Having the best DSLR for video gives your videography game the leg-up it needs. There are plenty of DSLRs on the market. But with so many models available, finding the best DSLR for video can be a challenge. That’s why we’ve compiled this list of the best DSLRs for video.
The Canon EOS 90D is the best DSLR for video in 2023. As an APS-C model, it has a compact and lightweight body. But the camera also packs a punch for photos and videos. You get glorious 4K footage with a selection of frame rates. And the photo quality is excellent too.
What is the Best DSLR For Video?
DSLR cameras have a reputation for being reliable and performing well. That’s certainly true for photography. But when it comes to creating videos, you need a DSLR with the right set of specifications. We’ll review the main specs we’ve looked at to compile our list.
The first thing to look at is the brand of the camera. For DSLRs, there have been two main competitors. Those are Canon and Nikon. They are the two main manufacturers that have made DSLR cameras. And those are the names you’ll see throughout our list.
The first specification you need to look at is video resolution. Photographers and videographers shouldn’t settle for less than 4K these days. With anything less than 4K, you’ll quickly fall behind the competition.
Frame rate is another important feature of video cameras. This is measured in frames per second (fps). And you need something around the 30 fps mark for high-quality video. 24 or 25 fps is fine for beginners. But 30 fps or higher gives you smoother footage.
Other good video features include autofocus, image stabilization, and a decent ISO range. And you’ll want a decent megapixel (MP) count for shooting stills.
Here’s a quick overview of our DSLR camera list. We’ll then explore each camera in more detail. Keep reading so you can find the best DSLR for video in 2023.
- 4K video recording with excellent frame rate options
- Webcam functionality for live streaming
- High-resolution 32.5 MP APS-C sensor
- 45-point all cross-type autofocus (AF) system
- AF system has face and eye detection
- 4K Ultra HDR video recording
- 24.1 MP CMOS sensor
- Dual Pixel AF with face detection and tracking
- Vari-angle touchscreen for shooting at any angle
- Built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for fast media sharing
- 4K Ultra HD video recording
- 24.5 MP FX-format sensor with excellent low-light performance
- In-body image stabilization for videos and photos
- Fast and accurate autofocus
- Tilting LCD touchscreen
- 4K Ultra HD video recording at 30 fps
- 20.9 MP DX-format CMOS sensor
- 51-point AF with 15 cross-type points
- Wide ISO range and solid low-light performance
- 3.2-inch 2.36M-dot tilting touchscreen LCD
- 4K video recording and time-lapse movie creator
- 30.4 MP CMOS sensor
- 61-point AF with 41 cross-type points
- Dual Pixel RAW mode for fine-tuning images
- Built-in GPS, Wi-Fi and NFC connectivity
- 4K video recording capability
- 8K time-lapse movie mode built-in
- 45.7 megapixel resolution
- Fast and accurate 153-point AF system
- Rugged and durable design
- 4K and Full HD video modes
- 24.1 MP CMOS sensor
- Dual Pixel CMOS AF with face detection
- Vari-angle touchscreen LCD
- Built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
- 4K video recording
- 20.8 MP full frame sensor
- 14 fps continuous shooting with full resolution
- Incredible 105-point AF system with precision subject tracking
- Outstanding battery life and weather sealing
The Best DSLR for Video in 2023
Here are the 8 best DSLR cameras for video in 2023. We’ll look at all the important specs for creating jaw-dropping videos. And we’ve included a wide range of DSLRs, so you can
1. Canon EOS 90D
| Released |
Released
2019
|
| Sensor Format |
Sensor Format
 APS-C |
| Lens Mount |
Lens Mount
Canon EF/EF-S
|
| Megapixels |
Megapixels
33 MP |
| Autofocus Points |
Autofocus Points
45 |
| Maximum ISO (Native) |
Maximum ISO (Native)
25,600 |
| Frame Rate |
Frame Rate
10 fps |
| In-body Stabilization |
In-body Stabilization
 |
| Max Video Resolution |
Max Video Resolution
 4K |
| Max Video Frame Rate |
Max Video Frame Rate
120 p
|
| Other Key Features |
Other Key Features
4K video at 30 fps, Full HD at 120 fps, quality photo resolution, webcam capabilities
|
| Best For |
Best For
Photographers and videographers at all levels, amateur to high-end filmmaking
|
The Canon EOS 90D is a landmark DSLR camera. And it set a new standard for APS-C DSLRs. The 90D is a fantastic all-rounder that delivers excellent photos and videos. And the smaller sensor gives you plenty of power from a compact camera body.
