The best DSLR in 2025: timeless cameras that still capture stunning images

I’ve spent over two decades shooting with digital SLRS and despite the buzz surrounding the best mirrorless cameras, a well-made DSLR still feels like home. There’s something reassuring about the mechanical snap of the mirror, the weight in your hands, and the clarity of an optical viewfinder that simply doesn’t fade - no matter how many mirrorless bodies I test.

While the industry has shifted its focus toward mirrorless systems, DSLRs continue to hold their ground. They’re built to last, offer excellent value, and have the backing of a lens ecosystem that’s been refined over generations. I’ve tested more than my fair share over the years, and the models I recommend here are ones I’d trust in the field.

Don’t be fooled into thinking DSLRs are stuck in the past. Many of them now offer features once exclusive to mirrorless cameras - things like 4K video, fast phase-detect autofocus on the sensor, and live-view shooting that’s surprisingly responsive. If you're wondering how the two systems stack up, my DSLR vs. mirrorless comparison lays out the pros and cons without the marketing spin.

For anyone moving up from a smartphone or compact camera, DSLRs still represent one of the most cost-effective ways into serious photography. And their biggest strength? Glass. There’s an incredible depth of choice when it comes to lenses, much of it still unmatched in the mirrorless world. If you're starting to explore what lenses to add to your kit, our basic guide to the best camera lenses will help steer you in the right direction.

A few DSLRs still rise to the top. The Nikon D850 is a true workhorse for professionals - built like a brick, sharp as a tack, and equally strong with stills or video. For serious enthusiasts, the Canon EOS 90D hits a sweet spot, offering impressive speed and resolution while still delivering the satisfying feel of an optical viewfinder.

That said, it’s worth knowing where things stand. Canon and Nikon have both stopped DSLR development, with no new models on the horizon and DSLR lens production winding down. Third-party lens makers are following suit, focusing instead on mirrorless mounts. But if you value the strengths of a DSLR - the balance, the viewfinder, the legacy - it’s still a great time to pick one up.

Sebastian Oakley

For nearly two decades Sebastian's work within sports photography has been published internationally. He has been an SLR user since the film days using a Nikon F5 and saw the digital transition with Nikon's D series cameras

He now spends his spare time using his trusted Leica M-E, Leica M2, or Nikon D800 shooting street photography or general life as he sees it, usually in Black and White.

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The best DSLRs

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Best for megapixels

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We found the Nikon D850 an expensive camera when it was first launched, but now prices have fallen and its 45.7MP resolution is spectacular.

The Nikon D850 is amazing for video features too and makes it one of the best DSLRs for video around – though the newer Nikon D780 would be a better and cheaper choice for videographers.

We know the Nikon D850 doesn't have the new Nikon D780's hybrid on-sensor autofocus technology, so its live view autofocus speeds are relatively pedestrian, but we don't find that much of a handicap for measured professional photographic shoots, and it scarcely puts a dent in the D850's all-round appeal as arguably the best DSLR of all time for professional photographers. It looked spectacular when it first came out in 2017, and it looks just as good today... but cheaper!

Read our full Nikon D850 review for more details

The Nikon D850 might have once felt expensive, but in 2025 it offers incredible value for professionals. Its 45.7MP sensor still delivers stunning detail, and while it lacks the D780’s hybrid autofocus in live view, that’s rarely an issue for stills-focused shooters. It’s also a strong performer for video, though the D780 is a more affordable option there. All told, the D850 remains a landmark DSLR—refined, powerful, and now more accessible than ever.

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Best for affordability

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For anyone who is not quite ready to make the switch to mirrorless but wants the latest release with modern features, the Pentax KF is your only choice, as Canon and Nikon have now abandoned DSLR development for good.

Pentax aficionados will notice plenty of similarities between the Pentax K-70 and Pentax KF. Minor improvements include a higher-res LCD screen, and the newer camera is a little lighter. Remember that this is a mid-range camera not a bleeding-edge flagship, so don't expect the most exciting camera ever, but what it does, it does really well.

During our time reviewing the KF we appreciated its Hybrid AF, 4.5 stops of in-body image stabilization, built-in flash (a feature you won't always get in a mid-range camera), and the KF's articulating screen. This is a highly capable camera, but one that's sadly let down by a lack of 4K video recording - at least its 1080p output is good enough for online viewing.

All-weather dependability is ensured that's to the KF's rugged weather sealed build - it's water- and dust-proof, and is even capable of operating in temperatures as low as 14°F (-10°C).

Read our full Pentax KF review for more details

If you're not ready to go mirrorless but still want a DSLR with modern features, the Pentax KF stands alone in 2025. It’s a modest update to the K-70, but a welcome one, with useful tweaks like a sharper screen and lighter build.

While it doesn’t push any boundaries, it delivers solid performance where it matters, with dependable image stabilization, Hybrid AF, and a tough weather-sealed body. The lack of 4K video is a letdown, but for stills shooters who value rugged reliability, the KF is a reassuringly capable choice.

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Best for beginners

There are a few Canon cameras that are cheaper than the Canon EOS Rebel SL3 (known as the 250D in Europe) but they lack its features and build quality.

You don't have to pay that much extra to have features such as a vari-angle touchscreen, a 24.3-megapixel sensor with Canon's Dual Pixel CMOS AF Technology which makes the autofocus in live mode really fast – just like a mirrorless camera's – and guided screen options to help you learn. It's also capable of 4K video so if you think you might want to have a go at filmmaking, this may be better for you than the Nikon D3500.

Having used Canon's cheapest DSLRs (sorry, Canon), we think the EOS Rebel SL3/250D is definitely worth the extra.

