The best DSLRs for video are comprehensive, well-built, and fully featured options for many videographers. Although the best mirrorless cameras are undoubtedly the future, and where technological advancements are happening, DSLRs give you the benefit of a huge selection of lenses and offer great value for money.
New DSLRs aren't forthcoming in today's market, but the models that are still around come with significant discounts compared to when they were released. And if you're not sure about DSLRs vs mirrorless cameras, many manufacturers are serving the best DSLR cameras with firmware updates to keep them up to date with the latest features.
I've split this guide into sections to make finding a DSLR for your video level easy. The Canon EOS 250D is one of the best beginner models and the cheapest. The Nikon D780 and Canon EOS 90D are well-balanced (but affordable) picks for enthusiasts. But if you need the best specs that money can buy, the flagship Canon EOS1-D X Mark III with 5.5K resolution is the way to go.
Whether you're an absolute novice or a seasoned pro, there's a DSLR to suit your skill level and budget. But which one is right for the kind of video you want to shoot? That's where I come in. Having started my photo journey on a Canon EOS 6D and handled almost every DSLR released since then, I know which cameras are still worth buying in 2024.
Lauren Scott
Lauren has previously served as the Managing Editor at Digital Camera World, Editor of Digital Photographer and a features writer for the likes of Tech Radar, Canon Europe and Stuff magazine. With over ten years of experience in the photo industry, she started her career shooting with the Canon EOS 5D Mark III and Nikon D800 DSLRs.
The D7500 is the second-cheapest DSLR for video in this guide. With an APS-C-sized sensor and 4K crop applied to video footage, its maximum performance comes from Full HD video at 60fps. It's not the best that money can buy, but an affordable, sensible all-rounder for enthusiasts.
If you’re making video content for the first time, on a tight budget or just don't need a high-end camera, the Rebel EOS SL3 / EOS 250D is an excellent option. I particularly admire how Canon has made guided interfaces to help beginners get to grips with the camera's tools and features.
Costing just a fraction more than the D7500, the EOS 90D shares its APS-C sensor and up to 120fps in Full HD for slow motion, but also gives you full, uncropped 4K video. Canon's vari-angle touchscreen design is a joy to use and makes creative angles and vlogging very easy.
The Nikon D850 was a landmark camera when released, and its 45.7MP sensor and low-light capabilities are still impressive today. If you're upgrading from a basic Nikon DSLR or coming to the system from scratch, it offers stupidly good 4K full-frame video for advanced creators.
The EOS 5D Mark IV is a classic professional full-frame body and a camera I still use today for its versatility. As the 4K footage is subject to a 1.64x crop, it's better for photographers who occasionally shoot video. But it's a pleasure to use, and always reliable.
Blend the best of mirrorless and DSLR cameras, and you get the Canon EOS-1D X Mark III. Its deep learning AF gets better the more you use it, and I was blown away by its 5.5K RAW video footage. It offers the best DSLR video specs for serious filmmakers.
This chunky 24.5MP camera is extensively weather-sealed and is my recommendation for outdoor filming. Combine the 120fps in Full HD 1080p video with live view focusing, plus top image quality from the full-frame sensor and you've got a great price-to-performance ratio.
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✅ You want a reliable build: the D7500 is weather-sealed all over and built like a tank. Even after years of use, you won't have to worry about handling it too gently, or in poor weather conditions. ✅ You shoot in low light: the D7500 has decent low-light capability for stills and video, which is ideal if you like to shoot during the golden hours.
Don't buy it if:
❌ You want full 4K footage: the D7500 offers 4K video but at a 1.5x crop. You get faster frame rates in full HD (60, 50, 30, 25, 24p), but if you need high-res video and fast frames you'll be disappointed. ❌ You need two card slots: there's only one SD card slot, which prevents you from recording simultaneously. Impressively, you can record uncompressed, 8-bit 4:2:2 4K UHD files to an external drive via the HDMI port.