The 4K video features are some of the most advanced of any DSLR camera. The 4K (Ultra HD) resolution gives you stunning footage. It’s accurate, bright, and well-detailed. And the video footage is uncropped, so you capture everything you see through the viewfinder.
The 4K video has a max frame rate of 30 fps. That gives you smooth videos with no lagging or jerking. You also have slower frame rates if you don’t need the highest quality.
If you drop down to Full HD resolution, you get frame rates up to 120 fps. While the quality isn’t quite as breathtaking, the faster frame rate gives you super-smooth footage.
Filmmakers will also appreciate the advanced autofocus system. It has 45 cross-type focus points that give you good frame coverage. It can track moving subjects. And it has face and eye recognition features. That’s ideal when you are filming people.
You can also use the Canon EOS 90D as a webcam. With a computer and the Canon Utility Webcam software, you can use the camera for conference calls and live streaming. This is good news for vloggers, YouTubers, and live streamers.
Finally, the photo creation capabilities are just as impressive. The APS-C gives you a 32.5 MP resolution for photos. That’s more firepower than many full frame cameras. And the image quality is truly exceptional. The colors are vibrant yet true to life. And the dynamic range is impressive for an APS-C machine.
2. Canon EOS Rebel T8i / 850D
| Released |
Released
2020
|
| Sensor Format |
Sensor Format
APS-C |
| Lens Mount |
Lens Mount
Canon EF/EF-S
|
| Megapixels |
Megapixels
24 MP |
| Autofocus Points |
Autofocus Points
45 |
| Maximum ISO (Native) |
Maximum ISO (Native)
25,600 |
| Frame Rate |
Frame Rate
7.5 fps |
| In-body Stabilization |
In-body Stabilization
|
| Max Video Resolution |
Max Video Resolution
4K |
| Max Video Frame Rate |
Max Video Frame Rate
60 p
|
| Other Key Features |
Other Key Features
Quality video and photo resolution, webcam capabilities, face-detection autofocus (AF)
|
| Best For |
Best For
Beginners and amateur filmmaking
|
The Canon EOS Rebel T8i is a fantastic DSLR for beginners. It’s compact, lightweight, and easy to use. The photo features are excellent. And the video specs make it the perfect choice for anyone who wants to start shooting videos.
Canon has recognized that video has become an important part of the photography business. And that’s even true at the beginners’ end of the scale. And that’s why we’re pleased to see 4K video capabilities in an entry-level camera.
The 4K resolution gives you excellent quality footage. You get bright colors with accurate detail. The video is cropped in 4K mode. That means you lose the edges of the picture. So you’ll have to bare that in mind when composing your shots. But you still get excellent 4K videos.
The max frame rate is only 24 fps. This isn’t ideal for high-end videos. But the footage will still be smooth enough for amateur filmmaking. You only notice the slow frame rate when shooting fast action.
Like the EOS 90D, the Rebel T8i also doubles as a webcam. That makes it a good option for streamers, vloggers, and people who work remotely.
The Canon EOS Rebel T8i is also a fantastic all-rounder. It produces excellent photos as well as videos. The 24.2 MP sensor gives you beautiful images that build your enthusiasm for photography. The healthy ISO range gives you more options when shooting in low light. And the AF system is reliable and has face-detection settings.
