Best overall		Sony a7 IV		SEE IT	The a7 IV offers a well-rounded set of features making it a versatile tool for more than just astrophotography.
Best mirrorless		Nikon Z8		SEE IT	With pristine image quality and night-specific features, the Z8 will elevate your astrophotography.
Best budget		Canon EOS RP		SEE IT	It’s more affordable price and compact body make this camera more approachable.

Photographing the night sky has become more popular among hobbyists and professionals alike, and having a quality camera for astrophotography will give you the best chance of success. It is a fairly technical genre that requires patience, skill, and lots of practice. But with the right gear, you’ll be in a better place to get dramatic photos at night. Astrophotography includes images of sweeping landscapes with stars above as well as specific celestial objects. No matter what you want to document, the best cameras for astrophotography are ones that allow the capture of detail-rich photos of the night sky while balancing noise and resolution.

• Best overall: Sony a7 IV
• Best mirrorless: Nikon Z8
• Best for beginners: Fujifilm X-T5
• Best DSLR: Nikon D850
• Best budget: Canon EOS RP

How we chose the best cameras for astrophotography

The primary concern with astrophotography is noise performance across the ISO band. Cameras with larger sensors overwhelmingly dominate this metric, as they tend to have larger individual pixels, which increases their efficiency at gathering light and dispersing thermals. This is why all but our beginner camera contain full-frame sensors.

We were also interested in finding cameras with a high dynamic range per ISO setting. With astrophotography, one is constantly pushing the ISO while trying to maintain detail in highlights and shadows. So, having a high dynamic range at higher ISOs is paramount. Additionally, most will want to use their cameras for more than just astrophotography, so we focused on cameras that would offer versatility in a range of genres and situations.

The best cameras for astrophotography: Reviews & Recommendations

Astrophotography may be a challenging genre, but it is extremely rewarding when you get it right. Get ready to capture epic night skies with these impressive cameras for astrophotography. 

Best overall: Sony a7 IV

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Specs

• Resolution: 33 megapixels
• Sensor size: Full-frame
• Lens mount: Sony E
• Image stabilization: Sensor-Shift, 5-Axis
• Memory card slots: Slot 1: CFexpress Type A / SD (UHS-II), Slot 2: SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-II)
• Weight: 1.4 pounds
• Dimensions: 5.2 x 3.8 x 3.1 inches

Pros

• Incredible low-light performance
• Advanced features for video and stills
• High dynamic range
• Dual card slots

Cons

• Rear screen is lower resolution than competitors

The a7 IV is a versatile performer that can do it all, which is why it earned our top spot. Its 33-megapixel sensor offers a nice amount of detail without producing excessively large files. It offers impressive dynamic range, which makes it possible to bring back a lot more highlight and shadow detail. That’s a plus when documenting the night sky, especially if the moon is in your shots. When paired with a lens for astrophotography, such as the Sigma 14mm f/1.4, this camera will produce some stunning images.

This camera will exceed expectations in taking both stills and video when paired with a fast lens. Its high ISO performance means you can even capture usable video of the night sky. The a7 IV is also very lightweight, meaning it will work just as well atop even the smallest star trackers or timelapse rotators. Couple that with its “Bright Monitoring” feature, which enhances the exposure in live view, and you’ll never again struggle to find compositions on a tracker or tripod. 

To read more about the Sony a7 IV, check out our full review. If you like the a7 line but want to save a little money, the Sony a7 III, though a generation old, is still a fantastic camera for astrophotography. In fact, it was the most used camera in the Astronomy Photographer of the Year contest. 

Best mirrorless: Nikon Z8

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Specs

• Resolution: 45.7 megapixels
• Sensor size: Full-frame
• Lens mount: Nikon Z
• Image stabilization: Sensor-Shift, 5-Axis
• Memory card slots: Slot 1: CFexpress Type B / XQD, Slot 2: SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-II)
• Weight: 2 pounds
• Dimensions: 5.7 x 4.7 x 3.3 inches

Pros

• Impressive noise performance
• Excellent low-light performance
• High-resolution sensor results in detailed photos
• Top mount OLED screen

Cons

• Expensive
• Battery life could be better

If you are serious about photography in general and astrophotography specifically, the Nikon Z8 is a fantastic choice. It offers the impressive performance of the Nikon Z9 in a smaller, cheaper body. It is still a pricey camera, so it is best suited for pros or serious enthusiasts. The 45.7-megapixel sensor results in highly detailed images. Your starry landscapes will hold up to even large-scale printing. And images look great even up to ISO 6400, especially with some noise reduction. 

The Z8 also offers excellent dynamic range, giving you more flexibility when editing. It even offers a setting specific to astrophotography. The Starlight View setting lowers the autofocus detection range to -9EV, which is lower than most. There is also a night vision mode that automatically dims the screen and changes the electronic viewfinder to red pixels only. 

Beyond astrophotography, this camera provides advanced autofocus abilities to keep your shots in focus. It is capable of burst shooting of 20 fps full-res raw, or up to 120 fps with the quality lowered to 11-megapixel jpg files. It offers 8K video recording with multiple high-end 4K formats as well. And the body is comfortable to hold with lots of customization options.

To learn more about the Nikon Z8, check out our full review.

Best for beginners: Fujifilm X-T5

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Specs

• Resolution: 40.2 megapixels
• Sensor size: APS-C
• Lens mount: Fujifilm X
• Image stabilization: Sensor-Shift, 5-Axis
• Memory card slots: Dual slot: SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-II)
• Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Dimensions: 5.1 x 3.6 x 2.5 inches

Pros

• 40-megapixel sensor results in excellent detail
• Attractive Fujifilm color science with built-in film simulations
• Lots of tactile controls
• Compact compared to full-frame

Cons

• No lit-up top screen for seeing settings

Fujifilm’s X-T5 is a great all-around camera, but it excels at still photos. It is an excellent choice for someone wanting to get started with astrophotography. The camera body is very lightweight and compact, making it easy to pack in if you hike to your astrophotography destinations. It’s also a durable body, capable of handling temperatures as low as 14°F for those winter night shoots.

Unfortunately, there is no top screen, meaning you have to use the viewfinder or rear screen to check settings, a downside when shooting low or trying to conserve battery. But the old-school physical controls help with that and make it easy to adjust settings without specifying a mode. In addition, the vari-angle screen makes it easier to compose your images when shooting at low angles. Though the camera is an APS-C sensor, it still puts out quality images at a reasonable price for beginners.

The ISO range of the XT-4 goes up to 12,800 and can extend to 51,200, giving lots of flexibility for astrophotography. The noise levels are impressive, allowing you to take advantage of some of those higher ISOs without losing the stars to noise. We found the files held up well until roughly ISO 4,000, but the high-resolution sensor gives you more data to work with when utilizing noise reduction software.

