The best DSLR cameras of 2024 for budding photographers

Photography is an art form, and one that can be considered impossible.

Everyone has a camera in their pocket these days, and many of them are half-decent for taking pictures – but none of them are up to industry standards. If you want to take pictures more seriously, you’ll want a DSLR. But where to start?

DSLR stands for ‘Digital Single-Lens Reflex’, a reference to the shape and operation of the camera.

DSLRs borrow form and core aspects of functionality from previous SLRs, film cameras that use a mirror to reflect the view of the lens up into a separate pentaprism viewfinder. The addition of the ‘D’ represents the replacement of analogue film with light sensors – the type and fidelity of which can have a dramatic effect on the ‘feel’ of the image produced.

In DSLR format, there are many variables to consider, such as sensor type and size. But professional photographers have considerations beyond raw specs. “With regards to DSLR, I always compare the price, image quality and adaptability with the lens”, said Natasha Koziarska, music and event photographer who has worked on gigs for like Feeder, The Darkness and Shame.

“I find that I often stick with brands that I know, because the tone of the image and the interface of the camera are familiar to me. Also, it means that I can use old lenses on new cameras! This is because DSLRs are camera bodies, which accept different lenses for different -various shooting styles; the brand has its own closed lens mount design, which can make using lenses from other brands less than ideal – even with a suitable adapter.

“The weight for me is also the weight,” added Koziarska, “and it is very easy to overcome the time.” The gigging photographer will be aware of the weight of the equipment, and extensive shoots with heavier equipment can take a toll on both the shooter and the shooter.

The DSLR camera is an indispensable tool, but it is one that faces stiff competition from an ever-evolving medium. Some say that it is nearing the end of its life cycle which has everything to do with the evolution of technology. Newer mirrorless cameras are lighter, higher fidelity and faster to shoot, while smartphone manufacturers are getting better at squeezing high fidelity sensors into small sizes.

But nothing makes a DSLR less practical than its format – and certain DSLR models remain the gold standard for professional digital photography.

This means that there are fewer new DSLR releases, as manufacturers pay attention to the possibilities of new formats and technologies.

So, many of the products in this round have spent a considerable amount of time on the market, some of which have been in production for almost ten years. That they remain competitive and sought after cameras in today’s landscape speaks volumes for quality and performance. But of this large and storied crop, who should consider pursuing photography themselves?

We’ve rounded up the best below to check out.