Users looking to purchase a prosumer model typically want professional features but without the bulk of a full frame camera. Price is also a considerable factor as well.

If you’re looking to buy a semi-pro model, then you’re understanding of photography is most likely beyond the scope of this article. However, for those that are curious, here are several of our top picks.

1. Canon EOS 7D – $1349

Announced on September 1st of 2009, the EOS 7D is Canon’s answer to a semi-pro market largely dominated by Nikon. It features an 18 MPx APS-C CMOS Sensor with Dual DIGIC 4 Image Processors. The viewfinder has been upgraded to 100% coverage at 1x magnification with on demand LCD graphics as well.

ISO settings range from 100 – 6400 which is expandable to 12,800. The autofocus has been upgraded to a 19-point system, up from Canon’s usual 9. Metering is done through a 63-zone dual layer sensor (called iFCL) which greatly helps reduce errors in exposures and focusing.

The camera is also one of the fastest around, being able to shoot 8 FPS for up to 126 Large/JPEGs with a UDMA CF card or 15 RAW.

As for the video, the EOS 7D can shoot in 1080p at 24p, 25p and 30p with drop frame timing. 720p and 480p are capable of shooting at 50p and 60p.

The LCD is a 3 inch 921k dot screen with Clear View II, to help reduce glare on the screen. 

Camera Labs has given this camera a 93% sighting some of its strong points as, “tough build and superb ergonomics”, “zonable 19-point AF and 8fps burst shooting” and “big viewfinder with graphics.” Some of its bad points include, “basic 3-frame exposure bracketing”, “single card slot versus dual on D300s” and “flash flickers for AF illumination.”

DP Review has given this camera a 84% with a highly recommended rating claiming it is “arguably the best APS-C SLR on the market today.”

2. Nikon D300S – $1699

The Nikon D300S debuted in July of 2009 and is the companies current flagship DX-format camera. It sports a 12.3 MPx CMOS Sensor with Nikon’s EXSPEED Image Processor. It is capable of shooting at 7 FPS and has dual Compact Flash or SD memory card slots.

The viewfinder has 100% coverage at .94x magnification while the LCD is a 3 inch 920k-dot screen. Active D-Lighting, Scene Recognition System and 51-point autofocus system are all here, along with Nikon’s Quiet Shutter Release Mode.

One of the most notable upgrades from its predecessor is the camera’s HD Movie Mode. 720p is possible at 24p as well as 2 other SD resolutions. The camera also has an external stereo microphone input.

Camera Labs has given this camera a 90% citing its “tough build and superb ergonomics”, “quick 51-point AF and burst shooting” along with “3in VGA screen with Live View” as some of its strong points.

Some of its bad points were, “12 Mpixels looking low next to EOS 7D”, “no 1080p video or live histogram”, “PC control software not bundled.”

3.  Sony Alpha SLT-A77 – $1999

The Sony Alpha A77 was released in August of 2011. Its boasts a 24.3 MPx Sensor and continuous shooting at 12 FPS. Arguably its most important feature is its OLED electronic viewfinder. The user is able to see information displayed directly on the viewfinder. This eliminates the need to use the LCD screen to make adjustments to shots.

The camera is also the first to offer 1080p recording at 60p, 60i or 24p with controls over Program, Shutter Priority, Aperture Priority or Manual. The LCD is a 3 inch screen that can be tilted or swiveled in multiple directions.

ISO settings range up to 16,000. The camera has a 19-point autofocus with full time phase detection.

DP Reviews has given this camera an 81% sighting some of its pros as “Excellent 2.4 million-dot OLED EVF”, “Versatile full-time live view system”, “Exceptionally ‘deep’ feature set including Auto HDR and Sweep Panorama” and “Fast and responsive operation.”

DP Reviews has faulted it on its JPEG conversion saying, “In-camera JPEGs don’t show off the 24MP sensor to its best extent”, “Comparatively strong noise reduction at medium and high ISO settings”, “Very noisy raw files at high ISO settings” also “Little control over high ISO noise reduction in JPEG mode (‘auto’ or ‘weak’).”

If you have any questions or comments feel free to leave them in the comments section below.

Best SLR Camera Info

Andy H.

1. Canon EOS Rebel T3 – $479

The only current generation DSLR on our list, the EOS Rebel T3 is Canon’s entry level camera which was released in February of 2011. It sports a 12.1 MPx CMOS Sensor with Canon’s DIGIC 4 Image Processor.

The camera has also been upgraded to a 9-point AF System. The dual-layered metering sensor has 63 zones allowing for more accurate exposures.

The camera also has the added functionality of video recording, something that was missing in its predecessor. 720p recording is now possible at frames of 30 or 25 FPS.

Live View is supported through its 2.7 inch LCD screen and it functions just as it would on any point and shoot camera.

ISO settings range from 100 – 6400 and the camera is capable of shooting at 3 FPS (3 JPG or 2 RAW).

Given that this is an entry level camera, it also has many functions to help guide those new to photography.

Camera Labs has given this camera an 80% sighting some of its strengths as, “good image quality that’s similar to modern 14 MPx rivals” and having “quick and easy access to many settings.”