As is typical with Fujifilm cameras, the colors are excellent right out of the camera. Plus, it comes with a long list of attractive film simulations built-in, so you don’t need to spend time editing in order to get polished-looking photos. That’s an ideal option for many beginners. Should you want to edit your images, you’ll get plenty of dynamic range, especially for an APS-C, giving you lots of room to play around.

To learn more about the Fujifilm X-T5, check out our full review.

Best DSLR: Nikon D850

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Specs

• Resolution: 45.7 megapixels
• Sensor size: Full-frame
• Lens mount: Nikon F
• Image stabilization: None
• Memory card slots: Slot 1: SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-II), Slot 2: CFexpress Type B / XQD
• Weight: 2.01 pounds
• Dimensions: 5.7 x 4.9 x 3.1 inches

Pros

• High resolution
• Exceptional battery life
• Access to F-mount lens range
• Backlit buttons

Cons

• Expensive
• Heavy with a large footprint 

The Nikon D850 might be the last great DSLR in production today, and it’s likely the end of a generation of large, substantially robust cameras. In an era where most modern prosumer cameras feel like toys, the D850 stands out as a tool for the most rugged and extreme adventures. Its 45.7 megapixels and lack of an anti-aliasing filter help it achieve details other cameras only dream about. But its largest advantage over the competition is the F-mount. The ability of the D850 to natively support the hundreds of legacy F-mount lenses might be a boon to those who want to offset the cost of this camera by getting some inexpensive glass.

Although high-resolution cameras tend to suffer in low-light photography, especially in deep-sky astrophotography, the D850 holds its own in high dynamic range, low read noise, and shadow detail at higher ISOs. It also has some pretty nifty features that the competition is lacking. For example, none of the other cameras on this list have backlit buttons. In fact, not many cameras in existence have this feature, which is a big deal if you’re doing a lot of night photography. And then there’s battery life, which will never be an issue when owning the D850. 

The only real downside to this camera is its size and price. Some consumers may not be able to justify the high cost of a camera system that is becoming obsolete.  

Best budget: Canon EOS RP

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Specs

• Resolution: 26.2 megapixels
• Sensor size: Full-frame
• Lens mount: Canon RF
• Image stabilization: Digital, 5-axis (video only)
• Memory card slots: Single slot: SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-II)
• Weight: 1.07 pounds
• Dimensions: 5.2 x 3.3 x 2.8 inches

Pros

• Affordable
• Good noise characteristics
• Built-in time-lapse tools
• Very compact and lightweight

Cons

• 4K video results in a significant crop
• Dynamic range could be better

The Canon EOS RP is essentially the mirrorless replacement for the popular 6D Mark II. In fact, it uses the same sensor. That’s a plus for astrophotography since the 6D Mark II has long been one of the top choices for the genre. It provides good noise handling at higher ISOs, so your stars won’t be totally washed out in noise. And it results in high-quality jpg files with a good amount of detail and excellent colors, so you don’t have to fuss with raw files if you don’t want to. 

The EOS RP also features built-in time-lapse tools, so you can take time-lapse videos of the stars. Although you’ll mostly use manual focus when capturing the night sky, the camera offers excellent autofocus performance. It is also a tiny camera, especially for one that uses a full-frame camera. It will be much easier to hike into backcountry locations for darker skies. 

There are still limited options for third-party, affordable lenses for Canon mirrorless cameras, which is one of the main downsides to the RP. If you already have some Canon EF lenses, you can always use an adapter and save some money on new glass. 

What to consider before buying a camera for astrophotography

If your main goal is to take still photos at night, there are a lot of features on modern cameras that will be irrelevant to your pursuit. Marketing will hype up features related to autofocus, extreme ISO ranges, video capabilities, and in-body image stabilization (IBIS), but in practice, these features are inconsequential to astrophotography, so take them with a grain of salt. That said, if you want one camera that can handle everything, those may be features that are essential for you.

Mirrorless vs DSLR

Mirrorless cameras aren’t inherently better than DSLRs for astrophotography. However, most camera and lens manufacturers have begun to phase out releases or even production of DSLR gear, and the camera format is becoming rather outdated. As a result, it is likely a wiser investment to go with a mirrorless system. Luckily, mirrorless cameras are typically more compact and lightweight. That makes them easier to work with if you need to travel to a dark sky location.

The downside is that there are fewer lens options available for mirrorless cameras at this point, specifically for Nikon and Canon. But companies are churning out new releases on a regular basis, and third-party lens makers have begun releasing options as well, so this will become a moot point in the near future.

Megapixels & sensor size

Generally speaking, cameras with larger sensors outperform those with smaller sensors in low light. But that’s only half of the story. The reason larger sensors generally perform better in low light is because of the ratio of pixels to sensor size, which can be measured by the individual pixel size. Larger sensors have more surface area to place individual pixels, and the larger the individual pixel size, the more efficient it will be at collecting light and dispersing thermals. So, the key to low light performance is having a balance between megapixel count and sensor size. 

Budget

Cameras that perform well for astrophotography can range from $500 to $5000. The main differences between cameras in this broad spectrum are photographer aid features, such as live view zooming, enhanced exposure, backlit buttons, etc. Yes, quality does get better the more money you throw down, but only incrementally. If your main focus is astrophotography, an increase in price doesn’t necessarily mean an increase in quality. 

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best cameras for astrophotography

• Best overall: Sony a7 IV
• Best mirrorless: Nikon Z8
• Best for beginners: Fujifilm X-T5
• Best DSLR: Nikon D850
• Best budget: Canon EOS RP

Astrophotography is still a niche pursuit. Picking the right camera for this genre is a delicate balance of selecting individual features and low-light performance versus price. Don’t automatically assume that the newest camera is the best choice for astrophotography. The newest features on the latest camera models don’t always improve their functionality and usability as it pertains to astrophotography, and you could end up paying more for features that won’t apply to this genre. The choices above reflect these concerns. After all, the camera is only one part of the equation; if you’re economical with your decision, you should have savings to apply to better-quality glass.

Why trust us

PopPhoto has a long history of delivering the opinions of some of the sharpest and most prolific camera dorks the world has to offer. Since 1937, we’ve been reviewing cameras, providing wisdom from well-known photographers, and generally just nerding out about all that goes into making great pictures. Our current crop of writers and editors have decades of professional photography and camera writing experience among them. Collectively, we’ve probably shot with just about every camera and lens combo you can imagine—as well as some obscure stuff you may not even know about. Remember the Casio Tryx folding camera? PopPhoto does.

We also get that buying a camera is a big decision, which is why we’re dedicated to helping folks choose the right one (or, in our case “ones”) for their needs. Case in point: Handing over top dollar for an expensive rig may leave you unsatisfied if it doesn’t fit your preferred shooting style. Sure, a $6,000 sports-oriented DSLR can capture landscapes, but do you really need to do it at 30 frames-per-second? No, you don’t.

