Top 20 DSLR Models – Reader Favorites
Yesterday I presented the Top 10 Point and Shoot Digital Cameras as used by DPS readers and today I want to move on to presenting the top DSLRs.
Because so many DPS readers nominated DSLRs I thought I’d present the Top 20 DSLR models mentioned rather than a Top 10. I’ll also present a breakdown of the brands owned below the list of actual cameras. I’ve also included the dates these cameras were announced to give an idea of how old the models are:
Cameras are listed from most popular to least popular (and I’ve given an indication of what percentage of recipients own the top 7):
- Canon Digital Rebel XT (350D) - an 8 megapixel DSLR first announced back in February 2005 – this DSLR made up 17% of the total
- Canon Digital Rebel XTi (400D) – (pictured) a 10.1 megapixel update of the XT, August 2006 – this DSLR had 12% of the total
- Nikon D80 - a 10.2 megapixel DSLR – announced in August 2006 – 10% of those participating
- Nikon D50 – 6.1 megapixels, announced in April 2005 – 8% of the total
- Nikon D40- 6.1 megapixel DSLR announced in November 2006 – 6%
- Nikon D200 - 10.2 megapixels and announced in November 2005 – 6%
- Sony Alpha A100 – another 10.2 megapixel DSLR announced in June 2006 – 6%
- Canon EOS 20D- announced way back in April 2004 – a very popular 8.2 megapixel DSLR
- Nikon D70S – 6.1 megapixels and an upgrade/redesign of the D70 – announced April 2005
- Canon EOS 30D – an 8.2 megapixel midrange DSLR and an upgrade of the 20D – announced in Feb 2006
- Olympus Evolt E500 - 8 megapixels – September 2005
- Canon EOS 5D - August 2005 was when this ground breaking 12.8 megapixel camera was announced
- Nikon D70 – another ground breaker for it’s day in December 2003 (the 2nd oldest camera in the list) – 6.1MP
- Pentax K100D 6.1MP Digital SLR Camera Shake Reduction (Body Only)” (Pentax) – 6.1 megapixels announced in May 2006
- Canon Digital Rebel – 300D – another oldie (October 2003) – 6.5MP
- Pentax K10D – 10.2 megapixels with in body shake reduction – September 2006
- Canon EOS-10D - 6.3 megapixels – December 2003
- Nikon D40x - a 10.2 megapixel update of the popular D40 and the newest camera in the mix with an announcement date of March 2007
- Konica Minolta Maxxum 5D – 6.1MP DSLR – July 2005
- Pentax *ist DS - 6.1 megapixel update of the *ist D – September 2004
Lastly – lets look at a quick breakdown of the mix of DSLRs by Manufacturer where as you’d expect Canon and Nikon dominate the market if DPS readers are anything to go by.
I hope you enjoyed this examination of the Top DSLR Models. Also check out other related posts including:
61 Responses to “Top 20 DSLR Models – Reader Favorites” - Add Yours
August 15th, 2007 at 12:29 am
…Loving every second of my 30D!
Good info, keep it coming.
Sime.
August 15th, 2007 at 12:37 am
Wow, Canon has over half the DSLR market (among fairly serious amateurs). How do they have twice the market share Nikon has?
August 15th, 2007 at 2:13 am
Glad to see the 20D still has a presence, but I’m amazed it over 3 years old. Has it been that long?
August 15th, 2007 at 4:10 am
I have a Canon 400D – it’s a great camera and, having borrowed friends’ 350D and 30D, I’m not at all surprised that Canon’s range of DSLRs does so well. They are provide an overall package that’s hard to beat.
August 15th, 2007 at 4:23 am
You forgot the KM 7D on your list :)
August 15th, 2007 at 4:48 am
Camera is just a tool, there’s absolutely no difference between the systems; if you know, what you want to do you’ll do it the same with Canon and with Minolta ;)
August 15th, 2007 at 5:11 am
Graeme Smith
This does not indicate market share, just popularity of dSLR owners on this site. There are more accurate reports the show either the number of cameras actually sold or the number of cameras shipped. Those reports determine market share.
This site really shows those who are passionate about their photography. That’s want makes this survey so interesting.
That being said, yes Canon has the lions share of the dSLR market, especially among the pro shooters.
August 15th, 2007 at 6:53 am
Would be interesting to compare with the data on Flickr’s camera usage section, as it is more general public.
I blogged briefly about Flickr’s data yesterday, Canon’s DSLRs are definitely on top there as well and by a good margin.
August 15th, 2007 at 7:08 am
Like my friend said yesterday,Canon makes the best cameras period.Though some might beg to differ.
