Editor's Choice - Our Favorite Small DSLR Cameras

1. Nikon D810 FX-format Digital SLR Camera Body

User Ratings: 78 7

Nikon 1542 First Impressions

"So far so great."

Works great for my daughter and her film school. The body is well balanced when using the large Art series of lenses. SD card that came with camera is fine. I can see using this for years before I would feel the need to upgrade. This camera just feels good in the hands.

  • Nikon D810 FX-format Digital SLR Camera Body
  • 36.3 MP FX format CMOS sensor without an Optical Low Pass Filter (OLPF)
  • 30 Percent faster EXPEED 4 image processing engine. Shutter Speed: 1/8000 to 30 sec
  • 51point AF system and 3D Color Matrix metering III with a 91,000 pixel RGB sensor
  • ISO 6412,800 expandable to 51,200
  • Featuring a new RAW Small Size option, which produces 16MP images with much smaller file sizes
  • Professional video and audio capabilities
  • Batteries: 1 Lithium Metal batteries required. (included)
  • Editor's Impressions Of The Nikon 1542
  • Battery Life
  • Picture Quality
  • Ergonomics
  • Quality
  • Value For Money
  • Affordability

Nikon 1542 Final Thoughts

"Solid deal."

They are simply great cameras now at a very attractive price point. 5 years I've gotten to know this groundbreaking Small DSLR Camera well. The body is well balanced when using the large Art series of lenses. I've had the Nikon 1542 for about two weeks now and it's been great! Camera, batteries and memory cards all top notch.

Overall Score
4.5


(325 Points)

Peoples Choice - Other Highly Rated Small DSLR Cameras

2. Nikon D810 FX-format Digital SLR w/ 24-120mm f/4G ED VR Lens

User Ratings: 78 7

Nikon 1556 First Impressions

"So far so good!"

I love this camera a lot so far! It has a very similar look to a high end smartphone screen. I really love the features on this body. However, once I saw the images files I was hooked. The Nikon 1556 captured the action like a pro.

  • Nikon D810 FX-format Digital SLR w/ 24-120mm f/4G ED VR Lens
  • 36.3 MP FX format CMOS sensor without an Optical Low Pass Filter (OLPF)
  • 30 percent faster EXPEED 4 image processing engine
  • 51 point AF system and 3D Color Matrix metering III with a 91,000 pixel RGB sensor
  • ISO 64-12,800 expandable to 51,200
  • Featuring a new RAW Small Size option, which produces 16MP images with much smaller file sizes
  • Professional video and audio capabilities
  • Batteries: 1 Lithium ion batteries required. (included)
  • Editor's Impressions Of The Nikon 1556
  • Battery Life
  • Picture Quality
  • Ergonomics
  • Quality
  • Value For Money
  • Affordability

Nikon 1556 Final Thoughts

"Greats products!"

I shot video of my 5 year old son riding his bike today. The extra batteries don't work all that well. The Nikon 1556 has all the tech and features I was looking for in a camera. Thank you Amazon and thank you Nikon! That little piece of glass produces some amazingly sharp pictures.

Overall Score
4.5


(325 Points)

3. Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark III Camera Kit with 14-42mm EZ Lens (Black), Camera Bag & Memory Card, Wi-Fi...

User Ratings: 80 3

Olympus First Impressions

"Plenty of features."

The battery that does come with the camera lasts a long time. I take pictures of houses occasionally and this has worked really well. Though I have nothing to complain about the Olympus . The read/write speed is seriously blazing fast. It's terrific and you won't go wrong.

  • Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark III Camera Kit with 14-42mm EZ Lens (Black), Camera Bag & Memory Card, Wi-Fi Enabled, 4K Video, US only with Starter Kit
  • In body 5 axis image stabilization for blur free stills and smooth 4K video
  • 16 Megapixel Live MOS Sensor and TruePic VIII Image Processor
  • 4K 30P video plus HD 120 frames per second high speed video
  • The BLS-50 is a Lithium Ion Rechargeable Battery containing 1175 mAh of power. Compatible with various Olympus models including the OM-D E-M5 Mark III, OM-D E-M10 Mark II, OM-D E-M10 Mark III, and the PEN E-PL9.
  • Easy to carry, light grey camera bag with snap clsoure and adjustable shoulder strap. Features an inner adjustable padded compartment and small zippered compartment. Perfect for taking your mirrorless camera and favorite Micro Four Thirds lens with you when you are on-the-go.
  • SanDisk Ultra SDHC UHS-1 Memory Card with 32GB storage capacity and Class 10 performance for Full HD Video (1080p). Store photos, high-definition videos and other content. Maximum Read Speed 80MB/s.
  • Editor's Impressions Of The Olympus
  • Battery Life
  • Picture Quality
  • Ergonomics
  • Quality
  • Value For Money
  • Affordability

Olympus Final Thoughts

"Awesome photos!"

The body is well balanced when using the large Art series of lenses. So overall the build quality is nice on the Olympus . This is an excellent camera for beginners. Overall, very happy with the purchase. Love the camera and accessories that came with this kit.

Overall Score
4.6


(173 Points)

4. Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark III Camera Kit with 14-42mm EZ Lens (Silver), Camera Bag & Memory Card, Wi-F...

User Ratings: 80 3

Olympus First Impressions

"So GOOD NEWS for me!"

Sometimes I still wish I had purchased the 40D at a comparable price. So pleased with all the features. This camera just feels good in the hands. All around for the price, it was still worth it. I can see using this for years before I would feel the need to upgrade.

  • Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark III Camera Kit with 14-42mm EZ Lens (Silver), Camera Bag & Memory Card, Wi-Fi Enabled, 4K Video, US ONLY with Step Up Kit
  • In body 5 axis image stabilization for blur free stills and smooth 4K video
  • 16 Megapixel Live MOS Sensor and TruePic VIII Image Processor
  • 4K 30P video plus HD 120 frames per second high speed video
  • M. Zuiko Digital ED 25mm F1. 8 (50mm in 35mm equivalent)
  • The 25mm F1. 8 is the ideal, all-around lens. Capture tack sharp portraits with beautifully defocused backgrounds. The perfect combination of power and portability - perfect everyday lens.
  • Easy to carry, light grey camera bag with snap clsoure and adjustable shoulder strap. Features an inner adjustable padded compartment and small zippered compartment. Perfect for taking your mirrorless camera and favorite Micro Four Thirds lens with you when you are on-the-go.
  • Editor's Impressions Of The Olympus
  • Battery Life
  • Picture Quality
  • Ergonomics
  • Quality
  • Value For Money
  • Affordability

Olympus Final Thoughts

"Learning curve."

I shot video of my 5 year old son riding his bike today. Just buy this, you will not regret it. Servo is accurate enough to keep it on. I received it and it works well with my other Olympus lenses. I have really enjoyed putting this lens through its paces.

Overall Score
4.6


(173 Points)

Honorable Mentions - More Top Selling Small DSLR Cameras

5. Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark III Camera Kit with 14-42mm EZ Lens (Black), Camera Bag & Memory Card, Wi-Fi...

User Ratings: 80 3

Olympus First Impressions

"Awesome photos!"

I have always gotten great results with my Olympus . Sometimes I still wish I had purchased the 40D at a comparable price. I finally decided I liked the features of the Olympus line. Camera, batteries and memory cards all top notch. Overall, very happy with the purchase.

  • Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark III Camera Kit with 14-42mm EZ Lens (Black), Camera Bag & Memory Card, Wi-Fi Enabled, 4K Video, US only with Step Up Kit
  • In body 5 axis image stabilization for blur free stills and smooth 4K video
  • 16 Megapixel Live MOS Sensor and TruePic VIII Image Processor
  • 4K 30P video plus HD 120 frames per second high speed video
  • M. Zuiko Digital ED 25mm F1. 8 (50mm in 35mm equivalent)
  • The 25mm F1. 8 is the ideal, all-around lens. Capture tack sharp portraits with beautifully defocused backgrounds. The perfect combination of power and portability - perfect everyday lens.
  • Easy to carry, light grey camera bag with snap clsoure and adjustable shoulder strap. Features an inner adjustable padded compartment and small zippered compartment. Perfect for taking your mirrorless camera and favorite Micro Four Thirds lens with you when you are on-the-go.
  • Editor's Impressions Of The Olympus
  • Battery Life
  • Picture Quality
  • Ergonomics
  • Quality
  • Value For Money
  • Affordability

Olympus Final Thoughts

"Great item."

