Mid-range DSLRs include cameras that offer something more than an entry-level model to cameras that borrow heavily from advanced siblings that are designed for professional use. They range in price from the high-hundreds to mid-$1,000.
Features that mid-range DSLRs have that most entry-level cameras lack may include a PC outlet to accommodate studio flash, a faster burst rate (usually more than 3fps), a higher-resolution LCD monitor, and a pentaprism viewfinder instead of a pentamirror finder. Metering is usually more sophisticated, as are the choices for the user.
Features that pro DSLRs may have that most mid-range models don’t include extra durability and build, a longer-lasting shutter,
While you don’t have to understand exposure to use a mid-range DSLR—all models offer an auto version so you can just point and shoot—it would be a waste of the camera’s many talents to not understand its inner workings and put that knowledge to use. That requires basic exposure knowledge.
NEW FEATURE: What are the "Test results"?
Test results are a new feature to this article, and are based on objective measurements provided by DxOMark's state-of-the art camera test facility, with their permission.
Each camera's sensor's RAW image output is measured for color depth (which indicates how smooth the transitions are between colors), dynamic range (the range of visible detail in shadows through bright highlights in the same scene), and low-light ISO. Low-light ISO determines which is the highest ISO that will produce acceptable levels of digital noise in an image. I present the data along with an explanation which is intended to help you understand each camera's performance. This is useful information especially when considering this category of cameras
Here are the best mid-range DSLRs available right now:
Overview: The most advanced camera to be categorized as “mid-range,” the Canon EOS 50D is impressive both inside and out. Sporting a new, super-fast image processor and 15.1 MP sensor, the camera offers Live View, a high-resolution 3-inch LCD monitor, sensor cleaning, minimal shutter lag, accurate autofocus and sophisticated exposure. An HDMI output allows users to view images on an HDTV. It even has a mode that corrects for lens vignetting.
The juicy details: 15.1 MP live-view CMOS sensor with Digic 4 image processor. 3-inch 920,000 dots/VGA LCD viewfinder, face detection, 9 cross-type AF sensors, Lens Peripheral Illumination Correction fixes lens vignetting, Self Cleaning Sensor unit plus auto mapping and dust delete. 35-zone TTL full-aperture metering, evaluative, partial, spot and center-weighted metering. Manual and all auto exposure modes. ISO range 100-6400. Exposure compensation to 3 stops, shutter speeds 30-1/800 sec, 6.3 fps burst. Remote view allows shooting while tethered to computer.
Lab test results (Provided by DxOMark):
Maximum ISO for acceptable image quality (digital noise): ISO 800
Maximum ISO for acceptable dynamic range: ISO 800
Color depth: Excellent (21.8 on a scale of 1-25)
Overall image quality: Very good (62.9 on a scale of 1-100)
The EOS 50D offers typically very good image quality for cameras in its price range. Acceptable images with a smooth range of colors are attainable up to ISO 800.
What’s special: A high-performance camera that rivals its full-frame pro siblings for features.
The system: Extensive range of Canon EF and EF-S lenses, Speedlite 430 EX and other flash units with wireless capability. Comes with several software utilities.
Going pro: The next step would be the Canon EOS 5D or the new 5D Mark II, which is pro in everything but name. Because it’s a full-frame camera, if you aniticipate upgrading in the future we recommend buying lenses that are compatible with full-frame cameras only to ease the transition.
Overview: The first DSLR with video capture, the D90 will appeal to serious hobbyists as a step-up camera that shares many features found on its more advanced siblings. Fast burst rate, a sophisticated exposure tools, low noise, and a 3-inch LCD screen with more than three times the resolution of screens found on lower-end cameras are among the major features. This 12MP camera is a technological tour de force.