The Nikon D7500 is an ageing DSLR, but it's still a good all-rounder and ideal if you record both stills and video – or if you're a photographer who's just starting to experiment with content creation. With its APS-C-sized sensor and 4K crop applied, the camera's best performance comes from staying in Full HD resolution, where you can capture a maximum of 60fps.
The D7500 marked the first time that Nikon introduced 4K video in a non-professional DSLR. Our reviewer felt the results were mixed, noting that the camera doesn't have on-sensor phase detect autofocus, and when using live view mode for 4K video, it relies on slower contrast-detect autofocus. Still, they were reasonably impressed with the contrast-detect AF in Live View mode, which is what you'll mostly be using as a video shooter anyway.
In terms of design, the D7500 has a carbon-fiber rather than metal alloy body, which is slightly less durable but also lighter as a material. It's still a chunky, weatherproof build, which is perfect for traveling and outdoor adventures. Handling-wise, I found the tilting touchscreen helpful for awkward angles, but it's hard to use for vlogging or presenting as you can't face it toward you.
Our reviewer was particularly impressed by the high-ISO performance of the D7500, which is excellent for a camera at this price point and gives the camera more versatility in low light. The D7500 doesn’t offer anything new for the DX format, but it strikes a good balance between high-end performance, versatile uses and affordability.
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Features
4K video in an APS-C DSLR but slow frame rates and contrast-detect autofocus hold it back
★★★★
Design
Weather sealed body with a good grip and tilting screen, but the touchscreen doesn't spin around for vlogging
★★★★
Performance
Good video performance and excellent in low light shooting, although contrast-detect AF now dated
★★★★
Value
A very affordable price point if you like DSLRs, but there are much more modern cameras for the same cost
✅ You're a total beginner: with guided menus for newbies, the 250D offers an intuitive interface that will help you get to grips with the tools, modes, and functions if you're not sure where to start. ✅ You're on a tight budget: the EOS 250D / Rebel SL3 is the cheapest DSLR in this guide. If price is the most important factor to you, you won't find a better offer for a 4K-capable DSLR.
Don't buy it if:
❌ You rely on autofocus: the 9-point AF system is dated, and with so few points coverage across the frame isn't very comprehensive. It won't keep up with moving targets. ❌ You'll be outdoors a lot: unlike the D7500 above, the Canon 250D doesn't have any weather sealing. Although its polycarbonate outer shell feels well-built, the camera could get damaged in a real downpour.
If you’re just starting out with making video content, then you’ll probably have a restricted budget. For that reason, the Canon EOS 250D is an excellent option for beginners. You get a decent degree of video specs, in a very wallet-friendly model.
4K video is available, but this has a fairly big crop (on top of the already cropped sensor), meaning your angle of view becomes narrower. At up to 60fps available in Full HD, you’ve got enough flexibility for recording vlogs. I did quickly get used to this when I tried the camera, but you will have to recompose your shots if you’re used to uncropped footage.
As we also mentioned when we reviewed the camera, it's not the cheapest Canon DSLR, but it is in our opinion the cheapest one that's actually worth buying, especially for video. Focusing isn’t instant, but the camera is surprisingly zippy at following subjects around the frame, but that’s once autofocus has found its target.
The fully articulating screen puts a lot of versatility at your disposal and makes it easy to record pieces to the camera, while the small size of the camera also means it's well-suited for travel vlogging. If you’re upgrading from a smartphone, or you’re a first-timer and want a DSLR that’s easy to use, the 250D’s guided interface and compact dimensions will make it a great fit.
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Features
Small DSLR squeezes in 4K video (although cropped), and a 24MP sensor for snapping photos too
★★★★
Design
A very small and lightweight DSLR, with a articulating screen and an intuitive menu system for beginners
★★★★★
Performance
4K performance is good although heavily cropped, and the dated 9-point AF system makes autofocus slow
★★★★
Value
One of the cheapest DSLRs around for video, it offers great value for those starting out and even rivals mirrorless models on cost
✅ You want to go handheld: the 90D is chunkier than most equivalent mirrorless cameras, but the bigger surface area, rounded corners and grip work in its favor for ergonomics and comfort. ✅ You take audio seriously: the 90D has an external mic socket as well as a headphone port for monitoring your audio levels. It's a camera designed specifically for videography, rather than being an afterthought.
