Hi all. Just a question from someone who mostly shoots with mirrorless cameras. What is your opinion on what makes a good mid-level DSLR for someone that is not professional, but looking at boosting their game?
In today's market, mid-level mirrorless is full-frame at 24MP costing around $1000 (or less) for the body or a body and a quality zoom.
By saying dslr do you mean limited to a camera with a mirror, the R in dslr, or would you include milc cameras in your question?
Budget? Needs? I'm not being mean - there are a lot of options out there.
Mid level DSLR are those like the Canon 5D MK IV or the Nikon D850.
BebuLamar wrote:
Mid level DSLR are those like the Canon 5D MK IV or the Nikon D850.
I would have put those as high level, but I guess we need some parameters.
BebuLamar wrote:
Mid level DSLR are those like the Canon 5D MK IV or the Nikon D850.
Mid-level DSLR is more difficult to identify, and they are certainly not these top-of-the-line full-frame bodies. Of course, both Nikon and Canon each have a fully-professional $6000 body, but these two examples are the pinnacle of each brand's general purpose, high-resolution professional bodies.
I seemed to have misunderstood the question before. Mid-level DSLR is more difficult to identify given the prevalence of crop-sensor bodies in the popular brands. Is the top crop body actually the 'mid-level' of the brand? Is the brand's 'entry-level' full-frame the mid-level of the brand, or would it slot below the top cropped model?
One graphical source would be the time-line graphics at the bottom of each brand's wiki page,
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comparison_of_Canon_EOS_digital_camerashttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comparison_of_Nikon_DSLR_camerashttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sony_E-mountEach graphic gives the brand hierarchy showing the relative positioning of each model.
I would suggest looking looking at Sony A7XXX or a6XXX series. The 7s are full frame. the 6s are APS-C. Look at the ones that are II or III. Those have 5x image stab. I currently have the a6000, a7s, a7III a7RIII and the a99II. I highly recommend the a7III. but if you are on a budget the a7II is less $$$ or look at used. All the Sony a7xxx and a6xxx all have adapters to use almost any lens. I have adapters to fit even 1950s vintage lenses on my cameras. These are extremely versital cameras.
GregCromie wrote:
Hi all. Just a question from someone who mostly shoots with mirrorless cameras. What is your opinion on what makes a good mid-level DSLR for someone that is not professional, but looking at boosting their game?
Looking things into context, that is a pretty irrelevant question. Even the most basic entry level DSLR today is much much better than the top of the line professional DSLR of the 90's and they are able to get very good images then. What then prevents us from making good pictures now? The equipment and technology has gone up by leaps & bounds. The only thing holding us back is out own enthusiasm and willingness to learn.
CHG_CANON wrote:
Mid-level DSLR is more difficult to identify, and they are certainly not these top-of-the-line full-frame bodies. Of course, both Nikon and Canon each have a fully-professional $6000 body, but these two examples are the pinnacle of each brand's general purpose, high-resolution professional bodies.
I seemed to have misunderstood the question before. Mid-level DSLR is more difficult to identify given the prevalence of crop-sensor bodies in the popular brands. Is the top crop body actually the 'mid-level' of the brand? Is the brand's 'entry-level' full-frame the mid-level of the brand, or would it slot below the top cropped model?
One graphical source would be the time-line graphics at the bottom of each brand's wiki page,
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comparison_of_Canon_EOS_digital_camerashttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comparison_of_Nikon_DSLR_camerashttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sony_E-mountEach graphic gives the brand hierarchy showing the relative positioning of each model.
Mid-level DSLR is more difficult to identify, and ... (
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I consider them mid level because exactly what you said. They are not the top of the line. Prices are about half that of the top of the line. The capabilities are less in some respect but also more in others.
Back in the film days the Canon EOS-3 and the Nikon F100 were considered mid level to me.
What makes a good mid-level DSLR is cost, features and build quality. You did not mention what make camera(s) you own and what lenses you own and what your budget is.
The Canon 5D series camera are definitely not mid-level DSLR'S. I own a 5DSr and a 5D mk IV and they are pro grade cameras that excel in studio applications.
The Canon EOS 90D is an excellent mid-level DSLR. It has a 32.5 megapixel APS-C image sensor and is loaded with lots of useful features including 30fps 4K video and 120fps HD video. For $1200, this is a great mid-level DSLR.
If you're looking for something smaller and less expensive, the Canon Rebel SL3 is small and loaded with features. I own a SL1, SL2 and SL3 and for their size, they are really good little cameras and I believe the smallest DSLR'S available.
I think the camera body means something but the real decision is in the lens system. You should decide early on whether you will pursue full frame or one of the crop systems, and mirrorless or not, which brand, because bodies will come and go, but quality lenses can last a lifetime.
Canon mirrorless can use the newer RF lenses and the full catalog of EF lenses, but Canon dslr can't use the RF lenses, so once committed to a system it's hard to start fresh later. I don't know for other brands but I'll wager it's similar.
Megapixels don't mean much once you are past 20, but look for dynamic range at least 9 stops or more, if you need it, ISO above 10,000 with good low light performance, if you need it, accurate auto focus and fast tracking focus and eye detection if you need it, a nice live view screen, the features add up but only if you need them for the images you want to capture.
GregCromie wrote:
Hi all. Just a question from someone who mostly shoots with mirrorless cameras. What is your opinion on what makes a good mid-level DSLR for someone that is not professional, but looking at boosting their game?
Switching from mirrorless to DSLR will change your life dramatically. You will be recognized everywhere as a connoisseur of fast women and slow horses. Hedge fund managers will offer you an insiders opportunity to buy into the Brooklyn Bridge IPO. Nigerian Finance Ministers will offer you free shares in confiscated fortunes - just send your bank account info. You will shed 30 pounds without dieting and your waist will shrink to 34 inches. Supermodels will give you their private cell phone numbers and pretty girls will toss their knickers at you.
As for photography - switching from mirrorless to DSLR won't 'improve your game' one iota.
billnikon
Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont
GregCromie wrote:
Hi all. Just a question from someone who mostly shoots with mirrorless cameras. What is your opinion on what makes a good mid-level DSLR for someone that is not professional, but looking at boosting their game?
You shoot mostly mirrorless and you want to know about DSLR's, REALLY?
[quote=BebuLamar]Mid level DSLR are those like the Canon 5D MK IV or the Nikon D850.[/
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