The post The best cameras for astrophotography in 2023, tested and reviewed appeared first on Popular Photography.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

Best overall		Nikon D5600		SEE IT	A solid all-around performer
Best budget		Pentax K-70		SEE IT	A rugged camera that will last for years
Best for vlogging		Canon Rebel T8i		SEE IT	4K video capture and solid autofocus

For the better part of two decades, DSLRs have been one of the best ways for new photographers to get into learning manual and creative photography. While mirrorless cameras have eaten a lot of their market share, DSLRs still provide excellent performance for outstanding value. They also have access to huge backlogs of lenses both new and on the used market. We curated this list of the best DSLR cameras for beginners by identifying models with helpful features for those just starting out as well as room to grow into more manual settings down the road. Features like automatic shooting modes and built-in editing effects may not be necessary for veteran shooters, but they can go a long way in encouraging creativity in those new to photography.

• Best overall: Nikon D5600
• Best compact: Canon EOS Rebel SL3
• Best battery life: Nikon D3500
• Best for vlogging: Canon EOS Rebel T8i
• Best budget: Pentax K-70

The best DSLR cameras for beginners: Reviews & Recommendations

Best overall: Nikon D5600

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Why it made the cut: A very solid mix of beginner-friendly features and advanced shooting modes for more experienced photographers.

Specs:

• Resolution: 24 megapixels
• Lens mount: Nikon F
• Sensor size: APS-C
• Video resolution: 1080p at 60 fps
• ISO range: 100-25,600
• Screen size: 3 inches

Pros:

• Compact
• Full creative modes
• 24-megapixel resolution
• Articulated touchscreen

Cons:

• Light weathersealing

From its fully rotating touchscreen LCD to its built-in help guide, retouch menu, and in-camera timelapse mode, the Nikon D5600 offers ample features for the beginner DSLR user. Both the help guide and in-camera retouching are great learning tools for growing skills beyond the basics. While you won’t find 4K, its full HD video takes up less space and is easier to edit without an expensive computer. Bluetooth and WiFi are also available for seamlessly transferring images to smart devices. Because it offers both full-manual and creative assist modes, it’s a great option for beginners to grow into.

Best compact: Canon EOS Rebel SL3

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Why it made the cut: It’s the smallest DSLR on the market, but it still offers everything most photographers need.

Specs:

• Resolution: 24.1 megapixels
• Lens mount: Canon EF
• Sensor size: APS-C
• Video resolution: 4K at 24 fps
• ISO range: 100-25,600
• Screen size: 3 inches

Pros:

• Excellent image quality
• Tons of affordable lens options
• Extremely compact

Cons:

• Lacking tactile controls due to space

With its fully articulated touchscreen LCD, 4K video, a microphone jack, and solid still image quality, the tiny Canon EOS Rebel SL3 packs a lot of punch for such a diminutive camera. You’ll also find fast, reliable autofocus with eye-detection, visual guides for beginners to help decide on the best settings, and some creative options. One little caveat that may or may not apply: the hot shoe is designed to accommodate only Canon accessory flashes, so it’s unlikely you can use less expensive third-party models with this camera. But there’s a small built-in flash when you need an extra pop of light.

Best battery life: Nikon D3500

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Why it made the cut: Lots of beginner-friendly features make this a great way to get shooting without experience.

Specs:

• Resolution: 24.2 megapixels
• Lens mount: Nikon F
• Sensor size: APS-C
• Video resolution: 1080p at 24 fps
• ISO range: 100-25,600
• Screen size: 3 inches

Pros:

Cons:

The Nikon D3500 may lack some of the familiar bells and whistles like a touchscreen LCD but with the ability to capture more than 1550 images on a single charge, it’s the superhero of battery life in an entry-level DSLR. Like the Nikon D5600, there’s an in-camera guide that’s helpful for those new to DSLRs and a retouch menu for quick image adjustments in-camera—a cool feature to avoid the hassle of editing photos on your computer. The Nikon D3500′s LCD is fixed but still offers good resolution for this class of camera.

Best for vlogging: Canon EOS Rebel T8i

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Why it made the cut: 4K video and solid autofocus during motion capture make this a great option for aspiring YouTubers.

Specs:

• Resolution: 24.1 megapixels
• Lens mount: Canon EF
• Sensor size: APS-C
• Video resolution: 4K at 24 fps
• ISO range: 100-25,600
• Screen size: 3 inches

Pros:

• Solid video chops for the category
• Ample lens options from first and third parties
• Compact

Cons:

• Slightly pricier than competition

Although a little pricier than other entry-level DSLRs, the Canon EOS Rebel T8i is the newest model with better performance than the competition. At the same time, the Canon EOS Rebel T8i offers all the components needed for vlogging—an articulated touchscreen monitor, microphone jack, and more. Although 4K video is cropped, 4K and HD video will look good online. And it offers a vertical video option for posting on Instagram.

Best budget: Pentax K-70

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Why it made the cut: Tons of features and burly weatherproofing make this a camera that will last for quite some time.

Specs:

• Resolution: 24.2 megapixels
• Lens mount: Pentax K
• Sensor size: APS-C
• Video resolution: 1080p at 60 fps
• ISO range: 100-204,800
• Screen size: 3 inches

Pros:

• Excellent weather protection
• Super-wide ISO range
• Great design

Cons:

• Not as many models to move up to down the road

Pentax has a reputation for making some of the most rugged and well-designed DSLRs around. The K-70 represents the entry-level K-mount DSLR, but it has some advanced features other models lack. The primary benefit comes from its construction. Pentax has added surprisingly robust sealing to keep out moisture and dust, which can wreak havoc on a camera after a day in the woods or at the beach. Pentax is still fully committed to its DSLR offerings, so you won’t have to worry about the company discontinuing lenses to make mirrorless versions that won’t work with your camera. This is one of the best entry-level DSLRs around, full-stop.

Things to consider when choosing the best DSLR cameras for beginners

Given the consistent basic features across beginner DSLRs, here are a few things to keep in mind when selecting an entry-level camera. Remember, you don’t need the best DSLR camera on the market to take great pictures or learn photography. Here are some essential features to consider before making your purchase.

Resolution

By now, you almost certainly know that megapixels don’t mean everything when it comes to image quality. You do want to make sure you have enough resolution for your intended purposes, though. You’ll often find that a DSLR camera for beginners will hang around the 18-24-megapixel range because most of them use fairly similar sensors. That’s plenty of resolution for just about anything you could want to do, including large prints. Moving up to higher megapixels right away can be tempting, but those files tax your computer more during editing (since you’ll almost certainly be shooting in raw) and they’ll take up more room on your memory cards and hard drives.

Lens mount

When you buy your first DSLR, you’re buying into a whole camera system. If you buy a Nikon DSLR, for instance, it will only accept lenses available with a Nikon F mount. The same goes for Canon and its EF and EF-S mounts. Both Canon and Nikon have discontinued a lot of their SLR-specific lenses in favor of their newer mirrorless models, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t still excellent. In fact, that means you might be able to get a deal on DSLR lenses that people are replacing on the secondary market.

