Choosing the best DSLR for you is a big decision – these cameras are a great choice for those who want uncompromising image quality in a handy package, so they often come with fairly high price tags.
The decision also used to be much simpler than it is now. A few years ago, most people would choose a Nikon or Canon DSLR. But today there is a wide variety of mirrorless and DSLR models from Nikon, Canon, Sony and Panasonic.
Best DSLR for Professional 2020: Top 10 DSLR you can buy right now
The best 2020 full-frame DSLR at a glance:
- Nikon Z6
- Sony Alpha A7 III
- Nikon Z7
- Sony Alpha A7R IV
- Nikon D850
- Canon EOS 5D Mark IV
- Canon EOS RP
- Nikon D750
- Panasonic S1R
- Sony A9 II
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Great value option: Canon EOS 6D Mark II
- A superior full-frame option if you’re on a budget
- Sensor: Full-frame CMOS
- Megapixels: 26.2MP
- Autofocus: 45 AF points
- Screen type: 3.0-inch, 1,040,000-dot variable angle touch screen
- Maximum continuous shooting speed: 6.5fps
- Movies: Full HD at 60p
- User level: intermediate / expert
Good image quality
Advanced features
4K timelapse
Full HD video only
EVF covers 98% of the frame
When the original EOS 6D was released, it offered the best performance for your money, and that trend continues with the second-generation DSLR – the EOS 6D Mark II still offers a great entry into the full-frame market. Launched in 2017, it has a significant increase in features over its predecessor, including a higher sensor resolution at 26.2MP, a better autofocus system with 45 cross-type AF points, 6.5fps burst speed, and introduces functionality touch screen on the 6D line.
Performance in the real world is smooth and you won’t find much to complain about in terms of image quality. And you get all of that for around $ 1,500 / £ 1,349 / AU $ 1,999, which is excellent value for money.
The best full-frame DSLR in 2020:
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Nikon Z6

All the goodness of Nikon DSLRs and loads of extra tech on top
- Sensor: Full-frame CMOS
- Megapixels: 24.5MP
- Autofocus: 273-point AF
- Screen type: 3.0-inch tilt angle touch screen, 2,100K dots
- Maximum continuous shooting speed: 12 fps
- Movies: 4K at 30p
- User level: enthusiast / expert
Solid video and still image quality
Excellent handling
Limited damping depth
Only one card slot
The Nikon Z6 was the first of two cameras in the Nikon Z system, and while it is no longer the newest model, it retains its place at the top of our best list of full-frame cameras. It is our choice thanks to a brilliant combination of features, performance, handling and price: the 24.5MP sensor offers beautiful results with excellent color reproduction and fine details, while the 273-point AF system works very well and has excellent coverage. of frames.
There’s also an impressive 12 fps burst shooting mode, sensibly distributed controls, and a large, bright electronic viewfinder. Current Nikon user? The FTZ adapter means that you will be able to use your existing F-mount lenses as well (although check compatibility for older lenses). All of this makes the Z6 a brilliant choice for the keen photographer or professional photographer looking for a second body. We can’t wait to see where this system goes from here.
2. Sony Alpha A7 III

Sony Alpha A7 III is one of the best DSLR for this amazing price
- Sensor Size: Full Frame CMOS
- Megapixels: 24.2MP
- Autofocus: 693-point AF
- Screen type: 3.0-inch tilt angle touchscreen, 921,000 dots
- Maximum continuous shooting speed: 10 fps
- Movies: 4K
- User level: enthusiast / expert
693-point advanced AF system
10 fps burst shooting
Limited touch screen control
Battery life could be better.
The A7 III has become a firm favorite among enthusiasts and professionals in recent years, and for good reason. In contrast to the more niche A7R IV and A7S II, the A7 III is a camera for everyone, whether they capture stills or videos, action or static subjects, indoors or outdoors. The sensor has a modest 24-megapixel resolution, but its backlit design allows for better light collection, while the advantage of sensor-based stabilization means you don’t need to worry about this being in your lenses, which is something many other mirrorless cameras are not standard.
Add to that a 710 shot battery life, impressive for a mirrorless camera, tons of video specific features and the EyeAF function for sharp portraits and it has a pretty good camera.
3. Nikon Z7

The most advanced Z system option adds a lot of pixels
- Sensor Size: Full Frame CMOS
- Megapixels: 45.7MP
- Autofocus: 493-point AF
- Screen type: 3.2-inch tilt angle touchscreen, 2,100,000 dots
- Maximum continuous shooting speed: 9 fps
- Movies: 4K
- User level: expert
Very sensible
Excellent image quality.
XQD cards are still expensive
Modest official battery life
Nikon’s first full-frame mirrorless camera alongside the Z6, the Z7 is a triumph. As a first-generation camera, we should expect a strange drawback, but the Z7 has been thoughtfully designed and performs much better than you might expect. The fact that Nikon allows you to wear F-mount lenses via the FTZ adapter also makes the DSLR to mirrorless journey relatively easy if you’ve already created a lens collection. Do you like what you see but money is tight? The 24MP Nikon Z6 (position 1) deserves your attention.
4. Sony Alpha A7R IV

Amazing high-resolution full-frame power
- Sensor: 61MP full-frame CMOS
- Lens: 24-105mm, f / 4 (kit)
- Monitor: 3.0-inch tilt angle touchscreen, 1,440,000 dots
- Viewer: EVF
- Continuous shooting: 10 fps
- Movies: 4K 30fps
- User level: expert
Excellent detail: full-frame MP sensor
Fast and smart AF system
Roller shutter in videos
The touch screen could be better
The A7R IV is the studio-friendly camera in Sony’s full-frame line, albeit just like in home or landscape shooting action. It has a very high-resolution 61-megapixel sensor, compared to 42.4-megapixel in the latest version. Such a high pixel count allows the camera to recover incredible amounts of detail when mounted on a sturdy tripod with controlled lighting.
Predictably, noise creeps in faster than in a low-resolution full-frame model, but this is an excellent versatile camera. And while it requires careful shooting for the best results, effective stabilization means it still works well in the hand. 4K video quality is great too, aside from some shutter effect.
5. Nikon D850

The best DSLR we have tried
- Sensor: Full-frame CMOS
- Megapixels: 45.4MP
- Autofocus: 153-point AF, 99 cross-type
- Screen type: 3.2-inch tilt angle touchscreen, 2,359,000 dots
- Maximum continuous shooting speed: 7 fps
- Movies: 4K
- User level: expert
Impressive results
Excellent performance
Live View AF could be faster
SnapBridge still needs work
The D850 may have had some of its thunder stolen by the similar Z7 (position 3) but it remains very attractive. It’s one of the most advanced DSLRs we’ve tested, with the winning combination of a 45MP full-frame sensor and 7fps burst shooting at its heart, and a wonderful 153-point AF system that makes it easy keep up with moving subjects.
The videos are shot in 4K quality and are top-notch, while the build and design are just as perfect as they are now. Its weight and size make the Z7 a little more desirable to most users, but if you’re shooting sports or other moving subjects and plan to get the most out of that focusing system, it’s an excellent choice.
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