Digital SLRs provide photographers with full creative control over their images and can be used with a wide variety of interchangeable lenses. These five dSLRs represent the best combination of performance, features and value, and are ideal for buyers stepping up from their entry-level dSLRs or enthusiasts and advanced photographers seeking an excellent all-around performer that can be carried with them anywhere they go.
With exceptional image quality and a strong feature set, the 12.3MP Nikon D90 dSLR is the best digital SLR camera overall. Quality is on par with the Nikon D300, and it shares many advanced D300 abilities. It has a feature set well suited to both amateurs and more experienced photographers, and is the first digital SLR that can record movie clips. Whether you want great noise-free photographs or movie clips in HD (720p), this camera will get the job done. Battery life is among the best in its class, and the included kit lens offers a very usable zoom range and Nikon's vibration reduction (VR) system. Highly recommended for both tech-savvy beginners and advanced photographers.
The Nikon D5000 is an excellent choice for buyers that don’t want to shell out for the Nikon D90 but still want an SLR that packs great image quality, performance, and features for the money. This camera is far superior to the D60 and offers image quality that’s nearly on par with the D90 because it uses the same 12.3-megapixel sensor. It’s also smaller and lighter than the D90. Performance is very snappy with low shutter lag and fast shot-to-shot times. Continuous shot performance is also very good at 4 frames per second (fps). Beginners will appreciate the automatic modes that make it easy to capture great shots in almost all lighting conditions. Additionally, the menu system is very easy to use. However, there’s no top LCD, so you’ll have to use the articulating LCD in back. If you’re into shooting video, the Nikon D5000 supports 720p at 24fps. However, just like the D90, video performance leaves something to be desired, so don’t expect it to replace an HD camcorder. Overall, the Nikon D5000’s winning combination of image quality, performance, features, and value make it an easy recommendation for anyone seeking an SLR under $1000.
The Canon Rebel T1i sits a step above the immensely popular Rebel XSi in Canon’s dSLR lineup. Compared to the XSi, the T1i boasts a higher-resolution sensor (15.1-megapixel), faster performance, and a new HD movie mode. This camera delivers excellent picture quality for the price. Images are very detailed with low noise even at high ISO settings. Performance is excellent for its class, with very low shutter lag and shot-to-shot times. Beginners will appreciate fully automatic controls as well as the Creative Auto mode, which provides automatic functionality but allows users to easily make adjustments to Exposure and Background to enhance their photos. This provides more creative control without requiring the user to be an experienced photographer. This camera’s large 3.0” LCD is sharp and bright, but the viewfinder is disappointing. The Canon T1i features a movie mode with two HD shooting modes: 1920x1080 at 20fps and 1280x720 at 30fps. While the ability to shoot at 1080p is nice, video with fast motion gets choppy because of the 20fps limitation. For cleaner, smoother output, you’ll typically be better off shooting at 720p. While the movie mode still isn’t terrific, it’s superior to the Nikon D5000 or D90 and definitely a nice feature to have. Overall, the Canon T1i impresses with its excellent performance and image quality for the price. It’s definitely one of the best entry-level SLR cameras on the market.
Excellent image quality and a solid feature set great for beginners and advanced photographers alike. Performance is fast and responsive, battery life is very good, and features such as live view and 14-bit RAW image output separate the XSi from the budget dSLR crowd. The included kit lens feature image stabilization (IS) and is very light and compact, making it great for travel. The best choice for any dSLR buyer looking to spend less than $750.
Semi-pro camera from Canon that delivers terrific image quality from an ISO range of 100 to 3200. Fast performance, incredibly detailed images, and a solid Live View implementation make this dSLR an excellent choice for more experienced photographers.