Picture-taking tools for serious photographers who have outgrown their starter DSLRs...or want a capable back-up for their pro rig.
Mid-range DSLRs cover a wide range, from 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 for the body only.
Initially, the things that separated mid-range from entry-level DSLRs were 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. Now, more models also record HD Video and offer features and image quality that even high-end cameras couldn’t match a few short years ago.
Features that pro DSLRs may have that most mid-range models don’t include extra durability and build, a longer-lasting shutter, and in some cases, more accurate color rendering.
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.
Here are the best mid-range DSLRs available right now:
Canon 60D
Approximately $900
Overview: There is some controversy over how to categorize the 60D, mainly because unlike its predecessor, the impressive 50D, and previous versions, the 60D takes SDHC instead of Compact Flash cards, and its build is not quite as rugged as predecessors. Is it still a mid-range camera, or a fancy entry-level model? Some X0D-series fans have decided to spend an extra grand for the even more advanced 7D, Canon’s prosumer powerhouse. However, the 60D offers many powerful features, from the 18MP sensor, in-camera RAW-to-JPEG image file conversion, improvements in HD video, and an impressive ISO range of 100-6400, expandable to 12,800. These are all features that certainly deserve the 60D’s consideration as a mid-range DSLR; the camera’s DxOMark lab test results for sensor image quality were surprisingly good and make it a very tempting camera for any enthusiast to consider.
Here’s a video walk-through of the 60D put together by Canon Europe:
The juicy details: 18MP CMOS sensor, DIGIC 4 image processor with claimed high speed and image quality, 3-inch Vari-angle LCD with 1.04 million dot resolution; 5.3fps burst rate, 58 consecutive JPEGs/16 RAW images per burst. 96% viewfinder coverage, 63-zone dual-layer metering, 9-point AF system with f/2.8 high-recision cross-type center point. Internal RAW-to-JPEG image conversion.
What’s special: A high-performance camera that rivals its full-frame pro siblings for features. And by the way, most of its competitors use SDHC cards rather than Compact Flash.
The system: Compatible with all Canon EF and EF-S lenses with full AF capability, Speedlite 430 EXII and other flash units. Comes with several software utilities.
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 (22.2 on a scale of 1-25)
Overall image quality: Very Good (66 on a scale of 1-100)
Dynamic range: Up to 11.5 stops
Surprisingly, the Canon 60D and the next step up camera, the 7D, are in a virtual tie for overall image quality—which happens to be very good. The 60D delivers the best low-light image quality of the 00D line.
The next step up: The Canon EOS 7D, for around $700 more than the 60D, is practically a pro camera. In fact, many working photojournalists and sports shooters are using it. The 7D offers a faster, more rugged body that delivers the same image quality as the 60D according to DxOMark lab tests. You are paying more for faster burst rate, greater durability, focus and exposure upgrades, better low-light performance (according to DxOMark lab tests), and greater buffer capacity and transfer speed—and you get to use your CF cards.
Nikon D7000
Approximately $1,200
Overview: Nikon has replaced its already-impressive D5000 with the D7000, a camera that represents a significant step up, bringing many new pro-end features into the enthusiast-level camera marketplace. In his review of the D7000, Jason Schneider called the D7000 a "technological tour de fource". These new features include a new 16.2MP CMOS sensor, full 1080p HD movies at 24fps, and an ISO range from 100-6400, expandable to 25,600. Burst rate, image processing and metering have been bumped up, and the camera is topped by a bright glass pentaprism optical finder for more accurate eye-level viewing. The weather-proofed D7000 also retains Nikon’s outstanding built-in wireless multi-flash control and is compatible with Nikon’s legendary selection of F-mount lenses going back to the ‘60s.
Here’s an official promotional video from Nikon showing the D7000:
The juicy details: 16.2 DX-format CMOS sensor, EXPEED 2 processor, Full HD 1080p at 24fps, up to 20-minutes of continuous video recording; 3-inch LCD with 920K dot resolution, Live View, 6fps burst rate, up to 100 JPEG images per burst; 2,016-pixel RGB 3D Color Matrix Metering II with Scene Recognition; 3D tracking AF sensor with 39 AF points including 9 cross-type points; Face Detection, ISO range 100-6400, expandable to 25,600; Dual SD memory card slots, SDXC supported; weather-proofed Magnesium-alloy body, built-in sensor cleaner, supports Nikon F, AF-S, AF-I, AF-D lens mounts.
What’s special? The video capabilities, the image quality and ISO range, the flash system, and the legendary legacy of Nikon lenses.
The System: Dozens of current Nikon lenses include some of the finest glass on the planet, hundreds of used lenses with a history of excellence. Powerful flash system includes sophisticated wireless control. Geotagging available via optional GP-1 GPS unit. Extend shooting life via Multi-Power Battery Pack MB-D80.
Lab test results (Provided by DxOMark):
Maximum ISO for acceptable image quality (digital noise): 1600
Maximum ISO for acceptable dynamic range: 3200
Color depth: Excellent (23.5 on a scale of 1-25)
Overall image quality: Excellent (80 on a scale of 1-100)
Dynamic range: Up to 13.9 stops
On all measurements, the Nikon D7000 scored higher than any other APS sensor Nikon camera, regardless of price. With a nearly 14-stop dynamic range and low light performance that easily outpaces its competition, the D7000 has the most advanced APS sensor on the market today.
Going Pro: The Nikon D300s, at $1,700, would be the next step up. The flagship of Nikon's APS-sensor DSLR line, the D300 has 51 AF points and many AF choices for fast focus acquisition, up to 8fps burst rate, making it well-suited for action photography, as well as a 12.3MP sensor and rugged magnesium-alloy construction. Wanna go higher? The full-frame D700, which costs $1,000 more, would be the next step up, but technology-wise, it's getting a bit long in the tooth (no video, for instance) and Nikon users are eagerly awaiting its replacement.