August 15th, 2007 at 7:34 am
would not trade my canon 5D in for anything. i love love love!
August 15th, 2007 at 7:38 am
“You forgot the KM 7D on your list :)”
only two respondents said that they had 7D’s so it didn’t make the list unfortunately – I think the cutoff was at least 3 or 4 votes
August 15th, 2007 at 8:14 am
I qualify for both Top 10 P & S and Top 20 DSLR lists: Canon S3 IS and Nikon D80. The other 2 cameras in my quiver include a Nikon N75 when I want to shoot film, and my Motorola cellphone cam…when I’m caught without one of the other three.
I enjoy the S3, but I won’t upgrade to the S5 unless it dies, as the S3 is all I need in a P & S. I love my Nikons and will base any digital upgrade decision on cost vs. value vs. WAF (Wife Acceptance Factor).
August 15th, 2007 at 9:38 am
If/when I finally buy a dSLR I plan to pick up the Sony Alpha. It looks ot be a great camera and it’s compatible with my small collection of Minolta Lenses from my film SLR.
August 15th, 2007 at 2:23 pm
I have the Nikon D80 – couldn’t be happier!
August 15th, 2007 at 6:14 pm
I wouldn’t be surprised with the percentage of DSLR popularity rates in this website…
August 15th, 2007 at 11:48 pm
I love my Nikon D40X. It’s excellent!
August 16th, 2007 at 5:54 am
Wow, my D50 is still on the list! lol!
August 16th, 2007 at 11:19 am
I’m lovin’ my Canon Rebel XT!!
I am actually shocked that Canon is more popular than Nikon..I am currently on vacation in Alaska and all I see are Nikons.
August 16th, 2007 at 2:57 pm
I love my 30D!
August 16th, 2007 at 4:04 pm
They say that my D50 is the bottom line of Nikon’s DSLR camera, but it sure take amazing pictures for me. I too went on vacation this summer to Alaska and New York. I saw more Nikons being use than Canons.
August 16th, 2007 at 4:52 pm
I shoot Nikon and use the d200 and have the d80 and d70 as back ups. All work great!!! I use and take my d200 everywhere, it is a very rouged camera. I shoot a lot of surfing, ocean, water lifestyle photography and the d200 has been a work horse for me. But you really can’t go wrong either Nikon or Canon. I just recommend finding a camera that fits your needs.
August 16th, 2007 at 8:24 pm
in malaysia, most of them prefer nikon’s for slr and canon for consumer cams (from what i can see around me!)
August 17th, 2007 at 2:44 am
Hey!
I used to have a Digital Rebel XT and I LOVED it. The image quality was outstanding for the baby of the bunch. I recently sold it (and still feel separation anxiety) and got a 20D because the Rebel XT’s handgrip was too small.
Granted, the 20D has a faster frame rate, is bigger, has a sync port, a beefier body, but man! The Rebel XT is still #1!
August 17th, 2007 at 5:58 am
Hi Everyone. I tried the Canon 400D against the Panasonic Lumix Z50. Ted’s Camera Shop in Brisbane put a $1200 telephoto lense on the 400D and then we compared it to the Panasonic Lumix which has an all in one screw out telephoto lense and the Panasonic beat the Canon easy. The Lieca lenses on the Panasonic were better than the Canon lenses.
I have had 4 Canon camera’s and the Lumix is by far the best,but this is just my opinion.
August 17th, 2007 at 6:54 am
Hi Eva.
Curious, what was used to test the difference in the photos? Did you look at it on the LCD or on your computer? Can you post some comparison shots for the world to see?
Which lens? What file format?
The images from the Panasonic Lumix Z50 look very fuzzy from ISO 200 and up, so I’m curios to see how it compared to the 400D…
August 17th, 2007 at 3:03 pm
D40 : perfect way to step into DSLR that too with not much of price. You will fall in love with it.
August 17th, 2007 at 3:11 pm
i love my nikon D40 . .
August 17th, 2007 at 10:26 pm
Not included but do love my Sigma SD14 :)
August 18th, 2007 at 12:25 am
I have a Nikon D100 and have been very happy with the quality.
August 18th, 2007 at 4:35 pm
I think you buy a lens system more than you buy a camera body, as the lenses last decades compared to the 5 or so years before camera bodies become obsolete. That being said, I love my D80.
August 20th, 2007 at 12:45 am
Hi Scott
Thanks for your reply. I do not know how to put photo’s on site. We looked at it on the LCD screen of the cameras. It was also set on auto as far as I can remember and we used the camera’s built in zoom. Since buying the FZ50 LUMIX 3 of my friends have also bought one as they are such an easy camera to use. The Lieca lenses are, I am told, what makes the difference. I have only been with photograghy the last 2 years and I am still learning but I am hooked as I am a painter and I sketch so it helps my art heaps.
