The Best DSLR Cameras under $1200
Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III
★ Top Choice
BUY NOW
From $999
Features
- Lens Type: Macro.
- 20MP live MOS sensor.
- 121-Point all-cross-type on-chip Phase detection AF.
- 50MP tripod High-Res shot.
- Portable, weather sealed design.
- Compact, In-body 5-axis image stabilization (up to approx. 5. 5 EV steps of compensation).
- Image Stabilization: Sensor-Shift.
Pros
- ⊕ Incredible image stabilisation.
Cons
- ⊖ No headphone jack.
- ⊖ Hand grip could be bigger.
Specs
- Effective focal length: N/A.
- Resolution: 20.4MP.
- Max movie resolution: 4K 30p.
- Type: Mirrorless.
- Sensor size: Four Thirds:.
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth.
- Viewfinder: EVF, 2.36 million dots.
- Size, weight: 125.3 x 85.2 x 49.7mm, 414g.
- Monitor: 3.0-inch vari-angle touchscreen, 1.04 million dots.
Canon EOS 80D
♥ Runner Up
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From $999
Features
- For next level AF operation, the EOS 80D camera has a wide area, 45 point, all cross type AF system with low luminance performance to EV 3 and 4 types of AF area selection modes.
- The Intelligent Viewfinder displays AF points and AF mode, has a grid display, a horizontal electronic level, plus numerous other points of information.
- Canon’s remarkable shutter combined with ability to shoot up to 7.0 fps during continuous shooting ensures quick performance.Dioptric Adjustment: 3.0 to +1.0 m 1 (diopter).
- The 24.2 Megapixel (APS C) CMOS sensor captures high resolution images and has refined individual pixels that enable high ISO speeds (16000 for still photographs, 12800 for movies).
- The EOS 80D camera’s Intelligent Viewfinder helps bring the thrill of SLR photography with each use.
Pros
- ⊕ Wi-Fi with NFC.
- ⊕ Pentaprism viewfinder.
- ⊕ Smooth video autofocus.
- ⊕ 45-point autofocus system.
Cons
- ⊖ No 4K video support.
- ⊖ Single SD card slot.
- ⊖ Omits PC sync connection.
Reviewed
Canon EOS 80D Review - pcmag.com
Best Entry-Level DSLR Camera
The 8 Best Canon Cameras of 2020 - lifewire.com
Sony a6500 Mirrorless
Best Prosumer Model
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From $1198
Features
- 5-axis in-body image stabilization steadies every lens. Silent Shooting. Noise Reduction :Long exposure NR: On/Off, available at shutter speeds longer than 1 sec., High ISO NR: Normal/Low/Off.
- Wide 425 phase detection AF points, Fast 0.05 sec. AF acquisition.
- 4K movie w/ 2.4x oversampling4, full pixel readout, no pixel binning.
- 11fps continuous shooting to 269 frames at 24.2MP w/ AE/AF tracking.
- 24.2MP APS-C Exmor sensor w/ advanced processing up to ISO 51.200.
Pros
- ⊕ Compact body.
- ⊕ Large buffer.
- ⊕ Wi-Fi with NFC.
- ⊕ Crisp 120fps EVF.
- ⊕ Integrated flash.
Cons
- ⊖ High price point.
- ⊖ Dense menu system.
- ⊖ No grip available.
- ⊖ Only one memory card slot.
- ⊖ No external charger included.
Reviewed
Sony Alpha 6500 Review - pcmag.com
Best Prosumer Model
The 10 Best Sony Cameras of 2020 - lifewire.com
Best Value
The 8 Best 4K Cameras of 2020 - lifewire.com
Best of the Best
Best Sony Digital Cameras - bestreviews.com
Canon EOS 90D
Best Crop Sensor DSLR
BUY NOW
From $1199
Features
- 4K UHD 30P/ Full HD 120P video.
- High-speed continuous shooting of up to 10 fps with no time Lag during ovf shooting.
- Equipped with an approx. 220, 000 Pixel new AE sensor and EOS iTR AF (face detection).
- 45-Point All Cross-type AF System* supports up to 27 points with an F/8 metering.
- High image quality with 32.5 Megapixel CMOS (APS-C) sensor.
Pros
- ⊕ Great for video.
- ⊕ Vari-angle LCD.
- ⊕ 4K video at 30fps.
- ⊕ Uncropped 4K video.
- ⊕ Optical viewfinder.
Cons
- ⊖ Dual Pixel CMOS AF.
- ⊖ Cramped rear dial.
- ⊖ Omits sync socket.
- ⊖ No image stabilization.
- ⊖ No image stabilisation.
Specs
- Maximum continuous shooting speed: 11fps.
- Megapixels: 32.5MP.
- Movies: 4K/30p.
- Sensor: APS-C CMOS.
- User level: Enthusiast.
- Autofocus: 45-point AF.
- Screen type: 3.0-inch articulating touchscreen, 1,040K dots.
Best Crop Sensor DSLR
The Best DSLR Cameras of 2020 - lifewire.com
Reviewed
Canon EOS 90D Review - pcmag.com
Best for Optical Viewfinder Devotees
The Best DSLR and Mirrorless Cameras for 2020 - pcmag.com