Best Enthusiast DSLRs 2012: our pick of the best enthusiast DSLRs currently on the market...

Mon, 8 Oct 2012
Audley Jarvis

Enthusiast DSLRs – our pick of the best enthusiast DSLRs currently on the market…

Best Enthusiast DSLRs 2012

Enthusiast DSLRs: our pick of the top five advanced DSLRs for enthusiast or even semi-pro photographers...

Enthusiast level DSLRs - sometimes also referred to as ‘semi-pro' or ‘prosumer' DSLRs - are DSLRs that not only produce great image quality, but also deliver an advanced feature set that enthusiasts can use to advance their DSLR skills with. Unlike entry-level or even mid-range DSLRs, the best enthusiast DSLRs also tend to ‘borrow' more features and technology from much more expensive professional-grade models higher up the range. Whether that's a faster continuous shooting speed, the ability to trigger off-camera flash, or just tougher build quality all the best enthusiast DSLRs aim to deliver a serious package for serious enthusiasts.

There's a wide choice of enthusiast DSLRs on the market, and with price drops throughout 2012 many of them are more affordable than ever. With that in mind here are our top five best enthusiast DSLRs of 2012...

1. Nikon D7000

£700 body only

Released at the tail-end of 2010, Nikon's D7000 went on to pick up a number of awards, including both the TIPA and EISA ‘advanced DSLR of the year' categories. Built around an 16.2MP APS-C CMOS sensor, the D7000 also benefits from 100% viewfinder coverage, 6fps continuous shooting, Full 1080p HD movie recording and a 3in, 920k-dot LCD screen. Even though the D7000 will shortly be celebrating its second birthday it remains a whole lot of camera for £700.

Click to read our full Nikon D7000 review...

2. Pentax K-5 II

£800 body only

The K-5 II replaces the 18-month-old K5 as Pentax's flagship DSLR. Inside, the K5 II uses a newly developed 16.2MP CMOS sensor alongside an all-new SAFOX X autofocus module with 11 individual AF points. In addition, the K-5 is also weather-sealed at 77 individual points to keep out the elements. For those seeking a DSLR that can be used in all weathers and conditions, the K-5 II looks to have it nailed.

Click to view our Pentax K-5 II hands-on preview...

3. Canon 60D

£900 body only

Launched in the winter of 2012, the 60D was designed to bridge the gap between the advanced entry-level 550D and semi-pro 7D models. Built around an 18MP APS-C CMOS sensor and Canon's own DIGIC 4 image processor, the 60D also benefits from a 9-point AF system, Full HD movie capture and a top continuous shooting speed of 5.3fps. On the back of the camera there's also a 3in/ 1.04m-dot vari-angle screen that can be pulled away and rotated to help with shooting from extreme angles - or even around corners!

Click to read our full Canon 60D review

4. Sony Alpha SLT-A77

£1000 body only

Those looking for super-fast shooting need look no further than the A77 with its class-leading 12fps. While there's no optical viewfinder, the A77 does offer a 2.4million-dot OLED electronic viewfinder that remains one of the best we've used. Image quality from the 24.3MP APS-C CMOS sensor is excellent, with the camera resolving plenty of fine detail. Elsewhere, you'll find features aplenty with 1080p Full HD video recording, Sony's excellent Sweep Panorama and HDR Auto all present and correct.

Click to read our full Sony Alpha SLT-A77 review...

5. Canon EOS 7D

£1070 body only

Ok so it's couple of years old now, but even by the high standard of recent releases from Canon the 7D remains a great camera. Built around an APS-H 18MP CMOS sensor the 7D is capable of fantastic image quality, while the 19 cross-type AF points ensure accurate autofocus at up to 8fps. Full 1080p HD movie recording and a magnesium alloy body with moisture sealing polish off what is an excellent all-round package.

Click to read our full Canon EOS 7D review...

If you still need help choosing the best semi-pro DSLR for your needs you may want to read our buying a DSLR article