Top 7 DSLR Cameras Still Worth Buying in the Mirrorless Era

Top 7 DSLR Cameras Still Worth Buying in the Mirrorless Era

In an age where mirrorless cameras dominate headlines and camera store shelves, DSLR cameras still hold a firm place in the hearts of many photographers.

Known for their robust build, optical viewfinders, longer battery life, and often better value for money, DSLRs remain a solid choice for enthusiasts and professionals alike.

Whether you're a beginner looking to step up your photography game or a seasoned shooter wanting a reliable backup body, these DSLR models continue to deliver outstanding performance.

In this guide, we explore the top 7 DSLR cameras that are still worth buying in today’s mirrorless era.

Why DSLRs Still Matter in 2025

Before we dive into our picks, let's address the elephant in the room. DSLRs maintain several key advantages that keep them relevant:

Battery Life That Actually Lasts: While mirrorless cameras have improved dramatically, most DSLRs still deliver 2-3 times longer battery life. When you're shooting a wedding or spending a day in the wilderness, this isn't just convenient—it's essential.

The Optical Viewfinder Experience: There's something immediate and natural about seeing exactly what the lens sees, with no lag, no refresh rate, and no battery drain. Many photographers find this connection more intuitive, especially in challenging lighting conditions.

Mature Lens Ecosystems: Decades of lens development mean you have access to an enormous selection of high-quality glass, often at significantly lower prices than equivalent mirrorless options.

Exceptional Value: As manufacturers focus on mirrorless development, DSLR prices have become incredibly attractive. You can often get professional-grade features for enthusiast-level prices.

Ergonomics and Handling: Many photographers prefer the larger grip and button layout of DSLRs, especially those with larger hands or those who frequently use telephoto lenses.

Now, let's explore the seven DSLRs that exemplify these advantages while delivering outstanding performance.

7. Canon EOS 90D - Best Versatile APS-C All-Rounder

The 90D represents Canon's most recent APS-C DSLR technology, incorporating lessons learned from their mirrorless development.

Standout Features: The 32.5MP APS-C sensor provides exceptional detail for the format, while 10fps burst shooting and Dual Pixel autofocus deliver professional performance.

4K video recording with no crop and excellent 1080p quality make it appealing for content creators. The fully articulating touchscreen and modern connectivity options keep it current.

Why Choose This Over Mirrorless:

The 90D offers the latest DSLR refinements—improved autofocus algorithms, better video features, and enhanced ergonomics—while maintaining the traditional DSLR advantages of battery life and optical viewfinder. It's essentially the best of both worlds.

Current Value Proposition:

At around $1,200, the 90D provides cutting-edge APS-C performance with both photo and video capabilities. It's proof that DSLR technology continues to evolve, even as manufacturer attention shifts to mirrorless.

6. Nikon D850 - Best High-Resolution Powerhouse

The D850 was Nikon's answer to the high-resolution camera wars, and it remains one of the most technically impressive cameras ever made.

Standout Features: The 45.7MP full-frame sensor delivers incredible detail while maintaining excellent high-ISO performance.

The combination of 7fps burst shooting (9fps with battery grip), 153-point autofocus system, and exceptional dynamic range makes it incredibly versatile. The tilting touchscreen and 4K video capabilities add modern functionality.

Why Choose This Over Mirrorless:

The D850's combination of high resolution and speed is still difficult to match in the mirrorless world, especially at its current price point. The robust weather sealing and outstanding battery life make it ideal for demanding professional use.

Current Value Proposition:

Now available for around $2,000 (down from $3,300 at launch), the D850 offers flagship performance at mid-range prices. For photographers who need maximum image quality and don't mind the larger size, it's an incredible value.

5. Canon EOS 6D Mark II - Best Budget Full-Frame Option

The 6D Mark II proves that full-frame photography doesn't have to be expensive. While it may not have all the bells and whistles of higher-end models, it delivers where it counts: image quality.

Standout Features: The 26.2MP full-frame sensor produces beautiful images with excellent dynamic range and good low-light performance. The fully articulating touchscreen is rare in this price range, making it versatile for various shooting angles. Built-in WiFi, NFC, and GPS add modern convenience features.

Why Choose This Over Mirrorless:

The 6D Mark II offers the full-frame advantage—shallow depth of field, better low-light performance, and wider field of view—at a price point where most mirrorless full-frame cameras can't compete.

The single SD card slot might be a limitation for some, but for most users, it's perfectly adequate.

Current Value Proposition:

Often available for under $1,300, the 6D Mark II is the most affordable way to enter full-frame photography. When paired with Canon's excellent 50mm f/1.8 STM lens, you have a portrait powerhouse for under $1,500 total.

4. Nikon D500 - Best for Sports and Wildlife Photography

The D500 was designed as Nikon's flagship APS-C camera, and it shows. This is arguably one of the best sports and wildlife cameras ever made, regardless of format.

