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If you’ve been looking for ways to take your photography to the next level, chances are you’re already considering a digital single-lens reflex (DSLR) camera.
DSLRs offer three main advantages over smaller point-and-shoot cameras and smartphones: 1. Higher-quality, larger image sensors for sharper photos. 2. Manual control over shutter speed, aperture and ISO, three settings that work together to control the how bright or dark a picture is, as well as change the overall look of the image. 3. The option to change lenses to suit the scene and subject.
Though there is a DSLR available at almost any price point and for any technical level, here are five cameras designed for the advanced enthusiast or someone who knows his or her way around a camera.
The Canon EOS 5D Mark IV offers everything an avid shooter could want: a powerful 30-megapixel imaging sensor, fast dual-pixel autofocus system, and seven-frame-per-second continuous shooting speed or burst speed (that is, the number of pictures a camera can take in sequence). Particularly crucial for action photography, burst speed also serves as a good indicator of the camera’s overall processing ability and speed. The higher the burst rate, the better the camera. Other notable features include 4K video capture and built-in Wi-Fi, and GPS. Moreover, even though the 5D is big and bulky, it proved to be well-balanced and has a comfortable feel. One gripe: the camera’s menu system is very complex and challenging to navigate. Beginners should look elsewhere.
Bottom line: Even though it’s pricey, when you consider the sheer power and versatility this camera affords, you are getting what you pay for—one of the most well-rounded and complete DSLRs on the market.
The Nikon D850 offers a combination of speed, resolution, exceptional image quality, and sound design that will satisfy even the most demanding consumer. It is equipped with a 45-megapixel image sensor (one of the highest resolutions in any DSLR) with a seven-frame-per-second burst mode (which is unusually high for a camera with such a powerful sensor). Add to that a quick-to-respond autofocus system, 4K video capture, and a rugged, weather-resistant magnesium alloy body and you have the complete package. Plus, it is comfortable to operate and relatively easy to use.
Bottom line: The D850 is a highly versatile camera that takes superb images. It also has lots of useful features, not just useless bells and whistles.
Canon and Nikon are the two big names in DSLR photography, so it’s easy to overlook the rest of the players like the Pentax, and its killer K-1 Mark II. Built for landscape photography, the K-1 Mark II’s key selling points are a 36.4-megapixel image sensor, powerful Shake Reduction II system, and rugged, weatherproof build. It also has some interesting and innovative controls, such as a scissor-action articulating rear screen and several extended exposure modes. Moreover, even though it is a little heavy, it wasn’t unwieldy in my hands. Unfortunately, thanks to a relatively pedestrian continuous shooting speed of 4.4 frames per second, the K-1 is not a live-action superstar. It also has weak video features; i.e., no 4k capture.
Bottom line: The Pentax K-1 Mark II is a unique DSLR. It’s got an accurate image sensor for excellent photos is built to last and has a ton of cool features.
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The Sony Alpha 99 II offers superb all-around performance and features you won’t find on any rival models. It also packs them into a compact, lightweight body. As such, the camera fits more comfortably into a user’s hands than most of its peers do. At first, the number of physical controls—dials, buttons, a thumb-controlled joystick—might seem intimidating. However, you shouldn’t have any trouble adapting to them. Plus, the camera’s digital viewfinder is large, beautifully crisp and natural-looking—almost indistinguishable from an optical viewfinder—and has the added advantage of being capable of previewing and reviewing shots and video clips. Image quality is superb thanks to a massive 42-megapixel sensor. Action shooters should be entirely happy with the camera’s lightning quick autofocus and blisteringly fast 12 frames-per-second continuous shooting. The A99 II also delivers stunning 4K video. Built-in Wi-Fi and NFC connectivity, so you can download images to your smartphone or tablet, round out the package.
Bottom line: A giant image sensor, turbocharged autofocus, 4K video recording—cameras don’t come much better-equipped than this one.
The Canon EOS 5DS has the highest resolution (50.6 megapixels) of any full-frame DSLR. Consequently, the 5DS is ideal for any application where contrast, color, and detail must shine. The sheer number of customizable options—including the ability to group autofocus points into movable zones, making focusing on a variety of subjects easier—available to the shooter is overwhelming but means that he or she can set the camera up precisely how they want it. Unfortunately, video capture is merely average with this camera. The 5DS has adequate manual controls and frame rates to provide lots of creative options, as well as be programmed to snap photos while in video mode. However, it cannot output clean HDMI or shoot 4K. Also, it is no lightweight. You’ll know you are carrying it around thanks to the magnesium alloy construction that gives the camera a solid, built-like-a-tank feel.
Bottom line: The 5DS sets the standard for what high-resolution DSLRs can do. That’s if you can get over the price and ho-hum video performance.
