Best Mid-Price DSLRs 2011
- Thu, 13 Oct 2011
- Comments (3)
Best Mid-Price DSLRs 2011 (under £1000)
Best for the more demanding and experienced photographer
Looking for an affordable yet well-specified DSLR then you've come to the right place. Amid the vast range of DSLR cameras new and old, 2011 has seen some standout releases of mid-level models.
Even those top cameras from 2010 have seen their prices dip so you're never far away from a mid-priced DSLR bargain either. A step beyond the entry-level, these DSLR cameras are ideal for families, new starters or those looking for a little extra heavyweight to their features list. From budget to £639 this listing of sub-£1000 DSLRs is a great starting point to consider your purchase.
1. Nikon D5100
£599 with 18-55mm kit lens
Nikon's D5100 - as you'll likely have seen in its ongoing TV advertising campaigns - is Nikon's mid-priced DSLR star. It has widespread appeal thanks to its 3in, 921k-dot vari-angle screen and 1080p HD movie mode, but there's plenty to like on the stills front too. A 16.2MP resolution means high-resolution images can be captured in Auto, Manual or using a variety of Effects modes.
Click to read our full Nikon D5100 review...
2. Canon EOS 600D (Rebel T3i)
£639 with 18-55mm kit lensThe EOS 600D's impressive spec offers 18MP images, captured at up to 3.7fps from ISO 100-6400 (which is expandable to ISO 12,800).
The rear LCD is a 3in, 1,024k-dot resolution that separates it from the competition, and the Full HD 1080p movie capture means the 600D excels with moving image capture too. An affordable and great all-rounder that has extra appeal for higher end users too: the in-camera remote commander means off-camera flash is also possible. We like it a lot.
Click to read our full Canon EOS 600D review...
3. Pentax K-r
£398 with 18-55mm kit lens
Pentax's K-r is available in red, white or black colour schemes to add that extra splash of personality. Compact and lightweight in design and powerful enough to shoot up to 6fps when continuously shooting.
The K-r's 12.4MP sensor is great for large stills, while the 720p HD movie mode opens up moving image capture possibilities too. But best of all is its sub £400 price tag that makes it an absolute bargain!
Click to read our full Pentax K-r review...
4. Sony Alpha SLT-A55
£599 with 18-55mm kit lens
Not technically a DSLR, the A55's translucent mirror technology allots it the ‘SLT' acronym. Due to light being able to pass the mirror without the need for mechanical movement the A55 is capable of a 10fps burst mode with continuous autofocus and also benefits from full-time phase-detection live view for the first time. Very clever indeed.
Click to read our full Sony Alpha A55 review...
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Have your say!
Latest comments
January 28 22:22
Victor
What about the Pentax K7 which has a magnesium alloy weatherproof body, probably the most rugged camera on the market at this price point with an extreemly good (weath/proof) kit lense. And while everyone is talking about the Sony A55, it seems to have avoided most reviewers attention that Sony also released the A580 at the same time which shares 95% of the same features of A55 but is a conventional and extreemly high performance SLR.
October 14 22:59
bigdaveg40
The A55 is available with kit lens from Jessops etc for less than £530, there is also a £50 cashback on until x-mas, so it is now possible to buy an A55 with lens for £480. Ref the A580, it is still just about available and with it's class leading sensor, is probably the best Dslr Sony has produced,it's iq is close to the D7000 (same sensor),has the best live view system on the market & shoots at 7fps, and yet isn't even considered, it's dxo mark is the same as the D5100. When all things are considered, any chance of a group test:600d, d5100, A55 & A580 ;-) Would this "best of" also highlight something about your scoring system given that the A55 actually received a higher mark; A55=91%, 600d=88%, d5100=89% & kr=87% ?. So a Nikon, Canon one two it is then.
December 15 17:14
nat
what about the canon 60d nearlly at the same price as the 600d but much better