Many think that DSLR cameras are dead. They couldn’t be more wrong. DSLRs aren’t as shiny and new as some of today’s mirrorless options. Still, they still pack a mighty punch and they’ll serve today’s photographers well.
In this roundup, we’ll take a quick look at four incredible DSLRs. Believe it or not, they can run rings around many of the mirrorless cameras on the market. Don’t think for one second that you’re going to get an inferior camera by choosing not to go mirrorless. In fact, in some ways, DSLRs are superior to their mirrorless counterparts.
So, if image quality, ergonomics, battery life, optical viewfinders, and ruggedness are at the top of the list for you, you’ll love the cameras that we’ve highlighted below.
Nikon D850
One of the greatest DSLRs ever made. The Nikon D850 is still one mighty fine camera that gives many mirrorless cameras a run for their money. Powered by a whopping 45.7-megapixel sensor and an EXPEED 5 image processor, the D850 delivers images that can make jaws drop.
The Nikon D850 can shoot 7 fps for up to 51 consecutive 14-bit lossless RAW files. There are 153 autofocus points with 99 of them being cross-type, and it can focus down to -4 EV, which means low light is no problem. The D850 also makes use of Nikon’s excellent 3D tracking.
Don’t forget about the tilting 3.2-inch display, dual card slots and 4K video. All of this is in a body that’s built like a tank with weather-sealing galore. No wonder this DSLR is legendary.
Pentax K-1 Mark II
I used the Pentax K-1 II for a few years. For me, the Pentax K-1 II is one of the best stills cameras on the market. I miss it dearly to this day. The image quality from the 36.4-megapixel sensor is fantastic. The K-1 II is one of the most rugged DSLRs I’ve owned and used. The Pentax K-1 II is packed with amazing technology, and also has one of the best optical viewfinders you’ll ever use.
Inside this DSLR you’ll find 5-axis IBIS, a self-leveling sensor, dual card slots and a unique swivel LCD. Astrotracer, which uses the built-in GPS to rotate the sensor and track the stars, is also incredible. There are handheld and tripod-based hi-res imaging modes, dials and custom buttons galore, and so much more. The autofocus system, while not the fastest, is still more than capable of capturing everything from portraits to wildlife. It’s an absolute bargain.
Nikon D500
Even though the Nikon D500 is a DSLR, this camera is still one of the best APS-C cameras in 2021. The Nikon D500 reached legendary status with sports and wildlife photographers for many reasons.
The Nikon D500 boasts fast burst rates (10 fps). Then there’s weather sealing, stunning high ISO performance, dual card slots and 4k video options. Throw in 3D tracking, 153 autofocus points, Wi-Fi connectivity and a large 3.2-inch LCD, and you have a winner.
Step out to do some wildlife photography, or look along the sidelines at any sporting event, and you’ll see plenty of Nikon D500 DSLRs still in use in 2021.
Canon EOS 5D Mark IV
The Canon EOS 5D IV is a DSLR that just keeps on going and going. This workhorse camera has served thousands of photographers well, and it will continue to do so as we go through this decade and possibly beyond. With class-leading ergonomics and a well-constructed body, there’s no reason why not.
The optical viewfinder is large, bright, and clear. The same can be said about the rear LCD as well. The 30.4-megapixel sensor is capable of delivering detail-rich images. Canon’s Dual Pixel autofocus system is still the one to beat in DSLRs. 4K video modes, dual card slots, Wi-Fi, built-in GPS, a built-in intervalometer and 7 fps burst modes make the Canon 5D IV a camera that won’t let you down.
Why isn’t the Pentax K-3 III on this list. It should be.
Hey, John. Thanks for the comment.
The reason the Pentax K3-III isn’t on the list yet is because it’s a camera I haven’t used personally. I’m not going to recommend a camera that I haven’t used. That would show poor integrity. Having said that, Ricoh just sent me a K3-III to review. So, our review of that camera will be coming soon and it might make lists in the future.
All the best,
Brett
The Nikon D750 is still a contender too
Hi, Leroy
Absolutely. The D750 is a fantastic camera. There are so many fantastic DSLRs out there. Far to many to list here. The sheer amount of brilliant DSLR cameras just goes to prove that DSLRs are alive and well.
All the best,
Brett
Thank you for defending the DSLR. I think a mirrorless camera would be great considering the size and weight. However, my two DSLR bodies will just have to soldier on for me. I started off using a 35mm rangefinder in the mid-1960s. While at university I used a TLR, which I disliked, and was introduced to the SLR world.
Hey, Tom.
Mirrorless cameras definitely have their advantages just like DSLRs have theirs. Your current DSLR bodies will serve you well.
All the best,
Brett
Didn’t realize the D850 is “legendary.” It has been my primary machine since not long after it first came out replacing my D7100. My first, finally full-frame machine. I also got the Z6 shortly after it first came out. I was hoping for an audibly silent camera for concert shooting. It can go truly silent, or very low noise but it doesn’t work so well for the hoped for low (audible) noise I would like because the viewfinder is so far behind the action taking place. I shoot mostly dance. The Z6 is a godsend for things like grip and… Read more »
I will add one short one. This is about losing the quickness of a DSLR to the lag time of what is basically a television “monitor” as somehow superior. Thereby choosing exposure adjustment over split-second exact timing. For a technology whose very existence is defined as “the moment” this seems a totally reversed set of operating design priorities. I have a lot of experience with both and love the exposure certainty that I can get with a mirrorless (my Z6) for the kind of events where you need to be certain with an immediate deliverable picture for things like fundraisers… Read more »
Hi, Michael Optical viewfinders are a huge benefit of DSLRs. While I don’t try to capture dance, I do practice wildlife photography. Even the latest and greatest EVFs struggle. The EVF in the Sony A1 with a 240 frames per second refresh rate still pales compared to a big, bright 100% coverage OVF. I am sure eventually that lag and refresh rates will improve to the point of no lag. Still, for now, if you do any work where capturing the critical moment is vital, be it in dancing, wildlife, or sports photography, A DSLR with an optical viewfinder is… Read more »
Something Very important, from the first digital point and shoot to the DSLR now the mirrorless any will capture a great image especially with today’s software (the forgotten subject). Everyone today has a camera in their pocket, the cell phone. The mirrored cameras will still be around years from now, like me with my 1970’s Canon Ftb and AE1 film. An old camera will cost less for a beginner BUT will give an image as good as a new 100MP or 200MP camera. For it is not the gear old or new BUT the vision of the eyes behind the… Read more »
Where does the Nikon D810 sit?
That’s another solid camera from Nikon. The D810 and the Pentax K1 and K1 II actually use very similar sensors. It’s really hard to go wrong with any DSLRs from that period. They’re all solid, they can all help photographers produce gorgeous images, and they’ll last a long time. Nikon really have some outstanding DSLRs.
I couldn’t agree more with the Nikon d500 for a multitude of reasons but the author hit the nail on the head!!! …and with the appropriate glass, you may be able to rank it as high as #2