Top 10 Best DSLR Cameras of 2016

10 Best DSLR Cameras of 2016
10 Best DSLR Cameras of 2016

Top 10 Best DSLR Cameras of 2016

They say that a picture is worth a thousand words. When you are about to capture the perfect story on camera, there is no doubt that you want to make sure you use the best camera for the job. Capture a tale that can’t be spoken with one of the top DSLR cameras of 2016. For those who you who are fairly new to the world of photography, DSLR stands for digital single-lens reflex. A digital single-lens reflex camera is a device that combines all of the mechanical ingenuities of a single-lens reflex

camera with a high-tech digital sensor. The new and improved models took over the single-lens market back in the early 2000’s. Despite an influx of mirrorless cameras in 2010, photographers of all skill levels still rely largely on digital single-lens technology. DSLR cameras allow photographers of all levels to have better control over the quality of their photos with interchangeable lenses, manual control options, and higher than average photo quality. While there are many DSLR cameras on the market at many major retailers, as well as online, finding the best camera for your needs does not have to be daunting. Here are ten of the top DSLR cameras of 2016 that will have you capturing life’s most precious moments with the simple click of a button for memories that will last forever.

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10Nikon D5500


With a name like Nikon, you know you are in the running for a high-quality camera with an impressive lifespan. The Nikon D5500 ranks as one of the top ten best DSLR cameras of 2016. For the best possible photos, a great DSLR camera needs to have a high quality lens, a robust image sensor, and boundless image processing capabilities. The Nikon D5500 has all three. With a rather wide range, this camera boasts a high resolution sensor that allows you to edit your photos without losing any detail. Crop or enlarge them with the same amount of detail that you would find in the actual real-life object. Impressively, this camera also features a LCD touchscreen that is able to adapt to various angles, based on what you are trying to shoot. This is the first of its kind in the Nikon line and a must-have for those who like to get creative with their photo-shoots. The multi-angle capabilities of the screen allows you to place the camera at a unique angle, while simply touching the screen to focus and capture the perfect shot. The touchscreen also allows you to access a number of different photo-taking options with the simple touch of your fingertip. Accessing different modes for the perfect photo is as easy as navigating your smartphone. With video capabilities, this camera is compact and light enough for you to carry it wherever life takes you.

9Pentax K-1


The Pentax K-1 is another top contender for amateur and professional photographers alike. While the Pentax K-1 is not fully equipped to handle quick photos of fleeting moments, it is a great camera for landscapes and other still life shots. Although this camera does not have the quickest AF system, it boasts a number of other incredible features at a fair price. While the Pentax brand has been around for a while, they did not enter the world of digital camera making until much later than most. The result of their creative endeavors is the Pentax K-1. The body of the camera is made of magnesium alloy and is a sharp, professional black color. It is perfectly designed so that you have a firm, but comfortable grasp on both the front and back for maximum precision. The controls are all coated for increased durability in rain and shine. Similar to the Nikon D5500, this camera features a LCD touchscreen with a swivel mechanism that allows for a degree of unsurpassed creativity. The mount allows the screen to swivel up to 35 degree in a horizontal direction and 44 degrees in a vertical direction for prime photo-taking abilities in any space. At 36 megapixels with autofocus capabilities, this camera has an eye for detail. For slow-moving photos or still life shots, this camera captures every ounce of detail from top to bottom. While this camera retails for upwards of $1,000USD, it is worth every penny for a high quality shot.

8Canon EOS Rebel T6s


The Canon EOS Rebel T6s is another one of 2016’s best DSLR cameras. You may recognize the name, but what qualifies this camera to be listed as one of this year’s best? The Canon EOS Rebel T6s comes jam-packed with a wide range of features that are sure to impress. It is also one of the most affordable cameras considering all that it has to offer. This camera is small and compact, weighing in at less than one and a half pounds. The small stature of this camera enables you to transport it with ease. It boasts an 18-megapixel sensor that captures vibrant photos and videos in well-lit, as well as dimly-lit, areas. The sensor allows you to crop or enlarge your pictures without having to compromise the integrity of the shot. You can crop your photos to fit a standard picture frame without having to worry about losing the detailing of the original shot. This camera features a strong processor that allows you to capture high-quality shots with ease. With built-in Wi-Fi and NFC technology, this camera allows you to click, shoot, and upload your favorite photos to your social media accounts with the simple click of a button. Perhaps the coolest feature is the remote capability. Rather than setting up the camera and running to make it into the photo on time, the wireless connection allows you to point, click, and shoot from afar. As long as the camera is placed within the wireless range, you can take those treasured family photos in a seamless and much more efficient manner. The Canon EOS Rebel T6s retails for anywhere between $500 and $800 USD and surely won’t disappoint.