Since reading Zookoda articles I now take all my photos on priority and the ones taken on 200 are definatly not fuzzy.
I hope this helps cheers Eva
August 20th, 2007 at 3:00 am
Hi Eva.
LCD displays on cameras are great to show your composition, to see if your focus was correct, and things like that, but they’re woefully inferior to judge things like exposure, tonality, and things like that.
Leica lenses are great, Canon L series lenses are great, but I’m haing a hard time grasping that test as accurate. I’d love to see sample files. Heck, email them, even!
Best, and happy shooting.
Scott
August 22nd, 2007 at 10:26 am
I have had Olympus for over 30 years. My E500 has proven that they still know how to get it right. Fo film I can’t beat my OM1.
August 23rd, 2007 at 4:26 pm
Hi Scott Email them to where? I just received an email saying okay photo uploaded, get microsoft data to open this email and don’t show anybody this photo. My security quarantined the infected script as it was called and quaurrantined the Trojan attached to it and destroyed it. So I really don’t want to do this again. I have no idea how they got my email address I thought this site was safe. I will read everything from now only. Sorry Eva
August 23rd, 2007 at 8:37 pm
Hi Eva.
You can email me at the98poundweakling@mac.com
If it’s too much trouble, don’t worry.
Scott
August 24th, 2007 at 1:09 am
Hi Scott My address is c/o post office Gove NT 0881 I would like to be friends with you It would be nice to have a photography friend. But until I am sure I will not write on this site again I will only read it. Regards Eva
August 24th, 2007 at 2:42 am
Umm…what do I say?
Email me at my email address. It’s best not to put your personal information online!
I’m in the USA, by the way. Email me. the98poundweakling@mac.com
-Scott
August 28th, 2007 at 9:52 am
Hi there…
I am very new to the photography world…in July I bought a Canon’s Rebel XT…and I’ve taken over 2000 pictures and downloaded them onto my computer. I love this little camera…the quality of the pictures is fabulous!
I am hoping within the next few months to get another lens for the camera…all in all, I think this is one fabulous camera!!!
-Bev
August 28th, 2007 at 7:25 pm
hi there Bev
You sound like you have alot of fun, as do I. I also have a canon it is a G I researched this one 3 months before it came onto the market. I like the color in the canon’s and I like their super macro settings. Your camera sounds lovely.
good clickin’ Bev
September 1st, 2007 at 5:57 am
Hi, I had a Sony DSC H1 and I lost it few days back. I am looking for an upgrade but I am not sure whether to go for a Sony DSC H9 or should look at the Digital SLRs like Canon 400D, Nikon D80 and Sony Alpha1. I am really confused. The advance point and shoot camera offers ease of oeration and can be carried almost eveywhere, however you have to compromise a bit on the quality part. On the other hand the DSLRs are a little expensive, bulky, cumbersome but they take awesome pictures. I am in a fix. Help!!!
September 1st, 2007 at 1:45 pm
I have the Sony Alpha 100 and am enjoying it.
September 1st, 2007 at 4:18 pm
Hey Shrey
I bought a D50 May last year I absolutely love the pics. but as you say SLR’s are bulky and not always practical.
I was here to research to get a P&S I think most will agree a photographer should have both.
If i were you i’d get a very decent P&S and save and get an SLR later
September 3rd, 2007 at 4:42 pm
Dear Shrey
Have alook at the Canon G7 it is an awsome camera I spelt it wrong in my answer to you before. If you like macro it is wonderful. it has a normal macro and a super macro and so much more. I also have a Fugi and the canon G7 took the clearest photo’s of the eclipse just recently.
September 10th, 2007 at 10:54 am
BTW: I was just playing around on flickr, and they have some very interesting camera stats based on all the EXIF data from uploaded images. A much bigger statistical sample.
Here’s the link for Canon cameras: http://www.flickr.com/cameras/canon/
October 3rd, 2007 at 10:28 pm
Hi guys,
I’m a recently converted SLR fan and i would gladly appreciate you suggestions as to which should i buy as a beginner. I have an eye for the EOS 400D because based on a review that I read in T3 mag, it is a good deal for an SLR… I’m looking forward to your suggestions… I’m really not a fan of expensive stuff but for as long as it’s a good deal(wherein i could use it for future purposes; just upgrading lenses and stuff… ), then i suppose there’s no problem.
Thanks :)
October 29th, 2007 at 6:31 pm
I was in Italy and Greece during July and August and i can honestly say that Nikon DSLRS outnumbered all other DSLR’s by 5 to 1 in use by tourists.
