Top DSLR Cameras 2023

The Canon EOS 70D delivers the smoothest Live View focus we've seen in a traditional D-SLR, but it can struggle to lock that focus in dim light.

Canon's high-performing EOS Rebel SL1 is the tiniest digital SLR you can put your hands on, but it may be too small for some hands.

The under-$1,000 Nikon D5200 is a capable D-SLR that delivers impressive image quality and continuous shooting at 4 frames per second, earning it our Editors' Choice.

The Sony Alpha 99 is a full-featured full-frame D-SLR that can focus as quickly when recording video as it does for still images, but it doesn't have an optical viewfinder.

Canon's latest Rebel adds a faster processor, a video-friendly autofocus scheme... and a touchscreen

The Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III is great for sports and wildlife. With its mechanical shutter, it can shoot at a very fast 15 fps to help you capture moments of fast action or moving subjects like birds. In addition, it has a 'Pro Capture' drive mode that lets you start burst shooting with a half-press of the shutter, and it only records a set of images once you fully press down, ensuring you don't miss a critical moment. Overall, image quality is great, though because of the camera's limited max ISO, you'll need to use faster lenses to get fast-enough shutter speeds for moving subjects in more demanding lighting conditions, like indoor arenas or stadiums. Its autofocus system also lags behind leading competitors in this area. On the upside, MFT lenses tend to have more focal reach without the bulk of larger-sensor equivalents.

The Nikon D5600 is good for landscape photography. It's comfortable to use, and its impressive image quality allows for photos that are sharp and detailed. You may have some difficulty reading its screen in bright sunlight. The camera itself is slightly bulky, and it doesn't have the most impressive build due to its plastic construction.

The Nikon D780 is a great option for sports and wildlife photography. While its max burst rate isn't especially quick, it has an extremely fast max shutter speed and a reliable autofocus system that makes it easy to capture photos of fast-moving subjects. Also, its very short buffer clearing time lets you fire off long continuous bursts without extended interruptions. Image quality is also excellent, and the camera feels comfortable to use and very sturdy. It doesn't have in-body image stabilization, meaning you'll have to rely on optically stabilized lenses when shooting in low light at slower shutter speeds.

The Nikon D3500 is decent for travel photography. Its sensor punches above its weight, with solid image quality and good dynamic range for an entry-level APS-C camera. Battery life is fantastic, too, so it can easily last through long days on the go. It's also one of the most portable DSLRs around. That said, it's still relatively bulky compared to mirrorless alternatives, and the autofocus system is pretty basic, with focusing limited mostly to the center of the frame and unreliable tracking for fast subjects.

The Canon 90D is a good option for sports and wildlife photography. Image quality is good overall, and its decently high maximum shooting speed, combined with its fast maximum shutter speed, make it easy to capture clear images of fast-moving subjects. Its autofocus system also does a good job of acquiring and maintaining focus on faces and objects. It's comfortable to operate, though some of its controls are a little sluggish, and its bulky size can present a bit of an annoyance.