With the cameras in our phones getting better every year, you might be wondering if it’s still worth buying a DSLR camera. But if you truly want the best in image quality, the professional standard and complete versatility of a DSLR is second-to-none. Here are five reasons why…

1. They’re the best for image quality

There’s a variety of lenses to choose from for a DSLR, so you’ll always be able to get the highest quality pictures, whether it’s a stunning portrait or a scenic shot of the wilderness.

While smartphone cameras are improving and appearing to get closer to producing the same ‘image quality’ as a high-end camera, they will always be a step behind because the sensor technology for DSLR cameras is being improved at an equally fast pace. Plus, we can’t see anyone attaching a huge lens to the end of their handsets anytime soon!

It’s not just pictures either. If you’re an avid vlogger or aspiring YouTuber, you can record your videos in better quality than with a phone.

For a camera that’s fast, full of flair and ready to help you on your photography adventures, the Canon EOS 800D is a stunning piece of kit. Its 24MP sensor makes it perfect for packing as much detail into your images as possible, as well as Full HD videos that bring the action to life.

2. You can shoot a wide range of subjects

We know, we know, your phone has an ‘automatic’ setting which makes the best of the scene it’s presented with, but it can only do so much with the lens it’s got.

With a DSLR, you get to decide which lens is perfect for which shot, giving you a much wider range of options when you’re out and about. They’ve got automatic settings too though, so there’s still some assistance with stopping those beautiful sights coming out blurry in the shot.

There are different lenses available for different types of shot, but it’s easy to get started with the standard lens you get with most cameras.

They’re already great for a wide range of subjects, from landscapes to portraits and candid photos. And once you’re comfortable, it might be time to start branching out with your photography to see what you can do with other lenses.

A macro lens, for example, is perfect if you love taking photos of things up-close, whereas a telephoto lens provides a high level of magnification for subjects that are far away – very popular with people who want to photograph things you can’t get too close to.

The Canon EOS 4000D comes with two lenses included, one standard and one telephoto, so it’s ideal if you want to start snapping away in a variety of scenes as soon as you get your hands on it.

The guided modes will help you build your confidence too, with on-screen previews and advice on which settings you should be using.

3. The best battery for long shooting sessions

Let’s face it: battery woes are a frustrating part of our lives, and if you’ve ever spent a bit of time using your phone to take photos, you’ll know just how quickly that dreaded ‘Low Battery’ message pops up.

That’s where a DSLR can come to the rescue. Even their mirrorless counterparts can’t keep up. A DSLR will go a full day or more with 1,000+ shots, whereas a mirrorless camera would need around three batteries to do this. So, you can capture every moment throughout the day without worrying about losing power.

And, when you’ve got a camera like the Nikon D7500 it’s no surprise you’d want it to last all day. It’s got a standard zoom lens included so you can get going right out of the box, and the tilting LCD touchscreen means you can shoot from unique angles and see exactly what’s going on.

4. More durable for outdoor use

Dust, water, ice, the elements aren’t easy to deal with when it comes to technology unless they’re specifically designed for it.

The great thing about a DSLRs is that they’re usually weather-sealed and built like tanks, so you can take them anywhere and you won’t have to worry too much about the heavens opening above you or it getting knocked and broken.

Lenses aren’t always made with the same considerations though, so make sure to take care when carrying them about – a protective camera bag should do the trick.

They’re not just durable when it comes to the outdoors though, they’ll stand up to a ton of use as well. Some entry-level DSLRs have been tested where the shutter will last 100,000 clicks, whereas more premium cameras can go for as high as 400,000 clicks. So, it’s unlikely you’ll break your camera due to using it too much!

5. The fastest shutters for the sharpest images

Controlling the shutter is slowly becoming a possibility with smartphone cameras, but a DSLR will still reign king when it comes to full control.

You know those pictures of waterfalls where the water looks all smoky and atmospheric? That’s not done with fancy photoshopping; you can achieve it by simply holding the shutter open for longer.

But when you want just the opposite, and want to capture sharp pictures of moving objects, you need a shutter that’s fast. And you generally won’t find one faster than in a DSLR.

Have a look through our full-range of DSLR cameras to find one that’s perfect for you.