Nikon do claim now that they have over 50 percent of this years DSLR market.
July 22nd, 2008 at 11:42 am
Hello,
question for the gang, I need to buy a new camera for my office, we manufacture outdoor lights< i need to take studio close up shots for web/print and also able to take outdoor shots of gardens and parking lots.
Any suggestions for an SLR? does anyone take these kinds of shots?
thanks
David
August 15th, 2008 at 11:37 pm
NIKON THE BEST CAMERA MANUFACTURE! Nikon D60 is awesome:)
October 20th, 2008 at 12:54 pm
What about Nikon D60????
D40 made the list along with D40X and D80… but no mention of D60?
October 30th, 2008 at 1:08 am
Hi all – Interesting site – I am a Nikon user who has been using them for over 30 years and have now gone digital – D3, D300, D2x & 2h, D200 – Whatever make of camera you use – good glass is essential.
November 22nd, 2008 at 8:49 pm
HELP!
I want to buy a DSLR -
Not sure if I should go with Nikon D90 – or Canon XSi and save about $500.00 Both kits have a standard lens 18- 105 / 18-555 and a tele-zoom 55-200. Both good cameras I guess with OK optics with std. lenses. However, is Nikon $500.00 better (I know it has video – no “big deal to me but nice to have I guess. Any input appreciated. Thanks
drsteinatcostco@gmail.com
January 2nd, 2009 at 7:41 pm
How do you rate the DSC H9 in point and shoot cameras?
January 3rd, 2009 at 2:54 am
Hi there,
Canon seems to edge Nikon in certain countries, and their top model is proven to have a slight edge over the D3. However, Nikon is strong in the lens department. Camera bodies change rapidly, with better and better products entering the market every two years or sooner. I own Nikon D40, D200 and D300. In addition, I do collect Nikon lenses. In my humbled opinion Nikon is better overall because it caters to the semi-pro or amateur, giving us stability on the long run. The most expensive purchase should be the glass, and you can choose prime or non-prime lenses based on your work or hobby. I bought and sold Nikon lenses and filters, made more than I paid for in some cases. The D40 is light and fun, great entry level camera. My D200 is notorious for micro dirt collection and horrible for noise. Built like a tank, it makes a great back-up camera since I got the D300. trinum@msn.com
January 21st, 2009 at 4:41 am
I would be interested in your opinion of the Canon XSI and also very interested how you feel about the new Canon G 10. I am having quite a problem choosing one or the other. There seems to be feeling that the G10 is great, but only at low ISO ( 80 ) . Can you give me some direction. Thanks for your help. Dave
February 19th, 2009 at 4:55 pm
Hi
Very interesting information about the Top 20 DSLR and market share breakdown. I recently bought my first DSLR ( Pentax 200D with a 18-50 Signma Kit lens ). I was very impressed with the features and build of the camera. The exposure and focus are very spot on. Its a great camera for beginners and more experienced photographers. There are plenty of advance features that a professional photographer can use. Its one of the cheapest DSLR for a 10 megapixel camera on the market. It has’nt got live view but it has almost everything that a photographer wants. For those who wish to move from a point and shoot to DSLR, its a great camera to start with and I am sure it will be used and treasured amongst some big guns bought along the way down the track in 10 years time. Read a lot about it first before going out to get one and you will not regret your decision. Better still try some shots with a reputable dealer with you own SD card and take it home to look at it on your computer or even print it out to see the results. Don’t take my word for it, research about the camera first. Watch out for bias web sites on cameras though. Good luck.
February 22nd, 2009 at 1:53 pm
i am new photographer, recently i struggling choosing the right d-SLR , is anyone can tell me and explain to me which dslr suppose to choose between D60 and 1000D, the brand is just between nikon and canon. thank you so much for answer my questions. soon i gonna to go for my trip around the world, of course i needed a good camera for me to catch every single scene wherever i step on.
August 7th, 2009 at 2:59 am
350D? I am not a great of this one. Nikon D50 better….
September 13th, 2009 at 1:27 pm
hi there –
i might have missed this, but what is the date on this post? am now looking at DSLRs and have been reviewing multiple sites. yours is very well received and informative. thanks for info.
sbd
October 1st, 2009 at 1:46 am
This web site has 2005 as the lastest facts. Do you have an updated site of info?
October 1st, 2009 at 7:07 am
This was posted around August 15th, 2007 at 12:29 am (That’s when I commented and I commented when the post went live)
If you check out the forums, there’s loads of info in there that might help you. try here – http://digital-photography-school.com/forum/
Sime
November 10th, 2009 at 6:34 am
What about Panasonic G series?
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