Top Rated Dslr Cameras 2017

1. Canon EOS 5DS R ($3,699)

Category:Full frame

Megapixels: 50.6

Sensor size: 864 sq. mm

What we like: The highest resolution DSLR on the market in 2017.

What we don't: Lack of video features compared to the 5D Mark IV.

Lenses:10 Great Canon EF (Full Frame) LensesAt the top of the DSLR heap is the Canon 5DS R, a pricey yet extremely impressive camera for the most discerning of photographers (this camera has most serious landscape photographers salivating). Most notably, you get a massive 50.6 megapixels of resolution, which surpasses the high-end Canon 5D Mark IV by 20.2 megapixels and tops the Nikon D810 by 14.5 megapixels. For those who prioritize image quality above all else, this is far and away the premier DSLR on the market.

Video shooters should keep in mind that the 5DS R bucks the hybrid trend and is designed primarily for still photography without video-centric features like headphone sockets or an HDMI output. And Canon released two versions of this camera: the 5DS R and the 5DS. The latter has an optical low pass filter and is about $200 cheaper, but at this level we think it's worth paying up.

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2. Nikon D810 ($2,797)

Category:Full frame

Megapixels: 36.3

Sensor size: 861 sq. mm

What we like: Nikon's best pro DSLR.

What we don't: Lower resolution than the 5DS R above.

Lenses:Best Lenses for Nikon D810 The D810 is Nikon's leading DSLR and the whole package in terms of image quality, video quality, and features. You get a powerful 36.3-megapixel full-frame image sensor, a speedy processor, and superb low light performance for professional-level photos even in the toughest of conditions. For an extended period we had the D810 as the top DSLR on the market—it offers nearly 6 more megapixels than the Canon 5D Mark V below—but the release of 5DS R has bumped it down a notch. It will be interesting to see if Nikon releases an updated version this year—the D810 is two years old and counting and a lot has changed since. But taking the megapixel arms race out of the equation, the D810 is a fantastic full-frame DSLR that you'll often see in the hands of top professionals, and for good reason.

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3. Canon EOS 5D Mark IV ($3,499)

Category:Full frame

Megapixels:30.4

Sensor size:864 sq. mm

What we like: 4K video and a healthy jump in megapixels from the 5D Mark III.

What we don't:Significantly more expensive than the Nikon D810.

Lenses:10 Great Canon EF (Full Frame) Lenses The Canon 5DS R above is a specialty camera for still photographers who value the high resolution, but the new 5D Mark IV may be a better all-rounder. Compared to the older 5D Mark III, the most notable improvement is a jump in megapixels to 30.4 megapixels from 22.3 (the D810 still is higher at 36.3 but the gap is closer now). You also get 4K video, a fast burst rate at 7 fps, and built-in Wi-Fi, among other features. For those who shoot both stills and videos, this is our favorite Canon DSLR on the market.

There are a few reasons why the 5D Mark IV is ranked here and not higher. The first is value: the camera is a steep $3,499, while the Nikon D810 is a full $1,000 less. And the 4K capability is nice, but like we've seen from hybrid cameras like the Sony a7R II before, extended shoots can cause issues with overheating and storage. Those looking for value should consider the Canon EOS 6D below, but the 5D Mark IV is nearly the whole package in a full-frame DSLR.

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4. Canon EOS 6D ($1,499)

Category: Full frame

Megapixels: 20.2

Sensor size: 855 sq. mm

What we like: A tremendous value for a full-frame DSLR.

What we don't: Autofocus could be better.

Lenses:Best Lenses for Canon EOS 6D A few years ago a new category of "entry-level" full-frame DSLR emerged, making the technology more approachable for non-professionals. At the start of 2017, the two leading models still are the Canon EOS 6D and Nikon D750, both of which serve their purposes well and offer excellent image quality for the price. We chose the Canon 6D here because it's a better value coming in at less than $2,000 with a 24-105mm kit lens.

What are the compromises of going with the Canon 6D? It has fewer megapixels than most other full-frame cameras at 20.2, and the autofocus is less advanced than the newer and more expensive 5D Mark IV. Compared to the Nikon D750, the resolution and speed of the 6D are slightly inferior. And the 6D is relatively old—it was released in 2013 and there's no word yet on when a successor will hit the market. But we love the image quality for the price, and the 6D offers the cheapest access point to full-frame photography on this list.

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5. Nikon D500 ($1,997)

Category:Enthusiast

Megapixels: 20.9

Sensor size:369 sq. mm

What we like: Blazing fast speed and 4K video

What we don't: Very pricey for a crop sensor camera.

Lenses: Best Lenses for Nikon D500 We neglected to include the ultra-pricey, full-frame Nikon D5 on this list, which costs around $6,500 and is designed specifically for professional action shooters. However, you can get similar speed and functionality in a much less expensive package with the new D500. This is Nikon's fastest DX camera ever and shoots a whopping 10 frames per second, making it an intriguing option for sports and wildlife. The D500 even has the same advanced autofocus as the full-frame Nikon D5 and shoots 4K video (Nikon's first crop sensor camera to do so). The major downside is the price: at $2,000 for the camera body, you're at the same level as the full-frame Nikon D750 and have well exceeded the Canon 6D. Unless action photography is your highest priority or you already have a collection of DX lenses, we would give the nod to those cameras. But the Nikon D500 fills a niche for action shooters who don't mind the smaller sensor.