Sensor size

All the cameras on this list utilize APS-C-sized sensors, which are roughly 75 percent as big as a full-frame sensor or a single frame shot on 35mm film. While the smaller sensor can be a drawback in some way—they make your lenses appear more “zoomed in” because they only capture a portion of the lens’s image circle—but they also have some advantages. APS-C-specific lenses are often smaller and cheaper than their full-frame counterparts, which is great for beginners who don’t want to spend a ton of cash.

Creative shooting modes

Beginner DSLRs typically offer a selection of manual and automatic modes to help photographers learn their way around their new rig. You want a mixture of fully manual modes to grow into, as well as some helpful creative shooting modes that do some of the work for you. You’ll eventually grow out of “sports” mode and into full manual or shutter priority, but a little automatic help can’t hurt in the early stages of the learning process.

Video

Video comes as an afterthought for most entry-level DSLRs, so if you’re looking to shoot a lot of motion, you’re almost certainly better going with a mirrorless camera to start. While the cameras on this list are great for photography, they’re mostly middling or worse when it comes to video specs.

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FAQs

A final word on shopping for the best DSLR cameras for beginners

Before you lay down your hard-earned cash for a DSLR, be sure to read reviews of each model you’re considering. While specifications can reveal a lot, there’s nothing like reading about hands-on experience to get a sense of a camera’s performance. And, with the reviews, you get to see the picture quality, which will also help you make your final decision on what is the best DSLR camera for beginners.

The post The best DSLR cameras for beginners in 2023 appeared first on Popular Photography.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

Best overall		Canon 90D		SEE IT	It has everything most shooters need.
Best professsional		Canon 5D Mark IV		SEE IT	This camera is ready for professional work.
Best for video		Nikon D780		SEE IT	It shoots 4K video with no crop.

DSLRs have been the default for advanced cameras since the dawn of the digital age. While mirrorless cameras have largely replaced DSLRs, there are still some really excellent DSLR cameras out there on the market. They have access to huge catalogs of legacy lenses, many of which have gotten even more affordable as more people switch to mirrorless. These cameras also still have a few actual advantages over mirrorless as well. For one, they still provide optical viewfinders, which cause zero lag, something mirrorless cameras can’t claim (at least not yet). We’ve rounded up this list of the best DSLR cameras still on the market, focusing on the features most photographers need while keeping them all in line with a reasonable budget.

• Best overall: Canon EOS 90D DSLR
• Best for beginners: Canon EOS Rebel SL3 DSLR
• Best for landscape and wildlife: Nikon D850
• Best for portraits: Canon 5D Mark IV Full Frame DSLR
• Best for video: Nikon D780 DSLR
• Best for professionals: Canon 1D X Mark III DSLR
• Best budget: Canon EOS Rebel T7 DSLR

How we picked the best DSLR cameras

The editors and writers at PopPhoto have been reviewing cameras for decades, and we’ve had hands-on time with just about every major camera released in recent memory. This list is the result of hands-on testing, user feedback, spec comparison, and editorial reviews. We considered the entire current lineup from all of the major manufacturers to land on these picks. We focused on usability, feature set, and budget to try and hone this list for specific users.

Best DSLR cameras: Reviews & recommendations

Best overall: Canon EOS 90D DSLR

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Why it made the cut: A solid mix of features and price make this a winner across the board.

Specs  

• Sensor size: APS-C
• Resolution: 32.5 megapixels
• Weight: 1.32 pounds

Pros 

• High-resolution sensor
• Solid mix of tactile controls
• Built-in auto modes to help beginners
• Dual-pixel focusing in live view and video modes

Cons

• Not built rugged for pro work

Easy to use, comfortable to hold, with solid checkmarks in all the right boxes to consistently produce high-quality shots, the Canon EOS 90D DSLR is one of the best DSLR cameras around. (It also has WiFi, Bluetooth, a moveable LED screen, and shoots 4K video.)

Why it’s worth paying a little extra for the 90D versus the 80D? It’s lighter (701g vs. 730g), three years newer (2019 vs. 2016) and has a significantly higher sensor resolution (32.5 MP vs. 24.2 MP), has twice the shutter durability (200k vs. 100k), shoots four more frames per second (11 fps vs. 7 fps), a much higher ISO sensitivity (25,600 vs. 6,400 native; 51,200 vs. 25,600 boosted), and better battery life (1,300 shots vs. 900 shots).

It’s not built for professionals, but it has all the settings a pro could need in a pinch. Still, it’s simple enough to use in its automatic modes that it’s easy to pick up and start shooting.

Best for beginners: Canon EOS Rebel SL3 DSLR

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Why it made the cut: This compact, lightweight DSLR has a built-in guide mode for beginners.

Specs 

• Sensor size: APS-C
• Resolution: 24.1 megapixels
• Weight: 15.84 ounces

Pros 

• Very light and compact
• Friendly for beginners
• Affordable

Cons

• Autofocus is a bit slow

For those wanting to learn the basics of photography, the Canon EOS Rebel SL3 is one of the best options. For starters, it provides a built-in guide mode for beginners to explain what actually happens when you change your exposure settings in real-time. It’s a useful tool for getting off of Auto mode. And the camera is extremely small, making it easy to keep on you so that you take more photos.

Despite being a beginner camera, it features a quality 24.1-megapixel sensor and is capable of 4K video. Its JPEG files have excellent colors right out of the camera, so you won’t need to worry about editing if you don’t want to. The autofocus isn’t as responsive as other options, but it will work well for situations other than fast wildlife or sports.

Best for landscapes and wildlife: Nikon D850

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Why it made the cut: It offers a massive 45.7-megapixel resolution resulting in stunning detail, as well as a rugged build, long battery life, and backlit buttons.

Specs

• Sensor size: Full-frame
• Resolution: 45.7 megapixels
• Weight: 2.21 pounds

Pros 

• Outstanding battery life
• High resolution
• Backlit buttons

Cons

• Heavy and bulky

Nikon’s D850 is one of the best full-frame DSLRs ever made. It’s a rugged workhorse with a 45.7-megapixel resolution for highly detailed images. That detail is in part thanks to the back-illuminated design of the sensor. Landscape and macro photographers will especially appreciate the image quality that’s possible with this camera.

The camera is weather-sealed and robust enough to handle even the most serious adventures in the backcountry. And the battery life will last for ages as well, which is an asset for those long trips or for astrophotographers. A rarity on cameras, the buttons are backlit, so you’ll be able to easily navigate the camera while shooting those night skies.

Beyond still photography, the D850 is more than capable as well. It can record 4K30p video as well as 8K time-lapses. And it’s autofocus system is reliable and accurate in most situations.

