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The best DSLR cameras deliver high-quality photos and videos. In this guide, we provide the information you need on DSLR cameras to help you make an informed decision on your next camera. Whether you are a professional or hobbyist, a DSLR camera can capture those moments that you will relish for a lifetime.

 

 

 

 

 

1. KODAK PIXPRO AZ421-BK Digital Camera

The KODAK PIXPRO AZ421-BK features 42x optical zoom and a 24mm wide-angle lens that gives you a clear and up-close view of your target. It is a 16-megapixel camera with optical image stabilization (OIS). The KODAK PIXPRO AZ421 has high definition video resolution with 720p HD video. Additionally, it has a 3-inch LCD screen and a Li-ion battery.

 

 

 

 

 

 

     What We Like:

  • 42x Optical Zoom
  • 24mm Wide Angle
  • Optical Image Stabilization
  • 720p HD Video

 

 

 

 

     What We Don’t Like:

  • Only 16 Megapixels

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2. Canon PowerShot ELPH Digital Camera

The Canon PowerShot ELPH has 8x optical zoom with an optical image stabilizer to easily take your photos. You get high-quality images with its DIGIC 4 plus image processor and 20 megapixel CCD sensor. This digital camera features 720p HD video. The Canon PowerShot ELPH also features Smart Auto mode which selects the correct settings based on predefined shooting situations.

 

 

 

 

 

       What We Like:

  • DIGIC 4+ Image Processor
  • High-Quality Images
  • 720P HD Video
  • 20 MP CCD Sensor
  • Image Stabilizer

 

      What We Don’t Like:

  • 8x Optical Zoom

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3. Panasonic LUMIX FZ80 Digital Camera

The Panasonic LUMIX FZ80 features a 60x zoom Vario 20-1200mm lens and an optical image stabilizer. This digital camera gives you the ability to point and shoot with its 18.1 megapixel MOS sensor and bright F2.8 5.9 aperture.

This digital camera also features a high resolution 1,170K dot viewfinder and rear touch-enabled 3-inch LCD display. You can capture clear and stunning images during the night because of its low-light capture feature. It also delivers 4k video.

 

 

 

 

       What We Like:

  • 60x Zoom
  • Optical Image Stabilizer
  • Low-Light Capture

 

 

 

     What We Don’t Like:

  • Only 18.1 MP

 

 

 

 

 

 

4. Sony DSCW800/B Digital Camera

The Sony DSCW800/B features a 20.1 megapixel super HAD CCD image sensor that delivers stunning images. It also features 5x optical zoom and a 360 sweep panorama that takes you up close to the action. You can minimize blur with its Steadyshot image stabilization. The Sony DSCW800/B captures videos in 720p HD. You can capture smiles the moment it happens with the smile shutter technology.

 

 

 

 

      What We Like:

  • 20.1 MP
  • 5x Optical Zoom
  • SteadyShot Image Stabilization
  • Smile Shutter Technology

 

 

 

 

 

5. Canon PowerShot SX420 Digital Camera

The Canon PowerShot SX420 features a powerful 42x optical zoom and 24mm lens. It has a 20.0-megapixel sensor and DIGIC+ image processor to deliver clear and quality images. It also delivers 720p HD videos. Selecting the correct settings to capture the images is made easy with its Smart AUTO feature. With its 3-inch LCD display, you get a wide viewing angle.

 

 

 

 

 

       What We Like:

  • High-Quality Images
  • 42x Optical Zoom
  • 20.0 MP
  • Smart AUTO

 

 

 

 

 

 

6. Panasonic LUMIX FZ300 Digital Camera

The Panasonic LUMIX FZ300 delivers high-quality images even in low-light conditions with its 12.1 megapixel MOS sensor and the Venus Engine. Its 25-600 mm LEICA DC VARIO-ELMARIT lens features full-range F2.8 for enhanced low-light shooting. The Panasonic LUMIX FZ300 minimizes blur with its 5-axis HYBRID optical image stabilizer plus.

This digital camera brings the subject into focus in one fast, continuous movement with its Depth-From-Defocus (DFD) Auto Focus technology. It has a high resolution (1,440k-dot) OLED Live Viewfinder. You can create dynamic panoramic photos by panning the camera. It also features high-speed burst shooting of 12 frames per second at full resolution. It is splashproof and dustproof.

 

 

 

 

 

     What We Like:

  • High-Quality Images
  • Minimizes Blur
  • Depth-From-Defocus (DFD) Auto Focus Technology
  • Splashproof & Dustproof

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7. Canon EOS Rebel T7 DSLR Camera

The Canon EOS Rebel delivers high-quality images, rich in details and vibrant colors with its high-resolution 24.1 megapixel CMOS sensor. It features a 9-point AF system and AI Servo AF. You benefit from 95% viewing coverage with its optical viewfinder. This Canon DSLR camera also features a DIGIC 4+ image processor that delivers fast performance and reduces image noise, even in low light.