Don't buy it if:
❌ You want the best autofocus: Canon’s mid-range 45-point AF system is fine for static subjects but lacks the speed and accuracy for fast-moving targets. ❌ You shoot fast: the 90D is a stills camera first, but it loses textural detail even at medium ISO settings. The 10fps frame rate is impressive on paper, but also let down by the limited buffer capacity.
There’s a lot to like about the Canon EOS 90D if you’re looking for a video-centric DSLR. It effectively combines mirrorless video and live view AF with classic DSLR handling. And although it's got an APS-C sensor, you still get uncropped 4K video and a range of frame rates – up to 120fps in full HD for delectable slow-motion footage.
There were a few things that disappointed me about the EOS 90D; notably the single memory card slot (SD / SDHC / SDXC) and average buffer capacity. But I found that the camera does a lot, very well, for an enthusiast price. Let’s start with handling. The fully articulating touchscreen makes it ideal for capturing all sorts of angles, including presenting to the camera, while the Dual Pixel CMOS AF puts in a good performance when shooting video.
When you switch the camera to live view mode for filming, there’s no autofocus disadvantage in comparison to a mirrorless camera. If anything, it’s on par, yet you still have the advantage of an optical viewfinder. I was impressed with how well the AF system tracked me around the frame, and with the quality of the in-built microphone. Although the headphone and microphone ports do allow you to get serious about sound quality with external peripherals.
While we did have to dock it points in our full review for the fact that continuous AF is not available when shooting 120p video, the fact remains that the Canon EOS 90D is a full-featured DSLR. Even now the EOS 90D is popular with YouTubers who haven’t yet moved to mirrorlress, and there's a reason for that.
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Features
Offering 4K footage, an articulating screen, solid modern autofocus, and with ports for external mics and headphones
★★★★★
Design
A bit chunkier than other APS-C DLSRs, this works to your advantage in gripping the camera in handheld shots
★★★★★
Performance
Canon's DPAF makes this a quick focusing DLSR for video with uncropped 4K and excellent internal and external audio
★★★★★
Value
While good value, mirrorless rivals offer newer features for around the same price, so you have to appreciate the DSLR build
✅ You need big battery life: if you've got a long day of filming and don't want to keep swapping for spares, the EN-EL15a battery is impressive (I got 1600 shots on a single charge). ✅ You've got big hands: the D850 has a slightly chunkier grip than the D810 before it, and that allows even large hands to cradle the body and reach the shutter button comfortably.
Don't buy it if:
❌ You like SD cards: the D850 has memory slots for one SD and one XQD card. XQDs aren't widely available and have become expensive to buy. ❌ You use live view to focus: unlike the EOS 5D Mark IV's on-chip phase detection, you only get contrast-detection for autofocus in Live View which isn't as effective for moving subjects.
The Nikon D850 has been the DSLR to beat for several years with its blend of a high-resolution sensor, excellent handling, and a range of features. On release, I remember it being passed around the office with a sense of reverence and awe. In truth, some of its specs may have been eclipsed by mirrorless models – take the Nikon Z9 with its market-first 8K 60p maximum footage – but if you’re serious about both video and stills, it’s arguably still a king of the sector.
For video users, you get uncropped 4K and a diverse range of frame rates in both 4K and Full HD resolutions. Unlike many professional/advanced-level full-frame DSLRs, the screen tilts. Although that’s not super-handy for vlogging and social content, it’s very helpful for recording from other awkward angles.
We gave the Nikon D850 the highest score possible in our review – there was no other choice. The 45.7MP sensor offers rich, detailed RAW files, the likes of which can be cropped heavily and still maintain their quality. Although you’d never want to push ISO to the maximum of 102,400, noise control is excellent thanks to the EXPEED 5 processor. Our reviewer tested the camera’s resolution in lab tests, and called it “off the scale”.
