[caption id="attachment_3716" align="alignright" width="242" caption="The Competitors "]
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Everyone out there is always trying to get the most bang for their buck when it comes to anything, but the mid-range camera shopper seems utterly obsessed with the features on their cameras. Professionals just buy what they need and don't think twice about it. Total neophytes are looking to spend the least amount possible, which is a good idea if they don't end up liking photography or plan on taking their cameras off of "AUTO" mode. However, those in the middle are the fanatical number crunchers when it comes to megapixels, autofocus points, etc... $1,000 seems to be a magical number for those looking to take the extra step past the bare bones/entry-level DSLR. It goes without saying that lenses are much more important than the camera you use, however, there is certainly something to be said about how much DSLR cameras have improved over the past few years. Let's take a look the best sub-$1,000 models on the market today. (Disclaimer: Yes I know the GH2 and a55 are not technically DSLRs, but they are aimed at the same customers and have interchangeable lenses!)
1. Canon Rebel t2i
[caption id="attachment_3727" align="alignright" width="240" caption="#1 in my book, the Canon Rebel t2i"]
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Surprise! The Canon EOS Rebel t2i isn't the newest kid on the block and it isn't even in the picture I featured in the introduction to this post. So why is the t2i my dark horse in this race? Well, the simple one word answer is "VALUE". For the price of a new Rebel t3i, you can get a Rebel t2i, 18-5mm kit lens, and a 50mm f/1.8 lens! So what are you missing out on from the t3i? To be honest, nothing really. Big deal -- the screen on the t3i folds out... I guess this makes a difference for a few people doing serious video, but for those looking for the best value, it shouldn't even be a concern. I suppose the trickle-down (From the 7D and 60D) of wireless flash commander ability in the t3i is also attractive, but again, not a deal-breaker for most. If you're in the market for a DSLR camera under $1,000, do yourself a favor and pick up a t2i. It may not have the fast AF during video that some of the other cameras I'm going to talk about do, but right now, it's the best "bang for your buck" camera out there. Also, check out the Nikon D90, which is another older camera that still gets the job done (and with better build quality) for a good price.
2. Sony Alpha a55
If this camera said Canon or Nikon on it, there would be lines out the door for it similar to the Apple iPhone and iPad releases. The a55 is the most innovative interchangeable lens camera that has come around in years. The translucent mirror technology to some is a double-edged sword because there are those people (myself included) who prefer an optical viewfinder and will also argue that because the mirror doesn't move, it is part of the "optical path" between the lens and sensor, thus degrading image quality. However, at the end of the day, the a55 provides users with a powerful 16.2 Megapixel sensor, FAST autofocus for both stills and HD video, a blazing quick 10 frames per second burst rate, and a built-in GPS module. If you don't already have money invested in Canon or Nikon glass, you should seriously consider the Sony a55. Oh wait, did I mention it's awesome in low light and has built-in "sweep" panoramic settings? For the serious consumer or amateur, it's hard to find a better value than the a55. I still believe image quality and video quality is superior in the t2i, otherwise I would have made this little Sony king of my list.
[caption id="attachment_3728" align="alignright" width="300" caption="The Brand Spankin' New Nikon D5100"]
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3. Nikon D5100
I've come to understand that "Nikon" is Japanese slang for "Backordered". I don't want to make light of the terrible situation in Japan, but it seems like Nikon has been hit the hardest out of all the major camera manufacturers. Consumer cameras like the D5100 are made in Thailand, but from what I've read, about 10% of the components in the D5100 come from Japan, so it is a wait-and-see scenario. This being said, if Nikon can produce enough D5100 cameras, it is sure to be a real winner just like everything else Nikon makes. The D5100 is basically an upgraded D5000. It retains a swivel LCD, but they've moved it to the side so it folds out properly and not to the bottom of the camera. There is 1080p HD video recording and a microphone jack for external audio recording. It uses the same sensor as the popular and heavily back-ordered (surprise surprise) D7000. In "Night Vision" mode, the D5100 can be pushed to an insane 102,400 ISO and I'm sure it looks just like ISO 50 on a D3x... not. However, Nikon is still the king of low-light performance and it seems like the D5100 fits in just perfectly with the rest of their DSLR lineup. If you have a Nikon D40, D60, or D3000, the D5100 will be a venerable upgrade for you.
4. Panasonic Lumix GH2
This is the camera everyone has been talking about so far in 2011. Last fall we did a nice hands-on review and video with the GH2 and we were impressed for the most part as well. I gave the GH2 a fair shake back then and still stand by it. The GH2 is probably the BEST camera for those who are doing video. The AF is much faster because it is a MILC and not a DSLR. There is HDMI out, which means an external monitor can be used (in high definition). Additionally, the LCD will still function so you essentially have two screens to work with. For stills, the GH2 produces nice images in good light, but I am a little bit weary of it when compared to other cameras in this price range. At the end of the day, all of these cameras will give you awesome files to work with, but the micro 4/3 sensor in the GH2 simply can't hack it when compared to the D5100, t2i, and a55. However, for those of you out there who even care a little bit about video options/features and want something more compact than a DSLR, forget everything else and grab a GH2 (if you can find one!).
[caption id="" align="alignright" width="334" caption="The "Fighter" Panasonic's Lumix GH2 is an interesting option because of it's lightweight and HD video features"]
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5. Canon Rebel t3i
Let me first state that the Rebel t3i is not a bad camera by any stretch. In fact, it's basically the same camera that I ranked #1 on my list. However, I don't believe the extra cost is worth the "upgrade" unless you are doing video work that requires use of the flip out LCD. If you're upgrading from an older Rebel such as an XT or xsi, the t3i is certainly a worthy upgrade. However, I believe Canon could have held their cards here and waited to make a real improvement over the t2i. The t3i is merely a 60D that was hit with a hammer a few times on each side to make it smaller. Maybe Canon was mad about 60D sales and took out their anger on the actual product? Either way, I don't want to give the impression that the t3i is a bad camera because it isn't -- I just think it was a very lame upgrade.