Best Midlevel DLSR

maggiebelle · Feb 6, 2014

Hello,

I am trying to make more of my photo hobby and want to upgrade from my sony a300. I am looking to get a more professional dslr, but my budget isn't huge. Are there any suggestions of good cameras around $1000, still having the professional edge?

BrickHouse · Feb 6, 2014

Could probably get a Nikon D5200 new or used D7100 for under a grand. Most people on this site seem speak highly of them.

minicoop1985 · Feb 6, 2014

The used market has tons of professional cameras that are a bit worn. Otherwise, a used Canon 7D or Nikon D7100/7000 (make sure it's a later 7000) wouldn't be a bad choice. Do you have a lot invested in Sony/Minolta lenses? If so, the Sony a77 gets a lot of great reviews, as well as the a57. The a57 is pretty small, but it's feature packed.

maggiebelle · Feb 6, 2014

I've heard a lot of good things about the nikon d7100, and was actually thinking that, so good to hear. I am not too invested in sony and was looking to switch to nikon before getting more lenses etc. Thanks for the help!

lambertpix · Feb 6, 2014

Since you already have a DSLR, you know how important lenses are. Would it make sense to give some thought to what lenses you'd want to put in your bag if you went with Nikon vs. Canon vs. ????, and see if that exercise changes your thoughts at all?

Also, if you've got a chance to play with the cameras to check out ergonomics, I'd expect that to factor into your decision, too.

maggiebelle · Feb 6, 2014

Do you suggest Canon to Nikon? I do know how important lenses are, I want to put good research in before making my decision.

bribrius · Feb 6, 2014

lambertpix said:
Since you already have a DSLR, you know how important lenses are. Would it make sense to give some thought to what lenses you'd want to put in your bag if you went with Nikon vs. Canon vs. ????, and see if that exercise changes your thoughts at all?

Also, if you've got a chance to play with the cameras to check out ergonomics, I'd expect that to factor into your decision, too.

Excellent point. For some reason I like the feeling of a canon better

charlie76 · Feb 6, 2014

Nikon D7000 hands down....but I'm extremely biased

Parker219 · Feb 6, 2014

I'm so buzzed I read the title as "Best medieval camera". I was thinking, I didn't think they had cameras back then. Then I was like, wait did they? "Then I google did they have cameras back in the medieval times". Then google said, Go to bed.

maggiebelle · Feb 6, 2014

What about the D7100 for weddings?

robbins.photo · Feb 6, 2014

maggiebelle said:
Hello,

I am trying to make more of my photo hobby and want to upgrade from my sony a300. I am looking to get a more professional dslr, but my budget isn't huge. Are there any suggestions of good cameras around $1000, still having the professional edge?

Greetings Maggie. Ok, there are a lot of good cameras you can get for less than $1000. I'm assuming that budget will also include at least one lens if not more for the camera, rather than $1000 just for the camera body, but feel free to correct me if I'm wrong on this assumption. So before I make a recommendation I'd like to know are you looking for the camera body and just a basic lens like something in the 18-55 mm range, or were you needing to add a telephoto to your lineup (say something in the 200-300 mm range) as well?

My second question, what features do you find the most important? Image quality? Shooting speed (Frames per second)? Lowlight capabilities? Video? Autofocus system? HDR? Flip out screen?

Of these, which is the most important feature on your list, and which is the least?

That should give me a good idea as to what camera to recommend for you.

Derrel · Feb 6, 2014

The question the OP asks is rather vague...but I think I might have an inkling of a hint of a vague idea what she meant....so, with that definite maybe/perhaps in mind....

Maybe a Canon 60D? It's decent, and looks "pro-ish" I guess...it looks high-tech, and black, and it's a Canon...and its available at a GOOD price, now that the 70D is out. Get it with the best zoom lens you can afford.

Or maybe a Nikon D7000? Not the newer, more-expensive D7100, but the D7000, which is one generation back, as good as the 60D, and also being discounted. Get it with the best zoom lens you can afford.

Or maybe the best SONY camera you can afford? If you already own a Sony lens or two, stay with SONY.

runnah · Feb 6, 2014

Does it have to be new?

Try for a used d300s. A ton of camera for the money and you could afford a 35 & 50mm primes with the cost savings.

maggiebelle · Feb 9, 2014

Thanks everyone. I am looking to start doing some wedding photography and portrait photography. I want one that performs well in lowlight and has good shooting speeds. I was prefer to get one decent lens included in the $1000. I am trying to get a photography business up and running and want a nice camera to match, but it is hard to make the investment when they so pricy. So I want something that I can build on to start a nice collection and build upon.