 

 

 

 

 

      What We Like:

  • High-Quality Images
  • 24.1 Megapixel CMOS Sensor
  • 9-point AF System & AI Servo AF
  • DIGIC 4+ Image Processor

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

8. Sony (DSCW800) Digital Camera

The Sony (DSCW800) features a powerful 20.1 megapixel super HAD CCD image sensor that delivers stunning images. You will be up close to your subject thanks to 5x optical zoom and 10x clear image digital zoom with its Sony lens. Blur can be minimized on the images with its SteadyShot image stabilization feature.

Additionally, with its Sweep panorama mode feature, you benefit from a much wide reach than the usual wide-angle lens. You can also automatically capture smiles with its Smile Shutter technology. Videos can be captured in 720p HD movie mode.

 

 

 

 

 

      What We Like:

  • High-Quality Images
  • Blur Reduction With SteadyShot Image Stabilization
  • 720p HD Movie Mode
  • 5x Optical Zoom

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

9. Kodak PIXPRO AZ421 Digital Camera

The Kodak PIXPRO AZ421 comes as a bundle that also includes the table tripod, a camera case, and other accessories. This camera has a 16.15 megapixel 1/2.3-inch CCD image sensor and a 42x optical zoom lens to deliver high-resolution images. Additionally, its 4.3-180.6mm lens help produce stunning images.

With its 3-inch LCD screen, you can clearly view the images and 720p HD videos at up to 30 frames per second. You can capture stunning images in low-light conditions with its built-in pop-up flash unit.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

      What We Like:

  • 42x Optical Zoom
  • High-Quality Images
  • 720p HD Videos

 

 

 

      What We Don’t Like:

  • Only 16.15 MP

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

10. Sony DSCH300/B Digital Camera

The Sony DSCH300/B features a powerful 35x optical zoom to get the subject up close to you. Its 20.1 megapixel Super HAD CCD image sensor delivers stunning and detailed images. It delivers 720p HD videos at 30 frames per second. With its 360-degree Sweep Panorama feature, you can capture images from a wide angle with the touch of a button.

Additionally, you can reduce blur with its optical SteadyShot image stabilization feature. SMiles can also be automatically captured using its Smile Shutter technology.

 

 

 

 

 

 

       What We Like:

  • 20.1 MP Super HAD CCD Sensor
  • 35x Optical Zoom
  • Optical SteadyShot Image Stabilization
  • Sweep Panorama Mode
  • Smile Shutter Technology

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What To Look For In A DSLR Camera?

1. Lenses

The lenses of a camera are very important. It magnifies the image of the subject you are looking at. The higher the quality of the lens, the higher the quality of the image. When choosing a DSLR camera, it is one of the most important factors to consider.

 

 

 

 

 

 

2. Sensor Size

The sensor size is another important factor to consider when choosing a DSLR camera. The quality of the image also depends on the size of the sensor. Small sensors don’t have the capability to record details in the brightest and darkest areas. The size of the sensor has a direct impact also on the size of the camera, its focal length, and the other lenses. The two main sizes of sensors are APS-C and full-frame.

APS-Cs, DX-format or cropped sensors, are smaller than the full-frame sensor. They are usually 23.5 x 15.6 mm in size. APS-Cs are usually found in entry-level, mid-range, and some professional-grade DSLRs.

Full-frame sensors are physically larger than APS-Cs and this feature provides higher image quality. Full-frame sensors are usually 36 x 24mm. These sensors deliver greater tonal fluency, color gradations, improved low-light performance, higher ISO ranges, and less noise.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3. Autofocus

The autofocus system of the camera is very important as it determines the degree of precision with the AF system functions. There is no point in getting a camera that produces the best quality photos and videos. You want a DSLR camera that gives you a sharp image. The autofocus system is another important factor to consider when you are in the market for a camera.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4. Image Stabilization

Image stabilization reduces the level of camera shake when you are taking photos and shooting videos. Camera shake is often caused by long shutter speeds or longer focal lengths. Image stabilization minimizes the appearance of shakes to produce professional and high-quality images and videos. It is an important factor to consider when choosing a camera.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5. Video Recording

Most DSLR cameras have the capability of recording full HD 1920 x 1080 video. With their light-gathering sensors and lenses, digital cameras produce full HD videos with detailed images and bright, vibrant, and brilliant colors. DSLR cameras have become popular when compared to video cameras because of the size of their image sensor and the number of lenses. DSLRs also have a range of controls for exposure and audio control.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6. Megapixels

The number of megapixels a camera has is another important factor to consider when choosing a DSLR camera. You can easily find DSLR cameras with megapixels ranging from 10 – to 24.0 megapixels.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7. Image processor

The image processor is one of the most important parts of the digital camera. It is like the CPU of your computer. The image processor is responsible for the imaging capabilities of the camera. The image processors are different across different brands and can’t be compared.