Took this camera on our family vacation to Utah national parks. Basically, when doing astro-photography. Love the camera and accessories that came with this kit. Again, slim margins for a lot of money. Have used Olympus cameras all the way back to 35mm.

Overall Score
4.6


(173 Points)

6. Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark III Camera Body (Black), Wi-Fi Enabled, 4K Video with Step Up Kit

User Ratings: 80 3

Olympus First Impressions

"Very easy to operate."

However on contacting Olympus about it, they sent us a memory card. We love the Olympus , but let's talk about the accessories. First off, I did purchase this because I needed it for a class. Took this camera on our family vacation to Utah national parks. This Olympus takes absolutely beautiful images!

  • Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark III Camera Body (Black), Wi-Fi Enabled, 4K Video with Step Up Kit
  • In body 5 axis image stabilization for blur free stills and smooth 4K video
  • 16 Megapixel Live MOS Sensor and TruePic VIII Image Processor
  • 4K 30P video plus HD 120 frames per second high speed video
  • M. Zuiko Digital ED 25mm F1. 8 (50mm in 35mm equivalent)
  • The 25mm F1. 8 is the ideal, all-around lens. Capture tack sharp portraits with beautifully defocused backgrounds. The perfect combination of power and portability - perfect everyday lens.
  • Easy to carry, light grey camera bag with snap clsoure and adjustable shoulder strap. Features an inner adjustable padded compartment and small zippered compartment. Perfect for taking your mirrorless camera and favorite Micro Four Thirds lens with you when you are on-the-go.
  • Editor's Impressions Of The Olympus
  • Battery Life
  • Picture Quality
  • Ergonomics
  • Quality
  • Value For Money
  • Affordability

Olympus Final Thoughts

"Now onto the bundle."

I've had the Olympus for about two weeks now and it's been great! The different modes are useful. I use it with my one year old Olympus lens. I have really enjoyed putting this lens through its paces. And because it is older, you can get it cheaper.

Overall Score
4.6


(173 Points)

7. EOS REBEL SL3 (BK) + EF-S18-55mm f/4-5.6 IS STM kit With EF 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens

User Ratings: 84 1

Canon First Impressions

"LCD screen."

I compared features for months before deciding to go with this Small DSLR Camera. Sometimes I still wish I had purchased the 40D at a comparable price. The software also defaults to save your original pic. The Canon has all the tech and features I was looking for in a camera. I mean, I still shoot film with my old F3 and FE and push film.

  • EOS REBEL SL3 (BK) + EF-S18-55mm f/4-5.6 IS STM kit With EF 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens
  • Lightest, Smallest EOS DSLR Camera*.
  • High Image Quality with 24.1 Megapixel CMOS (APS-C) Sensor.
  • Fast and Accurate Dual Pixel CMOS AF with Eye Detection AF.
  • 50mm focal length and maximum aperture of f/1.8
  • Great for portraits, action, and nighttime photography; Angle of view (horizontal, vertical, diagonal): 40º, 27º,46º
  • Minimum focusing distance of 1.15 ft. (0.35m) and a maximum magnification of 0.21x
  • Editor's Impressions Of The Canon
  • Battery Life
  • Picture Quality
  • Ergonomics
  • Quality
  • Value For Money
  • Affordability

Canon Final Thoughts

"Nice job again, Canon!"

This is the best Small DSLR Camera and I love it! Just what my wife needed for her travels. Again, slim margins for a lot of money. Best price, fast delivery and good support in case something goes wrong. Again, slim margins for a lot of money.

Overall Score
4.7


(86 Points)

8. Canon Rebel SL3 with 18-55mm Lens Black with LaCie Rugged SSD 500GB Solid State Drive

User Ratings: 84 1

Canon First Impressions

"The bundle is perfect."