The D850 outclasses the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV for full-frame 4K video, plus continuous shooting speed. It's a superb DSLR, one of the best made, and the full-sensor-width 4K video it shoots is gorgeous. I think that many videographers (apart from those shooting sports or journalism) could happily shoot with this camera for several years without feeling short-changed. If you need higher video resolution still but want to stick with Nikon, I’d recommend the Nikon Z9 with its market-first 8K 60p maximum footage.
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Features
Nikon's top pro DLSR has it all with 4K full frame video and huge 45MP stills as well
★★★★★
Design
This is a big hefty camera which makes it heavy for video, but it has all the controls and dials you will need for quick settings changes
★★★★
Performance
A true all-rounder with some of the best quality 4K video you are going to get from a DSLR camera and incredible 45MP images
★★★★★
Value
Reasonable value when you look at its still very respectable flagship DSLR spec sheet
✅ You rely on autofocus: thanks to the camera's Dual Pixel CMOS AF for live view and video, subject acquisition is good, albeit miles behind the EOS-1D X Mark III. ✅ You still love that DSLR design: the 5D Mark IV is part of a beloved series of pro cameras, and it will appeal to you if you appreciate its classic DSLR camera build (which is exceptional).
Don't buy it if:
❌ You want 4K options: there's only one format for recording 4K video. 4K DCI(4096 x 2160) is arguably better than 4K UHD (3840 x 2160) but there's no log/flat gamma profile for greater recovery in post. ❌ You want a vari-angle screen: I love the Mark IV, but I've always felt creatively stifled by its fixed screen. It's touch-sensitive, but you won't be able to vlog or record at low angles easily.
Canon’s classic 5D series started the trend for video in DSLRs, the legacy of which we still see today in modern DSLRs and even mirrorless cameras. I started out with video on the 5D Mark III, but at that point, video features on the camera were a nice-to-have rather than a serious hybrid feature.
The 5D Mark IV now offers more high-quality DCI 4K video capture at 30fps, but it's subject to a heavy 1.64x crop of the sensor which means you’ll struggle to get wide-angle shots. Compared to the D850 which offers fully uncropped 4K footage, it’s a limiting factor. You do get a range of different frame rates – 30/25/24fps (approx 500Mbps) – and it’s possible to extract 8.8MP JPEGs from 4K video thanks to the Motion JPEG file format built-in. In Full HD the 5D Mark IV also shoots up to 60fps, although you have to drop down to 720p HD to record slow-motion at 120fps.
The fixed screen may annoy some wanting flexible shooting compositions. Otherwise, the camera handles well and is built superbly with the weather-sealing you’d expect from a pro body. Our reviewer found the customizable button just below the joypad on the rear of the body helpful for assigning a multitude of functions.
Other useful video features include a microphone and headphone sockets, time-lapse video recording, HDR Movie, and the ability to record in Canon Log Gamma. In our full review, we found that the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV is an all-rounder camera and a tempting option for many videographers.
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Features
4K video (although cropped) and Canon's Dual-Pixel AF make a great team for video, audio inputs and C-Log also add some pro features
★★★★
Design
Canon's easy to use camera layouts are legendary, but for video the fixed screen is a very limiting factor
★★★★
Performance
While of great quality, 4K video is quite heavily cropped with only a select few frame rates, which severely limits its use for pros
★★★★★
Value
Pales in comparison to the specs you can get for much cheaper prices from Canon's mirrorless cameras
✅ Your subjects move a lot: the EOS-1D X Mark III's Dual Pixel CMOS AF is lightning fast for sports and wildlife stills, and super smooth for video. ✅ You need endurance: with a high-capacity battery capable of lasting over 2500 shots, and a high-speed gigabyte ethernet connection to blast through video transfers, you won't find a better workhorse DSLR.
