The 7 Best Lightweight Dslr Camera For 2024

Scott Nelson By, Scott Nelson
Updated
Best Lightweight Dslr Camera
Best Lightweight Dslr Camera

Our Top Picks

1. Best Overall: Canon T7 DSLR Camera

Capture stunning images with the Canon T7 DSLR Camera. Its built-in Wi-Fi® and NFC capabilities ensure seamless connectivity, making it perfect for budding photographers and seasoned pros seeking versatile, high-quality performance. Read Review

2. Best For The Price: Nikon D7500 DSLR Camera

The Nikon D7500 DSLR Camera combines flagship performance with compact convenience. Its 20.9 MP DX-format sensor and EXPEED 5 processor deliver exceptional image quality, speed, and 4K video capabilities, making it a top choice for enthusiasts and professionals alike. Read Review

3. Best Autofocus: Canon 90D DSLR Camera

The Canon 90D DSLR Camera can capture anything from high-speed sporting events to everyday moments. Equipped with a 32.5 Megapixel CMOS sensor and a powerful DIGIC 8 Image Processor, this camera ensures sharp, stunning results in any setting. Read Review

4. Best Battery: Nikon D3500 DSLR Camera

The Nikon D3500 DSLR Camera offers exceptional value with its proven 24.2 MP DX-format sensor, providing richly detailed photos and Full HD movies. It’s designed for versatility, perfect for both beginners and seasoned photographers. Read Review

5. Best Compact: CANON SL3 DSLR Camera

The Canon SL3 DSLR Camera is ideal for those who need a high-quality, versatile camera without the bulk. This lightweight, compact model is perfect for capturing every moment easily and precisely. Read Review

Capturing life's precious moments requires a tool that's not just reliable, but also versatile and easy to carry. Lightweight DSLR cameras have evolved to meet these needs, offering stunning image quality and advanced features without the bulk of traditional models. Whether you're an amateur photographer venturing into the world of DSLRs or a seasoned professional seeking a portable option, these cameras provide the perfect blend of performance and convenience.

Modern lightweight DSLRs come equipped with high-resolution sensors, fast autofocus systems, and a variety of shooting modes to suit every situation. From capturing breathtaking landscapes to snapping quick street scenes, these cameras are designed to keep up with your creative pursuits. Navigating many choices can be overwhelming, but we're here to help. At Kris Van Assche, we've meticulously reviewed the top lightweight DSLR cameras of 2024, ensuring you find the perfect match for your photography needs.

Our staff had to concentrate on studying over 18 hours to acquire such outcomes for readers. As a result, we think the best lightweight dslr camera of 2024 is Canon T7 DSLR Camera. The DIGIC 4+ Image Processor enhances performance, delivering smooth gradations and reduced noise. For your convenience, We've included an in-depth buyer's guide and other excellent alternatives for you to choose the final option.

Our Top Picks

TOP Choice #1 Canon T7 DSLR Camera
Our Score:
9.8
Canon

Experience unparalleled image quality with the Canon T7 DSLR Camera. The 24.1 Megapixel CMOS (APS-C) sensor ensures crisp, vibrant images, even in low light, thanks to its ISO range of 100-6400 (expandable to 12800). The DIGIC 4+ Image Processor enhances performance, delivering smooth gradations and reduced noise. Sharing your masterpieces is effortless with built-in Wi-Fi® and NFC, allowing easy connectivity to smart devices and other Canon products.

Remote shooting capabilities add to its convenience, perfect for self-portraits or group shots. Plus, the 9-point AF system with AI Servo AF ensures precise focus, capturing every detail with stunning clarity. One minor downside is that the digital interface is a bit clunky and takes time to get used to it.

The Canon T7 is ideal for photography enthusiasts looking to upgrade from a smartphone or compact camera. Its high-resolution sensor and wide ISO range make it suitable for capturing stunning images in various lighting conditions. 

TOP Choice #2 Nikon D7500 DSLR Camera
Our Score:
9.6
Nikon

The Nikon D7500 DSLR Camera brings the power of a flagship model in a compact design. Its 20.9 MP DX-format sensor and EXPEED 5 processor provide remarkable image quality, especially in low light. Capture fast-moving subjects with 8 frames per second and 51 focus points, ensuring sharpness and clarity.

Furthermore, the improved buffer allows continuous shooting up to 100 JPEG or 50 RAW frames. 4K Ultra HD video and advanced creative tools make this camera perfect for capturing professional-quality videos and photos. The rugged design also ensures durability, while the comfortable grip enhances usability during extended shoots. The only downside is that it is a little complicated to use the first time, but you will get used to it after some use.

Enthusiasts will appreciate the camera’s speed and precision, while professionals will find its robust build and extensive capabilities ideal for demanding shoots. It’s perfect for those who need a reliable, high-performing DSLR that can handle various creative challenges.

TOP Choice #3 Canon 90D DSLR Camera
Our Score:
9.4
Canon

The Canon 90D DSLR Camera boasts a 32.5 Megapixel CMOS (APS-C) sensor, delivering clear, high-resolution images. This sensor and the DIGIC 8 Image Processor maintain sharp results even at high ISO settings. With its ability to shoot uncropped 4K 30p and Full HD 120p video, the EOS 90D captures detailed and breathtaking footage, making it ideal for recording sprawling cityscapes and more.