3. Nikon D780
| Released |
Released
2020
|
| Sensor Format |
Sensor Format
 Full Frame |
| Lens Mount |
Lens Mount
Nikon F
|
| Megapixels |
Megapixels
25 MP |
| Autofocus Points |
Autofocus Points
51 |
| Maximum ISO (Native) |
Maximum ISO (Native)
51,200 |
| Frame Rate |
Frame Rate
12 fps |
| In-body Stabilization |
In-body Stabilization
|
| Max Video Resolution |
Max Video Resolution
4K |
| Max Video Frame Rate |
Max Video Frame Rate
120 p
|
| Other Key Features |
Other Key Features
4K video at 30 fps, 273-point AF system, 8-bit N-Log video modes, good low-light performance
|
| Best For |
Best For
Enthusiast to professional videographers and photographers
|
The Nikon D780 is Nikon’s best camera for video. It’s a rugged and reliable DSLR with a full frame sensor. It has all the features you need to produce high-quality videos. And it delivers excellent results for photography. So it’s the full package for creatives.
You won’t find many issues with the video specs. The 4K video resolution is fantastic. The video is completely uncropped, even in the highest resolution settings. And the top frame rate is 30 fps, which means smooth footage in all conditions.
You can push the frame rate higher for smoother footage. 120 fps in Full HD is ideal for filming fast action or sports. There’s also a built-in time-lapse mode for more creative video options.
Serious videographers will love the 8-bit N-Log and HDR video modes. They give you higher contrast and more intense colors. It’s a great way to give your movies a cinematic sheen.
The wide ISO range (100 to 51,00) gives you more shooting options in dark situations. That means you can shoot at night with less extra lighting. And it gives you more exposure control, so you can get the shots you want.
The advanced autofocus system works well in video mode. You have a 51-point system when using the viewfinder. Or you can opt for Live View, which gives you a 273-point AF system. It tracks moving subjects and has face detection for accurate focusing.
4. Nikon D500
| Released |
Released
2016
|
| Sensor Format |
Sensor Format
APS-C |
| Lens Mount |
Lens Mount
Nikon F DX
|
| Megapixels |
Megapixels
20.9 MP |
| Autofocus Points |
Autofocus Points
153 |
| Maximum ISO (Native) |
Maximum ISO (Native)
51,200 |
| Frame Rate |
Frame Rate
10 fps |
| In-body Stabilization |
In-body Stabilization
|
| Max Video Resolution |
Max Video Resolution
4K |
| Max Video Frame Rate |
Max Video Frame Rate
30 p
|
| Other Key Features |
Other Key Features
4K video at 30 fps, Full HD at 60 fps, wide ISO range, rotating touchscreen
|
| Best For |
Best For
Beginner to enthusiast videographers and photographers
|
The Nikon D500 is great if you want an APS-C DSLR for video. The video specifications are excellent. And that means you get great results every time. It’s also fantastic for photography. And the weather-sealed body means you can make movies in all conditions.
With 4K video and a 30 fps frame rate, you know you’ll get good videos. You can also shoot 4K at 24 or 25 fps. And you get a 60 fps option when shooting in Full HD. That can help if you’re shooting sports or fast-moving subjects.
The D500 has a large 3.2-inch touchscreen. It’s bright and accurate, which makes it easy to shoot using Live View. And it tilts and rotates, helping you shoot from hand at any angle.
With built-in microphones, you can also record audio with no extra equipment. They are stereo microphones, so you can record directional sounds. And there is a port for external sound recording gear if you want more.
The AF is fast and responsive. It can track moving subjects in photo and video modes. And the ISO range can be expanded to 1,640,000, giving you good low-light performance.
The APS-C sensor has a 20.9 MP resolution. And it gives you brilliant images with strong details and true-to-life colors. So the Nikon D500 is a fantastic DSLR for video and photo production.
