Updated: Our list of best DSLRs has been revised to show the latest prices, in British pounds and US dollars.
Choosing the best DSLR for your needs can be a decision fraught with difficulties, not least because there are so many capable models on the market that it's hard to know which camera is the top digital camera for your needs.
At one end of the scale manufacturers compete fiercely to provide the easiest entry point into DSLR photography, with intelligent exposure modes and in-camera guides to make the journey as painless as possible, while at the other they battle to deliver the most environmentally-sealed, fastest-shooting models complete with high-resolution sensors, detailed LCD screens and, of course, video recording.
Such variety means that you as the consumer are more likely to end up with a camera tailored to your requirements, but finding the best camera for your needs is a question of weighing the many pros and cons attached to each.
The following guide has been designed to make your decision easier.
We've broken down the specs of all the manufacturers' top DSLRs that are current or still available to purchase in order to help you choose the best Canon DSLR, best Nikon DSLR or digital SLR camera from any of the other manufacturers, to suit your needs as a photographer.
Within each section you will find, for instance, the Canon DSLRs' or Nikon DSLRs' key functionality broken out so that you can compare which camera offers the best specs at a glance.
We've also picked out our best digital camera buys for a range of budgets, starting from the novice with some savings to blow through up to the professional who may require a more solid workhorse.
Best Canon DSLRs
What's the best Canon DSLR? In this section we'll take a look at the best Canon DSLRs that are either current models or still available for purchase.
We've included the price, key specs and a short synopsis of each Canon DSLR to give you a better idea of which camera is best for your needs.
Canon EOS 1100D /Canon EOS Rebel T3
Price: £385/$550 (with 18-55mm kit lens), 12.2MP, HD video: 720p
With its on-screen Features guide and Creative Auto options, the EOS range's most junior member has beginner DSLR users in mind, but it goes on to offer HD video recording and the same 63-area iFCL metering system as seen on the enthusiast EOS 7D.
Read our Canon EOS 1100D review
Canon EOS 550D /Canon EOS Rebel T2i
Price: £545/$700 (with 18-55mm kit lens), 18MP, HD video: 1080p
The 550D improves on the pixel count, LCD resolution and burst rate of its EOS 500D predecessor, but with an external microphone socket, variable video frame rates and range of video functionality it's designed with budding Scorsese's firmly in mind.
Read our Canon EOS 550D review
Canon EOS 600D/Canon EOS Rebel T3i
Price: £600/$850 (with 18-55mm kit lens), 18MP, HD video: 1080p
Building on the basic specifications of the 550D, the EOS 600D sweetens the deal with an articulated LCD screen, built-in wireless flash control and a handful of funky Creative Filters for instant processing effects. You can even rate your images in-camera should you want to pick out any favourites.
Read our Canon EOS 600D review
Canon EOS 60D
Price: £785/$1,000 (body only), 18MP, HD video: 1080p
The sole double-digit EOS member may offer the same 18MP resolution as its cheaper siblings, but with a sturdy aluminium body, pentaprism viewfinder and 5.3fps burst mode it belongs in the hands of the enthusiast.
Read our Canon EOS 60D review
Canon EOS 7D
Price: £1,100/$1,600 (body only), 18MP, HD video: 1080p
An 18MP sensor paired with a blisteringly fast 8fps burst rate is just the beginning, as the EOS 7D goes on to list a 100% pentaprism viewfinder, 19-point AF system and dual-axis electronic levelling functionaltity as further incentives over the 5D Mark II.
Read our Canon EOS 7D review
Canon EOS 5D Mark II
Price: £1,660/$2,200 (body only), 21,1MP, HD video: 1080p
A landmark full-frame model, and successor to the equally revered original EOS 5D, the 5D Mark II boasts a 21.1MP sensor, full HD video recording and a maximum sensitivity of ISO 25,600. Thankfully it's all encased in a water-resistant magnesium-alloy body.
Read our Canon EOS 5D Mark II review
Canon EOS 5D Mark III
Price: £3,000/$3,500 (body only), 22.3MP, HD video: 1080p
Although the 22.3MP Mark III doesn't present any significant advantages in resolution over its predecessor, Canon has upgraded most of that model's core features for this new release. Benefits include faster DIGIC V processors, a more refined AF system and changes to the video functionality, in addition to a wider ISO span and a faster burst rate.
Read our hands on Canon 5D Mark III review
Canon EOS 1D Mark IV
Price: £3,500/$5,000 (body only), 16.1MP, HD video: 1080p
The darling of action photographers around the world, the video-equipped EOS 1Ds Mark IV places two DIGIC IV processors in the driving seat to deliver 10fps burst shooting and a maximum sensitivity of ISO 102,400. Furthermore, with 39 of its 45 AF points being cross-type, it's designed to be incredibly sensitive to a wide range of subjects.
Canon EOS 1Dx
Price: £5,300/$6,800 (body only), 18.1MP, HD video: 1080p
Canon's amalgamation of its 1D and 1Ds models, the 1Dx aims to cater for a variety of professional users with its EOS 1Dx. Although its resolution is a step down from the 21.1MP of the previous 1Ds Mark III, its 12fps burst mode – expandable to 14fps in the Super High Speed Shooting mode – as well as a 61-point AF system and maximum extended ISO setting of ISO 204,800 set a new standard for the pro market.
Read our hands on Canon EOS-1Dx review
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