12 best SLR cameras according to experts
SLR cameras are distinguished by the high quality of the resulting images, the ability to shoot high-resolution videos and capacious memory. This is a great option for fans who want to regularly replenish the home archive, and for professionals who earn a photo shoot. But on the market there is a large variety of cameras, from budget to expensive. Sometimes it’s not so easy to choose the best option according to your requirements, so you have to pay attention to the characteristics, brands and reviews of SLR cameras from other users.
The best manufacturers of SLR cameras
Photo and video equipment belongs to the category of specific products, therefore not all large global companies offer high-quality cameras. Among professionals and ordinary fans, there is constant debate about which brand should be considered the best. This is due to the fact that we have to take into account many factors - the build quality, the capabilities of the matrix, the available functions. In addition, the subjective aspect intervenes - each person has his own preferences regarding the style of shooting.
Canon
The Japanese company Canon can be considered the market leader in digital cameras and SLR cameras in terms of production and overall sales in the world. It was founded in 1937, and now the main source of income for it is precisely the sale of cameras and SLR cameras. The success is largely due to the fact that Canon was the first in the world to make a relatively inexpensive SLR camera, thanks to the development of its own production technologies.
Nikon
One of the main competitors of Canon in the world market is traditionally considered to be Nikon. It ranks second in terms of sales at the moment. The company's advantages include the fact that it has been manufacturing its own lenses and optical equipment since 1932. This is the main difference now. Nikon is not such a large company as Canon, and specializes mainly in the development and sale of photographic equipment. They invest a lot of money in developing and developing their own technologies, which few brands can afford.
Sony
The Japanese company Sony is one of the few who can afford to financially burden the two previous giants of the market. It offers several interesting lines that allowed to occupy a certain niche. Sony SLR cameras are distinguished by a number of advantages, including fast phase autofocus and high-speed photography.
Top SLR Cameras Rating
Nomination | a place | Name of product | price |
Best Amateur SLR Cameras | 1 | Canon EOS 100D Kit | 27 750 ₽ |
2 | Nikon D3300 Kit | 28 000 ₽ | |
3 | Canon EOS 600D Kit | - | |
4 | Pentax K-70 Body | 36 700 ₽ | |
The best mirror photo cameras for advanced users | 1 | Canon EOS 70D Body | 44 570 ₽ |
2 | Nikon D7200 Body | 46 500 ₽ | |
3 | Canon EOS 80D Kit | 53 450 ₽ | |
The best professional SLR PHOTOS | 1 | Pentax K-1 Body | 126 999 ₽ |
2 | Canon EOS 5D Mark IV Body | 173 000 ₽ | |
3 | Nikon D750 Body | 88 990 ₽ | |
Top SLR Cameras with Electronic Viewfinder | 1 | Sony Alpha SLT-A58 Kit | 35 790 ₽ |
2 | Sony Alpha ILCA-77M2 Body | 69 500 ₽ |
Ranking of the best amateur SLR cameras
Canon EOS 100D Kit
Rating: 4.7
The Canon EOS 100D Kit Mirror Camera belongs to the semi-professional segment. It is equipped with a 18.5 megapixel CMOS matrix and a crop factor of 1.6, affecting the angle of view of the lens. This allows you to take pictures of 5184x3456 pixels with a ratio of 3: 2. High ISO levels allow you to shoot the night sky with excellent clarity.
the camera has a small weight for devices in this category, so you can take it with you to various events or long photo shoots. The touch screen simplifies the setup process and the choice of shooting modes. The built-in program allows you to quickly transfer images.
Virtues
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high build quality, compact size and low weight;
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fast shooting;
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The battery lasts for 400-500 frames.
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supports RAW format;
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good detail images and the minimum amount of noise;
disadvantages
- noisy focus with a standard lens;
Nikon D3300 Kit
Rating: 4.6
Reflex camera Nikon D3300 Kit refers to the initial level. It is an improved version of the D3200, which was very popular with many amateur photographers.
A 24.2 megapixel CMOS matrix with a factor of 1.5 allows you to take high-definition pictures with a resolution of 6000x4000 pixels and shoot FullHD 60 fps video.
One of the differences is the increased sensitivity up to ISO 12 800, which allows you to shoot both day and night, and the speed increased to 5 fps. Ergonomic design combined with high functionality. Capacious battery allows you to take up to 700 shots on a single charge.
Virtues
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high-quality and juicy images at different times of the day;
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good image quality at high sensitivity (up to 3200);
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fast focusing with various types of lenses;
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very good matrix;
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high functionality and ease of use;
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high level of stabilization;
disadvantages
- Lack of bracketing;
- lack of touch screen and flip screen.
Canon EOS 600D Kit
Rating: 4.6
The amateur SLR camera Canon EOS 600D Kit is equipped with a 18.4 megapixel CMOS sensor. It allows you to take pictures with a maximum resolution of up to 5184x3456 pixels. The matrix cleaning function is supported, which allows shaking off small particles of dust due to internal vibration, which shortens the period of manual maintenance.
