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


Price: £369 (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


Price: £540 (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.

Canon EOS 600D


Price: £599 (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.

Canon EOS 60D


Price: £769 (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.

Canon EOS 7D

Price: £1149 (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.

Canon EOS 5D Mark II

Price: £1544 (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.

Canon EOS 1D Mark IV


Price: £3499 (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, as well as a 45-point AF system which saturates the frame.

Canon EOS 1Dx

Price: £5299 (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. No doubt Nikon will soon have an answer to this.

Best Nikon DSLRs

Best Nikon DSLRs

What's the best Nikon DSLR? In this section we'll take a look at the best Nikon DSLRs that are either current models or still available for purchase.

We've included the price, key specs and a short synopsis of each Nikon DSLR to give you a better idea of which camera is best for your needs.

Nikon D3100

Price: £479 (with 18-55mm kit lens), 14.2MP, HD video: 1080p


The D3100 replaces the D3000 as Nikon's most basic DSLR, adding 4.2MP to the sensor and (finally) the ability to shoot Raw and high-quality JPEGs at the same time, as well as the now-standard live view and HD movie recording options.

Nikon D90


Price: £779 (with 18-105mm kit lens), 12.3MP, HD video: 720p


The first DSLR to have been equipped with HD video recording, Nikon's mid-range D90 proves itself to being an all-round capable performer with its high-resolution 3in LCD, 11-point AF system and 4.5fps burst rate. It's not the newest Nikon DSLR, but being bundled with an 18-105mm kit lens does give it a slight edge over the more typical 18-55mm kit packages.

Nikon D5100

Price: £679 (with 18-55mm kit lens), 16.2MP, HD video: 1080p


Building on the framework of the D5000, the D5100 adds a larger and more detailed LCD screen which now articulates from the side, and boosts sensor resolution to 16.2MP (matching the D7000). It also provides a series of special effects which may be applied to both images and videos, while further improvements have been made to its video functionality, too.

Nikon D7000


Price: £949 (body only), 16.2MP, HD video: 1080p


Striking a balance between the enthusiast D300s and the ageing D90, the D7000 provides the capable combination of a 39-point AF system, full HD video recording and a sensitivity range up to an equivalent ISO 25,600 setting. Nikon has also been generous enough to throw in two SD card slots and a virtual horizon feature, and even an intervalometer for time-lapse shooting.

Nikon D300s


Price: £1070 (body only), 12.3MP, HD video: 720p


The winning formula of the D300 with the added extra of video functionality, the D300s is a solidly-crafted mid-range DSLR. While its focusing system and higher frame rate place it above the cheaper D7000, its resolution and video quality both fall a little short by comparison and an upgrade is beleived to be just around the corner.

Nikon D700

Price: £1899 (body only), 12.1MP, HD video: none


It's showing its age a little and the lack of video functionality may put some off, but this solidly-built full-frame model is still a favourite among professionals thanks to its 51-point AF system, wide sensitivity span and 5fps burst shooting. The D700 is wide anticipated to be replaced in the near future.

Read our Nikon D700 review

Nikon D3s

Price: £3548 (body only), 12.1MP, HD video: 720p

The action photographer's dream, with a blistering 9fps burst mode (which rises to 11fps in the DX format), a 12.1MP sensor and HD movie recording. Other niceties include a viewfinder with 100% coverage, a shutter that is claimed to last for up to 300,000 cycles, and a staggering maximum sensitivity equivalent to ISO 102,400.

Nikon D3x


Price: £4940 (body only), 24.5MP, HD video: none


Externally similar to the D3s, but with a higher resolution sensor on the inside to justify the premium of almost £1500. Developed with studio and landscape work more in mind, you also don't get quite as high a frame rate nor as wide a sensitivity range as the D3s, and there's also no video recording.

Best Sony DSLRs

Best Sony DSLRs

What's the best Sony DSLR? In this section we'll take a look at the best Sony DSLRs that are either current models or still available for purchase.

We've included the price, key specs and a short synopsis of each Sony DSLR to give you a better idea of which camera is best for your needs.

Sony A35

Price: £444 (with 18-55mm kit lens), 16.2MP, HD video: 1080i

Billed as an upgrade to the A33, but dropping the articulating LCD in favour of a fixed alternative, the A35 brings a newly-designed 16.2MP sensor and Picture Effects for instant creative treatments. The 7fps burst rate is also slightly faster than its predecessor's, although this is only available at a reduced resolution of 8.4MP.

Sony SLT A55


Price: £600 (with 18-55mm kit lens), 16.2MP, HD video: 1080p


The A55 works on the same lines as the cheaper A35 but adds GPS functionality, 10fps burst shooting and a more powerful battery. Its construction also allows for continuous focusing while recording movies, something lacking on most DSLRs.

