Digital SLR Cameras: Reviews

Updated November 2011

We looked at reviews from photography experts who conduct in-depth lab tests of digital SLR cameras as well as recommendations from general interest publications to determine our picks in this category. Reviewers say that for those upgrading from a point-and-shoot camera, you can spend well under $1,000 for both the camera and kit lens. For more expert shooters, you can upgrade your camera body, but continue to use the same lenses.

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Best digital SLR for beginners

Nikon D3100

*Est. $500 with kit lens Compare Prices

The Nikon D3100 is the cheapest digital SLR you can buy and still get two major features: 1080p full HD video capture and a high-resolution, 14.2-megapixel image sensor. Photos turn out terrific in tests, even in… expandextremely dim light. Video falters a bit: Like other digital SLRs that try to shoot video, the Nikon D3100's noisy autofocus shows up on the audio track, and its "rolling shutter" makes wiggly lines if you pan too quickly. Critics say pricier digital SLRs like the Nikon D5100 (*Est. $850 with kit lens) control these video flaws better. But overall, experts say the sturdy-but-light, easy-to-use Nikon D3100 is a fantastic deal. collapse

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Expert & User Review Sources:

DPReview.com: Now with HD video and live view, the Nikon D3100 wins DPReview.com's Silver Award.

Imaging-Resource.com: For point-and-shooters who want to upgrade to a more serious camera, the Nikon D3100 is a top pick by experts at this reputable website.

DigitalCameraReview.com: With good still-image quality and a decent kit lens for the price, the Nikon D3100 scores 4 stars out of 5 here.

PhotographyBlog.com: The Nikon D3100 gets a Highly Recommended tag here.

Amazon.com: The Nikon D3100 earns high ratings in a large number of reviews -- more than 300 when we checked.

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Step-up entry DSLR

Nikon D5100

Discontinued Compare Prices

Another fine choice for beginners -- or experienced users on a budget -- the Nikon D5100 packs high-end features into a low-priced package. Most impressively, it gets the same 16.2-megapixel image sensor as the pricier… expandNikon D7000 (*Est. $1,200 body only), and testers report nearly the same stellar photo quality with both cameras. In fact, the D5100 adds a swiveling LCD screen and 30p video frame rate (in full 1080p HD) that you won't find on the D7000. However, experts say advanced shooters will probably be more satisfied with the D7000's semi-pro specs. collapse

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Expert & User Review Sources:

DPReview.com: After shooting thousands of frames and minutely testing every detail of the Nikon D5100, experts here find a lot to like.

Imaging-Resource.com: Terrific image quality, terrific features and an "approachable design" (including a useful swiveling LCD screen) make the Nikon D5100 an easy top pick, testers here say.

DigitalCameraInfo.com: The Nikon D5100 "blows away" its under-$1,000 rivals, T.J. Donegan concludes after an extensive test.

Photography Bay: Eric Reagan illustrates his review of the Nikon D5100 with a wide variety of test shots, including several challenging low-light, no-flash photos shot indoors at Disney World.

DCResource.com: Jeff Keller recommends both the Nikon D5100 and its rival, the Canon EOS Rebel T3i, after thorough tests.

Ken Rockwell: Plain-spoken camera critic Ken Rockwell calls the Nikon D5100 "the best all-around camera for most people" in his buyer's guide.

Amazon.com: With more than 150 owner reviews posted, the Nikon D5100 earns an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars.

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Best-value advanced DSLR

Nikon D7000

*Est. $1,200 body only Compare Prices

This is the DSLR sweet spot, critics say: The Nikon D7000 packs so many pro-level features at such a reasonable cost that experts recommend it more often than any other digital SLR at any price. Yes, the cheaper Nikon… expandD5100 (*Est. $850 with kit lens) delivers similarly excellent photo and HD video quality, but the D7000 is built tougher, shoots faster, autofocuses better, and offers more custom settings, dual memory card slots and a longer battery life. Reviews call this a serious camera, suitable for the dedicated enthusiast or beginners who want to get serious about photography. collapse

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Expert & User Review Sources:

DPReview.com: DPReview.com heaps praise on the Nikon D7000's advanced specifications.

Imaging-Resource.com: After much shooting and testing, reviewers here say the Nikon D7000 proves an easy top pick for both enthusiasts and beginners who want to learn.

StevesDigicams.com: The Nikon D7000 earns a spot on the Steve's Best list.

PhotographyBlog.com: Tests here confirm many of the same pros and cons for the Nikon D7000 that other reviews show.

DigitalCameraReview.com: With outstanding image quality, even at high ISOs, the Nikon D7000 wins an Editors' Choice designation here.

