17 Best Selling DSLRs [Among Our Readers]
Lately I’ve been updating our Popular Digital Cameras and Gear page with the best selling photographic gear among readers from our community.
I’ve recently updated the best selling DSLR lenses – but what about DSLRs themselves some readers asked?
So here’s a compilation of the best selling DSLRs among our readers. It’s based upon the reports Amazon gives us on what people buy through our affiliate links. Note: it isn’t necessarily a list of ‘the best’ DSLRs – just a list of what our readers are buying most – ranked from best seller down.
- Canon EOS Rebel T3i (pictured)
- Nikon D3100
- Canon EOS Rebel T2i
- Canon EOS Rebel T3
- Canon EOS Rebel T1i
- Nikon D5100
- Canon EOS 60D
- Nikon D7000
- Canon Rebel XS
- Nikon D3000
- Pentax K-5
- Canon Digital Rebel XTi
- Canon Digital Rebel XT
- Canon EOS 7D
- Canon Digital Rebel XSi
- Canon EOS 5D Mark II
- Sony Alpha SLTA33L
As usual Canon and Nikon dominate this list with only one from Pentax and one from Sony making the cut this time. Again – that’s not us saying that Canon or Nikon are best – its just what our readers are buying in greatest numbers over the last 3 months.
69 Responses to “17 Best Selling DSLRs [Among Our Readers]” - Add Yours
December 6th, 2011 at 8:59 am
Yeh, even after 6 years, mine is still at no.13
Go 350D/XT
December 6th, 2011 at 9:25 am
My Nikon D90 did not even make the list, but my second camera Nikon D3000 did! (insert sad face here)
December 6th, 2011 at 9:31 am
Oh, Sony SLT-A33 just behind 5D Mark II :> I bought it’s successor, A35, in October and I love it. I’ve got really tough choice between this and Nikon D3100, but more video options, phase detect AF in video and 4 times higher resolution on LCD screen decided to buy Sony
December 6th, 2011 at 10:24 am
I love my Nikon D3100..rated perfectly.
December 6th, 2011 at 10:27 am
I am considering purchasing a Pentax K5 but see here that it’s listed at #11. Why is Canon EOS Rebel T3i so popular? Is it just because it’s less money than the K5? Would really love some feedback if anyone owns either of these cameras now. Thanks.
December 6th, 2011 at 10:35 am
My Rebel (Xs) still features at #9…. WOW!!!!!!!
It’s my first DSLR and what a cam it has been, still going strong!!!
December 6th, 2011 at 10:56 am
Nikon is much more expensive compared to Canon, in my country. Canon is best to go…
December 6th, 2011 at 11:47 am
My Nikon D300 / D700 did not make – seems to be a volume based list vs quality – I don’t see many upper end bodies but #14 & #16 from Canon.
December 6th, 2011 at 1:01 pm
Yay. #10 I’m not the only one with a Nikon D3000.
December 6th, 2011 at 1:20 pm
I LOVE my k5 tallulah! Just feels natural in my hands. No fancy shot modes, just let me take my pictures. Check out pentax forums.com for other pentax users. Great glass too, by the way. All 50 years of it!
December 6th, 2011 at 2:11 pm
My both cameras make it to list. Nikon D3100 & D7000, wonder where did D90 go???
December 6th, 2011 at 3:13 pm
Yeah T2i! Representtt.
December 6th, 2011 at 3:49 pm
I purchased a Nikon D3100 about 9 months ago. It’s a great camera. I found it easy to learn though I switched from a Sony F828 which I will continue to use as back-up and for the ground-level shots (approximately 5%) because of the rotating body. For my D3100 I have since purchased a prime 50mm (actually 75) normal lens. I also recently purchased a rather expensive adapter to allow my Bronica SQ-Ai lenses to be attached to the D3100.
December 6th, 2011 at 3:52 pm
@ccting Are you permitted to buy on-line? If so check-out on-line Auction Sites where you can “Buy Only”.
December 6th, 2011 at 7:26 pm
My 50D is not there
Sooner or later I will go for a 7D.
