLR photography with a Canon 350D and two areas where I felt really limited were the frame rate and the resolution. Frankly when I compared photographs I took with my lenses on my friends full-frame 5D MkII I didn't feel like he was getting a significant boost in image quality over my 7D but I felt I had the edge when shooting sports subjects such as Ice Hockey players and Formula 1 cars. In those cases the "crop factor" sensor might have helped give me the impression of getting closer to the action.

On with my list of the top reviewed DSLR cameras that offer the best bang for your buck ...

This DSLR camera was launched in 2008 and is aimed squarely at the entry-level market but despite that positioning and age, still packs in some serious features. While prices vary wildly, you can pick it up for low prices, making it the real bargain. If price is your main factor then it is well worth looking at, as this is one of the best and affordable DSLR cameras on the market.

1. Nikon D3100

The D3100 is one of only three DSLR cameras from 2010 in this list. The specs won't set the world alight, especially the low frames per second, but the price is competitive and the resolution is decent at 14 mega pixels. Many people tell me they prefer the ergonomics of this Nikon body, which is worth considering into the equation.

2.

Canon MUST be due to upgrade this model of DSLR. I am sure there is a huge amount of pent up demand. That said, even though the product was last refreshed in 2008, it is a fantastic performer. Full frame sensor is probably the headline feature, giving it extremely good quality in every environment you can throw at it. Resolution-wise you are looking at 21 mega pixels, which is good enough for some excellent prints at large sizes without much post processing. The full frame and the resolution mean many professional photographers use this as their go-to DSLR camera. The only let downs are the low frame rate for the high price. As mentioned earlier, expect this to be rectified soon, in which case it will likely be a dominant player once again.