7Nikon D3300


If you are seeking a high-quality camera to take picture perfect shots without breaking the bank, the Nikon D3300 is your prime device. This camera can do all of the things those fancy, more expensive cameras can do at a fraction of the price. In fact, this camera consistently ranks one of the top DSLR cameras below $500! While price is a definite perk of this particular device, there are a wide range of functions that are sure to keep you on your toes. The Nikon D3300 is small and compact, making it a great travel companion. You can bring this camera just about everywhere life takes you without having to worry about lugging a big, clunky, heavy object around. This camera is able to capture breathtaking 24 megapixel photos and high quality video footage with impressive sound bites. With new and improved EXPEED 4 capabilities, you can capture photos at high speeds without compromising the small details. As an add-on, you can purchase the wireless adapter which lets you upload photos instantly. Just connect the adapter, and your photos will pop up on your smartphone or tablet in a matter of seconds. For those more creative minds who like to have a little fun with their photos, you can opt to take panoramic shots or choose from several built-in imaging effects like changing the colors of your photos or adding filters!  The Nikon D3300 is a sensibly priced, fun camera that is a must-have for those who are looking to take a step towards professional grade photos.

6Canon EOS 80d


If price is not much of an issue and video quality is more of a concern, the Canon EOS 80d is a viable option. While it is great to have a camera that can capture high quality shots, sometimes it is nice to have a camera that can also record high-quality video and sound. Many of the best cameras on the market do a good job of one or the other, not both. The Canon EOS 80d provides the best of both worlds. While this camera retails for well over $1000, it is an excellent option for those who weigh the quality of their video footage a bit more heavily than their photo quality. With a 45-point autofocus system, this camera can capture quality photos in any kind of lighting. It boasts a high level of precision, speed, and efficiency, regardless of the task at hand. With advanced viewfinder technology, this camera provides a crystal clear shot each and every time. With built-in wireless capabilities, this camera can hold full HD 60p movies that can be stored as MP4’s and shared with your entire network. Much like the Nikon D3300, this camera can shoot, store, and share photos from afar. Wireless technology enables you to operate this camera and all of its functions from a remote device, whether it is a smartphone or a tablet. This allows for the flow of constant creativity without logistical interruption. Similar to some of its competitors, the Canon EOS 80d features a three-inch LCD touchscreen with swivel capabilities so that you can snap great photos no matter where you are or what position you are in. The time-lapse movie feature is truly unique. This feature enables you to take photos at set intervals and then put them together to create a silent movie. Create beautiful artwork in minutes with the Canon EOS 80d and never look back at your old, outdated camera or smartphone again.

5Sony Alpha 68


When you think of the name Sony, what do you think?  Televisions, surround sound systems, and DVD players? Do cameras come to mind? If not, they should. The Sony Alpha 68 is one of the best DSLR cameras on the market and is unbeatable when it comes to function, style, and design. This camera ranks top five on our list of best DSLR cameras of 2016 for a variety of reasons. First and foremost is the price point. For such an impressive model that is still relatively new to the marketplace, this camera is very competitively priced. If you are looking for efficiency and style without breaking the bank, the Sony Alpha 68 should be at the top of your wish list. This camera comes fully equipped with Sony’s prized 4D focus system, which allows you to take great photos in all kinds of conditions. Low lighting? Poor lighting? There is no need to fret with this camera in hand. Where other cameras fail, this camera captures quality shots in the dimmest of areas. The Sony Alpha 68 features 24 megapixels, which allows for beautiful, breathtaking photos of the finest detail. Also, this camera can capture photos with up to eight frames per second of continuous shooting. Never skip a beat with this camera in hand! With a large, three-inch tilt LCD screen and multi-interface shoe, you can shoot a wide range of photos with ease.

4Canon EOS Rebel T6i DSLR


For those who are looking for a camera that is best suited for beginners, the Canon EOS Rebel T6i won’t disappoint. The reason this camera made the top ten list of DSLR cameras in 2016 is because it is an affordable camera that captures above-average photos. It is small and easy to use, making it a wise choice for those who are looking to upgrade their old cameras or jump from a smartphone to a professional photo-taking device. The Canon Rebel line of cameras has been around for a while. While they have made significant improvements over the years, these DSLR cameras are still going strong, and for good reason. This Canon camera is small and lightweight, making it a comfortable fit in your hand. When using this camera, you don’t need to worry about carrying around something that is big, bulky, and downright dreadful. The button placement on this particular model is nicely designed so that right and left handed users can enjoy shooting photos with ease. With a three-inch LCD touchscreen, you can easily focus your photos, edit, save, upload, and share. The touchscreen twists, allowing you to capture shots at strange angles with greater efficiency. The Canon EOS Rebel T6i features three noise reducing levels, making it a quiet camera, as well. For those who want to get their feet wet with a few good photos without spending a ton of money to do so, the Canon EOS Rebel T6i is a fantastic option.