December 7th, 2011 at 3:56 am
No D90?????
December 7th, 2011 at 5:00 am
Hmm so no Sony DSLR A5XX users in the top…looks like its time to upgrade my Sony A500
Has served me well so far though:
http://www.flickriver.com/photos/djkj/tags/a500/
December 7th, 2011 at 7:00 am
I surely want to get one. Especially from Nikon.
December 7th, 2011 at 10:11 pm
Judging solely by this list, it just goes to show you that more people buy toy-like, super beginner, plasticity DSLRs than anything else.
December 8th, 2011 at 4:49 am
Well seeing as not everyone has money to blow , most of these cameras are fairly priced. As far as super beginner, plasticity dslr’s i have to disagree. I’ve seen some of the most amazing shots taken by all 17 on this list. Don’t knock them unless you try them.
December 8th, 2011 at 9:07 am
Thanks for the input Scott. I will be saving my pennies for a K5, probably next year unless I find a fabulous price in the meantime. I love my Pentax ME and if it was magically digital, I’d be a happy camper. So hopefully the K5 will be just a great.
December 9th, 2011 at 2:58 am
I sold my 350XT and bought a Pentax K-R =[
December 9th, 2011 at 3:18 am
Nikons are all I have ever used. Well engineered, beautifully manufactured and always reliable. And Nikon’s lenses are the best in the world for the money.
December 9th, 2011 at 3:28 am
The real trick to remember is that these are what DPS folks are buying the most of. A lot goes into the decision including price and the level that the photographer is at personally. I know from first hand experience that the Canon 7D is way better than 15th in quality. Jumping from the rebel line it was amazing to see the difference the first time I looked through the viewfinder. I could actually see the image clearly instead of a small approximation with the Rebel XSi. Also the 7D is rock solid with amazing performance specs. Point is that this list is a “popularity contest” without context.
December 9th, 2011 at 3:47 am
Just bought a Nikon D3100 two months back and its great! DSLR camera which is lightweight and not overbearingly big, fitted with a 35mm F1.8. Superb!!!
December 9th, 2011 at 4:55 am
Love my t2i even better than 40d or Dr but 5d MII is clearly better in low light. Both perform great in studio.
December 9th, 2011 at 4:57 am
I hate auto complete – was supposed to be xt not Dr.
December 9th, 2011 at 5:10 am
I have the Nikon D700 and it far out performs many on your list… wondering why is was left off?
December 9th, 2011 at 5:13 am
Talullah:
Marketing has a lot to do with that. You don’t see Pentax ads on TV. Personally, I think they make a fine camera — I have a k10, k100 and two old film k1000s — and as far as I’m concerned, the only drawback to their lack of “popularity” is that it’s a little harder to find lenses. Otherwise, I find the cameras consistent, reliable, sturdy and intuitive.
December 9th, 2011 at 7:02 am
I’ll stick with my D90 until I win the lottery, then may go for the D7000 w/18-200 Nikkor lens.
December 9th, 2011 at 9:55 am
Regarding Tallulah’s question. I own a Pentax K5 as well as a K7. The K7 has been great, but I really value low light/medium to high ISO capability and K5 i clearly better . It also has a high quality sensor, arguably the best of any non-full sensor DSLR
. Suggest you read Imaging Resource and DP Reviews reviews of this fine camera. The pricing started high, but you can buy a K5 for about $950. I recommend that you go with only DA* or Limited lenses. They are pricey but built for excellent images, weather and dust sealed and built for the long haul.
December 9th, 2011 at 10:15 am
I’ve been waiting for over a year for the street price of the Pentax K-5 to fall in price. It is just commanding more money and doesn’t seem to show any weakness. I’ve found no bargains used nor refurbs either. Guess I will just have to keep on enjoying my K-X.
December 9th, 2011 at 10:29 am
For those who did not know it the Nikon D90 stayed at DPreviews top ten cameras for two whole years and still going strong . As Canon got a leap on digital technology in front of Nikon they displaced Nikon as the number one consumer and pro cameras . But as soon as Nikon saw what was happening they put their act together and came back with a vengence with their D3 series , D700 ,D300 and now the D7000.