It sucks up way more battery life than the D7100/D7200. The read/write speed is seriously blazing fast. But that's what this entry level camera is all about. Absolutely great Small DSLR Camera for the price. I got it at the best price for this kit.

  • Canon Rebel SL3 with 18-55mm Lens Black with LaCie Rugged SSD 500GB Solid State Drive
  • Lightest, smallest EOS DSLR camera*.
  • High image quality with 24. 1 Megapixel CMOS (APS-C) sensor.
  • Sprint through projects with a 500GB portable SSD Drive that harnesses Seagate FireCuda NV Me speeds of up to 950MB/s for 4K footage
  • Tackle any terrain with extreme IP67-rated water resistance as well as dust, three-meter drop, and two-ton car crush resistance
  • Editor's Impressions Of The Canon
  • Battery Life
  • Picture Quality
  • Ergonomics
  • Quality
  • Value For Money
  • Affordability

Canon Final Thoughts

"Solid deal."

I've been more than happy with this Small DSLR Camera. First four pictures I took and they came out great! The colors of course are very good as expected, and here is a surprise. I finally decided I liked the features of the Canon line. Canon still services this camera.

Overall Score
4.7


(86 Points)

9. EOS REBEL SL3 (BK) + EF-S18-55mm f/4-5.6 IS STM kit With EF-S 55-250mm F4-5.6 IS STM Lens for Canon ...

User Ratings: 84 1

Canon First Impressions

"One last thing."

I compared features for months before deciding to go with this Small DSLR Camera. First off, I did purchase this because I needed it for a class. Canon still services this camera. Very versatile and swiftly configurable. I mean, I still shoot film with my old F3 and FE and push film.

  • EOS REBEL SL3 (BK) + EF-S18-55mm f/4-5.6 IS STM kit With EF-S 55-250mm F4-5.6 IS STM Lens for Canon SLR Cameras
  • Lightest, Smallest EOS DSLR Camera*.
  • High Image Quality with 24.1 Megapixel CMOS (APS-C) Sensor.
  • Fast and Accurate Dual Pixel CMOS AF with Eye Detection AF.
  • Focal length and maximum aperture: 55-250mm 1:4-5.6
  • Closest focusing distance: 0.85m/2.8 ft.
  • Lens construction: 15 elements in 12 groups
  • Editor's Impressions Of The Canon
  • Battery Life
  • Picture Quality
  • Ergonomics
  • Quality
  • Value For Money
  • Affordability

Canon Final Thoughts

"Modeling, it's fine."

Camera, batteries and memory cards all top notch. I really love the features on this body. But, others have covered its capabilities far better than I can. However on contacting Canon about it, they sent us a memory card. Great camera, great bundle and fast shipping.

Overall Score
4.7


(86 Points)

10. CANON DIGITAL CAMERA EOS REBEL SL3 (BK) Body With EF 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens

User Ratings: 84 1

Canon First Impressions

"The bundle is perfect."

Best price, fast delivery and good support in case something goes wrong. I would highly recommend this Canon and bundle. I finally decided I liked the features of the Canon line. Canon still services this camera. I finally decided I liked the features of the Canon line.

  • CANON DIGITAL CAMERA EOS REBEL SL3 (BK) Body With EF 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens
  • Lightest, Smallest EOS DSLR Camera*.
  • High Image Quality with 24.1 Megapixel CMOS (APS-C) Sensor.
  • Fast and Accurate Dual Pixel CMOS AF with Eye Detection AF.
  • 50mm focal length and maximum aperture of f/1.8
  • Great for portraits, action, and nighttime photography; Angle of view (horizontal, vertical, diagonal): 40º, 27º,46º
  • Minimum focusing distance of 1.15 ft. (0.35m) and a maximum magnification of 0.21x
  • Editor's Impressions Of The Canon
  • Battery Life
  • Picture Quality
  • Ergonomics
  • Quality
  • Value For Money
  • Affordability

Canon Final Thoughts

"Lordy Lord!"

I got it at the best price for this kit. I overall love this Canon and would recommend to others! However on contacting Canon about it, they sent us a memory card. These are a lot of megapixels. Got the bundle at a great price also.

Overall Score
4.7


(86 Points)

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