Standout Features: The combination of 10fps continuous shooting, 153-point autofocus system with advanced 3D tracking, and excellent high-ISO performance makes it perfect for fast action. The APS-C sensor provides a 1.5x crop factor, effectively extending your telephoto reach—a huge advantage for wildlife photography.

Why Choose This Over Mirrorless:

The D500's autofocus system excels at tracking erratic movement, and the optical viewfinder provides an uninterrupted view of the action. Battery life exceeds 1,200 shots, essential for long days in the field where charging isn't possible.

Current Value Proposition:

At around $1,500, the D500 offers professional sports camera performance at a fraction of the cost of newer alternatives.

The mature F-mount lens ecosystem provides access to exceptional telephoto glass at various price points.

3. Canon EOS 5D Mark IV - Best Professional Full-Frame DSLR

The 5D Mark IV remains Canon's workhorse professional DSLR, and despite being several years old, it continues to deliver results that rival much newer cameras.

Standout Features: The 30.4MP full-frame sensor strikes an excellent balance between resolution and low-light performance.

The 61-point autofocus system with 41 cross-type points provides exceptional accuracy, while 7fps burst shooting handles most action photography needs. The dual memory card slots (CF + SD) offer flexible storage options.

Why Choose This Over Mirrorless:

The 5D Mark IV's 900+ shot battery life and weather-sealed construction make it ideal for long shoots in challenging conditions.

Many professional photographers appreciate the familiar ergonomics and the immediate response of the optical viewfinder when timing is critical.

Current Value Proposition:

With prices now around $2,500 (compared to $3,500 at launch), the 5D Mark IV offers flagship features at a significant discount. For professionals who don't need the latest bells and whistles, it's a proven performer that won't let you down.

2. Nikon D7500 - Best Enthusiast APS-C Camera

The D7500 represents Nikon's sweet spot for enthusiast photographers. It borrows the excellent 20.9MP sensor from the professional D500 but packages it in a more affordable, slightly smaller body.

Standout Features: The combination of excellent low-light performance (usable up to ISO 6400), 8fps burst shooting, and 51-point autofocus system makes this camera incredibly versatile. The weather sealing and robust build quality mean it can handle demanding conditions, while dual memory card slots provide professional reliability.

Why Choose This Over Mirrorless:

The D7500's battery life (950+ shots per charge) far exceeds any mirrorless competitor. The optical viewfinder provides a clear, lag-free view that many wildlife and sports photographers prefer, especially when tracking fast-moving subjects.

Current Value Proposition:

Often available for under $1,000 body-only, the D7500 offers professional-grade performance at enthusiast prices. The extensive selection of affordable Nikon F-mount lenses makes building a complete system very cost-effective.

1. Canon EOS Rebel T7i (800D) - Best Entry-Level DSLR

The Canon Rebel T7i might not grab headlines anymore, but it remains one of the most user-friendly cameras ever made. Canon's Guided Display walks new photographers through every setting, making the transition from smartphone photography painless.

Standout Features: The 24.2MP APS-C sensor delivers excellent image quality, while the Dual Pixel autofocus system provides smooth, accurate focusing in both photo and video modes. The fully articulating touchscreen makes shooting from awkward angles effortless, and the built-in WiFi and Bluetooth keep you connected.

Why Choose This Over Mirrorless:

While mirrorless alternatives like the Canon EOS M50 exist, the T7i offers longer battery life, a more comfortable grip for learning proper camera handling, and access to Canon's vast EF and EF-S lens selection without adapters.

Current Value Proposition:

With street prices often under $600 with kit lens, the T7i delivers features that would cost significantly more in the mirrorless world. It's an investment in learning photography fundamentals without breaking the bank.

The Bottom Line: Choose the Tool That Fits Your Needs

The camera industry's rush toward mirrorless technology has created an interesting opportunity for smart buyers.

These seven DSLRs represent mature, refined technology available at prices that would have been unthinkable just a few years ago.

The best camera isn't necessarily the newest one—it's the one that matches your specific needs, budget, and shooting style.

If you value long battery life, prefer optical viewfinders, want access to decades of lens development, or simply want exceptional value for money, these DSLRs deserve serious consideration.

The mirrorless revolution hasn't made DSLRs obsolete; it's simply created two parallel paths in photography.

While one path races toward the future with electronic viewfinders and computational photography, the other offers proven reliability, exceptional value, and the satisfying mechanical precision that made photography great in the first place.

In a world obsessed with the latest and greatest, sometimes the smartest choice is the one that simply works—and works exceptionally well.

Disclaimer:

The information provided in this article is based on publicly available data, expert reviews, and personal opinions as of 2025. Camera models, prices, and features mentioned may change over time as new products are released and market conditions evolve. Always verify current specifications and pricing from official sources or trusted retailers before making any purchase decisions.