LIttle by little Nikon has been getting back from it’s relaxed days of contemplancy and working hard to get back what they had lost many years ago .
20 years ago you use to go to sporting events and you would see pro photographers using Nikon equipment all over . Now its the other way around .
Every where you see pro photographers the mayority of them have Canon Going hard for Nikon to get those customers back as those who went with Canon have invested a lot of money in their system and it really is not worth nowadays to change system as both are right on the top of state of the art DSLR systems.
When digital started Canon had the vision to forsee what was going to happen before Nikon did . Now Nikon as good as there cameras are still travels in the back seat of the favorite consumer photography hardware.
December 9th, 2011 at 12:04 pm
wow! i feel happy with the result, mine is the 600d (t3i), it just tells me i made a good buy and that many others also like it.. yahooo!
December 9th, 2011 at 12:31 pm
Love my t3i
December 9th, 2011 at 4:00 pm
my camera @2
December 9th, 2011 at 5:50 pm
Because canon is cheaper and they do mass production… Next thing to see is that canon will be a disposable camera soon. NIKON is for the best photgraphers . CANON is for the Photoshop experts. LOL
December 9th, 2011 at 7:21 pm
If you do not see your camera amongst the top 17 do not feel to bad. Leica does not feature here – for obvious reasons. Had the privalige of handling a Nikon D3100 a few days ago. Will not swop my Sony HX100V for the Nikon. The Sony can do what the Nikon cannot. The Sony is also much more user friendly. Almost half the price with more features. Sony develops technology, the rest follow. No need to Photoshop pictures taken with a Sony.
Maybe Sony is not as bright as Nikon on high ISO settings. Then again in the days of film we used to shoot on low ISO film. Low ISO Ilford and Ektachrome 64 was very popular, photographers loved it.
I still prefer shooting on Manual with as low as possible an ISO setting.
On my wishlist is the Sony Alpha SLT A77. Unfortunately in my country Sony is not very popular and suppliers do not always stock a range of equipment and spares. Just remember it is not the camera that makes the photographer: It is the photographer who makes the camera.
December 10th, 2011 at 8:27 am
My 600D top of the list! no surprise, absolutely amazing camera!
December 10th, 2011 at 9:38 pm
I love Sony and have had the Sony A100 from when it first came out, I now have the Sony DSLT A77 and love it.
December 13th, 2011 at 4:46 am
Interesting list of cameras. I am wondering if you post price behind them would it be close to the same order? I own a 60D. But to have 11 Canon’s and only 4 Nikons on the list has to be based on price. My take is that if I had unlimited money I would buy Nikons but in my world I buy Canon.
December 13th, 2011 at 11:40 pm
nice to my d3100 which was moved to 2nd camera after d300, no upper end nikons made list
December 14th, 2011 at 2:42 am
im just confused
is the canon rebel t3i & canon 600d are the same? thnaks 
December 14th, 2011 at 2:50 am
@Dino Sinatore .. Don’t agree with you. Both Canon and Nikon cameras are beautiful cameras and there is very little price differential between them. Saying that ppl buy Canons only for price is so wrong.MOre appropriate would be value for money. Starting from 550D to 7D from Canons (the mass sellers), I haven’t seen any Nikon challenging those other than the D90. Also, since most of the DLSRs in those range are bought by ppl who are just moving into DLSR world, the video is an important factor too. And to the best of my knowledge, Canons in that range beat Nikons hands down.
Most of friends who were searching for new DSLRs are ending up buying Canons for their value for money.. the video et all.
December 14th, 2011 at 4:53 pm
I hate to see the same Nikon/Canon debate crop up with crude assumptions on both sides. The bottom line is that you usually stay with what you start on since your biggest investment should be lenses. I have gone with Canon mostly because of the selection of Super Telephoto lenses. My lenses each cost about the same as my camera body at $1600 US (Canon 7D) and I intend to expand to the longer lenses soon which start at about $7000 US and up. There is no way that I will start over just to use Nikon!!! Even if they come up with a better camera it would be too cost prohibitive.