Don't buy it if:
❌ You're not a professional: only the best video resolution will do for commercial clients. If you're a hobbyist, it's not worth paying for the advanced features and 5.5K RAW (60p) footage. ❌ You've got small hands: this camera is big, and it's heavy. At over 1.4kg without a lens, it's not one you can carry around for hours or pop in a small bag.
The Canon EOS-1DX Mark III has a huge wealth of video features, but I'll start by saying you’ll likely need huge wealth if you want to buy one. If you shoot video for a living, or if money is no object, it’s the camera to go for, just on the autofocus performance alone.
When it comes to resolution, the camera gives you a lot of format options. They include 4K RAW (5.5K), 4K DCI, 4K UHD, and 4K DCI Cropped at 23.98, 24, 25, 29.97, 50, 59.94fps, plus Full HD with the same frame rates plus 120fps.
Smooth focusing is provided thanks to Dual Pixel CMOS AF (though it’s to be noted that this is not available in uncropped 4K/RAW at 60/50p), while there’s also a host of manual focusing controls, such as focus peaking, that professionals can use to their advantage when checking the focal point of footage.
The 1DX Mark III is built solidly, but it lacks a tilting touchscreen, presumably to keep the construction bombproof in challenging conditions. Canon hasn't included image stabilization either, despite the age of the camera.
If video is at the forefront of your workflow, the 1DX Mark III is an excellent choice. As we said in our review, it does bridge the gap between DSLR and mirrorless shows that DSLRs can continue to be an exciting format, even if fewer of them are being made.
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Features
The best spec'd DSLR camera for video offers a wealth of uncropped 4K options and fantastic AF
★★★★★
Design
With a built in grip this is a very big camera for using on gimbals or rigs, but the extra space allows big battery life
★★★★
Performance
Canon's DPAF system works incredibly well at tracking, and the multitude of resolution and frame rate options give creative options to editors
★★★★★
Value
While this camera offers a heck of a lot, it is still a silly price compared to better mirrorless options
✅ You want mirrorless features: the D780 was the first DSLR to offer on-sensor phase-detection AF, for the same live view video and stills performance as the Nikon Z 6, but with the handling of a DSLR. ✅ You loved the Nikon D750: the D780 is a premium version of Nikon's classic DSLR, with the same 24MP full-frame sensor, plus fast live view autofocus, 4K video, and 12fps bursts.
Don't buy it if:
❌ You want to travel light: the D780 is superbly built, but heavier than the Canon EOS 90D and Nikon D7500 enthusiast models. It's even heftier when you add a zoom lens. ❌ You want to shoot handheld: given the camera's lack of stabilization (like many of the DSLRs on this list) I'd recommend recording with a tripod or gimbal.
Using a full-frame DSLR for video makes a lot of sense, but if you’re keen not to overspend, the D780 is a good intermediate option that gives you a lot of value for money. Another Nikon camera that earned full points in our review, it's a reminder of just how good a modern DSLR can be for videographers.
It offers pretty advanced 4K video features for the price, with a range of frame rates if you step down to Full HD, including slow-motion recording. Nikon has added a range of professional video specs that might also come in handy such as N-Log recording, Hybrid Log Gamma (HLG), and Timecode output. Microphone and headphone sockets round out the spec sheet to make this appealing to serious movie shooters.
The Nikon D780 is built extremely well, and our reviewer tested the camera for several days in Iceland, where its size, heft and weatherproofing were welcome when shooting and making adjustments in extreme cold and wearing gloves. It's not a small camera, but it's great for travel where you need a rugged design.
Once again though, the D780 has a tilting screen – rather than fully articulating – so it’s best suited to video content creators rather than vloggers. Overall, we thought the video quality was fantastic, but without in-built stabilization, it's a camera you'll get the most from by using a tripod or a gimbal.
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Features
4K video, phase detect AF, N-Log and sockets for microphones and headphones, this ticks all the boxes for a video DSLR
★★★★★
Design
A rugged and weather sealed design for outdoor shooting, although quite large and heavy for small gimbals
★★★★
Performance
Excellent quality video with uncropped 4K output and a range of frame rates
★★★★★
Value
This is one of the most modern DSLRs, and is a competitive price, but again is undercut by better mirrorless models
Choosing between the best DSLRs for video ultimately comes down to your budget, skill level and what you're planning to make videos for.
