DSLRs might be losing out to mirrorless cameras, but they remain an excellent choice for many shooting situations. They’re a great choice for photographers valuing optical viewfinder accuracy and battery longevity. The reflex mirror in DSLRs facilitates an authentic, lag-free view through the lens, essential for various photography styles. Their robust build and extensive lens compatibility make them a preferred option for diverse shooting conditions.
This section provides reviews and guides on DSLR digital cameras, including models with full-frame sensors and APS-C sensors. Discover thorough assessments of camera features and performance, complemented by practical advice suitable for all skill levels.
Sigma's camera lineup is small enough that one battery, the BP-51, covers most recent models — the fp, fp L, and all four dp Quattro compacts. This chart lays out exactly which pack each Sigma body takes, plus which models can charge over USB.
Running old Nikon D3500 RAW files through DxO PureRAW turns out to be one of the cheapest ways to close the image-quality gap to a newer camera. Here are before/after sliders and 100% crops from ISO 100 to 25600, with the exact settings and RAW files to try yourself.
You’ve matched the channels. You’ve matched the groups. Everything looks perfect on the screen, but your flash refuses to fire. Before you blame your hot shoe or camera, check this one "invisible" setting.
If you're considering moving from DSLR to mirrorless, these are some things to consider. This isn't about what's better or worse but about things that are different enough to potentially influence how you shoot in some way.
If you'd like to get a visual sense of the image quality out of the Nikon D850 at high ISOs, here's a selection of high-resolution images I've taken with it.
One of the most common questions for Nikon shooters is whether the new, high-performance Z-mount mirrorless lenses can be used on older DSLRs. Here is the short answer, the technical "why," and how to manage your lens collection if you use both systems.
When you check your Nikon's menu, you might see a confusing list of letters like C, LF, MA, or S. Here is exactly what those codes mean — and why updating your camera body might not be enough.
If you're using a battery grip on the Nikon D850, D810, or D800, here's how to see the charge status of both batteries.
I've previously posted a detailed review of the Nikon AF-S 85mm f/1.4G. Here are some high-resolution sample images I've taken with it.
From High Efficiency* RAWs to the hidden switch that enables HEIF files, the Z8 offers a lot of ways to save an image. Here is your plain-English guide to every file format, crop mode, and compression setting.
The Pentax K-3 III features dual SD card slots, but there's a major catch you need to know about: they don't run at the same speed. Here's exactly how to choose the right combination of UHS-I and UHS-II memory cards, how to avoid the dual-slot backup bottleneck, and my top recommendations for getting the most out of your camera.
With a fast maximum aperture combined with a short telephoto, the Nikon AF-S 85mm f/1.4G offers wonderful opportunities for isolating a subject from its background and shooting in low light. Here's my take on it.
The Nikon D3500 has no interval timer and no accessory port, so hardware intervalometers won't work with it. There is still a way to shoot timelapse: a free software app over USB, and I cover how it works and where it falls short.
Which SD card should you get for your Canon EOS 90D? Not every card is a good choice, because some are too slow for the camera's features. And Canon's guidance isn't especially helpful. So here are my practical recommendations on which SD cards will let you take full advantage of all the EOS 90D's features.
Figuring out how to charge your first DSLR can be surprisingly tricky. From finding the right replacement LP-E10 batteries to powering your camera directly from a wall outlet for endless video recording, here is the complete guide to keeping your Canon Rebel T7 powered up.
Firmware updates add new features, improve autofocus compatibility, and fix annoying bugs. Here is my complete, step-by-step guide to safely updating the firmware on your Canon EOS Rebel T7 (also known as the 1500D and 2000D).
The Canon SL3, 250D, and 200D II are the same camera sold under three names, and none of them ship with a memory card. Here's exactly what speed class this DSLR's UHS-I slot and 4K video actually require, and why paying extra for a V90 card is wasted money.
If you accidentally changed a menu setting on your Canon EOS Rebel T7 (also known as the 1500D or 2000D), you don't have to factory reset the entire camera. Use this quick-reference chart to find the original out-of-the-box default settings for every menu option.