The Dual Pixel CMOS AF also provides fast and accurate autofocus, ensuring lifelike images with minimal noise or grain. The rugged shutter design, capable of shooting up to 10 fps during viewfinder shooting, ensures you never miss a moment. One minor drawback is that it only has one card slot.

Whether capturing fast-paced sports or detailed landscapes, this camera’s advanced features cater to those seeking high-quality results. It’s especially suitable for those who value precise autofocus and high-speed continuous shooting, ensuring every critical moment is captured.

4 Nikon D3500 DSLR Camera
Our Score:
9.3
Nikon

The Nikon D3500 features a 24.2 MP DX-format sensor, ensuring richly detailed photos and Full HD movies at up to 60p. This camera comes with a razor-sharp autofocus system and a continuous shooting speed of 5 frames per second, making it versatile for various shooting conditions. Weighing just 365g and with a compact design, it’s easy to handle and perfect for travel.

The D3500 also boasts an impressive battery life, capable of up to 1550 shots per charge. Its intuitive Guide Mode and intelligent Auto mode make it easy to learn and use, while its compact size is perfect for travel and everyday photography. The only issue is that the instructions are not very clear, but you can get more information on Youtube or the website to use it better. 

The Nikon D3500 is ideal for beginners and those transitioning from smartphone photography to DSLR. It's also suitable for budget-conscious photographers looking for a reliable and capable camera without breaking the bank.

5 CANON SL3 DSLR Camera
Our Score:
9.1
Canon

The Canon SL3 DSLR Camera is the lightest and smallest EOS DSLR in the Canon lineup, making it incredibly convenient for everyday use. This compact construction, complemented by a rounded grip, ensures comfortable handling, essential for extended shooting sessions. The SL3 features a 24.1 Megapixel CMOS (APS-C) sensor, enabling it to capture high-resolution images and beautiful 4K video with rich, dynamic colours. 

Its Dual Pixel CMOS AF system offers fast and accurate autofocus. The Eye Detection AF further enhances the camera’s capability by automatically focusing on the subjects' eyes, ensuring sharp and detailed portraits. The expansive focus area, covering approximately 88% horizontally and 100% vertically with select compatible EF lenses, provides flexibility and precision in various shooting scenarios. Nevertheless, a memory card is not included.

Ideal for hobbyists and casual photographers seeking a reliable, high-quality camera that's easy to carry around. If you love documenting your travels, family gatherings, or day-to-day adventures without lugging around a heavy camera, the Canon SL3 is a perfect match.

6 Pentax K-50 DSLR Camera
Our Score:
9.0
Pentax

The Pentax K-50 DSLR Camera boasts a 16 MP APS-C CMOS sensor that perfectly balances resolution and image quality. This high-performance sensor ensures detailed, vibrant images that cater to tours and professionals. The K-50 excels in low-light conditions with an ISO range extending up to 51200, providing impressive noise performance. Nonetheless, it can be broken if you drop it, so you need to use it carefully.

Its in-body Shake Reduction (SR) mechanism not only stabilizes images to prevent blur but also includes dust reduction to keep the sensor clean. The K-50 also supports Eye-Fi wireless SD cards, allowing for seamless image transfer to smartphones and enhancing the convenience of sharing your work on the go. It also offers full 1080p HD video recording at 30 frames per second, with efficient h.264 compression and HDR finishing options that ensure high-quality video output.

Perfect for adventurous photographers who need a rugged camera that can withstand various conditions. Its robust construction and reliable performance make it suitable for those who often find themselves in challenging shooting conditions, ensuring you never miss a moment.

7 Nikon D780 DSLR Camera
Our Score:
8.9
Nikon

The Nikon D780 DSLR Ccapturesturing detailed images with its 2backside-illuminatedinated full-frame sensor. Powered by the EXPEED 6 image processing engine, the D780 delivers stunning photo and video quality, making it an ideal choice for professional and enthusiast photographers. Its advanced low-light performance, achieving ISOs up to 51,200. The camera's Advanced Scene Recognition System further enhances accuracy by automatically adjusting settings based on scene information.

The D780 also boasts a 51-point AF system with a newly equipped autofocus algorithm from the D5, providing ultra-quick, accurate, and sharp focus. Additionally, the camera's improved 7 frames per second high-speed shooting and 12-frames-per-second silent shooting in Live View make it a reliable choice for capturing fast-moving subjects without compromising image quality. Although it may be a bit pricey, it is worth the investment.

The Nikon D780 DSLR Camera is perfect for professional photographers who demand high-quality images in various lighting conditions. It is also an excellent choice for enthusiasts looking to upgrade their gear for more advanced photography. 

A Simple Way To Choose The best lightweight dslr camera For You

Would you like to know how to select the best lightweight dslr camera to purchase in 2024? We have a straightforward solution for you. First, consider your own requirements. For instance, should you need something that could be used during workouts, look for products that are made of high-quality materials and are resistant to water.