5. Canon EOS 5D Mark IV
| Released |
Released
2016
|
| Sensor Format |
Sensor Format
Full Frame |
| Lens Mount |
Lens Mount
Canon EF
|
| Megapixels |
Megapixels
30.4 MP |
| Autofocus Points |
Autofocus Points
61 |
| Maximum ISO (Native) |
Maximum ISO (Native)
32,000 |
| Frame Rate |
Frame Rate
7 fps |
| In-body Stabilization |
In-body Stabilization
|
| Max Video Resolution |
Max Video Resolution
4K |
| Max Video Frame Rate |
Max Video Frame Rate
120 p
|
| Other Key Features |
Other Key Features
4K at 30 fps, Full HD at 60 fps, excellent photo resolution, webcam capabilities, 61-point AF system
|
| Best For |
Best For
Enthusiast to professional videographers and photographers
|
The Canon EOS 5D Mark IV is a high-performance DSLR camera. It has a full frame sensor with a 30.2 MP resolution. It has Canon’s advanced Dual Pixel AF. And it produces professional standard videos.
You wouldn’t expect less than 4K from a camera at this level. And the 5D Mark IV won’t disappoint. The 4K resolution is fantastic. The imagery is bright and vivid. And the 30 fps frame rate gives you smooth playback. You can also opt for 24 fps if you want something slower.
There’s a 60 fps frame rate in Full HD. The quality isn’t as high, but the faster frame rate copes better with fast-moving subjects. You also have a Frame Grab mode. This allows you to take single frames from video footage, giving you 8.8 MP still images.
The Dual Pixel AF system uses 61 focus points. It gives you good coverage across the frame. It has face detection and smoothly tracks your subject as they move. Plus, it’s reliable and works well in low-light situations.
This is another Canon camera that doubles as a webcam. All you need is a computer and the Canon Webcam Utility software, and you’ll be streaming live online.
The 30.2 MP sensor gives you incredible photos. And you can use these professional-level images for websites, publications, and enlarged prints. The low-light performance and dynamic range are excellent. And the body is completely weather-sealed for outdoor shooting.
6. Nikon D850
| Released |
Released
2017
|
| Sensor Format |
Sensor Format
Full Frame |
| Lens Mount |
Lens Mount
Nikon F FX
|
| Megapixels |
Megapixels
45.7 MP |
| Autofocus Points |
Autofocus Points
153 |
| Maximum ISO (Native) |
Maximum ISO (Native)
25,600 |
| Frame Rate |
Frame Rate
7 fps |
| In-body Stabilization |
In-body Stabilization
|
| Max Video Resolution |
Max Video Resolution
4K |
| Max Video Frame Rate |
Max Video Frame Rate
30 p
|
| Other Key Features |
Other Key Features
45.7 MP full frame sensor, 4K video at 30 fps, Full HD at 60 fps, 8K time-lapse videos, subject-tracking AF, excellent low-light performance
|
| Best For |
Best For
Professional videographers and photographers
|
The Nikon D850 is one of the most popular DSLRs with professional photographers. And there’s no surprise why. It’s rugged and weather-sealed. It has a 45.7 MP full frame sensor. And it shoots stunning 4K videos. So it’s a hybrid monster!
The 4K video is recorded at 30 fps. And you have 60 fps in Full HD mode. The footage is uncropped, so it shoots everything in the frame. The larger sensor gives more clarity and contrast. And the low-light results are incredible.
The D850 has a built-in time-lapse mode. There’s an intervalometer that gives you perfectly timed shots. And the result is a stunning 8K time-lapse video.
The fast AF system allows you to shoot any video with accuracy. It uses 153 focus points that lock onto your subject and track them as they move. Subject locking and tracking stay strong even in dark situations. And it continues to perform well down to -4 EV.
Lastly, we can’t ignore the powerful sensor. With a resolution of 45.7 MP, it gives you breathtaking photographs. The color rendition is warm, rich, and true to life. And it picks up the smallest details, even in dark and light areas. You can also switch to 64 ISO for even better image quality.
7. Canon EOS Rebel SL3 / 250D
| Released |
Released
2019
|
| Sensor Format |
Sensor Format
APS-C |
| Lens Mount |
Lens Mount
Canon EF/EF-S
|
| Megapixels |
Megapixels
24 MP |
| Autofocus Points |
Autofocus Points
9 |
| Maximum ISO (Native) |
Maximum ISO (Native)
25,600 |
| Frame Rate |
Frame Rate
5 fps |
| In-body Stabilization |
In-body Stabilization
 |
| Max Video Resolution |
Max Video Resolution
4K |
| Max Video Frame Rate |
Max Video Frame Rate
60 p
|
| Other Key Features |
Other Key Features
4K video, 60 fps in Full HD, eye-detection AF, articulating screen, webcam capabilities
|
| Best For |
Best For
Beginner videographers and photographers
|
The Canon EOS Rebel SL3 is another fantastic entry-level DSLR. It’s easy to master. It delivers great results for photography and video. And the low price tag makes it the perfect way to start creating videos on a budget.