The juicy details: 12.3 megapixel DX-format CMOS imaging center coupled with Nikon’s fastest (so far) imaging processor means a burst rate of 4.5 frames per second, 65ms shutter lag, and 0.15ms power-up. Cinematic mode captures 24fps HD movies with sound. 3-inch LCD screen is 920,000 dots meaning very high quality playback. Live view; Image sensor has built-in cleaner, which reduces dirt and spots on images. 11-point AF system; 3D Color Matrix Metering II evaluates images, Scene Recognition System compares scene to database of 30,000 scenes, for best exposure. In-camera image editing includes distortion control, D-Lighting (which compensates for detail loss in shadows), red-eye reduction among many other abilities.
Lab test results (Provided by DxOMark):
Maximum ISO for acceptable image quality (digital noise): ISO 800
Maximum ISO for acceptable dynamic range: ISO 1600
Color depth: Excellent (22.7 on a scale of 1-25)
Overall image quality: Very good (72.6 on a scale of 1-100)
On almost all criteria, the Nikon D90 performed better than any other camera in its price range in objective image quality tests, making it an excellent value.
What’s special? The video. Just imagine the kind of movies you can shoot using Nikon’s legendary lenses!
The System: Nikon lenses, ranging from fisheyes to long-reach sports teles, include some of the finest glass on the planet. Powerful flash system includes sophisticated wireless control. Geotagging available via optional GP-1 GPS unit (coming soon). Extend shooting life via Multi-Power Battery Pack MB-D80.
Going Pro: The Nikon D3 and D700 would be the next step up, and it’s a big one because both of these cameras have full-frame sensors. Any DX-only lenses would need to be upgraded. If you are considering going pro, the lenses you buy for the D90 should be usable on full-frame DSLRs to make the transition easier in the future.
Price Alert! Nikon has just dropped the price of the D90 by nearly $150, leading us to believe that it may be discontinued soon. Grab it while you can!
Overview: The Olympus E-30 bears some resemblance to the pro-level E-3, but combines some of the entry-level E-520's consumer-friendly features. It has in-camera image stabilizatino, double exposure capabilities (a rarity for a digital camera), face detection, Olympus's effective sensor dust reduction technology, live view (which lets you see the picture live via the LCD monitor, just like with a compact camera, and a flip-out 2.7-inch LCD monitor. But what really sets this 12.3-megpixel camera apart is the 6 built-in "art" filters, which let you get really creative.
The juicy details: The TruePic III+ image processor has been upgraded and the 12.3MP sensor uses an amplifier circuit that is said to minimize noise. RAW and JPEG capture in 9 aspect ratios, 11-point autofocus, phase detection AF using twin cross sensor, supersonic wave drive technology for fast AF speed. Other features include four-thirds mount, ISO range 100-3200, EV compensation to +/- 5 stops in 1/3, 1/2, 1 EV steps, ISO and Exposure bracketing, 60-1/8000 sec shutter speed range, up to 5 fps burst rate, 1/250 sec flash synch speed.
What's Special: Olympus offers a great line of small, innovative cameras. Many features found on today's Olympus, such as its new generation of wireless flash, which lets you control up to 99 units at once, will eventually be duplicated by other camera makers.
The system: Growing line of Olympus Four Thirds system lenses offers excellent value. The extensive Olympus Wireless flash system now lets users control up to 99 flash units from one camera. Underwater Housing PT-E05 allows submersion down to 130 feet.
Lab test results (Provided by DxOMark):
Maximum ISO for acceptable image quality (digital noise): ISO 500
Maximum ISO for acceptable dynamic range: ISO 800
Color depth: Excellent (21.3 on a scale of 1-25)
Overall image quality: Good (54.8 on a scale of 1-100)
The Olympus E-30 produced very good color depth, and average overall image quality for its class. Image quality starts to degrade by ISO 400.
Overview: A great bang-for-the-buck camera, the 14.6MP K7 is a rugged, compact camera that offers several features that are first-in-category, or best-in-category. Notable is the camera’s unique ability to combine three shots taken in rapid succession at different exposures for in-camera High Dynamic Range photography—a feature that has already gained it a cult following since it hit the shelves in late June. An unusually high-definition LCD monitor, a souped-up processor, and HD video at 30 frames per second mean this camera can officially play with the Big Boys.