The image processor is another component of the digital camera you will have to learn about when choosing a camera. There might be labeling information of the image processor on the package to give you some information.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

8. Exposure

Exposure gives you control over the settings of your digital camera. Exposure consists of the aperture range, shutter speed, and ISO
sensitivity.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

9. Aperture

Every lens has an aperture range and it is measured in units called f-stops. There is an inverse relationship between the number of f stops and the aperture. The higher the f-stop, the smaller the aperture and this reduces the amount of light that passes through the lens. The higher the f-stop, the larger the distance in front of and behind the focus point, thereby making the image appear sharper.

On the other hand, the lower the f-stop number results in more light passing through the lens due to a larger aperture. A lower f-stop delivers an image that appears to be more “diffused” and has a softer and more stylish effect.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

10. Shutter speed

The shutter speed controls the amount of light that enters the camera. This feature is easily controlled on the DSLR camera. It is more technical, but for the individual who is aware of shutter speed, you want to find out what is it for the DSLR camera you want to purchase.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

11. ISO sensitivity

ISO sensitivity measures how sensitive the sensor is to incoming light. Dimmer lighting conditions require a higher ISO, while brighter scenes require a lower ISO.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

12. Burst mode

Burst mode is another feature to take into consideration when choosing a DSLR camera. It is the mode the camera is in when you take a quick succession of photos by pressing down on the shutter button. It is measured in frames per second (fps) which implies the number of pictures taken in one second’s time.

 

 

 

 

 

 

13. High dynamic range (HDR)

The high-definition range capability makes the digital camera take a number of photos at different exposures. It then determines the best parts of each photo to keep and the ones to discard. The camera then combines the best parts of each photo to produce a great photo.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

14. Connectivity

The connectivity capability of the DSLR camera may be a feature that you want to pay attention to. This allows you to easily and quickly share photos and videos instantly. Most digital cameras have an app that makes controlling the camera easy.

 

 

 

 

 

 

15. Monitors and Viewfinders

Digital cameras come with LCD screens and viewfinders that allow you to see the images and videos that you capture. When choosing a digital camera, you want to consider the monitor and viewfinder of the DSLR. There are different screen sizes and viewfinder types for DSLR cameras.

 

 

 

DSLR Camera vs Mirrorless Camera

DSLR Camera Advantages Mirrorless Camera Advantages
Longer Battery Life Less Noise (Silent)
Better Autofocus System Shoots Faster
Optical Viewfinder Electronic Viewfinder
More Lens Options Real-Time Previews
Less Expensive Smaller Sensor SIze
Compact & Lightweight

 

 

DSLR Camera Accessories

1. Memory cards

Memory cards store the images and videos. You may need extra memory cards.

 

 

 

 

 

2. Camera bag

A camera bag stores and protects your camera and other accessories.

 

 

 

 

3. Tripods

A tripod helps you get to take photos or shoot videos at a good vantage point.

 

 

 

 

4. External Flash

An external flash gives you more control over the lighting. It also provides better illumination and more natural lighting.

 

 

 

 

 

 

5. Battery

It is always a good idea to have a backup battery for your camera.

 

 

 

 

 

6. Battery Grip

The battery grip helps comfortably hold the camera and gives access to the controls.

 

 

 

How Does a DSLR Camera Work?

When light enters a DSLR camera, it hits a mirror and travels through a prism to reach the viewfinder. When you press the shutter button, the mirror comes up, thereby allowing the light to hit the image sensor which creates the photo. Mirrorless cameras don’t have the mirror that is found in DSLR cameras. The omission of the mirror and optical viewfinder make mirrorless cameras smaller and brighter than DSLR digital cameras.

 

 

 

 

What Is The Most Important Thing In a DSLR Camera?
The image processor, the lenses, its megapixels, image stabilization, and autofocus system are important.
Which DSLR Camera To Choose For Beginners?
There are a number of DSLR cameras that are ideal for beginners such as the  Sony DSCW800/B, Canon PowerShot SX420, and the Canon PowerShot ELPH digital camera.
What Should I Look For When Buying a DSLR Camera?
When buying a DSLR camera, you should look at the lenses, the size of the sensor, the image processor, image stabilization, its autofocus system, how many megapixels it has, and the video recording capabilities.
Which DSLR Camera Quality Is The Best?
There are many high-quality DSLR cameras such as the Panasonic LUMIX FZ80 and the KODAK PIXPRO AZ421.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Bottom Line

DSLR cameras capture important events such as photos and videos. We have discussed the features that you should consider when choosing your DSLR camera. We reviewed some of the best DSLR cameras on the market and taking into capabilities and price, the KODAK PIXPRO AZ421 is one of the best cameras available.  The Panasonic LUMIX FZ80 Digital Camera is also a very good choice if the price is a major factor.