Top 10 best DSLR cameras under $1000 for professional photographers
Professional photographers often require high-quality DSLR cameras to capture stunning images. However, finding the perfect camera within a budget can be challenging. In this article, we have compiled a list of the top 10 best DSLR cameras under $1000 that offer excellent performance, features, and value for money. These cameras are perfect for professional photographers who want to upgrade their gear without breaking the bank.
Disclaimer: Parts of this article have been AI-Assisted with human input and review.
Included in this guide
1
Nikon D5600
2
Canon EOS Rebel T7i
3
Pentax K-70
4
Sony Alpha a68
5
Canon EOS Rebel SL3
6
Nikon D3500
7
Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark III
8
Fujifilm X-T200
9
Panasonic Lumix G7
10
Canon EOS M50
1
Nikon D5600
A Feature-Packed DSLR with Excellent Image Quality
The Nikon D5600 is a versatile and feature-packed DSLR camera that offers excellent image quality at an affordable price. With a 24.2-megapixel APS-C sensor, the D5600 captures sharp and detailed images, making it perfect for professional photographers on a budget. The camera also features a 39-point autofocus system, ensuring fast and accurate focusing in various shooting conditions. The 3.2-inch vari-angle touchscreen allows for easy navigation and creative composition, while the built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth enable seamless sharing and remote control.
However, the Nikon D5600 lacks 4K video recording, which may be a drawback for some users. Despite this, the camera's overall performance and features make it an excellent choice for professional photographers looking for a high-quality DSLR under $1000.
$889.95
Free shipping
2
Canon EOS Rebel T7i
A User-Friendly DSLR with Fast Autofocus
The Canon EOS Rebel T7i is a user-friendly DSLR camera that offers fast autofocus and excellent image quality. It is perfect for professional photographers who want a reliable camera without spending a fortune. The 24.2-megapixel APS-C sensor delivers sharp and detailed images, while the 45-point all cross-type autofocus system ensures quick and accurate focusing. The camera also features a vari-angle touchscreen, making it easy to shoot from different angles and navigate through the menu.
The T7i is also capable of shooting Full HD video at 60fps, making it suitable for videography as well. However, it lacks 4K video recording, which might be a downside for some users. Overall, the Canon EOS Rebel T7i is a great choice for professional photographers looking for an affordable DSLR with excellent performance and user-friendly features.
$749.99
3
Pentax K-70
A Rugged DSLR with Weather-Resistant Design
The Pentax K-70 is a durable and weather-resistant DSLR camera that offers excellent image quality and performance for professional photographers. Its 24.2-megapixel APS-C sensor delivers sharp and detailed images, while the in-body image stabilization ensures steady shots even in challenging conditions. The camera's weather-sealed design makes it perfect for outdoor photography, as it can withstand harsh environments such as rain, snow, and dust. The K-70 also features a fast and accurate autofocus system, making it easy to capture fast-moving subjects. Additionally, the camera offers a range of advanced features such as built-in Wi-Fi, an articulating LCD screen, and full HD video recording capabilities.
However, the Pentax K-70 lacks 4K video recording, which may be a drawback for some users. Despite this, the camera's rugged design, excellent image quality, and advanced features make it a great choice for professional photographers looking for a reliable DSLR under $1000.
$399.00
4
Sony Alpha a68
A DSLR with Impressive Autofocus and Image Stabilization
The Sony Alpha a68 is a powerful DSLR camera that offers impressive autofocus and image stabilization features, making it perfect for professional photographers who need to capture sharp images in various shooting conditions. The camera features a 24.2-megapixel APS-C sensor, which delivers excellent image quality and low-light performance. The 79-point phase-detection autofocus system ensures fast and accurate focusing, while the in-body SteadyShot image stabilization helps to reduce camera shake for sharper images.
The Sony Alpha a68 also offers a range of advanced features, such as Full HD video recording, a tiltable LCD screen, and a built-in OLED viewfinder. However, the camera lacks Wi-Fi connectivity, which may be a drawback for some photographers who need to transfer images quickly and easily. Overall, the Sony Alpha a68 is a great choice for professional photographers looking for a DSLR camera under $1000 with impressive autofocus and image stabilization capabilities.
$859.00
$998.00
Free shipping
5
Canon EOS Rebel SL3
A Compact DSLR with 4K Video Capability
The Canon EOS Rebel SL3 is a compact and lightweight DSLR camera that offers impressive features and performance at an affordable price. It is perfect for professional photographers who want a portable camera with 4K video capability. The 24.1-megapixel APS-C sensor delivers excellent image quality, and the Dual Pixel CMOS autofocus system ensures fast and accurate focusing. The camera also features a vari-angle touchscreen LCD, making it easy to compose shots from different angles and navigate through the menu.