Whether you've accidentally messed up a setting or you're preparing to sell your camera, here is exactly how to perform a complete factory reset on your Canon EOS Rebel T7 (also known as the 1500D or 2000D).
The Nikon D3500 has had just one firmware update in its lifetime, a Distortion Control Data release from January 2020. Here's how to check your version, install it from an SD card, and why SnapBridge can't do it for you.
The Nikon D3500's continuous shooting mode (burst mode) is a single button press, but the 5 fps headline rate depends on your file format, battery, and memory buffer. Here's how to turn it on, what limits it, and why it won't work with the built-in flash.
Canon's own T8i manual buries the memory card details you actually need, especially for 4K video. Here's what UHS Speed Class the Rebel T8i / EOS 850D / Kiss X10i really requires, plus my top card picks for 2026.
The D3500 has three resets: Reset All Settings, Reset Setup Options and Reset Shooting Menu. Here's where each lives, what it changes, and what none of them touch: your firmware, photos and memory card.
The Nikon D610 doesn't come with a memory card as standard. But you're going to need one before you start shooting. Here are my practical recommendations on which card to get.
The Nikon D3400 has three separate reset options — a full reset plus two targeted ones for setup and shooting menus — and none of them touch firmware or erase your memory card. Here's exactly what each one changes.
Turning on the D3400's self-timer takes one button press, but it also has delay and shot-count settings worth knowing. Here's how to set it up and put it to use for group shots or long exposures.
The Nikon D3400 can shoot bursts at up to 5 frames per second, but buffer size and flash settings affect how it performs. Here's how to turn on continuous mode, read the buffer indicator, and avoid the quirks that catch people out.
Updating the Nikon D3400's firmware is simple once you know the steps — from checking your current version to downloading, installing, and confirming the update without interrupting it.
The D3500 has no cable-release port and no true Mirror Lockup, so the self-timer is your best defense against camera shake on a tripod. Here's how to switch it on, set the delay and shot count, and when SnapBridge is the better trigger.
Slower SD cards will quickly choke the Nikon D780's buffer during RAW bursts or 4K video. Here's how I configure the dual UHS-II slots and match card speeds to the camera's actual limits to avoid overspending.
The D500's Slot 1 still says XQD on the box, but a firmware upgrade lets it take far faster CFexpress Type B cards. Here's how to pick the right cards for both slots and avoid a dual-slot setup that silently bottlenecks your buffer.
Formatting your memory card is a crucial housekeeping step to prevent file corruption and free up space. Here is a step-by-step guide to using both the standard and low-level format tools on your Canon EOS Rebel T7 (also known as the 1500D or 2000D).
The Rebel T7 (sold as the EOS 2000D and 1500D abroad) can't actually use the fast, expensive SD cards camera stores push. Here's exactly what card type, size and speed this DSLR needs, and what's a waste of money.
The Nikon D850 is a legendary workhorse, but its dual card slot management is spread across two different menus. Whether you're looking for an instant backup or want to separate your RAW and JPEG files, here is a hands-on look at how to configure the XQD/CFexpress and SD slots for a reliable 2026 workflow.
The D850 also has a built-in function that lets you copy from one memory card to the other, which can be a really useful way to make backups on location. Here's how to do it and the options that are available.
Because Nikon's crop-sensor (DX) DSLRs share the exact same lens mount, finding the perfect wide-angle lens for sweeping landscapes or tight real estate photography is the same whether you shoot with an entry-level D3500 or a flagship D500. Here are my practical recommendations for the best wide-angle options for your Nikon DX camera.
See exactly how the Nikon D810 handles low light and high ISOs. This gallery features real-world sample images shot from ISO 6400 up to 51,200, processed with zero noise reduction so you can evaluate the true sensor performance.
Here's a collection of high-resolution photos I've taken at high ISOs with the Nikon D800 DSLR to give a sense of what you can expect when shooting with it in low-light situations.