The juicy details: 14.6MP CMOS APS-D sized sensor, built-in Shake Reduction, 3-inch 921,000 dot LCD monitor. Shutter speeds up to 1/8000 sec, EV compensation up to +/-5 EV (used in conjunction with auto exposure bracketing gives HDR mode 17-stop range), ISO 100-3200, 77-segment multisegment metering, 5.2 fps burst mode up to 40 continuous JPEGs and 15 RAW; unlimited JPEGs ant 3.3 fps. 1024p, 720p HD video resolutions at 30 fps.
Digital filters: Custom Image Function includes Bright, Natural, Portrait, Landscape, Vibrant and Muted modes, each with gamut radar and fine adjustment of saturation, hue, high/low key, contrast and sharpness (regular and fine adjustment scales). Monochrome mode includes adjustment for filter effects (green, yellow, orange, red, magenta, blue, cyan, infrared), toning (sepia warm/cool), high/low key, contrast and sharpness (regular and fine adjustment scales). Other capture filters include Toy Camera, Retro, High Contrast, Extract Color, Soft Focus, Starburst, Fisheye, Custom Filter.
What’s special: Pentax has made many fantastic, high-quality K-mount lenses over the years, and the K7 is compatible with all of them. You can find great Pentax lens bargains in Adorama’s used department. And with a 17-stop dynamic range, this camera can be a game-changer.
The system: High-quality lineup of lenses including extremely small “pancake” prime lenses distinguish the K7—as does its rugged, weatherproof body. A trio of flashes light up the night.
Lab test results (Provided by DxOMark):
Not available yet.
Going pro: Alas, no pro option for Pentax users but this is one of the more advanced cameras in the “Mid-Range DSLR” class with features some pros may be envious of!
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Sony Alpha A-380
Price with 18-55mm and 55-200mm kit lenses: approximately $900. Get current pricing |
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Overview: Sony may be a new name on the SLR block, but its DNA goes back as far as any camera maker’s. A few years ago, Sony bought out Minolta’s camera assets and hired some of its engineers to continue the line. In fact, the Sony Alpha line uses the Minolta Maxxum mount, which recently celebrated its 20th anniversary. The a380, which replaces the a350, is a rugged 14MP DSLR with live view on its 2.7-inch LCD monitor, an advanced image processing system that boasts rich tonal reproduction and dynamic range. There are a lot of under-the-hood innovations that add up to a powerhouse of a camera for a near-entry-level price.
The juicy details: 14.2MP CCD APS-sized sensor, continuous shooting while viewing, in-camera stabilization, Bionz image processor offers expanded D-range optimizer, integrated on-screen Help Guide, 1200-zone evaluative metering divides image into 1200 zones of luminance and RGB color info to determine optimum exposure. Eye-start AF activated when you bring camera to eye; 9-point center cross AF sensor, function guide display, 4-segment multipattern metering, wireless flash with HVL-F56AM and F42AM flash units; shutter speeds 30-1/4000 sec., ISO 100-3200, up to 2.5 fps burst rate, HDMI terminal for playback on HDTV, anti-dust technology.
What’s special: Compatibility with all Minolta Maxxum mount lenses going back 20-plus years, water resistance, sophisticated exposure system. Dual slot let you store images on Sony’s proprietary Memory Stick and standard SD/SDHC memory cards simulataneously.
Lab test results (Provided by DxOMark):
Not available yet.
What's special: Compatibility with all Minolta Maxxum mount lenses going back 20-plus years, water resistance, sophisticated exposure system.
The system: Over 30 lenses (many produced for Sony by Carl Zeiss), an impressive wireless flash system, and all those great legacy Minolta optics.
Going pro: The Alpha 900, a 24MP marvel, was introduced last year to mixed reviews, but the response has been kinder to the newer Alpha 850, which offers nearly everything the 900 does, but for a more affordable $2,000.
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