When choosing the best DSLR for you, consider what it is you want to achieve with your photography. If you’re thinking about trading up from a compact camera or a smartphone to get more serious about your photography, an entry-level DSLR can really help boost your skills without costing a fortune.
On the other hand, if you’ve already been using a DSLR for some time and feel ready to take the next step, a mid-range option is a better fit. It’ll give you more space to grow and will elevate your photography even further.
Finally, if you’re a working professional or a high-level enthusiast, you’ll want the ultimate camera, which offers both fantastic image quality as well as an excellent, pro-level feature set.
Cameras like the Canon EOS Rebel T8i (also known as the EOS 800D) and the Nikon D5600 are excellent for beginners. There’s also the newer Canon EOS Rebel SL3 (also known as EOS 250D.) All of these models should give you a good balance of delivering better image quality than your phone can muster and a simpler operation so as not to overwhelm you at the beginning of your photography journey.
For more advanced features and operation, take a look at the Nikon D500, Canon EOS 7D Mark II and the Canon EOS 90D. These are superb all-rounders that can handle different types of photography - perfect for the hobbyist. If you want to consider something besides the two big hitters, take a look at the Pentax KP - particularly if you have a bunch of old compatible lenses at your disposal.
Full-frame DSLRs are generally found in the professional category, but for the enthusiast, you have options like the Canon EOS 6D Mark II. If you want the best of the best, look towards the Nikon D850, which is still the one to beat even three years after its release. There’s also the Canon EOS 5D Mark III or possibly the Sony Alpha A99 II as well.