An image is a captured slice of time. Far too long it has been in the perview of the professionals but the last decade has democratized the art of photography.
Everyone is a photographer and everyone is an art publisher. What was an elite hobby in the twentieth century is now a common mode of expression?
Everyone has a story to tell, and if you are someone who wants to tell a compelling story a simple point and shoot won’t capture the nuance. As J.K. Rowling tells us every wand chooses its owner so does the camera.
Best DSLR Camera in India
Not in any rating or preferential order.
1. Nikon D3100 14MP DSLR Camera with 3x Optical Zoom
Here is an absolute marvel from Nikon, the Nikon D3100 with excellent features that rival its more accomplished counterparts. This Nikon D3100 ranks as the best DSLR camera under Rs 30,000.
- 2MP DX-format CMOS Sensor
- 3-inch LCD with 230,000 dots
- 1080p HD with full-time AF
- 11 AF points with 3D tracking facility
- ISP 100-3200 sensitivity range, expandable to 12800
This DSLR camera from the Nikon stable is the best entry-level DSLR camera available in India. This camera is ideal for getting initiated into the art of shooting quality pictures.
The Nikon D3100 offers various shooting modes to suit your requirements. They comprise of a) Single-frame shooting mode, b) Continuous Shooting mode @ three fps, c) Self-timer mode, and d) Quiet Shutter Release mode.
As this camera is an excellent one for shooting videos, you would love shooting your birthday parties and other adventure trips.
Selfie lovers would welcome this excellent camera because of the Self-timer mode function that allows them 2-10 seconds to join a large group.
The battery is the talking point of this camera, as it allows you to shoot up to 550 photos.
- The best entry-level DSLR camera
- Eleven AF options
- Comfortable to carry along with you anywhere
- Spare parts might be challenging to get.
2. Nikon D5300 24.2MP Digital SLR with AF-P
Think of DSLR cameras and Nikon is amongst the first names to strike your mind. Nikon DSLR cameras have a unique way of attracting budding photographers. The Nikon D5300 is the best DSLR camera under Rs 50,000 in India today.
- 2MP DX-Format CMOS sensor
- 2-inch LCD vari-angle monitor
- Expeed 4 processor
- Built-in Wi-Fi
- FHD video
The Expeed 4 processor distinguishes this D5300 from the earlier generation Nikon DSLR cameras like the D3100. The 24.2MP DX-format CMOS allows for superb image quality through cutting-edge innovations.
The high-resolution CMOS sensor allows you to take delightful photos in dimly lit situations. The ISO sensitivity range of 100 to 12800, expandable to 25600 plays a critical role.
This camera has 39AF points along with 3D tracking mode that enables you to focus on the subject even when it is moving.
Social media enthusiasts would love to have the D5300 as it features an inbuilt W-Fi. Thus, sharing photos on social media even as you shoot them, is child’s play.
The in-built GPS function maps your geo-location even when your camera is switched off. The nine special built-in special effects and HDR painting allow you to bring out the creative side of your personality to the fore.
The 3.2-inch vari-angle LCD monitor lets you shoot at nearly impossible angles.
- Excellent picture quality
- User-friendly camera
- Incredible battery life
- No body stabilisation feature
3. Canon PowerShot SX540HS 20.3MP Digital Camera with 50x Optical Zoom
Canon is a proven powerhouse when it comes to manufacturing cameras. It produces cameras to suit all budgets. The Canon PowerShot SX540HS is perfect for budding photographers, as it is the best DSLR camera under Rs 20,000.
- APS-C CMOS sensor with 20.3MP resolution
- ISO 80 to 3200 sensitivity range
- DIGIC 6 processor with one AF point
- HD Video resolution
- Wi-Fi connectivity, NFC, and Bluetooth
- EF-S mount compatible
Are you weary of using your smartphone to indulge in wildlife photography? Switch over to the DSLR family by investing in the Canon SX540HS. It is an ideal camera to learn how to use a DSLR.
The SX540S features a 20.3MP CMOS sensor. Coupled with the DIGIC 6 process engine, it enables you to shoot your favourite wildlife photos or natural scenery under dim lighting conditions.
The 50x optical zoom allows you to narrow in on specific targets comfortably. It also features an AF option, whereby there is no need to tinker with the settings to bring the target into focus.
