Looking for the best and good quality DSLR cameras that suit your needs and budgets? No matter if you are a beginner, hobbyist or pro, we have compiled a list right here with different price ranges and short reviews included, covering reputable and trusted DSLR brands including Canon and Nikon.
Editor
Jodee Tan chevron_right
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
- List of Best DSLRs in Malaysia
- What Is A DSLR Camera?
- Mirrorless Camera vs. DSLR
- More related recommendations
8 Best DSLRs in Malaysia
- Nikon D3500
- Canon EOS 90D
- Nikon D7500
- Nikon D850
- Canon EOS 250D
- Nikon D780
- Canon EOS 1500D
- Canon EOS 6D Mark II
Why It’s Our Top Pick:
“The entry-level Nikon D3500 may be released in 2019 but it’s been packing punches ever since, thanks to its easy-to-use functions as well as great image quality and battery life.”
Features:
Nikon D3500 sports a 24.2MP DX-format CMOS sensor with a 3.0-inch fixed display and weighs approximately 415 g. The camera has 11 autofocus points to ensure that your subject is always in focus and you can use it to shoot a Full HD 1080p video at 60fps. There’s a built-in monaural microphone to record sounds for video recording.
Novice photographers can make use of the camera’s Guide Mode, which includes four basic settings: Shoot, View/Delete, Retouch and Set Up. The Shoot function allows you to go for the Easy Operation or Advanced Operation, each of which contains shooting modes and camera effects for the likes of portraits, white balance and backgrounds with smooth bokeh.
When it comes to connectivity, you can transfer images from the camera to your smartphone wirelessly via Bluetooth with the help of Nikon’s SnapBridge app. As expected, the Nikon D3500 is bundled with a standard 18-55mm kit lens, which features Vibration Reduction image stabilisation to reduce camera shake.
Performance:
Most reviews agreed that Nikon D3500 feels comfortable to hold, thanks to its ergonomic body. The essential buttons on the back of the camera are strategically placed on the right side, making them easier to reach upon usage. However, you have to make do with its fixed LCD since it doesn’t tilt or articulate for angling purposes.
Taking pictures with this camera delivers excellent image quality with enough detail and colour accuracy. Then, there’s the battery life, which makes it easily one of Nikon D3500’s notable highlights as it’s capable of lasting up to 1,550 shots on a single charge.
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Those who love shooting videos might want to check out the Canon EOS 90D, a mid-range DSLR bundled with an 18-135 mm kit lens.
Features:
Among its key features include a large 32.5MP APS-C CMOS sensor and Canon’s DIGIC 8 processor for capturing better and higher-resolution image quality. The camera offers a 45-point cross-type autofocus system that tracks and locks in focus on moving subjects with pinpoint accuracy even in different lighting conditions.
This camera can also shoot videos with resolutions of up to 4K at 30fps and Full HD at 120fps. Easing your videography work is its 3-inch flip screen at the back, which allows you to rotate up to 360° for shooting different angles. Transferring images using wireless methods are also made easy, thanks to the WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity.
Performance:
Based on most reviews, the Canon 90D is praised for its sturdy build quality while its ergonomic grip makes holding the camera comfortable enough even for long period. The 8-way joystick comes in handy for selecting AF points easier. Whereas the 3-inch flip screen has found to be highly responsive to the touch.
The camera shoots great photos with enough clarity and especially excels in its continuous shooting mode at 10fps. When capturing 4K videos, it hits the sweet spot as you get to enjoy un-cropped footage, with results looking sharp and vibrant. Battery life is also impressive, being capable of lasting around 1,500 to 1,900 shots.
Suitable for beginners and enthusiasts, the mid-range Nikon D7500 is equipped with both connectivity options including WiFi and Bluetooth. The latter allows you to make use of Nikon’s built-in SnapBridge feature that allows wireless file transfers.
Features:
Nikon D7500 sports a 20.9MP DX-format CMOS sensor with a 3.2-inch LCD touchscreen, which can be tilted up and down. The camera uses a 51-point AF system for quick and accurate autofocus detection even when capturing moving subjects.
