The Best DSLR Cameras under $5500
Sony a99 II
★ Top Choice
BUY NOW
From $3198
Features
- High bitrate XAVC S5 , S-log, slow/quick frame rates6, 4:2:2 HDMI out, 4D Focus hybrid phase AF w/ 79-point sensor plus 399-point on imager Viewfinder Type : 13 cm (05 type) electronic viewfinder, XGA OLED.
- Operating temperature:0°C - 40°C (+32°F - +104°F)C.424MP full-frame sensor w/ no low-pass filter up to ISO 102,4004, 4K movie recording w/full pixel readout in full-frame or super 35, 5-axis in-body image stabilization optimized for full-frame sensor.
- Total number of pixels:43.6 megapixels approx.
- Wi-Fi/NFC code for easy file transfer and remote control, Dust/moisture resistant magnesium alloy body w/ 300k+ cycle shutter, , Ultra-fast OLED w/EVF benefits and optical viewfinder immediacy.
- Up to 12fps at 424MP continuous shooting with AE/AF tracking, World’s first 79 hybrid AF cross-point array for unmatched AF tracking.
Pros
- ⊕ Crisp EVF.
- ⊕ 4K video capture.
- ⊕ 12fps capture rate.
- ⊕ High-resolution sensor.
- ⊕ Dual autofocus system.
Cons
- ⊖ Lengthy write times.
- ⊖ Omits built-in flash.
- ⊖ Neglected lens system.
Best Autofocus
The Best DSLR Cameras of 2020 - lifewire.com
Reviewed
Sony Alpha 99 II Review - pcmag.com
Best Mirrored Camera
The 10 Best Sony Cameras of 2020 - lifewire.com
Pentax 645Z
♥ Runner Up
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From $5023.51
Features
- Class leading speed and response with 3FPS frame rate.
- Versatile live view with a tiltable LCD panel.
- 51.4 effective mega-pixel CMOS sensor.
- Real Time Scene Analysis with 86,000 pixel sensor.
Pros
- ⊕ Speedy response.
- ⊕ Dual tripod mounts.
- ⊕ Solid control layout.
- ⊕ Weather-sealed design.
- ⊕ Excellent build quality.
Cons
- ⊖ Expensive.
- ⊖ Large and heavy.
- ⊖ So-so video quality.
- ⊖ Limited video features.
Best Medium Format
The Best DSLR Cameras of 2020 - lifewire.com
Reviewed
Pentax 645Z Review - pcmag.com
Nikon D5
Best Overall
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From $5496.95
Features
- 12 fps Shooting for 200 Shots with AE/AF.
- 180k-Pixel RGB Sensor and Group Area AF.
- 14-Bit Raw Files and 12-Bit Raw S Format.
- Supplied With: EN-EL18a Rechargeable Li-ion Battery, MH-26a Battery Charger, USB Cable Clip, HDMI Cable Clip, UC-E22 USB Cable, AN-DC15 Strap, DK-27 Eyepiece Adapter, DK-17F Fluorine-Coated Finder Eyepiece, BF-1B Body Cap, BS-3 Accessory Shoe Cover, BL-6 Battery Chamber Cover, Warranty, Network Guide.
- 3.2" 2.36m-Dot Touchscreen LCD Monitor.
- Multi-CAM 20K 153-Point AF System.
- 20.8MP FX-Format CMOS Sensor.
- Supplied With: EN-EL18a Rechargeable Li-ion Battery, MH-26a Battery Charger, USB Cable Clip, HDMI Cable Clip, UC-E22 USB Cable, AN-DC15 Strap, DK-27 Eyepiece Adapter, DK-17F Fluorine-Coated Finder Eyepiece, BF-1B Body Cap, BS-3 Accessory Shoe Cover, BL-6 Battery Chamber Cover, Warranty, Network Guide.
- 4K UHD Video Recording at 30 fps. CompactFlash (CF) (Type I, compliant with UDMA) XQD Type Memory.
- EXPEED 5 Image Processor.
- Native ISO 102400, Extend to ISO 3280000.
Pros
- ⊕ Massive ISO range.
- ⊕ Brilliant AF system.
- ⊕ Amazing 102,400 max ISO.
- ⊕ Capable of LAN transfers.
- ⊕ Incredible AF performance.
Cons
- ⊖ Heavy.
- ⊖ Big and heavy.
- ⊖ Very expensive.
- ⊖ 12fps not class-leading.
- ⊖ 4K recording limited to 3mins.
Specs
- Movies: 4K.
- Maximum continuous shooting speed: 12fps.
- Megapixels: 20.8MP.
- User level: Expert.
- Sensor: Full-frame CMOS.
- Screen type: 3.2-inch, 2,359,000 dots.
- Autofocus: 153-point AF, 99 cross-type.
Best Professional DSLR
The 7 Best Nikon Cameras of 2020 - lifewire.com
Best Overall
The 7 Best GPS Cameras of 2020 - lifewire.com
Canon 1DX Mark II
Runner-Up, Best Overall
BUY NOW
From $5499
Features
- 4K video (4096 x 2160) up to 60 fps (59.94), with an 8.8-Megapixel still frame grab in camera. Full 1080p HD capture up to 120 fps for slow motion.
- Fastest shooting EOS-1D, capable of up to 14 fps full-resolution RAW or JPEG, and up to 16 fps in Live View mode with new Dual DIGIC 6+ Image Processors.
- Dual Pixel CMOS AF & Movie Servo AF for high speed, high frame rate and continuous autofocus during video shooting.
- Improved AF performance through 61-point, wide area AF system with 41 cross-type points, improved center point focusing sensitivity to -3 EV and compatibility down to f/8.
- Achieves a maximum burst rate of up to 170 RAWs in continuous shooting at up to 16 fps, and 4K movies using CFast cards in the new CFast 2.0 slot.
- Accurate subject tracking for stills and video with new EOS Intelligent Tracking and Recognition AF with 360,000-pixel metering sensor.
Pros
- ⊕ 4K video.
- ⊕ Built-in GPS.
- ⊕ In-body GPS.
- ⊕ Pro-grade build.
- ⊕ 3.2-inch touch LCD.
Cons
- ⊖ 4K video is cropped.
- ⊖ No Wi-Fi connectivity.
- ⊖ Omits Wi-Fi and in-body flash.
Best for Sports and Wildlife
The Best Full-Frame Cameras for 2020 - pcmag.com
Best for Action & Sports
The 8 Best Professional Cameras of 2020 - lifewire.com
Runner-Up, Best Overall
The 7 Best GPS Cameras of 2020 - lifewire.com