Choosing the best camera

  • Mirrorless cameras have the advantage of usually being lighter, more compact, faster and better for video
  • Mirrorless cameras have fewer lenses and accessories, but are technically more advanced and arguably the way forward.
  • DSLR's have the advantage in lens selection and an optical viewfinder that works better in low light
  • DSLR's are more complex and bulkier, but are sturdy, good value cameras offering old-school handling and top image quality
Photograph showing two different type of cameras, dslr and mirrorless

What are DSLR's?

  • DSLR stands for digital single-lens reflex. It’s the camera of choice for pro photographers and experienced amateurs alike.
  • You can change lenses to create different effects and take control of aperture and shutter speed.
  • Inside a DSLR is a mirror and a prism inside – giving you a more accurate view of the scene you’re shooting.
  • What you see in the viewfinder is exactly what the lens sees. The mirror and prism use light to bounce the image from the lens to the viewfinder.
  • If you want to shoot different types of photography – from wildlife to extreme close-up portraits – then a DSLR is the way to go.
  • Large sensors mean a high ISO range, so your camera will capture more light and give better results even in poor light conditions.

What is a Mirrorless Camera?

  • Light passes through the lens and right onto the image sensor, which captures a preview of the image to display on the rear screen.
  • Usually, the cameras are half the size and weight of a normal DSLR
  • Because mirrorless cameras are 100% electronic (with the exception of the mechanical shutter), power consumption is greater
  • 4K video capture is a more common feature on mirrorless cameras
  • The best DSLRs can no longer match the shooting speeds of the best mirrorless.
  • Many photographers still prefer an 'optical' view for its clarity, natural look and lag-free viewing.
Photograph of a Canon's 6D model camera.

Canon EOS 6D Mark II

For top performance without spending over the odds, this is the best buy

Buy

Sony A6500

For the price and size, you can't really beat the A6500

Buy

MPB.com

Save money bu buying a used camera from this marketplace...

Recommended full-frame Cameras - for all budgets

1
Nikon Z7

The best DSLR we recommend


Sony Alpha A7R III

The best full-frame camera for the price

2

3
Canon EOS 5D Mark IV.

If you can stomach the price, you’ll be blown away by this upgraded workhorse’s performance

4
Canon EOS R

Canon's first full-frame mirrorless camera


Nikon D750

A full-frame DSLR packed with features for a reasonable price

5

6
Canon EOS 6D Mark II

Canon's enthusiast-focused full-frame DSLR

7
Nikon D5

Nikon's flagship DSLR has the best AF system


Canon EOS-1D X Mark II

DSLR is super fast

8

9
Sony A9

Ideal for sports and action but with a well-rounded spec sheet that makes it versatile enough for plenty more

10
Sony A7S II

If low-light shooting and video are your thing, the A7S II fits the bill


Sony Alpha 99 II

Huge resolution, huge speed, huge achievement

11

12
Sony A7

This original full-frame mirrorless camera is now an absolute bargain