Other highlights include its ability to shoot 4K video at 30fps and Full HD at 60fps and it also supports continuous burst shooting speed at 8fps.
Performance:
The Nikon D7500 receives high praises for its robust build by which, it yields a better grip too, makes grips of the camera more comfortable. Its tilting touchscreen is also useful for different shooting conditions whereas its touch operation is both responsive and simple to use.
Vloggers and live streamers can take advantage of the camera’s 4K video shooting capability which looks great though you have to make do with the 1.5x crop factor. The camera also excels in its image quality, offering excellent dynamic range as well as rich colours and crisp details.
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The Nikon D850 combines power and performance, offering everything a professional photographer needs in a high-end DSLR camera.
Features:
Boasting a full-frame CMOS sensor at 45.7MP and a 153-point AF system, the Nikon D850 is able to support continuous shooting mode at 7fps. Complementing this feature is its 3.2-inch LCD with touch support at 2,359k-dot resolution which lets you check your images taken whether at a tilted up or down angle. Speaking of which, the screen is handy for video shooting too.
In terms of connectivity, the Nikon D850 uses the brand’s proprietary SnapBridge feature and has both Bluetooth and WiFi for smartphone pairing and wireless image transfers.
The camera can shoot 4K video up to 30fps in a full-frame mode, meaning you don’t have to deal with the crop factors. It allows you to shoot Full HD footage too regardless of 60fps or 120fps.
Performances:
The Nikon D850 is an excellent performer when it comes to capturing great images, all rich in colours and detail. It also performs well in high ISO noises even in low-light conditions. The battery life is just as impressive, capable of lasting around 1,840 shots. However, the Live View focusing is said to be slow and cumbersome.
Overall, the camera feels sturdy thanks to its magnesium alloy body which is weather-sealed, and is useful for those who constantly taking photographs under different conditions. Shooting 4K video, in the meantime, is amazingly sharp and vibrant.
The Canon EOS 250D is a travel-friendly DSLR camera, offering a compact and lightweight build at just 449g. And it comes equipped with a bundled zoom lens at 18-55 mm too.
Features:
Looking at the key features, the Canon EOS 250D includes a 24.1MP CMOS sensor with a 9-point AF system and a 3-inch vari-angle touchscreen. It can shoot 4K videos too at 24fps.
For those who are not familiar with DSLRs, they can make use of the beginner-friendly Guided User Interface. Adding more convenient features for all is the camera’s built-in WiFi and Bluetooth as well.
Performances:
Users who bought the Canon EOS 250D love its snappy autofocus system as long as you stick to normal photography. However, it fares rather mediocre when it comes to accurately track fast-moving subjects. Moreover, the camera has a good grip and is even comfortable enough for one-handed operation, thanks to its well-placed buttons and dials mostly on the right side.
The flip screen at the back comes in handy for shooting different angles, namely from the ground level. Not forgetting, the display itself is bright and responsive to the touch upon accessing the menu settings. When it comes to overall results for the image quality, they are sharp and dynamic.
Both 4K and Full HD video quality also look good for the price, even though you have to make do with the former’s 1.7x crop factor. Finally, battery life is excellent and can last over 1,000 shots or so on a single charge.
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There are a few great mid-range DSLR cameras out there no matter you are a hobbyist or a professional photographer. And one of them worth considering is the Nikon D780.
Features:
The Nikon D780 boasts a 24.5MP backside-illuminated CMOS sensor, which benefits those who fancies low-light photography. This camera uses a 51-point AF system for viewfinder shooting and supports both Full HD as well as 4K video-shooting capability. It also comes equipped with a 3.2-inch tiltable touchscreen, where you can move it up and down.
Other highlights include dual card slots and has both built-in Bluetooth and WiFi options for wireless image transfers via Nikon’s SnapBridge app.