Some of its weaknesses include having a “plasticky body with no rubber surfaces” and a “continuous shooting buffer that’s small.” The 2.7 inch LCD screen is noted as being somewhat small as well.

2. Nikon D3000 – $449.95

The Nikon D3000 was released in July of 2009. It features a 10.2 MPx DX Format CCD Sensor with Nikon’s EXSPEED Image Processor. It has a 3 inch fixed LCD screen and an 11-point AF System.

ISO settings range from 100 – 1600 (3,200 equivalent with boost). Active-D Lighting allows detail to be brought out in pictures that have both light and dark scenes. The camera is also capable of shooting at 3 FPS.

The biggest draw of this camera is its much touted Guide Mode, which helps users new to photography via its on screen help that is both simple and informative.

Camera Labs has given this camera an 80% sighting some of its strengths as “very friendly and easy to use” and “decent metering and 11-point AF system.”

Some of its faults include “no live view or movie mode” and not having “exposure bracketing or DOF preview.”

3. Sony Alpha A390 – $499

The Sony Alpha A390 is one the company’s previous generation entry level cameras. Released at around June of 2010, it sports a 14.2 MPx CCD Sensor with Sony’s BIONZ Image Sensor.

The camera has built-in image stabilization, a quick Live View system and a vertically-tilting 2.7 LCD screen. It is also capable of shooting at 2.5 FPS.

ISO sensitivity ranges from 100 – 3200 and it has a 9-point Center Cross AF Sensor.

To help with beginner usability, Sony has revamped the interface to be much easier to the user. It now features an on-screen Help Guide and Graphical Display, both of which offer explanations of the various modes and settings.

Camera Labs gave the A380 (which is near identical to the A390) a score of 81% citing some of its strengths as “built-in IS which works with any lens” and “quick and fuss-free Live View.”

Some of its weaknesses lie in having “more noise than rivals at high ISOs”, “no movie mode” and “body shape may not be to all tastes.”

If you have any questions please feel free to email me at andy@bestslrcamerainfo.com.

Thanks for reading.

Best SLR Camera Info

Andy H.

1. Canon EOS Rebel T3i – $785 (with 18-55mm lens)

An update to the Rebel T2i, it bears much of the same as its predecessor with a similar style, build and controls.  It also keeps the same 18 MPx CMOS sensor, DIGIC 4 image processor and multiple HD movie modes.

The Rebel T3i takes from the EOS 60D (mid-range level) a fully articulated screen, allowing easier shots to be taken from unusual angles. The LCD also features multiple aspect ratios in live view and the camera has creative filters which are applied during video playback.

To top off this package, the T3i has an additional wireless flash control, similar to the 60D.  Movie mode also offers digital zoom and video snapshot.  Manual controls over audio levels in movies are possible as well.

For an in depth review check out PC World’s review of the Canon EOS Rebel T3i review.

2. Nikon D5100 $749 (with 18-55mm lens)

The Nikon D5100 is classified as an upper-entry-level camera.  It falls in between the entry-level D3100 and mid-range D7000.  It’s main competitor is the Canon’s EOS Rebel T3i.

It sports a 16.2 MPx Nikon DX format CMOS sensor and has the added capability of 1080p video recording at 24, 25 or 30 FPS.  Some of the changes from the previous D5000 include a side-hinge 3 inch LCD, Nikon’s EXSPEED 2 image processor and the excellent CMOS sensor inherited from the D7000.

It also includes some fun effects modes which are a great way to liven up your photos.  HDR is also included for high dynamic range shots.

For an in depth review check Camera Labs for their Nikon D5100 review.

3. Sony SLT-α55 – $799 (with 18-55mm lens)

A midrange DSLR camera released on August of 2010, it is the first of its kind to employ a translucent camera which enables phase detection auto focus in live view.  Its design also does away with the optical viewfinder, instead employing a high-resolution electronic viewfinder.

The translucent mirror is fixed so it does not have to flip up in order to take shot.  This allows for fast continuous shots of up to 10 frames per second.  The static mirror eliminates what’s known as “mirror slap”, making the camera much quieter than many other DLSR cameras.

Some of its other features include a body-integrated image stabilizer, a 16.2 MPx APS-C CMOS sensor and a 3 inch articulated LCD screen.

For an in depth review, check DP Review for their Sony SLT-α55 review.

If you have any questions or comments feel free to leave them in the comments section below.

Thanks for reading.

Best SLR Camera Info

Andy H.

Where to Buy

See larger image Canon EOS Rebel T3i 18 MP CMOS APS-C Sensor DIGIC 4 Image Processor Full-HD Movie Mode Digital SLR Camera with 3.0-Inch Clear View Vari-Angle LCD and EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Lens (Camera) List Price: Price Not Listed New From: Check Amazon For Pricing In Stock Used from: $639.00 In Stock

See larger image Nikon D5100 16.2MP CMOS Digital SLR Camera with 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 AF-S DX VR Nikkor Zoom Lens (Camera) List Price: $849.00 USD New From: $696.95 In Stock Used from: $550.00 In Stock

See larger image Sony a55 DSLR Camera with 18-55mm zoom lens (Camera) List Price: Price Not Listed New From: Check Amazon For Pricing In Stock Used from: $549.00 In Stock

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