Best DSLR Cameras
With the growing number of camera formats, one type sits above all others when it comes to quality - the digital single lens reflex, or DSLR camera.
The format preferred by professional photographers is available to consumers at a slight premium, but a DSLR can produce excellent results and crisp, vivid images. Interchangeable lenses mean they can grow with you as your technique develops and more serious photographers can add to their basic camera body with additional accessories and use the manual setting as they become more advanced photographers.
What is the best DSLR camera to buy?
Pentax K-r
07 March 2011
The Pentax K-r sits in an odd position. It's a step up model from a totally entry level DSLR with its high-resolution screen, 11 focus points, and fast performance, but yet it lacks Full HD video (only HD Ready) and has a lower-resolution sensor than some other mid-range models. It also has some other idiosyncrasies. While it does have in-body image stabilisation and the ability to use AAs in place of its standard battery, it doesn't have an external mic input for video or an HDMI output. The result is a camera that's a very versatile choice at its price point for just pure still image shooting, and would actually be our choice on that point alone, but that's not an all rounder when it comes to video.
Read the full Pentax K-r review
- Our rating:
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8/10
Nikon D7000
13 January 2011
The D7000 is a fantastic step up camera for those who have outgrown entry level digital SLRs or for those who want to upgrade from older mid-range models, with the advantage this time around of a bang up-to-date feature set for the Nikon range; the obvious advantages of Full HD video and optional extras such as GPS making it a true tool for the multimedia age. It's also a sensible option for those amateur enthusiasts who land the odd paid job now and again, but who wouldn't want (or necessarily need) all the extras, nor expense, of an actual pro DSLR. Inevitably in a review of this length we can only touch on our own personal highlights, and suffice to say, lack of angle adjustable LCD aside, there is plenty of scope to get as much out of this camera as creative imagination will allow.
Read the full Nikon D7000 review
- Our rating:
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9/10
Nikon D5100
11 May 2011
The Nikon D5100 provides several notable upgrades over the D5000 making it, in our opinion, a far more attractive package than its predecessor was at launch. Significantly smaller and lighter, it’s also easy to use and capable of delivering consistently good results. Our only quibbles, such as they are, are fairly minor and limited to the exclusion of useful advanced entry-level tools such as the ability to the pop-up flash as a wireless commander and the omission of a depth-of-field preview button. Both of these would ultimately prove more useful and give the camera more longevity than any of the Special Effects shooting modes. Overall though, the D5100 is a great camera to use that’s capable of delivering stunning images. If you’re in the market for an advanced entry-level DSLR be sure to add it to your shortlist.
Read the full Nikon D5100 review
- Our rating:
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8/10
Canon EOS 600D
19 April 2011
Given that the twelve-month-old 550D is set to remain in production for the time being as a kind of kid brother to the 600D, is the newer model worth the extra £150 or so? Well, of course, that very much depends on your priorities. If an articulated screen is at the top of your must-have feature list, then only the 600D can deliver this. In many other respects, however, the 600D is much the same camera as the 550D. That’s not to do the 600D down in any way. The new model adds some improvements and refinements to what was already a very good camera. Movie recording issues aside, the 600D remains a well specified and easy-to-use entry-level digital SLR that delivers consistently good results. As with all new models we’d expect the street price to fall a bit before long, at which point it’s definitely a camera that deserves to be on your shortlist.
Read the full Canon EOS 600D review
- Our rating:
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8/10
Panasonic Lumix G3
24 May 2011
Overall, we’re mightily impressed by the specifications, performance and overall image quality of the G3. There are a couple of niggling omissions but nonetheless we’re confident enough to say that it’s Panasonic’s best G-series model yet. If you're looking to buy into the micro system camera genre, you should definitely consider the G3.
Read the full Panasonic Lumix G3 review
- Our rating:
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9/10
Sony Alpha SLT-A35
19 August 2011
While attention is naturally drawn to the super-fast AF and continuous shooting abilities of the A35, what really impresses is overall image quality. Sony has made great strides with its Exmor sensors, and the result here is a camera that performs exceptionally well in low light, producing images with plenty of contrast and punch straight from the camera. The big question is whether you can live with the EVF and its inherent flaws. If you can then the A35 remains worthy of serious consideration.
Read the full Sony Alpha SLT-A35 review
- Our rating:
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8/10
Canon EOS 1100D
20 July 2011
The EOS 1100D is a competent entry-level DSLR that currently offers the cheapest way into the Canon DSLR system. Fairly easy to use and able to produce consistently good image quality there isn't much that's inherently wrong with the 1100D. Yes, the shiny plastic finish doesn't score highly in the style stakes and the small, low-resolution LCD monitor isn't much of a selling point either, however the camera itself remains solid enough. If you're a firs-time DSLR buyer and really want to get on board with Canon then it may well be worth saving up a bit more and lavishing it on the 550D - it might be a year older, but for the extra £100 or so, it's also quite a bit more camera. If your budget can't stretch that far then the 1000D remains a decent enough camera to learn the ropes with.
Read the full Canon EOS 1100D review
- Our rating:
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7/10