Best for portraits: Canon 5D Mark IV Full Frame DSLR

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Why it made the cut: This workhorse DSLR is still ready for professional portrait work for years to come.

Specs 

• Sensor size: Full-frame
• Resolution: 30.4 megapixels
• Weight: 1.76 pounds

Pros 

• Built like a tank
• Dual memory card slots
• Excellent image quality
• 4K video shooting

Cons

• Getting old
• No rotating screen

The best DSLR for professional portrait photographers is the Canon 5D Mark IV, a full-frame DSLR with rock-solid stats: 30.4 MP (with a beefy enough image processor to still shoot 7 frames per second), a native ISO of 32000 that expands to 102400, 61-point reticular autofocus, and dual-pixel recording in stills and video.

Despite all its heft, the Canon 5D Mark IV is still remarkably comfortable to use and carry, and for all its technical prowess, it remains an intuitive model, even if it is getting a little long in the tooth. A rotating screen would be nice, but the optical viewfinder is large and bright, which makes composing shots easy and comfortable. The super-rugged build quality also means it will be durable enough to endure pro work.

Best for video: Nikon D780 DSLR

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Why it made the cut: This full-frame camera shoots 4K video without cropping into the sensor like many other DSLRs do.

Specs  

• Sensor size: Full-frame
• Resolution: 24.5 megapixels
• Weight: 1.57 pounds

Pros 

• Full-frame, no-crop 4K video
• Excellent image quality
• Magnesium alloy shell for toughness

Cons

• Can be hard to find

The Nikon D780 is one of the best DSLR cameras for video. Its focus abilities (including two autofocus systems and a focus-stacking mode to increase the depth of field), as well as its performance in low light, image processor, and overall image quality (it offers a 10-bit, versus 8-bit option, which means that much more detail preserved), make this model a standout.

We also absolutely recommend the Canon 5D Mark IV, our pick for the best camera for portrait photography, as a 4K DSLR camera for video.

Best for professionals: Canon 1D X Mark III DSLR

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Why it made the cut: Canon’s flagship DSLR is a staple on the sidelines at pro sporting events thanks to its huge battery life, super-fast capture, and tons of physical controls.

Specs:  

• Sensor size: Full-frame
• Resolution: 20.1 megapixels
• Weight: 3.17 pounds

Pros 

• Built-in vertical grip
• Thousands of shots per battery charge
• Excellent image quality
• Super-fast burst rate
• Big, bright viewfinder

Cons

• Big
• Expensive

If the Nikon 5300 is a Honda Accord, the Canon 1D X Mark III is a Porsche. And we say that with no shame on the former (camera or car), it does what it does great. But if you want a Porsche, you want a Porsche.

The Canon 1D X Mark III won out over the Nikon D6 because of a few small factors and one big one. The small: The Canon 1D X Mark III has a more hand-friendly button and wheel layout on the camera body, particularly the top, double the frames-per-second shooting speed in continuous mode, and a much larger buffer (1,000 frames vs. 200 frames) for image processing. The big: The Nikon D6 does not begin to measure up on the video front, and at this level (and, to the dollar, same price point), that’s a major, limiting shortfall.

Best budget: Canon EOS Rebel T7 DSLR

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Why it made the cut: Canon’s entry-level DSLR offers manual controls and helpful shooting guides to accommodate every kind of photographer.

Specs

• Sensor size: APS-C
• Resolution: 24.3-megapixels
• Weight: 1.05 pounds

Pros 

• Very compact
• Super affordable
• Manual and automatic shooting modes
• Well-regarded sensor

Cons

• Plastic
• Drastically lacking in video

Starting out with a camera that’s too complex can get in the way of learning photography. Also, paying for features you’ll never use can soak up the photography budget you could otherwise dedicate toward lenses and accessories. We like the Canon EOS Rebel T7 for its durability and ease of use, as well as a solid assortment of features for the very-low-for-DSLR price. Plus, it readily upgrades with a new lens or two, which can then carry to another Canon camera body, should you choose.

Features to consider when shopping for the best DSLR cameras

The perfect DSLR camera for you depends largely on the subject matter, your experience level, and your budget. We’ll walk you through the questions to ask—and the DSLR cameras we recommend, accordingly.

Tactile controls

When it comes to a DSLR, your layout preference likely depends on your current skill level. More advanced photographers tend to prefer more tactile buttons so they can change settings quickly and easily without having to dive into an on-screen menu. For photographers just starting out, a bevy of buttons and dials can seem overwhelming. We tend to lean toward more buttons so photographers can grow into them. But, it’s most important that the camera feels comfortable to you.

Sensor size

It’s easy to just assume that full-frame cameras are the best, but opting for a smaller APS-C camera can have its advantages. A full-frame camera will typically give you better low-light performance and improved overall image quality. APS-C cameras, however, can be more compact thanks to their smaller sensors. APS-C cameras also get access to lenses built specifically for those smaller sensors. Those lenses often cost less than their full-frame counterparts, but they won’t cover the entire full-frame sensor if you decide to upgrade in the future. Some people are just fine staying with APS-C forever.

Video

If you’re looking for more advanced video performance, you’re probably better off opting for a mirrorless option. But, there are many DSLRs that are still relatively capable. Some of them offer 4K recording and advanced AF features during motion capture. For many DSLR shooters, video is relatively irrelevant, but these features can be a blast to learn if you’re willing to put in the work.

Resolution

Most consumer-level DSLRs hover between 20 and 30 megapixels. There are some older models that go up beyond that, like the 5DS, but that model has gone out of production. Generally, anything over 16 megapixels will do you just fine for almost every purpose. However, if you want to make truly huge prints or crop very aggressively go with a higher resolution camera.

ISO range

Looking at a camera’s maximum ISO range can be misleading. Some cameras promise ISO over 100,000 but will only be usable for a small fraction of that range. Don’t get dazzled by super high maximum numbers. Most DSLRs will max out around 4,000 for usable images, and even then, you should expect a ton of grain.

Build quality and weatherproofing

This category represents one of the big differentiators between high-end models and more consumer-oriented cameras. Pro bodies like the 5D Mark IV offer magnesium alloy shells that can take a beating. Cheaper models often rely on more plastic. More expensive cameras also have more safeguards against water and dust getting inside the body, so if you plan to use your camera for work or take it into a lot of challenging situations, pay extra and get something higher-end.

FAQs

A final word on shopping for the best DSLR cameras

The best DSLR cameras are out there, and the more you know what you want from the camera, the easier it will be to choose.

Remember: You get what you pay for. And your skill can only do so much when up against an inferior camera. So while respecting your budget, if you want the best photos possible, go for the reach and buy yourself time before you’ll need to upgrade.

And please remember to plan for lenses. If you want the best DSLR cameras, you’ll also need the right lens(es) for the job.

The post The best DSLR cameras of 2023 appeared first on Popular Photography.

