What is the Best Digital SLR Camera?

I get asked "what is the best digital SLR?" quite a lot.

My opinion is that you - and only you - are qualified to make the decision about what the best camera is.

Since this is the case, I have avoided my own "best digital SLR" list for some time now.

I finally settled on a solution: rather than answer "what is the best digital SLR?" by selecting just one camera above all the others, I have multiple categories.

Think of this page more like the Oscars and less like a beauty pageant: more than one camera has the opportunity to receive recoginition.

canon 60d pentax k-5
nikond7000 sony slt-a33

Disclaimer

Before I get too far into any discussion of the best digital SLR cameras, you need to understand these are my choices.

I have had the opportunity to use many of these cameras and I spend hours reading and researching about digital SLR cameras.

The best digital SLRs that I have included on this page are educated recommendations, but nothing more than that.

So long as you remember that these are my choices (which are a reflection of personal preference) and not the selection of an impartial panel of judges, you'll be fine.

Best by Year

Let's begin with a broad category: the best digital SLR camera for any given year.

As time goes on, this list will grow, but only on an annual basis.

Best by Manufacturer

Each manufacturer produces several different digital SLR models.

This list will help you if you have a favorite manufacturer or are making the switch from film and have a lot of lenses you can use.

Best by Photography Style

In step one of my four-step guiding to finding the best digital SLR, I talk about photography styles.

Once you know your photography style it makes it much easier to figure out what is the best digital SLR.

Since you know what you want to photograph, you can use this list of the best digital SLR cameras to begin your search.

Best by Price

This group of best digital SLR cameras is for the bargain hunters and anyone looking for a good digital SLR deal.

A word of warning: don't always select a camera on price alone. Also make sure that it has the features you need to take the photos you love.

Best by Skill Level

Maybe you don't know what types of photos you want to take. Maybe you don't have the slightest idea of how much money you're willing to spend.

Maybe the only thing you know is how comfortable you feel with a camera in your hand.

This section is for you.

Related Links

Learn More About Digital SLR Cameras - Free!

The monthly newsletter is packed with digital SLR tips and advice. Current Issue
First NameE-mail Address 
     
Your privacy is respected and your information is NEVER shared with anyone.
lessons