Rotary screen simplifies the process of shooting in difficult conditions, allowing you to adjust to objects. The low weight and compact dimensions allow the camera to be placed in a small case or hand bag. Additional features include remote control, including from a computer.
Virtues
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ease of setup and control during shooting;
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good color rendering and high ISO performance.
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capacious battery for 1000 shots on one charge;
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fast autofocus;
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low noise;
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comfortable grip;
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performed well when shooting landscapes;
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excellent stabilizer;
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excellent dust protection and dust cleaning matrix;
disadvantages
- AF focus on the monitor is very slow;
- no autofocus when shooting video;
- not very suitable for portrait shooting - more due to the lens;
- plastic bayonet
- The lens and flash do not always correspond to the standard capabilities.
Pentax K-70 Body
Rating: 4.5
Reflex Camera Pentax K-70 Body belongs to the category of amateur cameras. It is made in a black all-weather case, providing reliable protection from moisture and damage. CMOS matrix with a resolution of 24.4 megapixels is highly sensitive and allows you to capture images up to 6000x4000 pixels.
Own stabilization system during shooting Shake Reduction avoids blurring, and Safox X sensors provide accurate automatic focusing. The 3-inch swivel screen simplifies the shooting process. Synchronization with a computer can be carried out using the module Wi-Fi.
Virtues
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high image quality with low noise;
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ergonomic protected case;
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excellent stabilizer allows you to shoot even 1/8 sec;
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accurate and fast focusing;
disadvantages
- video quality is inferior to competitors.
Top SLR cameras for advanced users
Canon EOS 70D Body
Rating: 4.8
The Canon EOS 70D Body SLR Camera is a modified version of the popular EOS60D model and offers an optimal set of features for amateurs and professionals. The special design of the matrix with a resolution of 20.9 megapixels allows you to combine phase and contrast autofocus.
The camera supports high-speed SDXC memory cards, so viewing and transferring photos does not take much time. With the support of HDMI, USB and Wi-Fi, new opportunities for synchronization with other devices.
Virtues
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high-quality autofocus mechanism in LiveView allows you to get accurate and contrasting images;
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convenient management, all necessary functions are at hand.
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folding touch display facilitates the shooting process;
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minimum amount of noise;
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large battery capacity;
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high build quality;
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high and working ISO;
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convenient viewfinder;
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high speed shooting;
disadvantages
- white balance and color reproduction do not reach the professional level.
- there is no focus-picking;
Nikon D7200 Body
Rating: 4.8
The Nikon D7200 Body SLR camera has professional capabilities. It is a modified version of the camera D7100, while retaining most of the positive qualities. The updated camera received a module Wi-Fi and NFC, as well as support for remote control via a tablet or smartphone.
On a large display with a diagonal of 3.2 inches, you can comfortably view the footage. A CMOS matrix with an effective pixel number of 24.2 allows you to get high-quality 6000x4000 images and FullHD video at 60 fps. Compared with the previous model, the weight decreased by 100 grams.
Virtues
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hybrid autofocus provides high definition images;
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good build quality and sophisticated ergonomics;
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wide dynamic range;
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fast and accurate autofocus;
disadvantages
- no focus picking function;
- no swivel screen.
Canon EOS 80D Kit
Rating: 4.7
The Canon EOS 80D Kit DSLR Camera is designed for professionals and amateurs who want to unleash their creative potential. It has a high response speed and is suitable for shooting in various conditions.
The 45-point autofocus system instantly selects the optimal focus point, so even in difficult light conditions, accurate and contrasting images are obtained. Shooting speeds of up to 7 fps allow you to catch the best shots of even fast-moving objects, which is suitable for sporting events or wildlife events. The camera is easily customized for any shooting conditions.
Virtues
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wide dynamic range at low ISO;
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wireless file transfer;
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copes well with insufficient lighting;
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fast shooting high definition, the ability to customize;
disadvantages
- regular lens, not high quality;
Rating the best professional SLR cameras
Pentax K-1 Body
Rating: 4.9
Reflex camera Pentax K-1 Body belongs to the professional category and combines many advanced technologies. To get the best shot using a range of automatic and manual settings.
The camera is equipped with an innovative full-frame sensor with a crop factor of 1, which means the effective use of all pixels. Thanks to the resolution of 36.4 megapixels, it is possible to obtain high-quality photos 7360x4912. High accuracy of images can be obtained due to the stabilization system carried out by shifting the matrix. Enhanced ISO values allow you to take photos at any time of the day.
Virtues
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one of the best cameras for studio work;
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quick and accurate setting of shooting parameters;
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stylish, ergonomic and balanced body with a convenient swivel screen;
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high ISO up to 3600;
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convenient viewfinder;
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image stabilizer on the matrix with the horizon alignment function;
disadvantages
- autofocus speed in some modes lags behind competitors;
- burst speed could be higher;
Canon EOS 5D Mark IV Body
Rating: 4.8
The Canon EOS 5D Mark IV Body SLR camera from one of the leading manufacturers of photographic equipment in the world is distinguished by its versatility and high quality performance. It is focused primarily on professionals engaged in studio and full-scale shooting. This is the first camera in the family, received the opportunity to shoot video in 4k resolution.
