This list is of some oldies but goodies. While all of these cameras are several years old they are still some of the most popular cameras used today. Semi-professional DSLR cameras combine the features of more advanced cameras, while still priced near the entry level range.
The benefit of them being a little older is that the prices have come down.
Although they won’t have the very latest technology these were some of the best of their class so they include great features still. The most obvious improvements over entry level cameras are bigger, better built bodies, faster auto focus, more frames per second and better handling.
I know it can be hard to not want to buy the very “newest” thing out there. However, once you put that aside you can get some amazing gear that will be able to still fit your photography style, that will leave you some money leftover for some great lenses too!
1. Canon EOS 7D Mark II
Sensor: 20.2MP
AF Points: 65
Burst Mode: 10 frames per second
Video Mode: Full HD at 60fps
Price: Canon EOS 7D Mark II at Amazon
It took Canon well over 5 years to announce the new 7D, but just like its predecessor, it’s an amazing camera worth the price! It’s got an improved 20.2MP (compared to 18) APS-C sensor that can handle low light like a king, and has a maximum ISO of 51,200 (native goes up to 16,000). Might not seem like a lot compared to some models today, but it’s actually usable through its entire range!
Other than that, everything else was made for action/sports on the Canon 7D Mark II. 65 all cross-type AF points (19 on previous model), 10 frames per second, excellent build quality and weather-sealing. All of that is powered by a Dual Digic 6 processor, meaning you won’t really have to wait for the camera to process anything you throw at it. Video features are also amazing; Dual Pixel CMOS AF technology is currently the best for auto focusing, and it will accurately track your subject while recording!
2. Nikon D7100
Sensor: 24.1MP
AF Points: 51
Burst Mode: 6 frames per second
Video Mode: Full HD at 60fps
Price: Nikon D7100 at Amazon
Nikon doesn’t have a model directly competing with the 7D II, which made their D7100 the most advanced DX model when it launched. For around $1,000 (body only), you get a 24MP sensor with an amazing AF system of 51 points (15 of those are cross-type), 6fps burst mode, 2 x SDHC memory card slots so you’ll never run out of space, and a whopping 950 shots long battery life!
Unlike cheaper Nikon cameras, the D7100 has a built-in AF motor so you will be able to auto focus with lenses that don’t have the motor built in (not an issue with new lenses, this mostly applies to those who have been using Nikon for a long time).
3. Canon EOS 70D
Sensor: 20.2MP
AF Points: 19
Burst Mode: 7 frames per second
Video Mode: Full HD at 30fps
Price: Canon EOS 70D at Amazon
If the old 60D was an amateur-like camera, the EOS 70D is everything but it! It’s sort of like the old 7D with a couple of new features, and Dual Pixel CMOS AF technology for video on DSLRs. Cheaper and older cameras are quite bad when it comes to focusing on moving subjects while recording, from not being able to keep up with tiny changes in movement/contrast, to not even trying to focus on anything. It all changed with the arrival of the Canon EOS 70D, as it can easily track all sorts of subjects, making it perfect for those who would like to try videos more professionally.
It’s also great for loads of other things; 20MP sensor, ISO up to 25,600, 7 frames per second, an articulating 3.0″ LCD screen are something you can work with in almost any situation.
4. Sony A77 II
Sensor: 24.3MP
AF Points: 79
Burst Mode: 12 frames per second
Video Mode: Full HD at 60fps
Price: Sony A77 II at Amazon
Yes, Sony is in the DSLR game as well. Technically speaking, the A77 II (and previous models) aren’t typical DSLRs, they’re actually called SLT (Singe Lens Translucent). A DSLR has a mirror that reflects the light upwards into the pentaprism, while Sony’s mirrors are translucent and the light goes directly to the sensor. That allows them to make faster, more advanced cameras, and the A77 II is an excellent example.
It’s got a 24 megapixel sensor and a burst mode up to 12fps at full resolution. Besides that, there’s the 79-AF point system that can lock onto pretty much anything. All of its features are powered by a Bionz X processor, the same one found in A7 series (mirorless cameras). One thing that you won’t see at Canon and Nikon is the built-in Image Stabilization, it’ll stabilize images even if your lens doesn’t have any correction on its own.
5. Canon EOS 6D
Sensor: 20.2MP
AF Points: 11
Burst Mode: 4.5 frames per second
Video Mode: Full HD at 30fps
Price: Canon EOS 6D at Amazon
The EOS 6D is Canon’s cheapest full-frame camera, something that plenty of photographers have been waiting on for years. A bigger sensor delivers cleaner images at high ISO, doesn’t have a crop factor (excellent for wider scenes) and offers the highest image quality. For years these cameras were quite expensive due to production cost, but the Canon EOS 6D costs much less now. Based on the specifications you can see it’s not aimed at sports photographers, but more for wedding, landscape, street and low light.
That doesn’t mean it won’t do good in any other situation, 4.5fps and 11 AF points is plenty to shoot sports, wildlife and anything that moves quickly. It’s just not that good as the cameras above for these things. Combined with a high quality lens, you’ll never look back or regret the purchase.
6. Nikon D610
Sensor: 24.3MP
AF Points: 39
Burst Mode: 10 frames per second
Video Mode: Full HD at 30fps
Price: Nikon D610 at Amazon
First there was the D600, but due to sensor issues, Nikon replaced it with the D610; hence the unusual name. Buying at Amazon, the full-frame D610, body only, will cost you less than $1,500! A high quality full frame camera at such price was a dream years ago… It’s got 4 more megapixels and 2fps faster burst mode than the Canon above, much better AF system with 39 points, slightly bigger LCD screen at 3.2″ (921,000 dots resolution), an ISO range that expands up to 25,600 and weather-sealing comparable to D800.
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Need a Lens Too?
A great set of lenses is just as important as a great camera. If you need some help deciphering the options and narrowing down the hundreds of choices check out our sister site, Best Photography Gear, to take a look at the best lenses for specific DSLR and Mirrorless cameras, as well as photography specific lenses.
