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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:
Boy I love my Sony A77, at 24.3 mp and 12 fps, must be too new on the market to be a contender.
Nice list and great website. What would make this list even more complete is if you had some price ranges next to the listed cameras so people can get an idea of what their looking at.
hi,i would like to buy a canon 550d or 600d .which one can you recomend to make a passport and other document fotos.and which lens would be usefull on that.55mm or 75-300mm.thanks
I live in Japan and noticed that among wedding photographers here, 9 out of 10 use Canon, mostly the 5D Mark ll and 7D. The most popular lens for weddings being the all round 24-104 L lens.
The reason why Canon is so popular is, I believe, apart from the quality, the good design and ergonomics of the cameras, meaning the feel of the camera in your hand, the weight balance, placing of the buttons, easy of use, etc. I have tried Nikon but personally I find them cumbersome to use.
Julian
Canon 7D and 30D
http://www.pbase.com/julianht/
I have a cannon d550 and it is great...put my old cannon 450 as part ex..paid about 300 pounds for it in saigon..
How about Canon Rebel XSi (450D)? Please help to show about it.
Is it a professional one? Thanks
I have Nikon D700 & Nikon D3s have been happy with both as they have never let me down. I love that you can push the ISO for low light photography.
I saw some one post some of Canon EOS but how about EOS Rebel XSi? How is good?
Please help me to send of some post of this. Thanks
I'm a beginner and very passionate about photography ..Plz suggest me a good DSLR, I have options for 600D as well as 60D Canon. Which is better.....and also do suggest for a good lens to start off.. waiting for ur replies
How come the Canon EOS 7D isn't listed? I just purchased it from B and H Photo and OMG!!! What an unbelievable work of engineering! Best Camera I have ever used. The menu is intuitive and easy to use and set up for any and all shots you want to shoot. My old standby was a Nikon D70. I loved that camera but it was easier to use in Full Automatic mode. Still took awesome pictures but I like the new Canon better.
I have canonpowershotsx210 ,. which is also very compact delivers good quality photo but i am looking for a descent DSLR my choice would from EOS family from Cannon. Thanks for this excellent Review
hi there,,,
can anyone suggest me the perfect dSLR camera for a landscape,potrait,indoor and travel lover like me please..
i am still confuse in searching for the suit dSLR camera..
it should be good in image stabilization,live view LCD,extended dynamic range,dust control,colour control and low noise at ISO setting..
many friends prefer me with the Canon EOS 60d
but then some told me it is not good enough for the amateur like me..
-miss blur n confuse-
I am interested in upgrading. Previously I have owned the panasonic lumix with the removable lenses and have been very satisfied. i shoot quite a bit in manual mode and would now like to further my photography. What is the differnce between an DSLR and an 4 thirds camera such as the new panasonics? is one better than the other? advantages? dis advantages? I was considering the new panasonics just because I am familiar with the camera and have been pleased with my results....I appreciate any feedback..thanks.
Which is the best choice between Canon T2i vs Nikon D90 ?
where´s D3000?.. Canon big share in the market but Nikon is the best.. kudos to Nikon..
What would be the best upgrade from a Nikon D70?
Tom, I too wondered why D90 did not make the list until I checked the date of the first comment - it was August 15th, 2007. I believe the D90 was introduced late 2008. This list needs updating. :)
Having said that, this list did help introduce me, someone new to dSLR, to what's out there and used it as a stepping stone to explore further.
my sony alpha 550 works pretty well. i just love it!
How did the D90 not make that list? It is superior to quite a few of those listed.
The new Sony Alpha threesome , A230 , A330 and A380 , are really worth a look at. I bought the Sony Alpha A230 as it's slightly better in the Viewfinder, having no Live View ( that I don't want as I always use the viewfinder) than its rwo more expensive sisters. The 10.2 mep 230 also scores well against the more expensive 14mp 380 in tests . Otherwise all three are identical, and the A230 is now available in Argos for 323 Euro !