The 4K video quality might surprise many. It’s crisp and clear with vivid colors. The max frame rate is limited to 25 fps in 4K. But you can switch to Full HD if you need something faster. You have options up to 60 fps when using Full HD resolution. The SL3 also has digital stabilization to reduce signs of camera shake in your videos.
The AF system is basic, only using nine focus points. This means that the focus area is limited to the center of the frame. But it still uses Canon’s Dual Pixel system, which is fast and accurate. It also has eye-detection capabilities to lock focus and track faces. It’s a handy feature for vloggers.
The webcam functionality makes it a good option for streamers too. Download the Canon Webcam Utility app, hook the camera up to your computer, and stream live on the internet.
The built-in Wi-Fi connectivity makes it easy to share videos with other devices. And the articulating screen helps you shoot videos from any angle. It’s a feature-packed DSLR for beginners. The photo results are great. And the 4K video will impress even the biggest cynics.
8. Nikon D6
| Released |
Released
2020
|
| Sensor Format |
Sensor Format
Full Frame |
| Lens Mount |
Lens Mount
Nikon F
|
| Megapixels |
Megapixels
20.8 MP |
| Autofocus Points |
Autofocus Points
105 |
| Maximum ISO (Native) |
Maximum ISO (Native)
102,400 |
| Frame Rate |
Frame Rate
14 fps |
| In-body Stabilization |
In-body Stabilization
|
| Max Video Resolution |
Max Video Resolution
4K |
| Max Video Frame Rate |
Max Video Frame Rate
60 p
|
| Other Key Features |
Other Key Features
4K video at 30 fps, 105-point AF system, 14 fps burst mode, weather-sealed
|
| Best For |
Best For
Professional videographers and photographers, high-end sports videos
|
The Nikon D6 is a beast. It’s a high-performance full frame DSLR that produces incredible media. Nikon has designed it to record high-octane action. That goes for photos and videos. So it’s the ideal camera for professional sports videography.
The 4K video is fabulous. And the 30 fps frame gives you smooth playback with no lagging or jerks. You can also shoot at 60 fps in Full HD if 30 fps isn’t enough.
That might not sound groundbreaking, but the AF system sets the D6 apart. It’s a triple-density system that uses 105 fully selectable cross-type focus points. And the focus points are arranged into three groups for more focus control.
So the autofocus gives you full frame high-density coverage. It’s lightning-fast to lock on. And the subject tracking is second to none.
The low-light performance is outstanding. The videos don’t lose quality as you increase the ISO. And the AF system stays sharp even when light is fading. So it’s ideal for shooting at night or inside.
The photography performance is also strong. The full frame sensor has a 20.8 MP resolution. And while that might not sound like much for a full frame camera, the larger pixels give you a better dynamic range. It also gives you a 14 fps burst mode with full-resolution RAW images.
It’s a rugged DSLR. It’s weather-sealed, so you can shoot in any conditions outdoors. And the large battery capacity allows you to shoot for hours without interruption.
Conclusion: The Best DSLR For Video
DSLRs are excellent cameras for shooting videos. And as we’ve seen, they aren’t just photography specialists. They do, of course, produce stunning still photos. But now, DSLRs produce stunning video media.
The Canon EOS 90D is the best DSLR for video in 2023. The powerful sensor, creative video features, and advanced AF set it apart. It’s also a good option for anyone from beginners to early professionals.
We’ve also included the Canon EOS Rebel T8i for beginners. And the Nikon D850 is a high-performance DSLR for professionals. There’s a DSLR camera for videographers at any level.