Amazon.com: The Nikon D7000 averages 4.5 out of 5 stars in more than 300 owner reviews here.

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Buy from Amazon for $1,199.95
Crutchfield for $1,199.99	FumFie for $1,709.95	Sears for $1,499.00

Pro digital SLR with full HD video

Canon EOS 5D Mark II

*Est. $2,090 body only Compare Prices

A full-frame sensor (for big, sharp prints and clearer low-light photos) and full-metal body establish the Canon EOS 5D Mark II firmly as a true pro digital SLR. Even better, it costs half as much as the Nikon D3S (*Est.… expand$5,200 body only), boasts a higher-resolution sensor (21.1 megapixels) and full HD video, and weighs a third less. Certain pro photographers will prefer the Nikon D3S's heavy-duty body, super low-light prowess and blazing-fast burst rate, experts say, but otherwise, the Canon EOS 5D Mark II will suffice. Nikon does make a comparable camera -- the Nikon D700 (*Est. $2,700 body only) -- but the D700 has a lower-resolution and can't shoot video, so the Canon gets the nod in most reviews. collapse

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Expert & User Review Sources:

Amateur Photographer: This detailed review of the Canon EOS 5D Mark II praises it as improving all aspects of the earlier Canon EOS 5D. It's judged an "extremely capable camera," but reviewers here still find Nikon's high-end digital SLRs more refined and customizable.

Ken Rockwell: Experienced photographer and camera reviewer Ken Rockwell calls the Canon EOS 5D Mark II "the best digital SLR ever made by Canon," as well as "the world's best DSLR" for nature, landscape and multitask shooting.

PhotographyBlog.com: This full hands-on review of the Canon EOS 5D Mark II covers both the still and movie modes.

DXOMark.com: DxOMark.com bases its ratings on very technical lab tests of camera sensors -- only one factor in comparing cameras.

Luminous- Landscape.com: This review focuses on the movie mode of the Canon EOS 5D Mark II (aka the Canon 5D MKII in Europe), criticizing some inconveniences but praising the aesthetic possibilities it provides.

VincentLaForet.com: This two-part article demonstrates the movie capabilities of the Canon EOS 5D Mark II with a sample video.

The Digital Journalist: This review focuses on the video capabilities of the Canon EOS 5D Mark II, but Halstead is less enthusiastic than other reviewers.

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Buy from Amazon for $2,169.95
PCConnectio- n Express for $2,209.95	TigerDirect- .com for $2,399.99	BuyDig.com for $2,799.00

Best all-around pro DSLR

Nikon D3S

Discontinued Compare Prices

If you earn your living through certain types of photography -- especially sports photography -- or you need the toughest camera money can buy, the Nikon D3S is designed for you. It shoots a blistering 9 frames per second… expand(fps) and its low-light range is stratospheric: Testers report detailed, color-accurate photos at (and above) ISO 12,800, and careful processing yields grainy-but-good results even at ISO 102,400. The D3S can shoot HD video, too, although only at 780p. Critics note that this is a big, heavy, expensive digital SLR camera, though, so check out lighter, less pricey pro DSLRs like the Canon EOS 5D Mark II (*Est. $2,500 body only) before you buy. collapse

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Expert & User Review Sources:

DPReview.com: After testing every aspect of the Nikon D3S in exhaustive detail, Barnaby Britton concludes that it's "simply unmatched" in formerly impossible low-light situations.

Imaging-Resource.com: Experts here shoot stills and video with the Nikon D3S in the field for three weeks.

ePhotoZine: Reviews at this British website are excellent, including this head-to-head shootout between the Nikon D3S and Canon EOS-1D Mark IV. Both are built for speed and super-low-light shooting, but the full-frame Nikon D3S holds a slight edge for noise control and dynamic range.

PhotographyBlog.com: Here, you'll find PhotographyBay.com's hands-on review of the Nikon D3S, as well as detailed head-to-head tests between the D3S and Canon EOS-1D Mark IV, comparing their autofocus performance (at basketball games and a track meet) and low-light performance (judging JPEG and RAW files as well as 14-by-9-inch prints). The Nikon wins on both counts.

What Digital Camera: The Nikon D3S tops this British website's list of the five best digital SLRs.

PopPhoto.com: Breaking the ISO 100,000 barrier "is a groundbreaking achievement" for the Nikon D3S, Phil Ryan says.

Amateur Photographer: The Nikon D3S's trade-off -- a lower-resolution sensor in exchange for best-ever low-light performance -- is worth it for most photographers, testers here say.

Amazon.com: More than 30 owners posted reviews for the Nikon D3S at the time of this writing, and all but two give it a perfect 5 stars.

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