Sony A65

Price: £749 (body only), 16.2MP, HD video: 1080p


At almost £400 less than the A77 model, but with the same 24.3MP sensor, 2.4million dot OLED viewfinder and 1080p video mode, the A65 may be considered something of a bargain. It's also based on the same SLT design as its senior stablemate, with a semi-translucent mirror enabling full-time phase detection AF.

Sony Alpha a77

Price: £1129 (body only), 16.2MP, HD video: 1080p


The flagship model in Sony's SLT series, the A77 combines many of the features found in the cheaper A65 but throws in a faster frame rate and a more sturdily built body into the mix. You also get a additional LCD screen on its top plate, as well as a second command dial and flash sync socket, together with faster flash sync and maximum shutter speeds.

Sony A900


Price: £2189 (body only), 24.6MP, HD video: none

A capable and well-specified full-frame DSLR, the a900 blends a 24.6MP CMOS sensor with 100% pentaprism viewfinder, and goes on to offer a 5fps burst mode, high-resolution 3in LCD screen and built-in image stabilisation. There's no sign of live view, though, which also means that video functionality is missing.

Best Pentax DSLRs

Best Pentax DSLRs

What's the best Pentax DSLR? In this section we'll take a look at the best Pentax DSLRs that are either current models or still available for purchase.

We've included the price, key specs and a short synopsis of each Pentax DSLR to give you a better idea of which camera is best for your needs.

Pentax K-r


Price: £395 (with 18-55mm kit lens), 12.4MP, HD video: 720p

Despite its low price, the K-r boasts a compelling spec sheet which includes a high-sensitivity equivalent to ISO 25,600, a 6fps burst shooting and a high-resolution 3in LCD screen. Other notable additions include an 11-point AF system, built-in Shake Reduction and compatibility with both rechargeable lithium-ion and AA batteries.

Pentax K-5


Price: £729 (body only), 16.3MP, HD video: 1080p


Pentax's current flagship model brings together a 16.3MP CMOS sensor, 7fps burst shooting and full HD video capture, while its magnesium-alloy body is weather sealed. Just as impressive is the 100% coverage of its pentaprism viewfinder, and its sensitivity span of ISO 80-51,200.

Best Olympus DSLRs / Best Sigma DSLR

Best Olympus DSLRs

What's the best Olympus DSLR? In this section we'll take a look at the best Olympus DSLRs that are either current models or still available for purchase.

We've included the price, key specs and a short synopsis of each Olympus DSLR to give you a better idea of which camera is best for your needs.

Olympus E-5

Price: £1338 (body only), 12.3MP, HD video: 720p


The flagship Four Thirds DSLR, the E-5 upgrades the resolution and processor of its predecessor, while also squeezing in an articulated 3in LCD with a 920,000dot resolution on the rear. An HD movie mode also makes an appearance, and the xD card slot has been dropped in favour of the more common SD standard (in addition to CompactFlash).

Best Sigma DSLRs

The list of best Sigma DSLRs will be short, but this is because Sigma has just one: the Sigma SD15. A further DSLR, the pro-grade SD1, has also been announced, although it's yet to become as readily available as the SD15.

Sigma SD15

Price: £750 (body only), 14MP, HD video: none

With the SD1 still not available, Sigma's sole DSLR offering is the SD15, a model which improves on the previous SD14 with a revamped processor, larger and more detailed LCD abd a 77-segment metering system.

Sigma SD1

Price: £5199 (body only), 46MP, HD video: none
Sigma's answer not just to professional DSLRs but medium format systems too, the SD1 sports a new 46MP sensor as well as a magnesium alloy body and an 11-point twin cross AF system. Other features of note include 3in LCD screen with a 460,000dot resolution as well as pentaprism viewfinder.

Best DSLR cameras under £500

Best DSLR cameras under £500

Whether you're a beginner or simply looking for a back-up to your main DSLR, there are a lot of great DSLR cameras on the market for less than £500 which offer a wide range of features and pretty solid results.

In this section we'll help you choose which camera offers you the most, for less. Below are our top five best DSLR cameras under £500.

1. Pentax K-r

It may be one of the cheapest DSLRs on the market, but the K-r comes with some impressive functionality for its sub-£400 price tag. This includes a 6fps burst mode, 11-point AF system, maximum sensitivity of ISO 25,6000 and a 3in LCD screen with a 920k dot resolution. An absolute bargain.

2. Nikon D3100

Nikon's most junior DSLR rounds up full HD movie recording, an 11-point AF system, 3in LCD and a respectable resolution of 14.2MP, and delivers it all for less than £450 with an 18-55mm VR kit lens included.

3. Canon EOS 600D

Although the EOS 600D still retails at just over the £500 mark, a current cashback offer means that the body alone can still be had for an overall sub-£500 price. This makes it the best-specified camera in this group by some margin, although if you don't already have compatible lenses these will need to be bought separately.