Consider the price range next. Some people prefer low prices, while others prefer to invest additional money on better quality items, so weigh both choices once making a decision.

Eventually, reading reviews is a simple way to select the best lightweight dslr camera to buy. Please read our research below before purchasing anything and follow that guide to select your best lightweight dslr camera.

Shutter Speed

The higher the shutter speed, the more clearly an object that is moving can be photographed. Shutter speed settings are usually expressed as tenths or hundredths of a second. The photographs are more clear when the shutter speed is increased. 1/500 of a second is a good shutter speed for sports photography. A DSLR or mirrorless camera that can shoot at 1/8,000 is likely to be of assistance if you photograph car racing. Electronic shutters are even faster.

Size And Ergonomics

If you have large hands or arthritic fingers, a compact camera may not be the right choice. In addition, if your camera is too big and bulky, you would not want to take it with you. A camera's ergonomics includes more than just the physical dimensions of the camera. It also includes button position. While some small cameras may be comfortable to hold, their buttons are too close together, making operating them more difficult.

Sensor Type And Size

A sensor converts light into electronic signals to create a photograph. A larger sensor, higher megapixel count, and larger pixels are more common with bigger sensors. Bigger imaging sensors are able to capture more light. In a camera, the biggest sensor is the "full-frame" sensor in high-end DSLRs and mirrorless cameras, which is the same size as a piece of 35mm film. APS-C sensors, which are slightly smaller than full-frame sensors, are in mainstream digital SLRs and many mirrorless cameras. Bridges are smaller than APS-C sensors and smaller still. Point-and-shoot models range from small to slightly larger (but usually smaller than a mirrorless camera's sensor).

Aperture

An aperture on a lens is the size of the aperture. In more sophisticated cameras, such as DSLRs, mirrorless compact system cameras, bridge cameras, and even many point-and-shoot models, the photographer may manually adjust the aperture to adjust the amount of light that enters the imaging sensor. The aperture, which is inversely proportional to the number, such as f/2.8 or f/1.8, allows more light to enter the sensor and enables better pictures in low-light situations. Blur the background by setting the aperture to create focus on the focal point of a photo.

Megapixels/Resolution

The amount of detail captured by a camera's sensor is determined by the megapixels it contains. However, cramming more megapixels onto a sensor — especially on point-and-shoot and smartphone cameras — results in grainier photographs, especially when shooting in dim light without flash. To avoid grainy photographs, don't worry about the megapixels on your camera. If your camera has 8 megapixels or more, you're fine with a phone or point-and-shoot. Even larger cameras, which typically have 20 megapixels or more, create enough detail for large prints.

Image Stabilization

In-lens and in-body optical technology helps reduce blur caused by hand shake by either shifting an element in a lens or altering the lens itself. Camera manufacturers typically use two-axis systems to compensate for horizontal and vertical movement in higher-end point-and-shoot cameras and cameras with bridge lenses and lenses for mirrorless and DSLR cameras. Some mirrorless cameras and some high-end smartphones move the image sensor for stabilization in up to five axes (horizontal, vertical, pitch, yaw, and roll).

FAQs

What is a lightweight DSLR camera?

A lightweight DSLR camera is a digital single-lens reflex camera that is designed to be compact and easy to carry around, making it ideal for photographers who are on the go.

What are the benefits of using a lightweight DSLR camera?

Some benefits of using a lightweight DSLR camera include easier portability, less strain on your arms and shoulders during long shooting sessions, and the ability to discreetly capture photos in various environments.

Can a lightweight DSLR camera still produce high-quality images?

Yes, lightweight DSLR cameras are capable of producing high-quality images, as they often come equipped with advanced features such as high-resolution sensors, fast autofocus systems, and interchangeable lenses.

Are lightweight DSLR cameras suitable for professional photographers?

While lightweight DSLR cameras may not have all the features and capabilities of larger, more expensive DSLR cameras, they can still be suitable for professional photographers who prioritize portability and convenience.

What should I consider when choosing a lightweight DSLR camera?

When choosing a lightweight DSLR camera, consider factors such as image quality, autofocus speed, battery life, lens compatibility, and additional features like built-in Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connectivity.

Can I use different lenses with a lightweight DSLR camera?

Yes, most lightweight DSLR cameras are compatible with a wide range of lenses, allowing you to customize your setup based on your specific photography needs and preferences.

Conclusion

We hope this blog has provided you with useful information about selecting the best lightweight dslr camera to buy. If you're still unsure, consider why you're purchasing a product in the first place.

Here you can select the Nikon D780 DSLR Camera if you are unable to select one of the available items above. Consider whether any of our suggestions aided you in deciding which products to purchase. Please do not hesitate to contact us at any time!


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About Scott Nelson

Scott Nelson

Scott Nelson is a freelance writer who specializes in camping and wildlife topics for CampFireHQ. He has written for several outdoor magazines and websites, and he enjoys nothing more than spending a weekend in the woods with his family. Scott is an experienced camper and backpacker, and he has also spent considerable time studying the behavior of bears and other large mammals.

Read Scott's full bio