The Camera Connect app works with both iOS and Android platforms. You can transfer the images from the DSLR to your smartphone or share them on social media using Wi-Fi connectivity. Besides, it is also compatible with Bluetooth and NFC.
Budding filmmakers can take advantage of the Story Highlights feature. It enables you to create a short movie of around three minutes from your still images. Add music tracks to spice up the environment and have a blast sharing your content on social media.
- Best DSLR camera in your budget
- Excellent for taking photos in dim light
- Facility to use the Camera Connect app
- The battery is on the weaker side.
4. Nikon D5600 Digital Camera 18-55mm VR Kit
As you gain experience using the lower-priced DSLRs, you can graduate to the better ones like the Nikon D5600. It comes with excellent features generally found in high-end DSLRs.
- APS-C CMOS sensor with 24.2MP resolution
- ISO 100 to 25600 sensitivity range
- Full HD video
- Wi-Fi connectivity
- Nikon F Mount
Unleash your creativity on the scene and prove to the world that you are ready to take on the best. The Nikon D5600 can prove to be an ideal foil with its incredible features like 24.2MP resolution, Expeed 4 process engine and ISO sensitivity in the range of 100 to 25600.
Use the Wi-Fi connectivity to the maximum to share your pictures with friends on social media. Transfer images to your laptop or smartphone using NFC and Bluetooth.
The Nikon D5600 can make you the most sought-after person in birthday and wedding celebrations as you click away to generate precious memories. Take videos with equal felicity as you click your still images.
Step up to the next photography level by taking seizing the split-second moments, as this Nikon D5600 offers a high-speed continuous shooting rate of 5 fps.
Experiment with novel shooting styles and discover a fresh point of view by taking full advantage of the touchscreen vari-angle LCD monitor. Store your photos and videos for free in the cloud on Nikon Image Space to retrieve them whenever you want.
- Exceptional picture quality with a fantastic low-light performance
- Durable battery life
- No in-body stabilisation feature
5. Canon EOS 1500D 24.1MP Digital SLR Camera
Canon and Nikon seem to hog the show when it comes to choosing the ten best DSLR cameras in India. Naturally, these cameras are worth their weight in gold because of the spectacular facilities they offer. The Canon EOS 1500D qualifies as one of the best DSLR camera under Rs 30k.
- APS-C CMOS Sensor with 24.1MP resolution
- ISO 100 to 6400 sensitivity
- DIGIC 4+ processor
- Full HD Video
- Wi-Fi, NFC, and Bluetooth compatibility
- EF-S Mount compatible
If incredible movies and pictures are what you want to take, there is no need to look beyond the Canon EOS 1500D. Besides being priced attractively, the Canon EOS 1500D lets you shoot away like a professional.
One of the stellar qualities of this DSLR camera is the image enhancement feature. Thus, shooting the moon would be an attractive proposition with this appliance in hand.
The DIGIC 4+ process engine combines well with the APS-C CMOS sensor to enable significant background blurring. Thus, you can highlight the scenes you want and blur the background beautifully.
The high-quality processor offers a high level of gradation, as it produces natural and high-quality images with minimum noise.
The Remote Live View shooting is an excellent feature enabling you to capture nature at its best. Stay connected with SNS and enjoy uploading your images using the smartphone’s communication functionality.
Project your talents to the world by using the EOS movie feature. Dark scenes look beautiful as you add variations in expressions to carve out excellent videos.
- Most user-friendly DSLR from Canon
- Decent battery
- No lags when shooting live
- No short cut button to change F stop
6. Sony Alpha ILCE5 100L 24.3MP Mirrorless Camera
If you think you have a surfeit of Canon and Nikon products, here is a Sony camera to break the dominance. The Sony Alpha ILCE5 100L is a worthy competitor to the Canon and Nikon products. It is one of the best mirrorless cameras in India.
- APS-C CMOS Sensor with 24.3MP resolution
- ISO 100 to 25600 sensitivity range
- BIONZ X Image processor with 179 AF points
- Full HD Video Resolution
- Wireless connectivity options
- E-Mount lens
The Sony Alpha 5100 is a compact mirrorless camera capable of clicking pictures are the speed of thought. Selfie lovers would love to use the Sony Alpha 5100.
This camera features 179 AF points to cover the entire screen. Thus, you have a precise location of your subject, irrespective of where they are on the screen. The 4D Focus feature allows you to shoot images of moving objects with abject ease.