3Canon EOS 5Ds


If you are well-versed in photography and are looking for a camera that can handle a more professional load, the Canon EOS 5Ds is a viable option. This camera is certainly not for the faint of heart. When purchasing this camera, expect to pay a few thousand dollars at most major retailers, as well as online. However, the capability of this professional-grade camera is worth every penny. The Canon EOS 5Ds features both SD and CF memory, as well as a 61-point autofocus system. Although this camera weighs in at a little under two pounds and is slightly heavier than some of its competitors, it is still a great option for those who are looking to take high quality still-life photos or photos in motion. It is the perfect camera for those who are in the wedding business or for those who take photos of landscapes as a professional endeavor. Featuring a 50.6 Megapixel Full-frame CMOS sensor, this camera delivers the highest resolution possible for those in a professional capacity. This camera also features a crop function, time-lapse movie capability, full HD movie capture mode, and so much more. While this camera retails for a good chunk of change, it is a camera that you can carry for years to come.

2Nikon D5


Brand new for 2016 is the Nikon D5. Much like the Canon EOS 5Ds, this camera is certainly not for the faint of heart. Beginners beware, as this camera can cost you upwards of several thousand dollars. For starters, it is probably too much of a camera to handle. For professionals, however, this camera has it all. Compared to some of the other Nikon models that top the charts for 2016, this model is new and improved and has really catered to industry demands. This camera has incredible low-light performance, making it a natural choice for those more difficult photo-shoots. The Nikon D5 features the widest and highest ISO range for the best quality photos in all kinds of conditions. Even with poor lighting, the results are crystal clear. It has a high resolution sensor that captures the finest details and true texture of the image. It also features a Multi-CAM 20K AF sensor module that takes advantage of more than 150 focus points with 99 cross type sensors that capture fast-paced objects with great precision. Looking to shoot some high quality video footage? The Nikon D5 has you covered. You can record 4K Ultra High Definition (UHD) video with the simple click of a button. It is fast, easy, and perhaps one of the best in the industry for this type of work. While this camera weighs just over three pounds and is slightly larger than some of its competitors, it is a high quality camera that is sure to produce stunning results in seconds.

1Nikon D500


At the very top of the charts for 2016 DSLR cameras is the Nikon D500. As with other Nikon models, the Nikon name stands for quality, ingenuity, and top design for a camera that simply can’t be beaten. By industry standards, this is one of the best makes and models you can buy. Regarding financial affordability, this camera can run upwards of $2000 USD but is still one of the most reasonably priced cameras for those who are looking to take their photo-taking to the next level. The Nikon D500 features 20.9 megapixels, 10 FPR continuous shooting capabilities, and a 4K UHD video that is sure to impress. With built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capabilities, you can upload your favorite photos and videos to numerous sites on the web and then share them with a wide network of family and friends. While this camera will cost you a few thousand dollars, it is an investment that will last a lifetime.

Conclusion

While you can certainly snap photos on your smartphone, it takes a special kind of camera to capture life’s best moments. Although standard point and shoot cameras are great, DSLR cameras are all the rage. Point and shoot cameras can do a lot of things. They are small and more lightweight, which makes traveling and transporting them a breeze. They have a fixed lens, meaning you don’t have to worry about switching the lenses out for each shot. They tend to be more affordable, too. While point and shoot cameras certainly have their fair share of advantages, DSLR cameras provide a much better image quality, shutter speed, depth of field, and sensitivity to light. They are designed for those who are looking for a sturdy, dependable, long-lasting camera to take their photography skills to the next level. While they cost a bit more to purchase, they are a long-term investment that will undoubtedly produce long-term results. With a DSLR camera, you control the lens, the movement, and the function of the photo. Whether you are beginning your career or are considered a professional-level photographer, DSLR cameras give you greater control over the quality of your work. There is no doubt that purchasing a DSLR camera, or making the switch from a standard point and shoot camera, can seem like a daunting task. There are several makes and models that all tote different features. Some are best suited for beginners, while others are best suited for those who have been working in the photography field for some time. Regardless of where you stand as a photographer, if you purchase one of the top ten best DSLR cameras of 2016 found on this list, you can’t go wrong.