Our #1 is the Nikon D850, the top pick on three of the four DSLR lists we read. The Canon EOS Rebel T7 (#2) is the best-selling DSLR on Amazon and the pick for beginners. The Nikon D7500 (#3), Canon EOS 5D Mark IV (#4) and Nikon D780 (#5) round out the top five.
The 5 Best DSLRs Right Now
Ranked from best overall down, from published lists, sales and manufacturer specs. Only DSLRs still sold new.
Top 5 as of October 23, 2026
Ranking table
| # | Camera | Pros | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Nikon D850 | 45.7MP BSI sensor, 153-point AF, about 1,840 shots per charge. | Check price |
| #2 | Canon EOS Rebel T7 | 24.1MP APS-C, optical finder, Wi-Fi/NFC, 475 g. | Check price |
| #3 | Nikon D7500 | D500's 20.9MP sensor, 8 fps, 4K UHD, weather-sealed. | Check price |
| #4 | Canon EOS 5D Mark IV | 30.4MP full frame, 61-point AF, about 900 shots per charge. | Check price |
| #5 | Nikon D780 | 273-point Live View AF, 12 fps silent, full-frame 4K. | Check price |
#1. Nikon D850 (Best overall)
Nikon: Launched at $3,299.95 in 2017 (US, body only)
Check priceWhy it's #1: All four DSLR lists we read include it, and TechRadar, Amateur Photographer and Photography Life put it first. Nikon pairs a 45.7MP back-illuminated sensor with 153-point AF, 7 fps (9 with the grip) and full-frame 4K.
What would knock it off #1: A new DSLR that beats it on resolution and speed. With makers focused on mirrorless, that looks unlikely.
✅ Buy it if you want huge files and an optical finder for landscape, wedding or wildlife work.
❌ Skip it if you want a light body. At about 1005 g, look at the Nikon D7500 (#3).
Bottom line: the best DSLR you can still buy new.
#2. Canon EOS Rebel T7 (Best for beginners)
Canon: Launched at $549.99 in 2018 (US, with 18-55mm kit)
Check priceWhy it's #2: It is #1 in Amazon's DSLR best-sellers by a clear margin. Canon gives a first-time buyer a 24.1MP APS-C sensor, a simple optical finder, Wi-Fi and NFC, and about 500 shots per charge at 475 g.
Why it isn't higher: None of the four editorial lists include it. It has 3 fps bursts, 9 AF points and no 4K, so it ranks below the D850.
✅ Buy it if you want a first DSLR with a kit lens for the lowest outlay.
❌ Skip it if you shoot sport or want 4K. Look at the Nikon D7500 (#3).
Bottom line: the simplest, cheapest way into a DSLR system.
#3. Nikon D7500 (Best enthusiast APS-C)
Nikon: Launched at $1,249.95 in 2017 (US, body only)
Check priceWhy it's #3: Three of the four lists include it, and it sits #8 in Amazon's DSLR best-sellers. Nikon put the D500's 20.9MP sensor and EXPEED 5 engine into a lighter, weather-sealed body with 8 fps and 4K UHD.
Why it isn't higher: It sells less than the T7 and is APS-C, so it ranks below the D850 on image quality.
✅ Buy it if you want an enthusiast DSLR for sport, wildlife and low light at a mid price.
❌ Skip it if you want two card slots. It has one SD slot.
Bottom line: the best-value DSLR for enthusiasts.
#4. Canon EOS 5D Mark IV (Best Canon full frame)
Canon: Launched at $3,499 in 2016 (US, body only)
Check priceWhy it's #4: All four lists include it, and it is the last full-frame Canon DSLR Canon USA still sells. It offers a 30.4MP sensor, 61-point AF with Dual Pixel AF in Live View, and about 900 shots per charge.
Why it isn't higher: It ranks lower on sales than the three above and has fewer pixels than the D850, which costs less at launch.
✅ Buy it if you own EF lenses and want a full-frame Canon with an optical finder.
❌ Skip it if you want modern 4K. Its 4K uses large Motion JPEG files; look at the Nikon D780 (#5).
Bottom line: the full-frame DSLR for Canon EF owners.
#5. Nikon D780 (Best hybrid DSLR)
Nikon: Launched at $2,299.95 in 2020 (US, body only)
Check priceWhy it's #5: All four lists include it. It brings Nikon Z-style 273-point hybrid AF to Live View, with 12 fps silent shooting, full-frame 4K, dual UHS-II slots and about 2,260 shots per charge.
Why it isn't higher: It doesn't appear in the Amazon best-seller snippets we read, and its 24.5MP sensor trails the D850 for detail.
✅ Buy it if you shoot weddings or events and want an optical finder plus strong video autofocus.
❌ Skip it if you mostly shoot landscapes. The D850 (#1) has far more resolution.
Bottom line: the most video-capable DSLR on the list.
Also considered
- Canon EOS 90D: was a contender, but B&H and Adorama list it as no longer available new.
- Pentax K-1 Mark II: Ricoh has ended production.
- Canon EOS-1D X Mark III: Canon USA no longer sells it new, and retail stock is intermittent.
- Nikon D500: we could only find it used or as a grey-market kit.
How we ranked them
We blended two signals. The first is editorial consensus: how many of four current DSLR lists include each camera, and where. The second is sales: where it sits in Amazon's DSLR best-sellers on October 23, 2026. We only ranked DSLRs we could confirm are still sold new.
Lists we read: TechRadar, best DSLR camera; Space.com, best DSLR cameras; Amateur Photographer, best DSLRs; Photography Life, best DSLR cameras.
Prices are launch prices from each manufacturer, in US dollars for the body only (the Rebel T7 with its 18-55mm kit lens). Use the Check price buttons for today's price.
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Rankings as of October 23, 2026
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