While the Nikon D850 is legendary for its still photography, it is also a highly capable 4K video camera. Here is a complete breakdown of its video resolutions, bitrates, framerates, and HDMI output settings.
If you are formatting your Nikon D850 memory cards by scrolling through the setup menu, you are doing it the slow way. Nikon built a dedicated two-button hardware shortcut into the body specifically so you can wipe cards in the field without digging through menus. Here is exactly how to use it, plus a quick refresher on why your camera — not your computer — should always handle the final format.
Formatting in the D3500 takes a few menu clicks, but there's no quick-versus-full choice, and a locked card can block it. Here are the steps, plus what to do if you format on a computer.
The Nikon D850 is one of the greatest high-resolution DSLRs ever made, but shooting 45.7-megapixel RAW files generates an enormous amount of data. To handle that load, the D850 features a dual-slot system (one XQD/CFexpress slot and one SD slot). However, navigating the post-launch firmware updates, memory card formats, and the inevitable dual-slot bottleneck can be confusing. Here is a practical, tested guide to exactly which memory cards the D850 requires to run at full capacity.
The Nikon D780 doesn't come with a memory card as standard. But you're going to need one before you start shooting. Here are my practical recommendations on which cards to get.
The D3500's SD slot sits on the right side at the bottom, and the card only goes in one way, label toward the front of the camera. Here's how to insert, format and safely eject it, plus the flimsy door hinge to watch.
The Nikon D3400 won't shoot a single frame without an SD card, and getting one in correctly is the first thing you'll need to do with your new camera. Here's how to insert, format, and remove it safely, plus a few things worth knowing about the D3400's card slot.
The Canon 700D doesn't need the fastest, priciest SD card on the shelf — but not every card is reliable, and counterfeits are common. Here's what actually works, what the SDXC, UHS-I, and V30 codes mean, and which cards are worth buying.
Formatting your Nikon D3400's SD card regularly helps prevent file corruption and flags compatibility issues early. Here's exactly where to find the option in the menu and what it actually does to your card.
See what the entry-level Nikon D3500 really delivers: sample photos shot with the 18-55mm kit lens, mostly RAW and only lightly edited in Lightroom. Each caption lists the exposure details, and every image opens full size.
The D3500 shoots 1080p at up to 60fps, but at 12–36 Mbps with no mic port and no stabilization. Here's what each setting does, the clip limits, and why the record button seems dead until LiveView is on.
Getting photos and videos off a Nikon D3400 isn't obvious if it's your first DSLR. Here are three ways to do it — USB cable, memory card reader, or wireless via SnapBridge — with the upsides and catches of each.
At some point, probably sooner rather than later, you're going to want to get your photos and videos off your Nikon D3500 and edit them on you computer. So here's a straightforward guide on how to do that.
The Nikon D3500 has Bluetooth but no Wi-Fi, and its Bluetooth menu stays grayed out until you start pairing from the SnapBridge app. Here are the exact camera settings, the pairing steps, and fixes for stubborn connections.
The Nikon D3500 has no aspect ratio setting: stills are always 3:2 and video always 16:9. You can still crop to 1:1, 4:3, 5:4 or 16:9 after the shot with the Trim tool, and this covers how it works and where it falls short.
By default, the Nikon D3300's Live View will turn itself off after 10 minutes. You can bump that up to a maximum of 30 minutes. Here's how.
By default, the Nikon D5300's Live View will turn itself off after 10 minutes. You can bump that up to a maximum of 30 minutes. Here's how.
If you want to drastically improve your video quality for Zoom meetings or live streams, you don't need a dedicated webcam. Here is exactly how to connect your Nikon DSLR (including the D3000, D5000, and D7000 series) to your computer using USB or an HDMI capture card.
By default, the Nikon D5600's Live View will turn itself off after 10 minutes. You can bump that up to a maximum of 30 minutes.
By default, the Nikon D3400's Live View will turn itself off after 10 minutes. You can bump that up to a maximum of 30 minutes.