The Eye AF feature revolutionises portraiture by incorporating excellent functions like fast and effective eye detection when shooting still images. It proves handy even when the subject turns away partially from the camera with a shallow depth of field.
Shoot fast-moving objects beautifully with the six fps AF tracking feature. Social media enthusiasts would love sharing their images and videos instantly online using wireless connectivity features. Transfer images to your smartphone with NFC and Bluetooth.
The 180-degree tiltable screen makes it one of the best cameras to take selfies.
- Remarkable picture quality
- An ideal alternative to Canon and Nikon models
- Shoot pictures in dim light comfortably.
- Blurred background feature absent
7. Nikon D7500 20.9MP Digital SLR Camera
All DSLR cameras work on the same principles. The lens quality determines the camera’s pricing.
The Nikon D7500 comes with an 18-140mm lens, thereby jacking up its price.
- DX-Format CMOS sensor with 20.9MP
- 4K UHD Video resolution at 30 fps
- Multi-CAM 3500FX II 51-point AF system
- ISO 51200 expandable to 16,40,000
- 180K Pixel RGB sensor
The Expeed 5 image-processing engine is an incredible processor. It combines beautifully with the 20.9MP SMOS sensor to enable excellent photography in harsh lighting conditions.
The ISO sensitivity range is fantastic. The camera comes with an expandable option where you can take it to 16,40,000. Thus, it proves to be an excellent camera to take night shots.
The 51 AF points and a continuous shooting speed of 8 fps for still photos allow you to seize the moments as they happen. For video shooting, the rate jumps up to 30 fps. Coupled with 4K UHD video resolution, it helps take your passion to the next level.
The Snap Bridge feature enables seamless sharing of images and videos on social media channels. This app automatically transfers the images to your smartphone using Wi-Fi.
Irrespective of the subject, the Nikon D7500 ensures reliable delivery and unparalleled experience with every shot.
- Overwhelming experience when shooting at night
- Fantastic and durable build
- Supports 4K UHD
- The Live View AF is a bit slow.
8. Panasonic DMC-G85H Lumix G Vario – Mirrorless Camera
Though Panasonic DSLR cameras are not as widespread as the Canon and Nikon models, this model, DMC-G85H competes on an even level.
- 4K 4:2:2 Bit Internal Recording
- 180 fps Slow Motion
- 6K photo @ 30 fps
- 5-Axis Dual Image Stabilisation
Lumix G changes the way you approach photography. People with a penchant for taking wildlife photos would love to have this mirrorless camera in their arsenal. The weather-sealed compact body and kit lens provides the ideal flexibility.
The Lumix G85 integrates beautifully with the 5-Axis Dual IS.2 feature that eliminates blurry imaging. The Image stabiliser compensates if you shake your hand accidentally when shooting your wildlife photography.
You can have an additional lens and change it to suit your demands. It allows you to give full freedom to your creativity.
The 4K Photo Shoot feature enables you to create the perfect moment by selecting a frame from the video sequence in camera and save it as a high-resolution image.
The Shoot Now – Focus Later feature is an excellent one, as you can review the image and adjust the focus accordingly at a later stage. The Ultra-fast focusing allows capturing of fast-moving action with high clarity.
Some of the additional features include the 16MP Digital Live MOS sensor with a low-pass filter to help capture sharp images. The Lumix Live View Finder comes with adequate magnification to give you absolute freedom when shooting pictures.
- Excellent for shooting videos
- 5-axis stabilisation is a useful feature
- Auto Focus works well.
- Not the ideal camera to take photos in low light conditions
9. Fujifilm X-T200 with 24.2MP Mirrorless Camera
Here is a Fujifilm camera that offers the variety you need when exploring the DSLR cameras available in India. Give your photography stories an exciting twist using the Fujifilm X-T200.
- APS-C CMOS Image sensor with 24.2MP resolution
- Face and Eye detection algorithm
- Vari-angle 3.5-inch LCD touchscreen
- 4K and Full HD video recording
- HDR Movie mode
If you like to experiment with cameras, the Fujifilm X-T200 is the appropriate one. The best feature of this camera is the highly accurate face and eye detection algorithm. Thus, it is one of the best cameras for taking group photos.
The Fujifilm XT-200 is excellent for video shooting as it features eleven digital film simulation modes. It includes Vivid, Soft, Classic Chrome, and Monochrome modes, among others.