I will say that Nikon’s confusion about Vibration Control in lens or body had an impact with my early choices but also available long lenses led me to Canon as well. Wildlife photography starts at 400mm in my book and goes up from there.
December 15th, 2011 at 1:06 am
Hey, I actually have a Samsung NX100. I want to know what you guys think of it. Let me know!
December 17th, 2011 at 12:15 am
Mine’s not on there and I couldn’t care less. I’m not interested in what most people are buying. I’m interested in what I have, making the most of it, and if/when I outgrow it, getting another one that will fit my needs and dreams best. Being a sheep can often lead someone in a direction they didn’t want to end out.
December 17th, 2011 at 2:03 am
I own a pentax K-R that beats lots of those, but ppl are fool and blind for Canon and Nikon sissies.. But… the comment before mine was completely LOSER
December 17th, 2011 at 2:33 am
Jeorf… “Mine’s not on there and I couldn’t care less. I’m not interested in what most people are buying. I’m interested in what I have, making the most of it, and if/when I outgrow it, getting another one that will fit my needs and dreams best. Being a sheep can often lead someone in a direction they didn’t want to end out. ”
Wow… so we’re all sheep? I think you might have some issues buddy… If you camera’s not on here then its obviously not in the top ten most popular among the readers here, but because some readers camera’s are here doesnt make them sheep… this excellent website and it’s reviews and comments from other amatuer photographers like myself, is what led me to purchase my 600D, in other words, other user’s experience and reviews of said product, whatever that may be… so bbbaaaa to you!
December 17th, 2011 at 5:01 am
If we all buy what is most popular and no other reason then we are indeed sheep and the worst kind of sheep. The “Keep up with the Jones” sheep. Still it’s fun to be part of a group, any group.
It is important to realize this list is a popularity contest or # units sold, not a list by function, performance or value. You can assume that everyone takes the same care to pick their camera but I can tell you that most just buy what is available and recommended by the salesman at walmart, bestbuy or sams club.
Is a camera available through walmart or Bestbuy? That gives it a great chance of selling more units without being any better than others not distributed widely which will then sell many less units. So volume of distribution alone doesn’t mean anything about its quality or value. GM made more cars for years but most agree that Honda and Toyota are / were better made cars on the whole..
I searched for photography review magazines when I bought my camera and There wasn’t a store near by that I coudl get a hands on demo of my Pentax Kx. Still the camera reviews all compared it to higher priced C and N models which were $200-300 more. My personality being a value buyer, I went for the Pentax and took a chance. I also bought a Canon and Nikon. I returned the T1i and kept the Kx and N5000.
Still, I don’t think most people woudl be disappointed with any of the three within the same class price range they are all great cameras and full of abilities to meet most peoples needs.
December 19th, 2011 at 6:15 am
What a golden age to love photography! Great cameras up and down the line. I settled on the Nikon D7000 and have since gone crazy buying lenses, so I guess I’m Nikon for life. But you really can’t find a mediocre camera in the bunch.
December 26th, 2011 at 2:38 pm
To Tallulah, I would recommend the Pentax K-5 being a K-7 owner. It’s just so nice to hold has buttery smooth shutter sound, built like a tank, outstanding performance in AF and high ISO low light situations and it’s such a purist camera in my opinion(that’s why I’m so loyal to it). It’s expensive but you get bang for your buck for it, btw it’s a semi-pro category camera – those in the top 10 in this best selling list here are entry level DSLRs except for the 60D which is a mid range, which explains why they are in the top 10 being affordable and easy to get in to DSLR cameras they are great cameras no doubt but if you want to invest in photography not just camera but lenses too try pentax K-5 with their flagship DA* lenses (I should get paid by pentax for doing this sales pitch
)
One more to take note is that the Pentax K-5 is one of the best sensors our there DxOMark proves it
go to: http://www.dxomark.com/index.php/Cameras/Camera-Sensor-Ratings
it’s only behind the giants Nikon D3X and D3S, Phase One and the Pentax 645D which are medium format mega cameras worth at least $10,000.