The Nikon D3500's Live View quietly shuts off after 10 minutes. Here's the exact menu path to extend it to 30 minutes, plus the limit to know: Nikon won't let you turn the timer off completely.
Even in the age of mirrorless, the 36.3MP Nikon D810 remains a favorite for its incredible base-ISO dynamic range. I’ve updated this gallery with sample images ranging from broad daylight to challenging low-light conditions to help you decide if this legendary DSLR still fits your workflow in 2026.
The Nikon D3500's USB port carries data only, so the battery has to come out and go into an external charger. Here's the MH-24 charger, the EN-EL14a battery, and how aftermarket options compare.
Unlike many cameras, the Nikon D3400 won't charge its battery over USB while it's still in the camera. Here's why, which charger and battery models you actually need (EN-EL14a, MH-24), and which aftermarket options are worth considering.
Nikon buries your shutter count in hidden photo metadata, not the camera menu — but you can pull the exact number for free in about a minute, on Mac or Windows, no software required.
The D3500 shoots 24-megapixel files, but its menu hides RAW, three JPG quality levels, and three image sizes. Here's what each setting does, when to use it, and how many photos fit on your memory card.
On the Nikon D3500, aperture changes with the rear dial in Aperture Priority, but in Manual you hold the +/- button while turning it. Here's the right method for each mode and lens, plus why S and P modes won't let you adjust it.
Changing the aperture on a Nikon D3400 depends on your lens and shooting mode. Here's exactly which dial or button to use in Aperture-Priority and Manual mode with common lenses.
If the Bluetooth option on your Nikon D3400 is grayed out, that's normal — it can only be activated through the SnapBridge app, not the camera's Bluetooth menu. Here's exactly how to pair it and fix common connection problems.
The Lv Live View toggle has moved for the Nikon D3500. Here's where to find it.
Yes, the Nikon D3400 shoots video up to 1080p60, but starting a recording isn't obvious. Here are direct answers to the video, RAW, battery, and Wi-Fi questions readers keep asking about it.
A rundown of some of the good options for batteries and chargers that are compatible with the Nikon D3500, including Nikon's own as well as some good ones from aftermarket manufacturers.
A practical guide on how to change ISO on a Nikon D3400, including manual and Auto ISO options.
Just like old-school film cameras, the Nikon D3400 has options for imprinting date and time information in the bottom corner of the photo. Here's how it works.
Remember those time and date stamps that you used to be able to get embedded in the bottom corner of your prints? The Nikon D3500 can do that too. Here's how it works.
The Nikon D3000 series (D3100 through D3500) shares the same hardware limits, so one card recommendation covers them all. Here's what the SDHC, UHS-I, and speed-class codes actually mean, and why the fastest, priciest cards on the shelf won't help your camera.
I've been out shooting with the Nikon D3400. Here's a collection of images taken across the D3400's ISO range (ISO 100 through ISO 25600) to give a sense of how it performs under low light conditions at high ISOs.
The Nikon D7200 doesn't come with a memory card as standard. But you're going to need one before you start shooting. Here are my practical recommendations on which cards to get.
The Nikon D7500 uses the EN-EL15a battery, but the original charger isn't the only option worth knowing about. Here's a hands-on look at genuine Nikon batteries and chargers alongside tested third-party picks from Wasabi, Watson, and NITECORE.
Here's a selection of photos I've taken with the D7500 to give a sense of how it performs under real-world shooting conditions.
To give a sense of the Nikon D7500's high-ISO performance, I've put together a some example photos I've taken with it at a range of ISO settings.
A guide to changing the ISO on a Nikon D7500, including an explanation of the D7500's Auto ISO feature.
The Nikon D7500 has built-in virtual horizon tools that provide a more precise alternative to the old-fashioned bubble level method of making sure you're shooting level. Here's how to use the three different versions of it.
The Nikon D7100 is a fantastic DSLR, but buying the fastest modern SD card is a waste of money. Here are the exact memory card requirements, real-world speed limits, and practical recommendations for dual-slot shooting.
