Camera price buster: DSLR camera best buys

Save money without compromising on quality

One of the biggest pitfalls when buying a new DSLR is the rate at which new models become old ones. Whereas this used to be measured in years it's now often just a matter of months before a new model supersedes what went before it.

The good news is that this means many perfectly capable and fully-featured DSLRs can be picked up for a bargain price once they are no longer the newest kid on the block.

Here are five such models, all of which earned a coveted What Digital Camera ‘Recommended' or ‘Gold' badge when first reviewed. Better still, the price for all of the cameras has fallen considerably since they were first launched, and are now some of the current digital cameras best buys on the market today. So if you are looking for a great camera and want to save lots of money then look no further.

NB. Before you buy, also check out our related arcticle: Camera price buster: Guide to getting a bargain on your photography equipment

Nikon D90

Read our review of the Nikon D90

Price: £649 with 18-105mm lens
Our rating: 91%

Overview:

Sensor: 12.3MP
Shooting modes: PASM, Auto, Scene
ISO Range: 200-3200 (ext to 6400)
Video mode: Yes, 720p HD @ 24fps
Image Stabilisation: Lens-based
LCD: 3in, 920k-dot
Size: 132 x 103 x 71.7mm
Weight: 620g

The Nikon D90 became the first DSLR to offer HD video recording when it was launched at the end of 2008.

Although its 720p at 24fps credentials might have been bettered by more recent models, the D90 remains a solid all-round performer.

Benefiting from much of the technology found in Nikon's D3 model the Nikon D90 performs well in low-light situations, with noise well controlled throughout the ISO range. Exposures are generally consistent and balanced, and high-contrast scenes are well catered for by Nikon's Active D-Lighting technology.

It also offers a huge range of customisation along with several advanced features such as inbuilt wireless flash operation. Combine all this with an extended 18-105mm VR kit lens and you have a very attractive package at a great price.

Nikon D90 image quality: See images taken with the Nikon D90 

Pentax K-5

Read our review of the Pentax K-5

Price: £749 body only
Our rating: 90%

Overview:

Sensor: 16MP
Shooting modes: PASM, Auto, Cust, Scene
ISO Range: 100-51,200
Video mode: Yes, 1080p HD
Image Stabilisation: Sensor-based
LCD: 3in, 921k-dot
Size: 97 x 131 x 73mm
Weight: 660g (body only)

Pentax's K-5 gives the likes of the Nikon D7000 a run for its money. In fact this Pentax is one of the best APS-C DSLRs we've ever seen, and the fact its body-only price has been cut so low is quite astonishing - pick up a DSLR bargain while there's still the time!

The K-5 has a 16-megapixel sensor that produces stunning images and the camera has an ISO range that can push as far as ISO 51,200 at full size (though we'd recommend sticking with images at up to ISO 6400 max for better quality). Add a weather-sealed body for rugged use, a 7fps burst mode and a fantastic  11-point AF system and the K-5 is sure to not let you down.

Pentax K-5 image quality: See images taken with the Pentax K-5

Sony Alpha SLT-A33

Read our review of the Sony Alpha SLT-A33

Price: £399 body only
Our rating: 89%

Overview:

Sensor: 14.2MP
Shooting modes: PASM, Auto, Scene
ISO Range: 100-12,800
Video mode: Yes,1080i50
Image Stabilisation: Sensor-based SteadyShot Inside
LCD: 3in, 921k-dot vari-angle
Size: 124.4 x 92 x 84.7mm
Weight: 433g (body only)

While Sony's SLT (Single Lens Translucent) system isn't technically a DSLR, it's external design is very similar. The main difference is that the SLT-A33 has an electronic (not optical) viewfinder, but has the benefit of continuous autofocus while burst shooting that DSLRs aren't capable of to quite this extent. The A33's 7fps burst mode is rather impressive indeed, especially considered in price context.

The A33 undoubtedly opens new doors at the entry-level of the market and is an innovative, super-fast and top quality camera that feels much the same as using a DSLR camera. The tilt-angle LCD is a nice touch, adding a useful dimension to creative framing.

Sony Alpha SLT-A33 image quality: See images taken with the Sony Alpha SLT-A33

Canon EOS 5D mkII

Read our review of the Canon EOS 5D mkII

Price: £1549 body only
Our rating: 92%

Overview:

Sensor: 21.1MP
Shooting modes: PASM, Auto, Cust
ISO Range: 100-6400 (extendable to 25,600)
Video mode: 1080p HD with manual controls
Image Stabilisation: Lens-based where applicable
LCD: 3in, 921k-dot
Size: 152 x 113.5 x 75mm
Weight: 810g

Ok, so the 5D mkII may not be 'cheap' by many standards, but around £1500 for a full-frame camera is astonishingly good value. Plus the 5D mkII is an astonishing camera for both stills and video - for the latter it remains unrivalled in the DSLR sector and has been used to shoot professional movies and TV shows. 

The 5D mkII's 21.1 full-frame sensor and DIGIC 4 processor deliver exceptional image quality through its ISO 100-25,600 range, plus the 9-point autofocus is on the money. 

If you've been thinking about going full-frame for a while then this is one way of doing it not only on a budget, but in style.

Canon EOS 5D mkII image quality: See images taken with the Canon 5D mkII