Buying a DSLR in 2024 legitimately still makes sense

Buying a DSLR camera in 2024 legitimately still makes sense. It's true that the best professional mirrorless cameras have surpassed the DSLRs they were built to replace. However, when it comes to consumer level cameras DSLRs are still a great choice.

Update: Check out my list of the best DSLRs to buy in 2024 here.

You should consider buying a DSLR camera in 2024 if you're shopping for anything less than the top-of-the-line professional camera. Even if you're a serious hobbyist there are DSLRs that make sense. That is, unless you're looking to spend close to five-thousand dollars on the Nikon Z8, Sony A7R V, or the Canon R3. Assuming you're budget is a bit lower you should be considering DSLRs as well as mirrorless cameras.

What Is A DSLR

Before buying a DSLR it makes sense to know what you're buying right?

DSLR stands for Digital Single-Lens Reflex, and it's a type of camera that uses a mirror and prism system to reflect light from the lens to the optical viewfinder. This allows photographers to see exactly what they are capturing, giving them more control over their shots.

One of the main reasons people choose to invest in a DSLR camera is the superior image quality it offers. DSLRs have larger image sensors, which means they can capture more light and detail, resulting in stunning, high-resolution photos.

Another advantage of DSLR cameras is their versatility. With interchangeable lenses, photographers can choose the perfect lens for each situation, whether it's a wide-angle lens for landscape photography or a telephoto lens for capturing distant subjects.

Buying a DSLR camera in 2024 still makes sense and here is why.

1. Affordability
2. Features
3. Battery-life
4. Lens choice
5. Weight/balance

DSLR cameras are more affordable than mirrorless cameras when compared feature for feature. If you're a hobbyist or even a budding professional, getting the features you need to create the photos you want is critical. With that said, you can usually find the same features for less in a DSLR camera.

Mirrorless cameras often do pack more features. Of course this means the price is going to naturally be higher. However, you may not need or ever use some of those features. This is why it's critical to understand what you need in a camera. Check out my buying guide. There you'll find lots of great information on choosing the right camera. Too, my updated 2023 guide to what cameras to buy features more helpful tips.

In addition the used and refurbished market for buying DSLR cameras is better. This is because DSLR cameras have been around for over 20 years. Too, they're built on an even older platform. As a result, there are so many more DSLR cameras to choose from. Ultimately, buying a DSLR in 2024 is your best choice when it comes to affordability and bang for the buck.

Yes mirrorless cameras come packed with features. However, most consumer level DSLRs offer the features you need. Plus, they are usually more accessible. What I mean by that is that DSLR cameras, when compared on price often feature more programable buttons. This is somewhat due to the size of DSLRs being a bit larger.

With similarly priced mirrorless cameras you need to go into the menu to change many settings. But similarly priced DSLR cameras have more buttons. Because of this you can change settings while taking photos more easily. As a result you'll miss fewer photos while looking for settings in the menus.

The battery life of mirrorless cameras is still a massive problem. This is true even with the power-saving moves like turning off the screen and only using the viewfinder. DSLR camera batteries last for hours longer than mirrorless batteries. In fact, I have several of both types of cameras that take the same battery. As a result I know that my mirrorless cameras drain these batteries around 50% faster.

Ultimately, if you need a camera that will last more than 4 or 5 hours you'll want to buy a DSLR camera over mirrorless. Otherwise you'll need to bring multiple batteries.

When it comes to lens choice, DSLRs are way ahead. Yes, it's true that you can adapt DSLR lenses to mirrorless cameras. However, these lenses were designed for the DSLR camera systems. I'm not saying they won't work. But I am saying they don't work as well as lenses made exclusively for mirrorless cameras.

DSLR cameras have been around for so much longer. Too, the number of lenses available is a direct result of this longevity. Also the number of third-party lenses which are often more affordable is greater. In fact, Canon only recently approved third-party lenses for their mirrorless cameras. Prior to March of 2023 Canon was the only authorized manufacturer of mirrorless lenses for their cameras.

So maybe this one doesn't apply to everyone but the weight/balance of DSLR cameras just feels so much better. This is because mirrorless cameras are lighter. Don't get me wrong, there is a lot to like about that. However, if you use any heavier lenses on a mirrorless the feel of the camera just isn't right.

SLR cameras went through an ergonomic revolution in the 1990s. Manufacturers tried to make cameras that felt really good in your hand. Too, they wanted the weight to feel balanced. This is why Nikon cameras and lenses are as heavy as bricks. Conversely it's why Canon cameras and lenses are lighter. Mirrorless cameras have not found that balance quite yet. This is especially true if you're adapting older lenses. When you do so the balance is wildly off. As a result the camera feels like it's going to tip forward.

If you've got large hands the small size of mirrorless cameras can also play havoc. Coupled with the weight/balance issues you'll find callouses forming where the weight of the camera puts pressure on your fingers. That just doesn't happen with DSLR cameras.

Knowing why you should buy a DSLR is great but knowing what camera to buy is even better. Therefore I want to offer my opinion on which DSLR cameras you should consider buying in 2024 based on what you're going to use them for.

Best DSLR camera to Buy in 2023

When it comes to the best DSLR camera for 2024 there are a few clear-cut choices. You most likely want a camera that has good low-light capabilities, great features, ease of use, and affordability.

I've broken this list down by price. After all, your budget is likely important to you. Additionally, I've listed two cameras in each price range because many existing photographers already have either a Nikon or Canon. If that's true of yourself then you likely have a number of lenses that you don't want to replace by switching.

Cameras around $2k

Both of the following cameras tick all of the above buttons. They're both in the neighborhood of $2,000. As a result I'm calling them as high-end choices.

Nikon D850

You can buy a refurbished D850 DSLR directly from Nikon through Amazon for less than $2,000. This is a professional grade camera and is the absolute best for both sports, wildlife and other action photography.

Canon EOS 7D II

The Canon EOS 7D II is another excellent choice for less than $2,000 (refurbished by Canon). Buy it from Amazon's refurbished store.

Cameras around $1.5k

Nikon D7500

The Nikon D7500 is a great crop sensor camera. It's truly the best camera Nikon makes with a cropped sensor. Too it's available refurbished which puts the price under $1,500.

Canon EOS 90D

The Canon EOS 90D is a great DSLR available with a decent lens for just over $1,500 or on it's own for under $1,200. This is Canon's best cropped sensor camera. It also features eye-detection which is something you can't easily get this price otherwise.

Cameras under $1k

Canon Rebel T8

The Canon Rebel T8 is a great little camera for a great price. If you're budget demands it or you're buying a camera for your teen be sure to check out the Rebel T8.

Check out my list of the best xmas gifts for photography students.

Nikon D3500

On the Nikon side of things the Nikon D3500 DSLR is equally great compared with the Rebel T8. Plus, it's slightly more affordable. This would be my go-to camera to buy a budding young photographer who you're worried will lose interest. Nikon seems to do great with holding their value so even if they do you should be able to resell it easily.