Performances:
The overall user reviews for the Nikon D780 are solid, beginning with the camera’s excellent build quality and its ability to produce sharp and detailed images. Its autofocus system is also quite speedy and accurate. An underdog here is the dual SD card slot which are useful to maximise storage and in the case of a faulty memory card incident.
Meanwhile, the 3.2-inch touchscreen is responsive and easy to use regardless of accessing menu, or swiping and zooming between images during playback. Video quality looks superb in both Full HD and 4K whereas the battery life can last longer up to around 2,260 shots for viewfinder shooting.
Planning to make a switch from a point-and-shoot digital camera to a more advanced DSLR? Well, if you are looking to own a DSLR without breaking the bank, the budget-friendly Canon EOS 1500D is worth considering.
Features:
Among the key features that you can look forward to with the Canon EOS 1500D are its 24.1MP APS-C CMOS sensor and 9-point AF system. The camera comes equipped with a 3.0-inch LCD screen, allowing you to take advantage of the Live View mode upon taking photos.
This DSLR also records videos up to 1080p. Making things more convenient are its WiFi and NFC connectivities.
Performances:
Given its price point, the camera produces bright and detailed image quality while colours look rich. The autofocus system, however, is rather slow and inconsistent when it comes to tracking accuracy. Otherwise, video quality looks great in Full HD but you have to bear with some of its limitations, namely the lack of an external microphone jack for audio recording purposes.
If you frequently take photos outdoors, you might want to make sure your DSLR camera is weather-sealed to withstand elements like dust and moisture. Otherwise, camera fungus will occur which is extremely expensive and difficult to treat.
Among the recommended options out there would be the Canon EOS 6D Mark II.
Features:
The Canon EOS 6D Mark II is built tough using the combination of aluminium alloy and polycarbonate resin. Being blessed with comprehensive weather sealing, everything from the battery compartment, card slot and terminal covers to the buttons and lens mount are protected.
Other highlights include a 26.2MP full-frame CMOS sensor and a 45-point all cross-type AF system, as well as being able to continuously shoot up to 6.5fps. The camera comes with a 3.0-inch vari-angle LCD touchscreen that can be flipped out and rotate up and down for shooting awkward angles. In terms of connectivity, the camera supports both WiFi and Bluetooth.
Performances:
Most users who own a Canon EOS 6D Mark II enjoys its overall solid build quality as it has a nice feel to it. The camera produces awesome image and video quality, with the flip screen being a convenient addition. Its touchscreen is also responsive and easy to use. Not forgetting, the battery life is great too, offering up to 1,200 shots per charge.
The camera’s autofocus system, however, is slow and inconsistent. Also, it’s a shame that at such a price point, the Canon EOS 6D Mark II only has a single SD card slot.
What Is A DSLR Camera?
DSLR stands for Digital Single Lens Reflex. In other words, the camera functions using a fixed digital sensor capable of producing high-resolution image quality. A DSLR camera also allows you to shoot directly through the viewfinder or a flip screen, depending on the models/ Both viewing methods come in handy for visualising and capturing your scenes better.
Mirrorless Camera vs. DSLR
Moving on is the comparison between a mirrorless camera and a DSLR camera. Here are some key differences you’ll want to know before you spend your hard-earned money.
- Mirrorless cameras are typically compact and lighter in size, which made them ideal for those who love travel photography.
- By comparison, DSLRs are bigger and bulkier but these cameras boast solid build quality and can support more weight such as attaching a telephoto lens.
- DSLRs generally have a better advantage when it comes to their autofocus systems. Depending on the model that you are looking at, some fare better when comes to tracking and locking in the focus on moving subjects.
- Those who go for the entry-level mirrorless cameras might have to deal with the sufficient but lacklustre autofocus system. Meanwhile, many newer models such as the high-end Canon EOS R5 have excellent and accurate autofocus upon tracking a subject.
- Finally, DSLRs have Full HD and 4K video capability. Again, this depends on the models, with mirrorless cameras generally having a better edge since 4K videos happen to be a standard feature. Some even support 6K and 8K video-recording, namely the Panasonic Lumix DC-S1H and Canon EOS R5.
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