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Best Canon		Canon EOS R6		SEE IT	Canon’s mid-range full-frame mirrorless camera is one of the best wedding cameras around.
Best Fujifilm		Fujifilm X-T4		SEE IT	Build one of the most compact wedding kits you can get.
Best Nikon		Nikon Z6 II		SEE IT	It offers the right mix of resolution and low-light performance to make it a winner.

Wedding photographers have unique needs when it comes to a camera. They need a body that will pump out immaculate image quality that can stand up to huge prints and nit-picking clients. At the same time, those cameras also need to be tough enough to endure brutally long weekends in which pretty much anything can happen. A rainy outdoor ceremony? Rowdy guests tearing up the dance floor? The best cameras for wedding photography can survive it all. 

• Best overall (Canon): Canon EOS R6
• Best upgrade (Canon): Canon EOS R5
• Best budget (Canon): Canon EOS R
• Best overall (Sony): Sony A7 IV
• Best upgrade (Sony): Sony A7R IV
• Best budget (Sony): Sony A7 III
• Best overall (Fujifilm): Fujifilm X-T4
• Best upgrade (Fujifilm): Fujifilm GFX 50S II
• Best budget (Fujifilm): Fujifilm X-T30 II
• Best overall (Nikon): Nikon Z6 II
• Best upgrade (Nikon): Nikon Z7 II
• Best budget (Nikon): Nikon D780

How we picked the best cameras for wedding photography

As a long-time editor and contributor for PopPhoto, I have spent well over a decade reviewing cameras. I have also been shooting weddings for nearly 15 years, during which time I’ve had every possible malfunction, and weird situation try to throw a wrench in my work. To pick the best cameras for wedding photography, I surveyed the top models from the major manufacturers (many of which I have used first-hand) and selected those with professional-grade image quality and build. They check all the major necessary boxes and have earned a spot in a working photographer’s bag. 

The best cameras for wedding photography: Reviews & recommendations

I have broken up our picks by manufacturer because picking a camera brand is a big commitment. I have also offered upgrades and budget picks to accommodate different budgets. None of the cameras on the list are cheap, but that’s because you’re buying professional equipment for work and not a hobby. You won’t regret the investment in the long run.

Best overall (Canon): Canon EOS R6

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Why it made the cut: Canon’s mid-level mirrorless camera keeps file sizes reasonable while offering excellent image quality and solid autofocus.

Specs: 

• Sensor size: Full-frame
• Lens mount: Canon RF
• Resolution: 20 megapixels
• Weight: 1.4 pounds

Pros:

• Excellent image quality
• Reliable autofocus
• Relatively compact
• Solid build quality

Cons:

• Not as many tactile controls as a pro might like

Canon’s mid-level mirrorless camera strikes a balance between performance and price. It offers essential features like two SD card slots for backing up images in real-time and a full-frame sensor that produces accurate, punchy images. Canon has some of the best color science around, so the files are easy to edit and work well with most popular presets. 

The camera itself is relatively compact compared to other pro cameras, which you’ll appreciate after lugging it around all day. The 20-megapixel resolution may seem a little low, but when you’re shooting thousands of images over the course of a day, the manageable file size makes editing much simpler.  

Best upgrade (Canon): Canon EOS R5

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Why it made the cut: Canon’s workhorse mirrorless camera offers more tactile controls and tons of resolution to work with.

Specs: 

• Sensor size: Full-frame
• Lens mount: Canon RF
• Resolution: 45 megapixels
• Weight: 1.6 pounds

Pros:

• High-resolution sensor for tons of detail
• Absurd levels of autofocus control
• High-end video features
• Lots of tactile controls

Cons:

• Bigger than the R6
• Large raw files require lots of cards and computing power to edit

If you have the budget to step up in the Canon lineup, the R5 offers everything the R6 does, but amplified. The 45-megapixel sensor provides excellent low-light performance and tons of room to crop your images during editing. It’s bigger than the R6 but still smaller and lighter than the old pro DSLRs. 

Canon’s R5 supports two memory cards, one of which is the ultra-rugged CF Express format. The body also has very robust weather-sealing, so you don’t need to flinch if you have to shoot a ceremony at the beach or in the rain. The files are big, so make sure you have the storage space and the computer power you need to edit thousands of them from every gig. 

Best budget (Canon): Canon EOS R

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Why it made the cut: With a large enough resolution to get quality images but not so large you need oodles of storage space, the EOS R is the ideal Canon budget pick.

Specs: 

• Sensor size: Full-frame
• Lens mount: Canon RF
• Resolution: 30.3 megapixels
• Weight: 1.46 pounds

Pros:

• Excellent image quality
• 30 is the sweet spot for megapixels
• Solid autofocus

Cons:

• Only one card slot

Canon was relatively late to the Mirrorless market, but its first entries were very solid efforts. The EOS R offers an excellent 30.3-megapixel sensor that’s comparable to the one found in the 5D Mark IV DSLR. That’s a sweet spot in terms of resolution—it’s enough to capture lots of detail without bogging down cards or editing processes. 

It has a solid selection of tactile controls, though the navigation on the back of the camera is a tangible downgrade from the higher-end models. One big caveat: The EOS R only has one memory card slot, which means you can’t create real-time backups of your images like you could with two slots. If your card fails mid-wedding, those images are gone unless you can recover them with pricey data recovery services. If you opt for this as your primary camera, be sure to have a lot of cards and switch them out frequently so if one of them fails, you don’t lose out on a ton of images. 

Best overall (Sony): Sony A7 IV

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Why it made the cut: Sony brought many features from its much pricier flagship camera into this pro-grade mirrorless camera.

Specs: 

• Sensor size: Full frame
• Lens mount: Sony E
• Resolution: 33 megapixels
• Weight: 1.4 pounds

Pros:

• Sony’s advanced sensor provides excellent image quality
• Powerful image processors make quick work of photos
• Lots of tactile controls
• Robust weather-sealing
• Excellent viewfinder

Cons:

• Clunky menu system

Sony’s flagship A1 camera does just about everything you could ever want a camera to do, but it’s overkill for, well, just about everyone. The A7 IV borrows heavily from that flagship and offers some of the most powerful image processing hardware around. The 33-megapixel sensor offers an extensive dynamic range and excellent overall image quality at a resolution big enough for large prints but not so big that it’ll bog down your shooting and editing process. 

Sony’s camera bodies are compact but comfortable, though its menu systems can be clunky, especially as you’re just getting used to them. Nevertheless, the A7 IV is one of the best wedding cameras you’ll find for the price.

Best upgrade (Sony): Sony A7R IV

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Why it made the cut: With a whopping 61-megapixel sensor, the A7R IV is ideal for the wedding photographer making massive prints.