The camera’s copper wire processor ensures high-quality images with low noise. Bring out the professional photographer in you as you experiment with advanced filters such as miniature, HDR Art, Fish-eye, and so on.
The vari-angle LCD screen opens and rotates up to a 180-degree angle. It also provides intuitive and responsive control over the camera’s features.
Some of the most sought-after functionalities are the 4K and Full HD video recording functions. Apply simulations and have a whale of time experimenting with stylish effects. The new HDR movie mode is an excellent feature that allows you to capture details in shadows and highlights.
- One of the lightest cameras to take around
- Improved digital stabilisation mode
- HDR Movie mode is an innovative one.
- Supports only 15 minutes video at 4K resolution
10. Nikon D850 45.7MP Digital SLR Camera
Until now, we were looking at cameras in the range of Rs 30 to 50K. If budget is not a concern at all, you can go for the massive one, the Nikon D850.
- 7MP resolution
- AF-S Nikkor 24-120mm F/4G ED VR lens
- 64GB SD Card
- Full-frame 4K UHD
If photography is your passion and profession, you could do well to invest in a high-quality DSLR. The Nikon D850 is a fantastic piece you should own. This camera is excellent for fashion, nature, sports, and wedding photography.
This camera comes with a typical wide-angle lens to enable you to take group photos in weddings effortlessly.
Extreme resolution meets extreme speed at Nikon 850. It comes with seven fps of continuous shooting, enabling you to take quick shots, especially helpful in sporting action photography.
The camera comes with ISO 65 to 25600 sensitivity range expandable to 102,400. The FX-format full-frame CMOS image sensor with 45.7MP resolution and no optical low-pass filter allows you to achieve extraordinary image quality. Incredible light-gathering efficiency, more accurate colour, and a faster data readout.
This camera has a high-quality processing engine in the Expeed 5 image processor. It is compatible for 4K UHD movie recording. The facility to record slow-motion videos at 120 fps is an excellent feature.
The 153-point AF system assures high-resolution images with absolute sharpness. You can lower down the autofocus to -4EV to enable you to take excellent photos in near darkness.
- VR enabled features
- Wide-angle lens compatibility
- Excellent for professional uses
- Cost is a prohibitive factor.
DSLR Camera Buying Guide
We are here to help you understand where to look for the right camera. Once you figure it out, your camera will call you out.
The world of the camera has two contenders vying for your attention DSLR and the Mirrorless. Let us help you clear the muddy waters.
Mirrorless cameras, on the other hand, do not have a mirror, instead, they preview the image onto the LCD screen on the device or make use of electronic viewfinder. As they do not need the cumbersome mirror mechanism Mirrorless cameras are generally smaller in size and weigh less than their bulkier counterparts.
The biggest concern for a buyer while buying a camera is the quality of the image taken by the camera, here both DSLRs and Mirrorless cameras perform exceedingly well.
We have charted out the advantages of both technologies for your consumption here
| Mirrorless | DSLR |
| Light and compact | Better Autofocus for images |
| No sound while clicking pictures | Battery Life |
| Faster Speed for shooting | Large array of Lens option |
| Great for shooting videos in 4k | Optical viewfinder helps in low light settings |
When buying a camera which cost you a fortune you should keep in mind you are not buying a camera you are buying into the camera ecosystem, once you buy a camera you will have to buy lenses and other accessories from the same manufacturer for a long time to come.
Make sure you have lenses that you prefer. As they say, read the offer document before making any decision.
Image Sensor
More the light a sensor uses more vivid is the image, as more light means more information for the sensor. while purchasing your device you would have to choose between one of these sensors. It could either be the APS-C sensor aka crop sensor or the full frame sensor or you would be offered a micro 4/3rd sensor.
APS-C sensors are a great improvement over the sensors used in traditional point and shoot camera, but it is no match to the Full frame sensors which capture more light and so generate crisper, more vivid images even in low light conditions.
A micro 3/4th sensor fall in the middle of the range between the other two sensors and is found only in mirrorless cameras. It can take great pictures and is smaller in size to full frame sensors. So a good compromise candidate if you want a seriously compact camera with more than average joe capability.
Resolution
Resolution is the most advertised feature in a camera and as by now, we all know it is measured in megapixels. A pixel is the fundamental unit of a photo. It is generally believed the more the merrier when it comes to megapixels.