One of the main downsides of the Canon EOS Rebel SL3 is its limited 4K video recording capabilities, as it comes with a 1.6x crop factor and lacks Dual Pixel autofocus in 4K mode. However, considering its price point and overall performance, the Canon EOS Rebel SL3 is a great choice for professional photographers looking for a compact DSLR with 4K video capabilities.
$649.00
6
Nikon D3500
An Entry-Level DSLR with Great Image Quality
The Nikon D3500 is an excellent entry-level DSLR camera that offers impressive image quality at an affordable price. It features a 24.2-megapixel APS-C sensor, which delivers sharp and detailed images with accurate colors. The camera's 11-point autofocus system is fast and reliable, making it easy to capture moving subjects. The D3500 also has a user-friendly interface, making it perfect for beginners who are new to DSLR photography.
One of the downsides of the Nikon D3500 is that it lacks some advanced features found in more expensive models, such as a touchscreen display and 4K video recording. However, for those who prioritize image quality and ease of use over advanced features, the D3500 is an excellent choice.
$849.30
Free shipping
7
Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark III
A Mirrorless Camera with DSLR-Like Performance
The Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark III is a mirrorless camera that offers DSLR-like performance in a compact and lightweight body. It features a 16.1-megapixel Micro Four Thirds sensor, 5-axis image stabilization, and a high-resolution electronic viewfinder, making it perfect for professional photographers who want a portable yet powerful camera. The camera also boasts a fast autofocus system, 4K video recording, and a variety of shooting modes, including advanced photo modes for capturing stunning images with ease.
However, the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark III has a smaller sensor compared to some DSLRs, which may result in slightly lower image quality in certain situations. Additionally, the battery life may not be as long as some DSLR cameras. Despite these minor drawbacks, the E-M10 Mark III is an excellent choice for professional photographers looking for a versatile and affordable camera under $1000.
$999.00
8
Fujifilm X-T200
A Stylish Mirrorless Camera with Advanced Features
The Fujifilm X-T200 is a stylish and advanced mirrorless camera that offers DSLR-like performance at an affordable price. It features a 24.2MP APS-C sensor, which delivers excellent image quality and low-light performance. The camera also boasts a 3.5-inch vari-angle touchscreen, making it easy to compose shots from various angles and navigate through the menu. The X-T200 is capable of recording 4K video at 30fps, allowing professional photographers to capture high-quality video content.
One of the standout features of the Fujifilm X-T200 is its sleek and retro design, which sets it apart from other cameras in its class. The camera also offers a range of advanced features, such as eye and face detection autofocus, making it perfect for portrait photography. However, the X-T200's battery life may not be as impressive as some of its competitors, and it lacks in-body image stabilization. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Fujifilm X-T200 is an excellent choice for professional photographers looking for a stylish and feature-packed camera under $1000.
$999.50
+$79.00 shipping
9
Panasonic Lumix G7
A Mirrorless Camera with 4K Video and Fast Autofocus
The Panasonic Lumix G7 is a versatile mirrorless camera that offers DSLR-like performance at an affordable price. It features a 16MP Micro Four Thirds sensor, which delivers excellent image quality and low-light performance. The camera's 4K video capability allows you to capture stunning, high-resolution videos, making it perfect for professional photographers who also need to shoot video content.
The Lumix G7 boasts a fast and accurate autofocus system, ensuring that your subjects are always in focus. The camera's ergonomic design and intuitive controls make it easy to use, even for those new to photography. The built-in Wi-Fi connectivity allows you to easily share your images and control the camera remotely.
However, the Lumix G7's smaller sensor size may not be ideal for those who require the highest possible image quality or shallow depth of field. Additionally, the camera's battery life could be better, especially for those who shoot a lot of video. Overall, the Panasonic Lumix G7 is a great choice for professional photographers looking for an affordable, feature-packed camera with 4K video capabilities.
$597.99
10
Canon EOS M50
A Compact Mirrorless Camera with DSLR-Like Performance
The Canon EOS M50 is a compact mirrorless camera that offers DSLR-like performance in a smaller, more portable package. It features a 24.1-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor, which delivers excellent image quality and detail. The camera's Dual Pixel CMOS autofocus system ensures fast and accurate focusing, making it perfect for capturing fast-moving subjects. The EOS M50 also supports 4K video recording, allowing professional photographers to create high-quality videos in addition to stunning still images.
One of the main advantages of the Canon EOS M50 is its compact size and lightweight design, making it an ideal choice for photographers who need a portable camera for travel or on-the-go shooting. However, the camera's battery life may not be as long-lasting as some DSLR models, and the lack of weather sealing could be a concern for photographers who frequently shoot in challenging conditions. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Canon EOS M50 offers an impressive combination of performance, features, and value for money, making it a top choice for professional photographers looking for a DSLR alternative under $1000.
$589.00
$899.00
Free shipping
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