Specs: 

• Sensor size: Full-frame
• Lens mount: Sony E
• Resolution: 61 megapixels
• Weight: 1.46 pounds

Pros:

• High-resolution 61-megapixel sensor
• Wide dynamic range
• Solid build

Cons:

• Just OK low-light shooting

More megapixels don’t always mean better photos, but they also don’t hurt. Sony’s high-resolution body offers a full 61-megapixels of resolution, which can come in handy if you’re trying to make large prints or aggressive crops. The body is built to be extremely rugged, so you don’t have to worry about abusing it, and the large viewfinder is solid for composing and reviewing images. Some wedding photographers shoot a camera like this for things like posed portraits and family shots but then switch to something more nimble and manageable for tougher situations like receptions and ceremonies. 

Best budget (Sony): Sony A7 III

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Why it made the cut: Despite being a generation old, the A7III still holds its own with an excellent sensor, good low-light performance, and fast bursts. 

Specs: 

• Sensor size: Full-frame
• Lens mount: Sony E
• Resolution: 24.3 megapixels
• Weight: 1.44 pounds

Pros:

• Excellent image quality
• Up to 10 fps which is a lot for a camera at this price
• Built-in image stabilization

Cons:

• Getting old

While it’s a generation old, Sony’s A7 III has the benefit of several generations of refinement. It has Sony’s well-worn 24.3-megapixel full-frame sensor, which is still competitive with current-generation cameras. The A7 III is relatively compact compared to higher-end models, and it still offers the necessary pro features like dual card slots.

While most of the budget options on this list make the most sense as a backup body, the A7 III could still be a main camera without a problem.

Best overall (Fujifilm): Fujifilm X-T4

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Why it made the cut: It’s rugged, compact, and relatively affordable.  

Specs: 

• Sensor size: APS-C
• Lens mount: Fujifilm X
• Resolution: 26.1 megapixels
• Weight: 1.34 pounds

Pros:

• Burly weatherproofing
• Compact
• 6.5 stops of image stabilization
• Rated for 300,000 actuations

Cons:

• Smaller sensor
• Relatively limited lens selection

Fujifilm has done more with APS-C sensors than any other company. The X-T4 has a very robust feature set, including a 26.1-megapixel sensor, 6.5 stops of built-in image stabilization, and weatherproofing on par with other manufacturers’ pro bodies. 

Because the sensor is slightly smaller, the body is also more compact than its full-frame competition. It has two card slots, and the aperture control is on the camera’s lens, which I really like from a usability standpoint. While Fujifilm doesn’t have the legacy lens options Canon and Nikon offer, Fujifilm’s X-mount lenses are generally excellent with some real standouts like the 56mm f/1.2 and the 24mm f/1.4.

Best upgrade (Fujifilm): Fujifilm GFX 50S II

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Why it made the cut: A larger senor gives this camera high resolution and depth of field effects even full-frame cameras can’t match. 

Specs: 

• Sensor size: Medium format
• Lens mount: Fujifilm G mount
• Resolution: 50 megapixels
• Weight: 1.98 pounds

Pros:

• Larger sensor creates unique depth of field effects
• Excellent, accurate color reproduction
• Huge dynamic range

Cons:

• Big
• Heavy

Medium format digital cameras used to cost about as much as a family sedan, but Fujifilm’s GFX cameras have brought that price down considerably. The GFX 50S II offers many features you’d expect from a pro-full-frame mirrorless camera, including an in-body image stabilization system and advanced object tracking AF.

The larger sensor requires specific lenses, but it offers unique depth of field effects and a more three-dimensional look to the images. Just be sure to get in your forearm workouts before lugging it around all day because it’s big and heavy. 

Best budget (Fujifilm): Fujifilm X-T30 II

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Why it made the cut: Fujifilm’s mid-level mirrorless camera borrows features from its high-end offerings. 

Specs: 

• Sensor size: APS-C
• Lens mount: Fujifilm X
• Resolution: 26.1 megapixels
• Weight: 13.5 ounces

Pros:

• Compact
• Rugged
• Same sensor as models above it

Cons:

• No built-in image stabilization
• Single memory card slot

If you can’t quite swing the price of an X-T4, the X-T30 II offers very similar hardware at a lower price. You get the same 26.1-megapixel resolution, 8 fps shooting, and an advanced autofocus system. It doesn’t have a huge viewfinder, but it does have a built-in flash, which could come in handy in a pinch. Like many other budget offerings on this list, it only has one memory card slot, which means no real-time backup of your files. 

Best overall (Nikon): Nikon Z6 II

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Why it made the cut: Nikon’s mid-level full-frame mirrorless camera emphasizes the features wedding photographers really need.

Specs: 

• Sensor size: Full-frame
• Lens mount: Nikon Z
• Resolution: 24.5 megapixels
• Size: 5.3 × 4.0 × 2.8″
• Weight: 1.55 pounds 

Pros:

• Borrows features from the flagship Z7 II
• Hits a sweet spot for image resolution
• Impressive metering
• Advanced autofocus
• Two memory card slot
• Spectacular in low light

Cons:

• Comparatively limited tactile controls

Nikon’s mid-level full-frame mirrorless camera checks all the boxes a wedding photographer really needs. Its 24.5-megapixel resolution provides plenty of image data, even for big prints, but it leaves lots of room on the sensor for large pixels that shine in low-light situations. It handles like a small DSLR with a large, fast viewfinder and a decent selection of on-camera controls. Nikon’s first-party adapter gives it easy access to older-but-still-excellent Nikon glass in case you’re trying to make a gradual switch to mirrorless and want to keep using your DSLRs as backups or second bodies.

While it’s not the highest-end model Nikon offers, this is the sweet spot for most shooters. It does everything you need, but not much that you don’t. And it does all of it very well. It’s not built as burly as some of its higher-end siblings, but it feels very sturdy and can take the abuse that weddings dole out.

Best upgrade (Nikon): Nikon Z7 II

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Why it made the cut: The 45.7-megapixel sensor offers nearly twice as much resolution as the step-down model. 

Specs: 

• Sensor size: Full-frame
• Lens mount: Nikon Z
• Resolution: 45.7 megapixels
• Size: 5.3 x 4 x 2.7″
• Weight: 1.4 pounds

Pros:

• High-resolution sensor makes the most of Z lenses
• Advanced video features
• Robust weather-sealing
• Nikon’s excellent metering and AF systems

Cons:

• Good, but not incredible in low-light

Before Nikon’s monstrous Z9 came along, the Z7 II was the company’s flagship full-frame mirrorless camera. While the Z9 isn’t right for wedding shooting, the Z7 II offers a useful mixture of high-res capture with fast AF and Nikon’s renowned metering systems. 

Despite its large image files, the Z7 II can still shoot at up to 10 fps in full-res raw, which is more than any wedding photographer will ever need. The body boasts excellent weather-sealing and a burly body that can withstand the rigors of a long wedding season. Despite all these smarts, the Z7 II is still smaller and lighter than a typical Nikon DSLR, which your back, hands, and forearms will truly appreciate as you go into hour nine of a wedding shoot.  