A step down: Nikon's D5100, at $800 (body only) or $900 with a kit lens gives budget-conscious Nikonians a modern sensor said to offer similar image quality to the D7000.
Pentax K5
Approximately $1,200
Overview: Clad in a body ruggedized against cold and rain, the 16MP Pentax K-5 has the distinction of currently being the best-performing high ISO/low light APS sensor DSLR on the market (although it is just barely ahead of the Nikon D7000). Directly addressing the main complaint against its predecessor, the K-7, the Pentax K-5 claims—and delivers—low-noise images at remarkably high speeds, making it a good choice for flashless low-light photography. Quick frame capture, an advanced autofocus system, full HD video with stereo sound, and internal Shake Reduction make this a serious camera for serious photography.
Here is Pentax's video introduction to the K5:
The juicy details: Sealed against cold and rain, ISO range 80-51,200, 16.3MP CMOS sensor, 7fps burst rate, 11-point AF system, shutter speeds 30-1/8000 sec, flash sync 1/180 sec, 1080p HD video capture at 25fps in Motion JPG, stereo mic jack, 77-segment metering system, 3-inch, 921k dot LCD monitor, in-camera HDR capture, electronic level, sensor shift shake reduction, claimed effective to 4 stops. Creative color modes: Bright, Natural, Portrait, Landscape, Vibrant, Muted, Monochrome, Reversal Film, Bleach Bypass - All include gamut radar and fine adjustment of saturation, hue, high/low key, contrast and sharpness (regular and fine adjustment scales). Monochrome mode includes adjustments 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).
Lab test results (Provided by DxOMark):
Maximum ISO for acceptable image quality (digital noise): ISO 1600
Maximum ISO for acceptable dynamic range: ISO 1600
Color depth: Outstanding (23.7 on a scale of 1-25)
Overall image quality: Very good (82 on a scale of 1-100)
Dynamic range: Up to 14.1 stops
The Pentax K5 just barely edges ahead of the Nikon D7000 for best low light/high ISO test results, and is the clear leader when it comes to dynamic range with an impressive 14.1 stops. Measured ISO sensitivity is within 1/3 stop of the indicated speed at all ISOs, and the signal to noise ratio really doesn’t dip into the super-grainy side until ISO 6400; if you apply software after the fact, you can probably get some pretty good shots at ISO 12800.
What’s special: The high ISO performance is exceptional. And...Pentax has made many fantastic, high-quality K-mount lenses over the years, and the K5 is compatible with all of them. You can find great Pentax lens bargains in Adorama’s used department.
The system: High-quality lineup of lenses including extremely small “pancake” prime lenses distinguish the K5—as does its rugged, weatherproof body. A trio of flashes light up the night.
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!
Going Pro: Yes, there's a pro-level Pentax DSLR, and it's a doozy: Pentax skipped right over the 35mm sensor format and produced the 645D, a medium-format camera with a 40MP, 44x33mm CCD sensor that delivers up to 7264x5440 pixel images. Designed primarily for studio and high-end wedding work, it is light enough to be a practical choice for field work. Most will balk at its $10,000 pricetag, but when compared to other medium format digital cameras, its price is so low, it's a game-changer.
Sony A-580
Approximately $750
Overview: The Sony A580 is one of the top three APS sensor DSLRs for image quality (the other two are the Pentax K5 and Nikon D7000), an amazing statement considering the camera's low price. Sony’s DNA goes back as far as any camera maker’s, and its lineup keeps getting better. 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, and because its anti-shake tech is housed within the camera, you don't have to buy a special lens to benefit from shake reduction. Sony offers many features similar to its big-name competitors' cameras at a lower price. Specs such as the 16MP sensor, 7 fps burst mode, ISO sensitivity up to 12,800 at full resolution, and full 1080p HD video at 60 frames per second are competitive with cameras costing hundreds of dollars more.
The juicy details: 16.2MP CMOS APS-C sensor; ISO range 100-12,800, extendable to 25,600; shutter speeds 30-1/4000 sec; 15-point AF sensor with 11 AF points and 4 assist points and 3 cross sensors; 1200-zone evaluative meter, up to 7fps burst mode; 1/160 sec flash sync; Video 1080p at 60, 30 or 25 fps, glass pentamirror finder, 921k dot 3-inch LCD, six creative style settings (standard, vivid, portrait, landscape, sunset, B&W), 8 scene settings, eye-start AF, up to 1050 shots per battery charge, slots for two Memory Stick or SD-SDXC memory cards.
What’s special: Outstanding image quality...and 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 simultaneously.
The system: Over 30 lenses (many produced for Sony under the Carl Zeiss moniker) an impressive wireless flash system , and all those great legacy Minolta optics.
Going pro…The Alpha 900, a 24MP marvel, and its affordable sidekick, the Alpha 850, both great studio cameras which, according to users, deliver outstanding color.
Lab test results (Provided by DxOMark):
Maximum ISO for acceptable image quality (digital noise): ISO 1600
Maximum ISO for acceptable dynamic range: ISO 1600
Color depth: Outstanding (23.8 on a scale of 1-25)
Overall image quality: Very good (80 on a scale of 1-100)
Dynamic range: Up to 13.3 stops
The A-580's image quality is impressive. It is tied with the Nikon D7000 for best overall image quality, delivering a stunning dynamic range at ISO 100 of over 13 stops (it stays over 10 stops right through ISO 1600), and its low-light ISO performance puts it in a virtual tie with the Nikon D7000 and Pentax K5.