Read our full Canon EOS Rebel SL3/250D review for more details

There are cheaper Canon DSLRs out there, but none offer the same balance of features, performance, and usability as the EOS Rebel SL3 (250D). With fast Dual Pixel autofocus, a vari-angle touchscreen, and 4K video, it’s a compact DSLR that feels modern without breaking the bank.

It’s also a great learning tool thanks to Canon’s guided interface, making it ideal for beginners who want something they won’t outgrow too quickly. For a small step up in price, the SL3 delivers a big step up in experience.

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Best for stills and video

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Released in 2016, the Canon EOS 5D IV is still a popular camera among professional photographers. We we were very impressed with the camera when we reviewed it at its launch, though we have to admit that it's now showing its age both for resolution and its cropped 4K video.

Compared to the Nikon D850, its resolution might seem pretty average, but for lots of photographers 30 megapixels is more than enough and you can shoot 4K video with this camera too, but the format used means the files it outputs are good but massive.

The EOS 5D Mark IV features Canon's Dual Pixel CMOS AF which means users benefit from fast autofocus performance in live view and video modes. It's robust, reliable, and weather-resistant which is a major plus for pro photographers.

Sadly, Canon has shifted all its attention to its EOS R Series mirrorless cameras, so it's almost certain we'll never see a successor to the EOS 5D IV.

Read our full Canon EOS 5D Mark IV review for more details

The Canon EOS 5D Mark IV remains a trusted choice for many professionals, even though it’s been around since 2016. While its 30MP resolution and cropped 4K video feel a bit dated compared to newer models like the Nikon D850, it still delivers solid image quality and fast, reliable autofocus thanks to Canon’s Dual Pixel CMOS system.

Its robust, weather-sealed build makes it dependable in challenging conditions. With Canon’s focus now on mirrorless, the 5D Mark IV stands as the last of a legendary line - a camera that continues to serve well, even as the DSLR era fades.

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Best for students

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The long-awaited upgrade to the much-loved Nikon D750 certainly didn't disappoint us. The Nikon D780 includes the same on-sensor phase detection autofocus as the Nikon Z6 to give the same mirrorless live view performance – a great advantage for stills photography and especially for video.

Admittedly, Nikon was a bit slow off the mark as Canon has used its own Dual Pixel CMOS AF in its DSLRs to do the same thing for years. However, 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. We found during our time reviewing the D780 that it combines a well-thought-out design with a solid build and very satisfying handling.

Read our full Nikon D780 review for more details

The Nikon D780 is the DSLR that bridges the gap between traditional and modern, combining classic handling with the live view performance of a mirrorless camera. Its on-sensor phase detection autofocus, fast 12fps burst shooting, 4K video, and tilting touchscreen make it a hugely versatile tool for both stills and video work.

While Nikon arrived a little late to the live view party, the D780 gets it right—and then some. It’s a refined, reliable all-rounder that feels like a future-proof DSLR in an increasingly mirrorless world.

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Best for astrophotography

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Even as the likes of Canon and Nikon abandon the DSLR format, Pentax continues on regardless, stick to what it knows best. Unsurprisingly then, we found the Pentax K-1 Mark II to be a typically solid yet unadventurous camera. It boasts a rugged, weather-sealed build, teamed with a very effective sensor-shift image stabilization system. The advantage of this technology is that it'll work with any attached lens, unlike rival Canon and Nikon DSLRs, which have to make do with lens-based optical image stabilization only.

Another benefit of in-body stabilization is the 5-axis stabilizer has trick modes that can enable anti-aliasing correction, and the system is even able to increase fine detail and texture using a Pixel Shift feature and multiple exposures. There's also an Astrotracer mode that helps stop stars appearing to streak across the night sky - a genuinely useful feature for astrophotography.

The K-1 Mark II is based around a 36-megapixel full-frame sensor, so you won't be short on resolving power. However we reckon the 33-point autofocus system feels outdated, and we found autofocussing in Live View to be particularly sluggish.

Read our full Pentax K-1 Mark II review for more details

The Pentax K-1 Mark II sticks to traditional DSLR strengths, offering a solid, weather-sealed build and clever in-body image stabilization that works with any lens. Features like Pixel Shift, anti-aliasing correction, and Astrotracer add genuine creative value, especially for landscape and astrophotographers.

While its 36MP sensor delivers excellent detail, the autofocus system feels behind the times - particularly in Live View. Still, for those who value rugged dependability and unique imaging tools, the K-1 Mark II stands firm as a capable, no-nonsense DSLR.

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Best option for just stills

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The Canon EOS 6D Mark II is now quite an old camera, but while its specifications are hardly cutting edge, this is still a powerful and versatile DSLR for photographers taking their first steps in full-frame photography. Most important of all, we think it's versatile, extremely well-designed, and straightforward to use.

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 toward the center of the screen.

The EOS 6D Mark II can capture images at 6.5fps in burst mode and has an extremely useful vari-angle touchscreen display. It has been upstaged somewhat by Canon's mirrorless models, but the 6D Mark II is still a solid buy that's cheaper than the Nikon D780.

Read our full Canon EOS 6D Mark II review for more details

The Canon EOS 6D Mark II might be showing its age, but it remains a strong entry point into full-frame photography. With a 26MP sensor, fast Dual Pixel autofocus in live view, and a vari-angle touchscreen, it’s a DSLR that still delivers a smooth, reliable shooting experience.

Its viewfinder autofocus isn’t as wide-reaching as newer rivals, but for most users it’s more than capable. If you’re not quite ready to go mirrorless, the 6D Mark II offers a well-rounded, user-friendly alternative at a lower price than the Nikon D780.

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How we test DSLR cameras

We test DSLR cameras both in real-world shooting scenarios and in carefully controlled lab conditions. Find out how we test and review on Digital Camera World.

Our lab tests measure 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. We use both real-world testing and our lab results to inform our comments in buying guides.

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