Video resolution, the number of pixels you're working with or the quality of your video, is important. Full HD or 4K, as these are the common maximum resolutions of DSLRs. 4K is the professional standard and necessary if you're producing video for clients, but some DSLRs shoot 4K with a severe crop that limits its usability. We've specified which cameras shoot 4K cropped, and which don't.
Handling and design are also important. A fully articulated LCD touchscreen like the one found on the Canon EOS 90D lets you compose shots from different angles and heights. It also means you can flip the screen around to film yourself, which is vital for solo vlogging.
Autofocus performance is hard to gauge just from reading specs, but it will give you a huge deal of flexibility when shooting. A DSLR's Live View autofocus (ability to focus when using the LCD) is often different from its regular autofocus. As a video shooter, you'll be using Live View a lot, so I'd recommend reading our full reviews to find out how the Live View autofocus of each DSLR fared during testing.
The last thing to consider is frame rates (how many frames per second a camera is shooting) and how high you need them to go. The more frames, the smoother the footage. Although if you're a cinematic filmmaker, 24fps will ape the classic frame rate of motion picture film. 120fps gives you epic slow-mo footage, which can also be useful for action takes, and fast-moving subjects.
Which DSLR is best for videography?
The annoying answer is, that depends. The best DSLR for videography depends on what you're filming, how you're filming and whether you want a camera that's compact enough for handholding or the most advanced specs-wise.
The best DSLR for videography in terms of resolution and features is the Canon EOS-1D X Mark III, which is probably the most impressive DSLR full stop. Although it doesn't offer any image stabilization, mount it on a gimbal or sturdy tripod and the video is crisp, clean and pristine.
Are DSLRs good for video?
Yes, DSLRs can be good for video recording and creation, with manual controls for adjusting settings, and an historic range of interchangeable lenses to choose from for versatile perspectives.
DSLRs might lack some of the features found in dedicated video cameras, and their autofocus during video recording may be slower compared to mirrorless cameras. Overall though, they produce high-quality video that's ideal for the needs of beginners and enthusiasts. I think that DSLRs still have a place in the video market, as they strike a balance between affordability and performance for a wide range of projects.
How we test the best DSLRs for video
We test the best DSLRs for video in a wide range of real-world shooting scenarios and combine our opinions and findings with carefully controlled tests carried out under lab conditions. That means that we can share what it’s actually like to use the camera for extended filming periods, as well as measure key elements like sharpness and resolution.
Every DSLR in this guide has been used by a trusted expert over weeks (or longer) in different filming situations, and we match our shooting techniques and choice of subjects to what the camera was designed for. We test every video mode separately, record sample footage, and also consider the audio quality of the camera’s built-in microphone.
As well as image and video quality, reviewers report back on what the camera was like to handle, and how battery life, cards and ports played a part in its overall usability. Price is a factor, and we always ask: “Does this DSLR for video justify its asking price? How does it compare to rival models?”
In the lab, our tests measure the DSLR’s resolution, dynamic range and signal-to-noise ratio. Resolution is measured using ISO resolution charts, dynamic range is measured using DxO Analyzer test equipment and DxO Analyzer is also used for noise analysis across the camera's ISO range.
Lauren is a writer, reviewer, and photographer with ten years of experience in the camera industry. She's the former Managing Editor of Digital Camera World, and previously served as Editor of Digital Photographer magazine, Technique editor for PhotoPlus: The Canon Magazine, and Deputy Editor of our sister publication, Digital Camera Magazine. An experienced journalist and freelance photographer, Lauren also has bylines at Tech Radar, Space.com, Canon Europe, PCGamesN, T3, Stuff, and British Airways' in-flight magazine (among others). When she's not testing gear for DCW, she's probably in the kitchen testing yet another new curry recipe or walking in the Cotswolds with her Flat-coated Retriever.