4. Sony A35

The replacement to the A33, Sony's latest SLT model upgrades the sensor to a 16.2MP unit and arrives with a range of Picture Effects and a lighter body. Sadly it loses the articulating LCD screen of its predecessor, but at less than £450 it's the cheapest current model in the SLT line. As such, it's ideal for novices who envisage themselves shooting stills and videos in equal measure.

Read our Sony Alpha a35 review

5. Canon EOS 550D

Although the EOS 550D has now been replaced by the EOS 600D, it may be worth considering if you want to save some money. It is, after all, very similar in many respects, with the same 18MP CMOS sensor and 1080p video option, although it doesn't offer the 600D's articulating LCD screen.Thanks to a current cashback incentive, however, it's priced at almost £50 cheaper than that model.

Read our Canon EOS 550D review

Best DSLR cameras from £500-£1000

Best DSLR cameras from £500-£1000

If you're willing to cross that £500 threshold, you can get some truly special cameras these days.

Many of the new Canon DSLRs and Nikon DSLRs released this year, for instance, boast features like full HD movie recording or articulated LCD screens that give photographers a whole new range of creative options and flexibility.

To help you choose which camera is right for you, below are our top five best DSLR cameras in the £500-£1000 price bracket.

1. Canon 600D

Taking a current cashback offer into account, the EOS 600D can be bought for around £550 with its 18-55mm kit lens, which makes it one of the best-value models in the group. For that you get an 18MP sensor, a high-resolution, articulating LCD screen, and 1080p video recording with stereo sound.

2. Sony A65

Arguably the best value Sony Alpha model currently available, the A65 is replete with technology straight from the more expensive A77 model, and is available for as little as £749 without a kit lens – perfect for those planning to upgrade from previous Alpha models. It includes a 24.3MP sensor, together with a 10fps burst rate and a maximum sensitivity option equivalent to ISO 25,600, in addition to the 2.4million dot OLED viewfinder which has already been widely praised for its clarity.

3. Pentax K-5

A current cashback offer prices the K-5 at just under £700 with its kit lens, which is excellent value for money when you consider what it offers. Features include a 921,000dot LCD, 7fps burst mode and a wide sensitivity range right up to an equivalent ISO 51,200 option.

4. Nikon D5100

The D5100 has a number of advantages over the D3100 beneath it, such as the 16.2MP sensor and the 921,000dot LCD screen, the latter of which can be pulled away from its body, as well as a marginally faster burst rate and wide sensitivity range. Currently it can be had for around £650 with its 18-55mm kit lens, which makes it around £200 cheaper than the D90 above it.

5. Canon EOS 60D

The EOS 600D may have stolen some of its bigger brother's attention, having the same sensor and LCD screen, but there are plenty of reasons why it still deserves consideration. It has, for example, a faster burst rate and a more refined focusing system, as well as a sturdier build thanks to the aluminium used in its construction. It also outguns the EOS 600D with its pentaprism viewfinder, which is both bigger and brighter by comparison.

Best DSLR cameras over £1000

Best DSLR cameras over £1000

If you're serious about your photography and are willing to spend a bit more money, there are some truly exceptional digital SLR cameras to choose from.

Improved AF systems, faster burst rates and higher sensitivities are just some of the features you can get from the top digital cameras in this price bracket.

To help you choose the best camera for your needs, below are our five best DSLR cameras priced more than £1000.

1. Sony A77

Sony's best-specified APS-C model, the A77 is a considerable upgrade over previous generation Alpha models. The high resolution of its 24.3MP sensor is matched with an equally impressive 2.4million dot OLED electronic viewfinder, while a 12fps burst mode, full HD video and an articulating LCD screen make it suitable for all kinds of stills and movie recording.

2. Nikon D7000

Slotting between the D90 and D300s, Nikon's D7000 offers a compelling mix of mid-range specifications including a 39-point AF system, 6fps burst mode and full HD video recording. You also get a high resolution of 16.2MP and an equally impressive maximum sensitivity of ISO 25,600.

3. Canon EOS 7D

The full-frame EOS 5D Mark II may still be preferable where video recording is concerned, but the cheaper EOS 7D brings a more complete focusing system, faster burst rate, wireless flash control and a number of additional improvements to the table, at an even better price.

4. Nikon D300s

Nikon's D300 was a phenomenally popular DSLR, and the D300s upgrade made it even better. Inside its tough magnesium alloy shell lies a 12.3MP sensor which is capable of 720p movie recording, together with a 921,000dot LCD screen, 7fps burst mode and 51-point AF system. It's another Nikon camera that is widely tipped for replacement soon though.

5. Canon EOS 5D Mark II

Whereas the original EOS 5D became legendary for its stills capabilities, its Mark II upgrade became equally as revered for its HD movie recording. Full HD recording with stereo sound, variable frame rates and a microphone input are provided as standard, while stills photographers can take advantage of its 21.1MP sensor, maximum ISO equivalent to ISO 25,600 and large pentaprism viewfinder.