I bought it as backup to my aging, but still fabulous Fuji S2 Pro , which though ity came out in 2002 , is still probably the best SLR in the world for Dynamic Rane, it's dabulous for skinrones at weddings and in portraits.
But I still use my 35mm film SLRs for Black and White ( due to the Bayer Colour filters on all digitals) and develop and scan my own negatives.
I also use Bronica and Mamiya medium format in studio, as even the full frame disitals can't stretch as much in enlatgements, not even the best - the Nikon D3S .
( At my age, 63, I am not going to pay the price of a Digital back for medium format - especially as I develop and print my own B & W enlargements ) .
And I still have stocks of film for over 5000 shots in the fridge .
But my advice to anybody thinking of going DSLR , the Sony Alpha A230 which has an updated sensor of the same Sony sensor in the Nikon D60 , one of the proven Nikon DSLRs in recent times.
My opinion, Nikon glass ( that I have for the Fuji S2 Pro's fabulous Nikon F80 body0 is more dependable than Canon lenses , a few of which can be duds ( as happened to my Press Photographer pal recently who despaired of the 'darkness' , as he called it, of the Canon 28 - 135 lens on his Canon D7 . He intends to switch totally now to Nikon as a result of being disillusioned with Canon .
( From the late 1980\s to the mid 1990\s many Press Photographers switched from Nikon to Canon because of Nikon autofocus problems - But Nikon got that AF problem solved from the late 1990/s on, and so the move back to Nikon. Personally I don't want a fullframe or I'll be back to carting huge lenses around ! )
The Nikon D5000 is a bargain for the DXOMark test success of its ( Sony) sensor , as is the Pentax K-x , they beat top of the range Canons hands down !!!
Sony and Pentax lets you buy lenses cheap as the Anti-Shake is in the camera bodies . And as I already had a few Minolta lenses, that was the deciding factor in my buying the Sony . Some critics were on about the smallnessn of the Sony Grip ( ideal for a ladies hands and mine as I have long musician's fingers ) - but you don't take photos with the Grip, anyway several pro photographers here in Ireland who have shot with my bargain Sony A230 have found nothing wrong with the Grip, one actually remarked that the camera looks more " space-age " , another Press Pro Photog saod he was going to buy one himself for its lightness and small size for his holidays and family photos . So far the Sony A230 has performed fabulously for me though the viewfinder, though better than the A330 and A380 , is not as big as the Port Hole of my Fuji S2 Pro .
I also use the ' old' Panasonic Lumix DMC FZ7 with 12 X Leica Zoom lens , and at 80 ISO I have found it fabulous, fast to operate, never misses, never let me down in two solid years .
I think that Canon are failing to keep up, I can see Nikon surging ahead with Sony and Pentax close behind . I also think that Olympus, delightful cameras that they are, are now well back in fifth place - but not to be scorned !
Much as I have an old fondness for Nikon and Canon, I don't think they stand a chance in years to come against the Sony Giant . Sony offers too much value and quality right now, especially for tourists, advanced amateurs - and two of their professional DSLRs , the 850 and 900 full frames beat the socks of several Canons !
As well I think that younger people coming into the DSLR market for the first time are right now going out and buying Sony . And that Pentax X-r is a fabulous camera for the price which could well bounce Asahi Pentax back into the reckoning as well , especially amongst the newer entrants .
Canon is still holding its own amongst the middle-aged and semi-professionals , but you'll more and more see Nikons all over the place, especially that fabulous D3S in the hands of Pros ( and the Rich ! ) .
It has a Sony sensor :-)
[eimg url='http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash1/hs444.ash1/24493_1459697012718_1242183658_31328326_4404354_n.jpg' title='24493_1459697012718_1242183658_31328326_4404354_n.jpg']
Hi... I have a Canon EOS 450D I should say, It is quiet hard to operate but I am learning step by step... I also have two digital cameras, the point and shoot and the dslr. I still prefer to use my point and shoot camera for personal uses only...