If you have a resolution of a higher megapixel it is assumed you have a better image. But is just another enduring myth.
Smartphones these days sports numbers in the range of thirty to forty megapixels that too on a minuscule sensor, they achieve this by reducing the size of each pixel.
So an average smartphone camera pixel would be smaller than your DSLR pixel. But small pixel do not react to light as well as larger pixels do, small pixels are not good at absorbing light as well as larger ones do and so generate more distorted images.
In an ideal world where all pixels are created equal more megapixels do mean better quality pictures. But alas, that is a pipe dream. a 15 megapixel DSLR will almost always outperform even a 50-megapixel phone camera.
The image processor is the brain of a camera and DSLR and mirrorless camera are blessed with a large one. Now that this is established it is important to note that point and shoot or smartphone cameras are no match to DSLRs but different DSLRs each a brain of their own.
That is to say that different camera manufacturers have different ideas, products and philosophy when it comes to image processing, keeping that in mind each of these processors deals with the same problems like autofocus in moving conditions, or burst mode speeds.
More processing power does not always guarantee best results, look for the one that suits your photographic needs.
It is said that photography is all about timing, to get the right picture you require the right exposure and exposure is dependent on the Aperture, ISO sensitivity and the shutter speed, And because the DSLR cameras give you total control over these aspects, they are favourites for the enthusiast. But fret not if you are a beginner these cameras come with some great automatic settings that can get you the perfect shot without all the fuzz.
Now let us understand what these terms mean
Shutter Speed
The shutter acts as the gatekeeper who controls the amount of light that can enter the camera. If the shutter is open for longer it will allow more light but also introduce the possibility of a larger photo blur.
DSLRs and Mirrorless cameras allow you to control the shutter speed so that you can control the amount of light that can enter. In conditions where the light is low, you can increase the time of exposure so that more light can come in. But if you are shooting a fast-paced tennis match what matters is to avoid any blur, here you can increase the shutter speed to freeze the frame.
Sometimes blur is considered artistic, and if you want a motion blur all you do is capture a moving object with low shutter speed and voila you are Picasso in the making.
ISO sensitivity
DSLRs and Mirrorless cameras are capable of shooting in low light conditions because they support high ISO sensitivity and so are capable of capturing a wide range of lighting conditions. It is always good to shoot with low ISO numbers as it will get you more grainless pictures.
But when conditions are challenging a good DSLR or Mirrorless camera can get you a far superior and grainless photo owing to the large sensors it showcases. If you are a beginner the Auto ISO feature may do just as well till the time you drop your wheels.
Aperture
Every lens comes with an aperture range, an aperture is nothing but an opening through which light travels. In any lens, the size of the aperture can be changed in a range which is measured in f-stop numbers.
If the f-stop number is large it would mean that the aperture is small and hence less light will pass off, large f-stop increases the distance from the focal point resulting in crisp images. similarly, if the f-stop number is lower the aperture is bigger and more lights zips through the lens. When the f-stop is small the distance from the focal point is reduced which makes the image diffused and can be seen as a stylised rendition.
Aperture can be used to create a scene where only a part of your picture is in focus while the rest gently blurs in the background. Also, DSLRs can use a very fast lens with small apertures to get great images in very dark conditions as well.
While you should primarily focus on the features mentioned above there are some additional features which may catch your eye. Here goes nothing.
Burst Feature
Burst mode gives you the ability to take back to back pictures in a short duration, by clicking for a longer time. This mode is measured by the ability of taking pictures per second, and as you know the more the merrier. If you want to capture something moving fast think a high flying exotic mode. Burst mode will act as a blessing. A nifty feature to have up your sleeves.
High Dynamic range
Let’s take an example to understand it better, You are sitting at a beach waiting for the right moment to get the perfect sunset shot, you click the picture only to realise you were a tad wrong on the timing front. If you had HDR, worry not.
Your camera would have captured the image in different exposure so that you never miss the moment. Your camera will combine the best elements together to give you what you wanted. And did you say, you don’t believe in magic?
Connectivity
We live in the cloud, in a world connected like a web. Who carries storage around. All we ask is instant gratification. A camera not connected to the internet is no camera at all. All said.
Now that you now your camera speak. Go out. Grab your camera from a store near you and Shoot.
