DSLR Best Buys – four DSLR best buy bargains

Save money without compromising on quality

One of the biggest pitfalls when buying a new DSLR - or indeed any digital camera - 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 four 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 listed below has fallen considerably since they were first launched, which makes them some of the DSLR 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.

 

Nikon D90

Read our review of the Nikon D90

Price: £575 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

It might seem a bit old hat now, but back in 2008 when the D90 first hit the shelves it was widely lauded as the first ever DSLR to offer HD video recording. Of course, the D90's maximum 720p HD movie capabilities are almost universally bettered by more recent DSLRs, however in all other areas the D90 remains a solid performer.

Benefiting from much of the technology found in the Nikon D3 the Nikon D90 performs impressively 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 built-in wireless flash operation. Given that the D90 cost close to £900 body-only at launch the fact that you can now get it, along with an 18-105mm VR stabilised lens thrown in for less that half that makes it great value.

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

Pentax K-5

Read our review of the Pentax K-5

Price: £680 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)

Launched at the end of 2010, the Pentax K-5 is more than able to give the likes of the Nikon D7000 a run for its money. In fact the K-5 is one of the best APS-C DSLRs we've ever tested - certainly the best enthusiast level DSLR that Pentax has ever made.

The K-5 is built around a 16-megapixel sensor that produces stunning images and the camera has an ISO range that can push as far as ISO 51,200 equivalent at full size (though we'd recommend staying below ISO 6400 for better image quality). Add a weather-sealed body for outdoors use in inclement weather, a 7fps burst mode and a fantastic 11-point AF system and the K-5 adds up to a great package.

Best of all though, having now been replaced by the K-5 II, the original K-5 has seen its street price fall from around £950 (body only) at launch to around £680 now.

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

 

Canon EOS 5D Mk II

Read our review of the Canon EOS 5D mkII

Price: £1499 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 Mk II may not be 'cheap' by many standards, but around £1500 for a full-frame camera is still pretty good value - with only the recently launched Nikon D600 coming close at around £1600. In any case, the 5D Mk II is an astonishing camera for both stills and video.

The 5D Mk II's 21.1MP 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 Mk II image quality: See images taken with the Canon 5D mkII

Nikon D5100 

Read our review of the Nikon D5100

Price: £400 with 18-55mm lens
Our rating: 89%

Overview:

Sensor: 16.2MP
Shooting modes: PASM, Auto, Scene, Effects, Flash Off
ISO Range: 100-6400 (extendable to 25,600)
Video mode: 1080p Full HD @ 30fps
Image Stabilisation: Lens-based where applicable
LCD: 3in, 921k-dot
Size: 128 x 97 x 79mm
Weight: 560g

Launched in the spring of 2011, the D5100 is built around the same 16.2MP APS-C CMOS sensor that's used in the more expensive D7000. Despite this the D5100 is essentially a mid-range model, and as such was designed to offer a step up from the now discontinued D3100.

One of the big highlights of the D5100 is its side-hinged vari-angle 3in screen that offers a crisp 921k-dot display. In addition the D5100 also offers 1080p Full HD video recording capabilities, a fast and responsive 11-point autofocus system that can be set to remain active while video is being captured and a range of built-in digital effects filters with which to spice up your imahes. Still image quality impresses too, with the D5100 delivering impressive results at higher ISO settings.

All in all the D5100 offers a very solid package - and given that the street price has fallen from £800 at launch to around £400 (including a 18-55mm kit zoom) now, it's nothing short of a bargain. Hurry, while it's still on the shelves!

Nikon D5100 image quality: See images taken with the Nikon D5100