I am unable to place pics on the site..am i just dumb..also, i am looking at buying a canon 550d for sporting shots...can i have some tips on a lense type and is this camera ok?
Sharee, I would suggest you have a look at the Nikon D5000. Check the reviews and compare with Canon (500D) and find out it's a killer in that range.
If you are willing to spend a little more the Nikon D90 is a great choice.
Hello there, I think these camera ratings need to be updated as I do not see the new DSLRs such as Canon 500D, Canon 550D, Nikon D5000 etc listed here.
what about the Nkon D90?
Does anyone here have or have experience with the Nikon D3000. I'm looking at upgrading to my first DSLR and have serious budgetary restrictions. It seems to be the best buy kit-wise on amazon. I like that it has a pop-up flash, which the comparative Canon does not. I'm interested in becoming a decent photographer, increasing my manual setting skills and taking a lot of beautiful shots. Comments..suggestions??? Thanks so much!
My friend is going to sell me a Nikon D 40 for $300. Is that a good deal? It's not been used very much and is in great condition.
Very interesting! I can not say anything about any Cannon camera as I do not have the toting and shooting time with them like I do Nikon. I have a D200, D2, D2x and a D3 all are wonderful the D3 has more time on it than the others of course. I have good images from each, for me it is more about range of qualities I can use to capture the images I see with my eye.
My disappointment of how an image comes out has more to do with thinks like I should have brought that other lens or if it was only a more favorable light (some time before or after my photo op) more than it does with the camera.
Have to buy new DSLR camera, and I tried Panasonic DMC G1
It is very easy to operate , less weight than the Canon 450 I have, a big LCD that turns to all directions and very accurate auto focus.
by now ther is no macro lens Will appreciate any comments.
Thanks
Canon 50D and all the L lenses, 100 MM, 50 MM L lens even the couple of 'regular' 50 MM lenses. Those are sooo awesome..
I am so happy.
can't afford 7D so im happy with my 50D.
I love life.
What about Panasonic G series?
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 - https://digital-photography-school.com/forum/
Sime
This web site has 2005 as the lastest facts. Do you have an updated site of info?
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
350D? I am not a great of this one. Nikon D50 better....
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.
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.
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
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
How do you rate the DSC H9 in point and shoot cameras?
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
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.
What about Nikon D60????
D40 made the list along with D40X and D80... but no mention of D60?
NIKON THE BEST CAMERA MANUFACTURE! Nikon D60 is awesome:)
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
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.
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 :)
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/
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.
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
I have the Sony Alpha 100 and am enjoying it.
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!!!
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
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
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
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
Hi Eva.
You can email me at the98poundweakling@mac.com
If it's too much trouble, don't worry.
Scott
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
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.
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
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
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.
I have a Nikon D100 and have been very happy with the quality.
Not included but do love my Sigma SD14 :)
i love my nikon D40 . .
D40 : perfect way to step into DSLR that too with not much of price. You will fall in love with it.
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...
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.
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!
in malaysia, most of them prefer nikon's for slr and canon for consumer cams (from what i can see around me!)
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.
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.
I love my 30D!
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.
Wow, my D50 is still on the list! lol!
I love my Nikon D40X. It's excellent!
I wouldn't be surprised with the percentage of DSLR popularity rates in this website...
I have the Nikon D80 - couldn't be happier!
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.
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).
"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
would not trade my canon 5D in for anything. i love love love!
Like my friend said yesterday,Canon makes the best cameras period.Though some might beg to differ.
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.
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.
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 ;)
You forgot the KM 7D on your list :)
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.
Glad to see the 20D still has a presence, but I'm amazed it over 3 years old. Has it been that long?
Wow, Canon has over half the DSLR market (among fairly serious amateurs). How do they have twice the market share Nikon has?
...Loving every second of my 30D!
Good info, keep it coming.
Sime.