In this DSLR camera roundup, we’ll discuss three of the best DSLR camera options for enthusiast photographers on sale today. We’ve selected one Sony DSLR, one Nikon DSLR, and one Pentax DSLR to cover a broader range of cameras (and you can check out more intermediate cameras if the ones below don’t suit you). Additionally, thanks to websites like MPB, purchasing a used DSLR has never been cheaper and easier.
Who is MPB? It’s a trustworthy and innovative online platform offering high-quality used photo and video gear at unbeatable prices. Better yet, every camera and lens it sells is hand-inspected by knowledgeable product specialists with years of experience and backed by a six-month warranty, allowing you to make your purchases confidently and worry-free.
MPB stands out because its online platform makes buying, selling, and trading used gear unbelievably simple. We have been using it for years to upgrade our photography kit, and it’s helped us save countless amounts of time and money. Visit their website today if you want to do the same. With that said, let’s find out which one of these best DSLR cameras is right for you!
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The Best DSLR Camera for Enthusiast Photographers: Sony a99 II
The Sony Alpha a99 II is a high-end DSLR camera with a 42.4-megapixel full-frame sensor and a Bionz X image processor. It was released in 2016 and replaced the original Sony a99 as the company’s flagship DSLR camera. It’s a hybrid camera with excellent photo and video capabilities. Overall, it’s our favorite DSLR for enthusiast photographers.
The key attribute in photography is the camera’s high-resolution image sensor. It generates sharp, detailed photos with a maximum resolution of 7952 x 5304 pixels. Moreover, its BSI (back-side illuminated) design increases the image quality when working in low and uneven lighting conditions.
At the same time, the a99 II is a video camera with 4K and Full HD recording capabilities. It can also record fast and slow-motion video clips directly in the camera, saving you time in post-production. Other video features include in-body image stabilization, a tilting rear LCD screen, and microphone/headphone jacks to better control audio levels.
Now, here’s a more in-depth look at the Sony Alpha SLT-A99 II specs and key features:
- Camera Type: DSLR
- Sensor: 42.4MP Full-Frame Exmor R BSI CMOS Sensor
- ISO: 100 – 25,600 (Expandable to 50 – 102,400)
- Lens Mount: Sony A Mount
- Speed: 12.0 fps
- Autofocus: 399 Focus Points
- Video: 4K/30p & 1080p/120p
- Size/Weight: 143 x 104 x 76 mm / 849 grams
- Battery Life: 490 shots
- Stabilization: Yes
- Touchscreen: No
- Weather-Sealed: Yes
- Used Sony A99 II Price: $1,399 – $1,639
Check out the video above by Sony | Camera Channel to learn more about the Sony a99 II best DSLR camera.
Looking for something different? Check out our Camera Reviews for all sorts of recommendations!
The Best DSLR Camera for Enthusiast Photographers: Nikon D780
The Nikon D780 is a professional-level camera and Nikon’s best DSLR camera for photography enthusiasts. It was launched in 2020 and supplanted the Nikon D750 as the company’s top mid-size SLR. Internally, the durable yet portable camera body houses a 24.5-megapixel FX-Format sensor and an Expeed 6 image processor.
The D780 excels during both photo capture and video recording. Whether you shoot JPEGs or RAW images, you can expect detailed images with vibrant, natural-looking colors. Alternatively, you can film 4K movies at frame rates of up to 30 fps and 1080p Full HD movies at up to 120 fps.
Two more of its greatest strengths are its lens compatibility and battery life. The Nikon F mount system boasts over 400 native Nikon lenses and tons more third-party lenses. On the other hand, you can get 2260 shots from a fully charged battery, which is substantially higher than most DSLR and mirrorless cameras.
Now, here’s a more in-depth look at the Nikon D780 specs and key features:
- Camera Type: DSLR
- Sensor: 24.5MP Full-Frame BSI CMOS Sensor
- ISO: 100 – 51,200 (Expandable to 50 – 204,800)
- Lens Mount: Nikon F Mount
- Speed: 12.0 fps
- Autofocus: 273 Focus Points
- Video: 4K/30p & 1080p/120p
- Size/Weight: 144 x 116 x 76 mm / 840 grams
- Battery Life: 2260 shots
- Stabilization: No
- Touchscreen: Yes
- Weather-Sealed: Yes
- Used Nikon D780 Price: $904 – $1,439
Check out the video above by DSLR VS comparing the Nikon D780 to the Nikon D850, another best DSLR camera.
The Best DSLR Camera for Enthusiast Photographers: Pentax K-3 III
Although Pentax isn’t as well known as brands like Sony, Nikon, and Canon, it makes some of the best DSLR cameras for enthusiasts, including the Pentax K-3 III. It debuted in 2021 and has been earning rave reviews ever since. At its core, it has a 25.7-megapixel APS-C sensor and a Prime V image processor.
As the only APS-C camera discussed in this article, the K-3 III has unique plusses and minuses. On the positive side, it’s smaller, lighter, and more portable than the other DSLR cameras. It also has an excellent autofocus system, 5-axis shake reduction image stabilization, and many customization options.
Conversely, the smaller sensor isn’t as powerful in low-light situations. Other drawbacks of this best DSLR camera include no slow-motion video and no built-in flash. However, as the most affordable camera on this list, it is ideal for beginner photographers and people on a budget.
Now, here’s a more in-depth look at the Pentax K-3 III specs and key features:
- Camera Type: DSLR
- Sensor: 25.7MP APS-C BSI CMOS Sensor
- ISO: 100 – 1,600,000
- Lens Mount: Pentax K Mount
- Speed: 12.0 fps
- Autofocus: 101 Focus Points
- Video: 4K/30p & 1080p/60p
- Size/Weight: 135 x 104 x 74 mm / 820 grams
- Battery Life: 800 shots
- Stabilization: Yes
- Touchscreen: Yes
- Weather-Sealed: Yes
- Used Pentax K-3 III Price: $1,249 – $1,299
Check out the video above by Lee Iveson to see how the Pentax K-3 III stacks up against other cameras in 2024.
More of the Best DSLR Cameras for Enthusiast Photographers
While the three cameras highlighted above are our favorite DSLR cameras for enthusiast photographers in 2024, they aren’t the only ones available. Check out the list below to compare and contrast them with other best DSLR camera options to help you choose your perfect next camera. Every DSLR below is in stock and on sale now at MPB!
Just so you know, some of the cool stuff we mention comes with affiliate links, meaning we earn a commission if you buy (no extra charge to you!). Plus, we occasionally feature sponsored content, but rest assured, we only shout out products we genuinely stand behind.
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