Photography is an art form, and one which we’ve arguably started to take a tad for granted.

Everyone has a camera in their pockets nowadays, and many of those cameras are halfway decent at taking pictures – but none are a patch on the industry standard. If you’re looking to take your picture-taking more seriously, you’ll want a DSLR. But where to start?

DSLR stands for ‘Digital Single-Lens Reflex’, in reference to the camera’s form and operation.

DSLRs borrow their form and core aspects of their function from SLRs before them, film cameras which used a mirror to reflect the lens’ view upwards into a separate viewfinder pentaprism. The ‘D’ addition represents the replacement of analogue film with a light sensor – the type and fidelity of which can have dramatic impacts on the ‘feel’ of the pictures produced.

Within the DSLR format, there are many variables to consider, like sensor type and size. But professional photographers have considerations beyond raw specs. “With regards to a DSLR, I always compare price, image quality and adaptability with lenses”, says Natasha Koziarska, a music and events photographer who has worked at gigs for the likes of Feeder, The Darkness and Shame. 

“I find that I often stick with a brand that I know well, as the image tones and camera interface are familiar to me. Also, it means I can use my old lenses in a new camera!” This is because DSLRs are camera bodies, which receive different lenses for different styles of shooting; brands have their own proprietary lens mount designs, which can make using lenses from other brands less than ideal – even with an appropriate adapter.

“A bonus for me too is its weight,” adds Koziarska, “and how easy it is to handle over time.” Gigging photographers will become intimately aware of the weight of their gear, and extensive shoots with heavier equipment can work to the detriment of both shoot and shooter.

The DSLR camera is an indispensable tool, but is one that faces stiff competition from an ever-evolving medium. Some say it is nearing the end of its life cycle all of which link back to technological evolution. Newer mirrorless cameras are lighter, higher-fidelity and quicker to shoot with, while smartphone manufacturers have gotten better at squeezing high-fidelity sensors into minuscule dimensions.

But none of these make the DSLR any less practical than it is as a format – and certain models of DSLR remain the gold standard for professional digital photography.

What it does mean is that new DSLR releases are fewer and farther between, as manufacturers turn their attention to the possibilities of new formats and technologies.

As such, many of the products on this round-up have spent a fair bit of time on the market, some having been in production for nearly a decade. That they remain competitive and sought-after cameras in today’s landscape speaks volumes about their quality and performance. But of this large and storied crop, which should you consider for your own photographic pursuits?

We’ve rounded up the best below to check out.