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6. Pentax K-1 ($1,794)

Category: Full frame

Megapixels:36.4

Sensor size:864 sq. mm

What we like: Impressive resolution and weather sealing for the price.

What we don't: Limited lens options and subpar video.For landscape and still photographers looking for a cheaper alternative to full-frame DSLRs from Canon and Nikon, the K-1 comes with few compromises. Ricoh-owned Pentax has long been known for its crop-frame cameras, which are strong on paper and competitively priced, and the trend continues with the full-frame K-1. Released last year, this DSLR has 36.4 megapixels of resolution (just a hair shy of the Nikon D810), built-in image stabilization, and a sturdy aluminum alloy body that is sealed as well as any model on this list.

The biggest concern when choosing the K-1 over the bigger brands is the quality of available lenses. Pentax K mount (or FA) lenses are flat out limited for the time being. The classic 24-70mm f/2.8 is available in a K mount and sold in a kit, although that lens and a couple others are essentially rebranded Tamron lenses. In addition, video quality and autofocus on the K-1 certainly aren't up to the standards of other new full-frame DSLRs. But for still photographers looking for value in the full-frame market, we love the K-1.

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7. Canon EOS 80D ($1,099)

Category: Enthusiast

Megapixels: 24.6

Sensor size: 337 sq. mm

What we like: The best Canon crop sensor DSLR for most people.

What we don't: Shooting speed and autofocus can't match the 7D Mark II.

Lenses:Best Lenses for Canon 80D If you're in the market for a Canon semi-pro camera, it's a close call between the 80D and the 7D Mark II below. It's true that the 7D Mark II is superior from a technical standpoint: it has better autofocus with 65 cross-type focus points instead of 45, and we like the autofocus joystick that allows you to pick your desired focus area. The 7D Mark II also shoots faster at 10 frames per second instead of 7. However, the Canon 80D offers more megapixels, a better LCD screen, is lighter, and cheaper. If you don't plan on shooting on action photography—those folks need and use the extra speed—we think the 80D is a better value. It does everything most people need at a lower price point.

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8. Nikon D7200 ($997)

Category: Enthusiast

Megapixels:24.2

Sensor size: 366 sq. mm

What we like:Weather sealing.

What we don't:No touchscreen functionality.

Lenses:Best lenses for Nikon D7200Until the release of the D500 above, the D7200 was Nikon's leading DX-format camera and boasts outstanding image quality and build. The latest version includes increased buffering speeds, Wi-Fi and NFC connectivity, and a much-improved top LCD screen. The semi-pro D7200 is a major step up from entry-level DSLRs like the Nikon D5500 and D3300 below with faster shooting, a more advanced autofocus, and weather sealing (that's a major feature for outdoor and travel photographers). If deciding between the D7200 and Canon 80D above, both cameras have very similar spec sheets and the choice mostly comes down to brand preference. The 80D has an articulating touchscreen but the D7200 wins out on other important features like ISO sensitivity and focus points. Both are excellent cameras and you can't go wrong with either.

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9. Canon EOS 7D Mark II ($1,499)

Category:Enthusiast

Megapixels: 20.2

Sensor size: 336 sq. mm

What we like:Canon's fastest crop sensor DSLR at 10 fps.

What we don't: Heavy and expensive.The 7D Mark II is Canon's most feature-packed crop sensor camera, so why is it not higher on this list? Simply put, it makes the most sense only for serious action shooters and we think the Canon 80D is a better overall value. In fact, the real competition comes from across the aisle with the Nikon D500: both are enthusiast DSLRs designed for action photography. In a head-to-head matchup, the D500 wins out because it shoots 4K video, has a more advanced autofocus (the 7D Mark II still is excellent in this regard), and comes in slightly lighter despite the flip-out screen. The 7D Mark II is about $400 cheaper, and if you prefer Canon functionality or already own lenses, the 7D Mark II still is a nice choice. To reiterate, we have the 7D Mark II below the 80D simply because few people need the extra speed and therefore the extra expense isn't usually merited.

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10. Pentax K-70 ($599)

Category:Entry level +

Megapixels:24.24

Sensor size:366 sq. mm

What we like:Impressive resolution and weather sealing.

What we don't: Heavy and limited lens options.Pentax doesn't have the brand recognition of Canon or Nikon, but its DSLRs are competitive pretty much across the board. In addition to the weather sealing that Pentax is known for (you'll have to spend considerably more to get weather sealing from other companies) the K-70 is a very solid mid-range digital SLR. You get in-body image stabilization, which the Canon T6i and Nikon D5500 both lack, along with impressive low light performance and customizable twin dials that allow for easy manual operation.

What are the downsides of the K-70? First and foremost, the lens offerings from Pentax are much more limited that Canon or Nikon. The weather sealing also adds weight to the camera making it relatively heavy, and you don't get touchscreen functionality (the T6i and D5500 both have touchscreens). All in all, we think it's a very close call between the leading mid-range cameras and Pentax is right in the mix. For an even cheaper weather-sealed DSLR.

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