The full-frame 30-megapixel camera has a high sensitivity, so it allows to take clear pictures even in low light conditions. The manufacturer was able to improve ergonomics and reduce weight by 50 grams.
Virtues
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flexible settings for high-quality shooting photos and videos under any conditions;
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multi-touch touch screen for adjusting and selecting the focus point;
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built-in geotagging support (GPS, Glonass);
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accurate white balance;
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very fast autofocus;
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ISO 3200 working;
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30 mg pixel matrix;
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widest range of settings;
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shutter speed up to 1/8000 s;
disadvantages
- fast battery consumption with heavy use.
Nikon D750 Body
Rating: 4.8
The Nikon D750 Body versatile mirror camera for professional use is distinguished by a good price-performance ratio for this class. It offers a wide range of special features and manual settings that allow you to control the quality of images under any conditions.
Fast and accurate autofocus independently adjusts the balance even in a room with poor light. The presence of a folding screen simplifies the task when macro shooting. Initially, the camera supports time-lapse shooting and timeless without additional software and equipment. Matrix 24.9 megapixel allows you to shoot in the resolution of 6016x4016 pixels.
Virtues
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accurate and fast autofocus, in most cases coping without manual adjustment;
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built-in flash with bracketing;
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productive process;
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excellent auto white balance;
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ISO up to 3200;
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comfortable grip;
disadvantages
- shutter speed up to 1/4000 s;
- Wi-Fi only supports transfer to tablets and smartphones.
Top best SLR cameras with electronic viewfinder
Sony Alpha SLT-A58 Kit
Rating: 4.7
The Sony AlphaSLT-A58 Kit SLR camera is distinguished by its wide functionality, it is suitable for people who are interested in photography at a serious level. CMOS matrix with a resolution of 20 megapixels allows to obtain high-quality images with minimal noise. This is facilitated by a white balancing system and stabilization due to the shift of the matrix.
Automatic focusing on 15 points provides clarity even during dynamic shooting. The Tru-Finder electronic viewfinder provides 100% frame coverage and balances the image with uneven illumination.
Virtues
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Juicy picture - high-quality shooting, even with automatic settings;
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accurate autofocus for most modes;
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stylish design and thoughtful ergonomics, a folding screen is provided;
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holds the battery for a long time;
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matrix stabilization;
disadvantages
- low productivity;
- high noise at ISO above 400;
- slow autofocus;
- Missing bayonet;
- expensive accessories and lighting equipment; <
Sony Alpha ILCA-77M2 Body
Rating: 4.6
The Sony Alpha ILCA-77M2 Body SLR camera is notable for the location of lenses without gaps, which leads to a reduction in noise levels during long-term work. CMOS matrix with a resolution of 24.3 megapixels will satisfy the needs of even professionals. The updated process allows you to increase the speed of work with the matrix and bring the shooting up to 12 fps.
Autofocus is carried out at 79 points, which ensures high accuracy of frames in dynamics.A 100% image-coated electronic viewfinder provides a high level of contrast and accurate color correction. For viewing convenience, there is a swiveling 3-inch LCD display.
Virtues
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fast auto tuning of parameters;
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flexible options for changing parameters directly during operation;
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smart autofocus;
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excellent color reproduction;
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high-quality digital viewfinder;
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excellent video quality;
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24 megapixel matrix;
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tracking trick;
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high ISO workers;
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large buffer in continuous shooting;
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very high quality in-camera JPEG;
disadvantages
- relatively low sensitivity of the sensor;
- primitive auto selection of exposure parameters;
- viewfinder delay during continuous shooting;
- insufficient battery power for professionals.
How to choose the best SLR camera?
Photography has long ceased to be an extravagant hobby. Today, many shoot themselves and friends on mobile devices for social networks. But if you want to get really high-quality images, then it is better to take care of buying a SLR camera. On the market there are many models from well-known manufacturers - Canon, Nikon, Sony. All of them differ in a set of features, features and price.
You must first decide on the purpose of use - amateur photography or professional use. When choosing, you should be guided by the main parameters:
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speed and accuracy of focus;
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resolution and physical size of the matrix;
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ISO sensitivity parameters;
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image stabilization function;
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additional features (matrix auto cleaning, Wi-Fi, GPS modules).
One of the most popular cameras for amateurs with an optimal price-performance ratio is the Canon EOS 600D Kit. If you want to experiment with shooting parameters and try different options, then you should pay attention to the Nikon D3300. Travelers can recommend.
Attention! This rating is subjective, is not advertising and does not serve as a guide to the purchase. Before buying, you should consult with a specialist.