The Nikon D5000 series (including the D5600, D5500, and D5300) are incredibly capable, enthusiast-level DSLRs, but they do not come with memory cards. If you are shopping for an SD card to put in yours, you will likely be steered toward the fastest, most expensive premium cards on the market. Do not buy them. Because these cameras share older internal hardware, paying for premium memory card speeds is a complete waste of money. Here is exactly what memory card you need, and how to keep your cash.
There are two methods to formatting the memory card on the Nikon D7500. One of them is obvious; one of them isn't. Here's my straightforward guide to both methods.
The Nikon D7500 is a fantastic, highly capable DSLR, but its older memory card slot means you can easily overpay for modern SD cards your camera physically cannot utilize. Here is a clear-eyed look at the D7500's exact hardware limits and the most reliable UHS-I cards to keep your camera running smoothly.
The Canon Rebel T6 (EOS 1300D, Kiss X80) can't even use the UHS-I standard, so its memory card speed is hard-capped at roughly 10 MB/s no matter what you buy. Here's exactly which SD card class you need, and why paying for a premium V90 card gets you nothing in-camera.
The Nikon D3400 doesn't offer the option to choose a different aspect ratio when taking photos, but here's a partial workaround that works for small numbers of images at a time.
A collection of photos I've taken with a Nikon D5500 to give an idea of how it performs in real-world shooting conditions.
For the past few months I've been shooting a Vello BG-N7 battery grip on a Nikon D810. It retails for only a fraction of the cost of Nikon's own battery grip. Here's my hands-on review of the Vello grip.
Taking a smartphone photo of your camera's back screen to show off menu settings usually looks terrible. If you want pristine, guide-book quality screenshots of your camera menus for a blog post or YouTube video, here is the exact HDMI-to-USB hardware setup I use to capture them cleanly.
Running low on power mid-shoot is inevitable, so here's a practical look at Nikon D3400 battery and charger options — from the stock EN-EL14a to Wasabi Power spares and USB chargers worth carrying.
The Nikon D3400 offers several ways to change ISO, from quick manual adjustments with the Fn button and dial to customizable Auto ISO behavior. Here's how each method works, and when to use it.
When you are in the middle of a shoot, stopping to dig through menus just to wipe a memory card breaks your momentum. Fortunately, Nikon built a physical, two-button shortcut into many of its professional and enthusiast DSLRs — including the D850, D810, D800, D750, and D610. In my workflow, this is the only way I format cards in the field. Here is exactly how to use the quick format shortcut.
A look at real Nikon D3400 sample photos, shot mostly RAW with the 18-55mm kit lens and 50mm prime across varied lighting, with settings listed for each shot and full-resolution versions to click through.
Nikon removed the D3400's Easy Panorama mode, so getting a seamless panorama now means shooting overlapping tiles manually and stitching them yourself. Here's the full two-step process, from camera settings to software.
The Nikon D3400 DSLR has two color space options in its settings. Here's an explanation of which to use when.
The Nikon D3400 has a number of options you can choose relating to image quality, image file formats, and size. Here's a rundown of what they mean and which is best for what.
I've been out shooting with the Nikon D5300 DSLR with a Nikon NIKKOR 18-140mm f/3.5-5.6 lens. It's a versatile combination, especially for something like travel photography. Here's a selection of images I've taken with it to give a sense of how it performs under real-world shooting conditions.
If you're finding that the autofocus isn't focusing exactly where you want it, some cameras offer calibration tools. Here's how they work.
The Canon Rebel T3i doesn't ship with a memory card, and its manual barely explains what actually works. Here's a plain-language look at SD card compatibility and practical picks for reliability, size, and value.
My name is David Coleman, and this is my site. I take photos for a living. Seven continents. Dozens of countries. Up mountains. Underwater. And a bunch of places in between. I'm based in Washington, D.C.
This site is where I post practical photography help, tips, and troubleshooting.
All posts and reviews on this site are written by me. And I only review gear with which I have personal hands-on experience. By a photographer, for photographers. More about me.
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