The Best DSLR Cameras of 2022

Mirrorless Cameras have now taken over DSLR cameras (Digital Single Lens Reflex cameras) because of mirrorless cameras' more lightweight and compact form factor. However, modern DSLRs are now more affordable, have longer battery life, and generally have a better lens selection. For these reasons, DSLRs are a great choice for photographers, whether for beginners or professionals. Below are some recommendations for APS-C and full frame DSLRs from Canon, Nikon and Pentax. 


Canon EOS Rebel T7

The Canon EOS Rebel T7 might not be the most advanced camera, but it's the perfect entry for beginners looking to get into DSLR cameras. At less than $500, it's also one of the most affordable cameras that still packs quite a punch. This 24 Megapixel camera also has built-in Wi-Fi, so it's easier to transfer photos from your camera. Below are the Rebel T7's specs:

  • 24.1 MP CMOS sensor with DIGIC 4+ Image Processor
  • ISO 6400 for photo and video
  • 9-point autofocus with AI Servo AF
  • 3-frames per second
  • Intelligent Auto Scene Mode
  • Creative Filters
  • Full 1080 HD 30p
  • Wi-Fi and NFC available

Although there are newer DSLRs out today, this Canon EOS Rebel T7 is able to deliver great image quality for a lesser premium. It's auto program mode makes it easy for beginners to start, and it's compact size is a great option for travel as well. The Canon Rebel T7 is easily one of the best value DSLR cameras available in the market today.

Nikon D5600

The Nikon Nikon D5600 is Nikon's offering for prosumer and intermediate photographers who don't mind an older DSLR but at the same time are looking for good image quality. This APS-C camera has a fully articulating touch screen, and also has SnapBridge app for seamless image transfer. The camera also allows for in-camera photo editing. Below are the D5600's specs:
  • 24.2 MP APS-C Camera
  • 5 FPS continuous shooting
  • 39 Autofocus points
  • 25,600 high ISO
  • Full HD 1080p at 60p
  • Share to smartphones via SmartBridge
  • Fully articulating 3.2-inch LCD touchscreen
  • Free Cloud Storage with Nikon Image space

The Nikon D5600 represents a great value for beginners who want to try out DSLR photography without breaking the bank. At under $800, this Nikon DSLR is the best introduction into the Nikon system (unless you're more interested in the Nikon Z mirrorless system).


Pentax K-3 Mark III

The Pentax K-3 Mark III is the latest DSLR in the market today. Although it was released in 2021, other camera manufacturers have chosen to focus on the mirrorless camera market. Fortunately, Pentax has packed a lot of premium features into this APS-C DSLR camera. While most manufacturers only reserve their weather resistance builds for full-frame cameras, Pentax offers the K-3 in a magnesium alloy weatherproof build. Check out the Pentax K-3's other specs below:

  • Optical viewfinder with approx. 100% field of view, and approx. 1.05X magnification
  • 25.7 megapixels back-illuminated CMOS imaging sensor with PRIME V imaging engine
  • Shake Reduction II for five-axis, 5.5-shutter-step camera shake compensation
  • Pixel Shift Resolution System and anti-aliasing filter simulator
  • 12 images per second (FPS)
  • SAFOX 13 AF system with 101 focus points
  • Customizable Smart function button and control buttons
  •  Touch-screen control and top LCD panel
  • Excellent cold-resistant performance down to -10°C


From the specification above, you can tell that the Pentax K-3 Mark III is really meant for professional photographers who want a smaller camera body but with professional-grade built. The K-3 also allows the use of older Pentax lenses, so legacy glass can still be used.


Canon EOS 5D Mark IV








If you're into the Canon system, then chances are you've had your eye on the 5D. The Canon EOS 5D Mark IV is the latest generation in the popular 5D full-frame flagship camera series, and while Canon is now focusing on it's mirrorless RF system, the 5D presents a compelling reason to stick with DSLRs. This 30MP camera is great in low-light conditions, and allows shooting in 4K. See the full specs below.
  • 30.4MP full-frame CMOS sensor with 61 AF points
  • 4K 30p Movie Shooting with Canon Log
  • Low light shooting with low noise
  • ISO 32,000 and H:102,400
  • 30s to 1/8000 shutter speed
  • 7.0 fps continuous shooting
  • 900 shots rated battery life
  • Weather sealed body
The Canon EOS 5D Mark IV series continues to be popular among professional photographers, even with the availability of Canon's mirrorless RF cameras. The rugged and proven 5D DSLR system has made it a staple for event photographers such as wedding photographers, and the quality images it creates makes fewer reasons for moving to mirrorless cameras. If you can get refurbished 5D IV or even the older 5D III, you can also save on your budget to get high quality Canon L lenses. 

Pentax K-1 Mark II


The Pentax K-1 Mark II is Pentax's flagship DSLR and shows the company's commitment to the DSLR framework. While other camera companies are now focusing on mirrorless systems, Pentax is still concentrating their efforts on DSLR cameras with the previously mentioned K-3 (above) and the K-1 Mark II. This is a weather-sealed camera fit for any professional endeavor. See the K-1's specs below:
  • 36.4MP full-frame sensor
  • In-body shake reduction (5-axis, 5 steps)
  • Flexible tilt LCD monitor
  • Dustproof and weather resistant magnesium alloy casing
  • Built-in GPS
  • ISO up to 819200
  • 4.4 fps continuous shooting
  • K-Mount system compatible with older Pentax lenses

The Pentax K-1 Mark II is perfect for landscape photographers with its high 36MP resolution images and weather resistant build. This camera is proof that DSLRs still have a place among mirrorless cameras, and the high quality images it produces is testament to Pentax's vision of creating the best DSLRs in the market today.


Nikon D850


Nikon's flagship DSLR is the Nikon D850. This camera captures 45.7MP images with superior image quality thanks to it's back-side illuminated sensor. Although it's an older DSLR, it also has more modern features such as it's tilting touch screen and auto-focus subject tracking. Check out the D850's specs below:
  • 45.7MP Back-side illuminated full frame sensor
  • 9 fps continuous shooting (mechanical shutter), and 6 fps continuous shooting (silent)
  • 153 focus points, 99 cross-type sensors
  • Expanded low ISO of 32 and high ISO of 102,400
  • 16:9 4k Ultra HD at 30p
  • 120p slow motion capture 
  • 8K timelapse
  • Weather sealed body
  • Battery life rated up to 1840 images 

The Nikon D850 was released way back in 2017, so it's a testament to Nikon's DSLR engineering that this older camera can still keep up more than 5 years later. This DSLR can be used in all types of photography situations, from landscape photography to wedding photography. Now that mirrorless cameras are more in demand, it should also be easier to find inexpensive lenses for these DSLRs.

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