hope that helps your decisions
December 26th, 2011 at 2:44 pm
In the end it’s not what you have as far as cameras and lenses go, it’s what you do with what rig you have, the sky’s the limit if photography is your lifetime passion and would commit to endless learning and sharing (share don’t hog photography skills and photos)
December 27th, 2011 at 3:29 am
I’m so glad to see my camera make the list, #10, I’m so happy about it because it is the only DSLR I have and was starting to think not many other people had it.
I got a remote and tripod for it yesterday! =D
January 1st, 2012 at 5:31 pm
wow… no olympus
January 6th, 2012 at 9:06 am
Hi out there all you camera users, I know Canon and Nikon are nice camera’s
,but i like my new fujifilm HS-2 EXR 16 megpix camera with 24 – 720 mm
30x zoom very nice camera,,thanks for reading
January 7th, 2012 at 2:11 am
The best of is……………… Pentax. It takes the best of Canons and Nikons techs and makes a piece of art. Monkey see, monkey do (ppl buys canons and nikons)
January 7th, 2012 at 7:16 am
Yeah! The camera I just bought made the cut at #1! I love it and can’t wait to take more photos with it!!!!
January 7th, 2012 at 8:51 am
I love my Canon T2i.
January 10th, 2012 at 5:59 am
Shelled out for number 14 last year and we really couldn’t be happier together.
February 8th, 2012 at 4:52 pm
Canon EOS Rebel T2i (aka 550D) is on the third place! I’m very proud of my “Babe Bokeh.” (It’s my cam’s name, but normally I do not name my gadgets unless they have Bluetooth.)
February 15th, 2012 at 12:35 pm
I love my Nikon D90. The next logical upgrade for me is the D7000, but try to get one. I have had it on back order for over a month. While I was waiting, I picked up the Nikon 70 – 200mm F2.8 VRII I can’t wait to put it on the D7000.
February 18th, 2012 at 6:18 am
Check this out for other results of: Nikon D1500 vs Canon T3i …which I think is more fair.
February 21st, 2012 at 5:10 pm
Hey guys I am intreseted to know the diff between EOS REBEL T3i and EOS 1100D can you help me please.
March 22nd, 2012 at 6:51 pm
I am still giggling over some of the responses. As it was pointed out this is *NOT* a list of Top Cameras based on quality, performance, price, etc.
Simply a list of what people are *buying*.
Doesn’t mean they are happy/unhappy with their purchase, this just shows what people buy. Most are entry level DSLRs, which is where we all start at some point so that makes sense.
But it’s no reflection on the cameras LOL… Just my 2 cents
July 28th, 2012 at 2:04 am
Where’s d90?
August 25th, 2012 at 4:45 pm
Andre!! I don’t know your thoughts on online purchasing but if your having trouble locating a Sony Product there is a Sony Agent Based in Melbourne, Australia that is very reliable and trustworthy. If Sony make it this place has it or they’ll get it within several days. Their Web Address is http://www.speedyspares.com.au, I hope this is of some help if you have to much trouble obtaining your camera from a local supplier, they take PayPal as one of their payment options, plus the sual credit cards, so good luck with your purchase.
October 25th, 2012 at 8:07 am
I just discovered that the most popular camera on this list, the Canon T3i, is available right now at a truly amazing price – it’s available at Amazon ONLY THROUGH OCT 27th for only $637! So if you have been waiting to get this camera, now is a good time, especially when combined with the other special promos on this right now, such as a Free SanDisk 16 GB memory card, and a $150 discount on the Canon 55-250mm Telephoto Lens. In addition, you can get 2% back in rewards, and a special 12-month financing if you want. http://www.canont3vst3i.net/canon-t3i-review .
March 8th, 2013 at 8:26 pm
I luv so much my eos 60d
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