If your are looking to buy a new DSLR Camera, you want to make sure you choose the very best one for your specific purpose. With the availability of a wide range of comparable DSLR cameras to choose from; getting to a decision can be tricky. Luckily, we’ve made the decision process a little easier for you with this comparison of the best DSLRs under 1000 dollars.
| Model | MegaPix | Sensor | Weight | Price | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Canon EOS 70D | 20.2 MP | APS-C (22.5 x 15 mm) | 1.66 lbs | $$$ |  Read Review |
Nikon D7100 | 24.1 MP | APS-C (23.5 x 15.6 mm) | 1.69 lbs | $$$ | Read Review |
Sony A77II | 24.3 MP | APS-C (23.5x15.6 mm) | 1.43 lbs | $$$ | Read Review |
With the advent of technology and striking new features such as built-in Wi-Fi and GPS, flip-out screens and upgraded video performance, DSLRs have become more user- friendly, advanced and advantageous.
In this particular post we will review three of the best DSLRs under 1000 dollars in 2015: the Canon 70D, the Nikon 7100 and the Sony A77II. It must be noted that these reviewed models have a body-only price that falls below the $1000 mark, excluding any lenses.
Canon EOS 70D
Pros
- Superb image quality
- High resolution
- Low noise
- Good low light performance
- Good Wi-Fi connectivity
Cons
- No panorama stitching feature
- Autofocus isn’t that fast
- No uncompressed HDMI output
With the EOS 70D, Canon was able to make a substantial impact. This mid-range DSLR comes with evolutionary features. With built in Wi-Fi this camera can be operated by a smartphone and one can also transfer files wirelessly. The 70D is the first DSLR camera to feature dual pixel AF technology which has taken auto-focusing when shooting videos in full HD to a whole new level and with maximum ISO of 25,600, you also get excellent low light performance.
For a DSLR under 1000 Dollars, The touch and focus feature, which enables you to shift your focus from one place or subject to another with just a touch of a finger on the rear display gives the Canon EOS 70D edge over other DSLRs within the price range of 1000 dollars . You also get to shoot at a variety of frame rates, starting from 30 frames per second. It is very much similar to its predecessor the 60D as far as the design is concerned but comparatively it is a little smaller in size.
With 98% viewfinder coverage, maximum shutter speed of 1/8000s, 0.95x magnification and DIGIC 5+ image processor the Canon EOS 70D is the most talked about DSLR of this year. Other than no uncompressed HDMI output and no panorama stitching feature there are very few disadvantages in this camera.
Nikon D7100
Pros
- Great built quality
- Good image quality
- 100% viewfinder coverage
- Dual SD card slots
- Good low light performance
Cons
- No Wi-Fi connectivity
- Not so good for videos
The Nikon D7100 comes with spectacular new features including 100% viewfinder coverage, dual SD card slots, weather sealing and 15 cross type focus points. Besides the new 24 million-pixel APSC CMOS censor, the ISO sensitivity in this camera is 100-6400 and you can boost that up to 25,600.
The advanced auto focus with 51 auto focus points covering the whole image area makes the Nikon D7100 way advanced compared to its predecessors the D5300and the D5200. Even the shooting modes in this model have been improved, besides regular shooting modes such as Auto, Programme, Shutter priority, Aperture priority, this DSLR also has two programmable positions called User 1 and User 2 and also a scene mode and a special effects mode if you feel like going artistic with this camera. This camera is also lighter than its predecessors.The frame rates are very much similar to the Canon 70D, starting from 30 frames per second.
In terms of performance the Nikon D7100 is no less than the 70D, though the image quality is a little less sharper than that of the Canon 70D, but it isn’t really that noticeable. And when it comes to high speeding shooting the 70D is a little quicker and just as much accurate compared to the D1700, despite the fact the D1700 is the one which actually tracks the subject moving at high speed. It is latest in the range of DSLRs under 1000 Dollars launched by Nikon. And with new feature like the ‘I’ button which you can use to change the camera settings from the rear display, the Nikon D7100 is undoubtedly a praiseworthy DSLR within 1000 dollars.
Sony A77II
Pros
- Fast Autofocus
- Good image quality
- Good Wi-Fi connectivity
- Great built quality
Cons
- Complex menu
- Struggles with bright light
Despite the fact that the Sony A77II is not a DSLR camera but within the price range of 1000 dollars, this is the latest and upgraded model that Sony has launched to compete with other such similar interchangeable lens cameras.
Now unlike the two cameras we discussed about, the A7ii is one of the Sony Alpha DSLRs, using the revolutionary new technology called the SLT or Single-Lens Translucent. This new technology allows all time phase detection autofocus when using the electronic viewfinder. Yes, you heard that right, the view finder is electronic. The A77ii has a fixed translucent mirror which diverts the light to that autofocus phase detection sensor. The fast and continuous autofocus capability of this camera probably is the only advantage this camera has over the Canon 70D or the Nikon D7100. You can go as fast as 12fps with this camera but again the same technology which makes it unique also makes it an underdog given this is a brand new technology and people are not really used to it.
Though the A77ii is the upgraded version of the A77, but the tracking hasn’t quite improved as expected. And also the Wi-Fi functionality is not as good as the 70D and we will have to wait for Sony to make the necessary changes, if they decide to upgrade this camera a little more than they already have. This latest model by Sony also comes with 79 autofocus module with 15 cross type autofocus points. With ISO which can be boosted up to 25,600 and top panel LCD, this camera can be fun if you are looking for something new and unique.