Best budget (Nikon): Nikon D780

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Why it made the cut: Even in a mostly mirrorless world, the D780 still has everything a wedding shooter would need for long shoots.

Specs: 

• Sensor size: Full-frame
• Lens mount: Nikon F
• Resolution: 24.5 megapixels
• Size: 5.7 x 4.6 x 3″
• Weight: 1.9 pounds

Pros:

• Excellent low-light performance 
• Very durable
• Super-fast AF
• Lag-free optical viewfinder

Cons:

• Nikon slowing down DSLR lens production

Even though it’s years old by now, the Nikon D780 could still easily work as a primary camera for serious wedding photography. It has two memory card slots, a 24.5-megapixel sensor that’s excellent in low-light, and a very sturdy build that won’t break during work. You get Nikon’s excellent color reproduction and metering system, too. Some shooters still prefer DSLRs to mirrorless cameras in some instances, including wedding dance floors where dark conditions can make electronic viewfinders seem laggy and smeary. 

The body offers lots of tactile feedback, and even though it’s heavier than its mirrorless counterparts, it’s not as big and heavy as other high-end Nikon DSLRs. It’s a true workhorse of a camera that will serve you well for years. 

Features to consider

Whether you’re just starting or a hardened professional, choosing gear can greatly impact your wedding season and business in general. Here are some essential things to consider before you take the leap on a new camera. 

Camera system

Cameras can’t exist on their own; you need lenses to go with them. What kind of lenses you pick depends on what body you choose. When considering a system, peruse the company’s current lens offerings to see what’s currently available to match your shooting style. It’s worthwhile to check the secondary and refurbished markets, too. In that regard, Canon and Nikon have a big advantage over the competition because there are a ton of older DSLR lenses out there that still have lots of life left in them, thanks to first-party adapters. 

If you’re currently using a specific camera system, make sure you have a hard and fast reason for leaving and going to another company’s gear. Switching all your gear can typically result in a loss since you have to start from scratch, and you may not get top dollar for your older stuff on the secondary market. 

Full-frame vs. APS-C

Peruse the list above, and you’ll notice that all but the Fujifilm options offer full-frame sensors rather than APS-C chips. While full-frame isn’t absolutely essential for shooting weddings, it typically provides advantages for depth of field effects and low-light shooting. Professional-grade cameras also tend to employ full-frame sensors along with their other pro features. Fujifilm has done wonders with its APS-C models, so choose the camera you like instead of getting hung up on sensor size. 

Ruggedness and weatherproofing

You may not think it to look at serene wedding photos, but a full day of wedding shooting is a punishing camera crucible. Even if you have a backup, breaking a camera during a wedding feels horrible and might lead to you missing shots, so it’s worth paying extra for tougher cameras. Many of the cameras on this list rely on magnesium alloy chassis instead of plastic to make them rugged. They also promise high-end weather-sealing to keep out dust and rain. Pro cameras are built to be robust, and that’s extremely valuable for wedding shooters.

Mirrorless vs. DSLRs

Modern mirrorless cameras have some very tangible advantages over DSLRs at this point in the game. For example, autofocus tracking has gotten impossibly good with mirrorless. And buying a mirrorless camera allows you to use legacy DSLR lenses as well as new mirrorless lenses as they come out. There are a few budget DSLR options on this list, but mirrorless is the way of the future, and that’s probably where you should be if you’re investing in a photography business. 

FAQs

A final word on the best cameras for wedding photography

If you’re going to get into wedding photography, you’ll need pro gear, so think of this as an investment. You want a camera that will offer great image quality, but you also need something durable enough to endure the work. Also, make sure you have at least one backup body in case your primary camera breaks. You don’t want to end up having to shoot the rest of the day on your iPhone. 

The post The best cameras for wedding photography in 2023 appeared first on Popular Photography.

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On the outside, the new Pentax K-3 Mark III DSLR looks extremely familiar. On the inside, however, this APS-C DSLR camera has undergone a total HGTV-grade makeover since its predecessor dropped roughly six years ago. With mirrorless cameras pulling away from DSLRs when it comes to popularity and hardware support, how does a new enthusiast-grade, mirror-toting camera measure up? Surprisingly well. 

What is the Pentax K-3 Mark III DSLR?

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Pentax camera fans are a dedicated bunch. Pentax originally teased the K-3 Mark III’s development literally years ago, but delays have pushed it up to this year. The line was once flush with different options representing granular market segments, but it has since shrunk, which puts a lot of the Pentax burden on this 1.8-pound camera body. 

The Pentax K-3 Mark III DSLR offers a 25.7-megapixel BSI sensor with 5-way stabilization. That feature is particularly notable here in the Pentax lineup because the lenses themselves don’t offer optical IS. The shifting sensor does all the work in that regard. 

The AF system now covers more of the sensor than the Pentax K-3 Mark II did, and it’s quite a bit faster to boot. The body offers Pentax’s trademark weatherproofing and you can feel it when you pick it up. It’s chunky and substantial. It feels good at the end of a long, heavy lens. 

Pentax K-3 Mark III DSLR layout and design

If you have been around cameras for a long time, you could probably recognize this as a Pentax DSLR without any of the branding. While the company has added plenty of new features, the layout should feel very familiar. 

The back of the camera has a five-button pad, as well as a nub for select AF points. It offers a familiar array of buttons, including conveniently placed AE- and AF-lock buttons. The 3.2-inch screen offers a solid 1.62-million dot resolution, but it doesn’t tilt or rotate. The top of the camera includes a mode dial, a live view dial (which feels unnecessarily large for only offering three options, two control dials, and a lit display. 

Digging into the Autofocus system

If you’re shooting on an old K-3 Mark II, the new AF system in the Mark III will feel like a revolution. The Mark III offers 101 selectable AF points spread across the frame. 

I tried the AF system with several lenses and it was speedy, responsive, and accurate. In short, it focuses where you point it. When DSLRs ruled the camera landscape, that was the highest praise an autofocus system can get. Now, however, it feels decidedly old school. Mirrorless cameras can lock onto a person’s face or eye and track it with meticulous accuracy even when it’s moving at high speeds. Keep your subject in the frame and the mirrorless camera will probably nail it. The Pentax will make you work a little more for it. 

Image stabilization

With its relatively small sensor, the Pentax K-3 Mark III DSLR offers impressive image stabilization. With a wide-angle lens, you can let your shutter speeds creep worryingly slow and still get a usable image. I don’t have steady hands (thanks, nagging neck injury) but I managed a few sharp frames at 1/8th sec. and I imagine others could get even slower and still feel confident in their images. 

Image quality

The new 25.7-megapixel sensor inside the Pentax K-3 Mark III offers excellent image quality for its class. On paper, it can be a little tricky to get ahold of what it’s trying to do. It boasts ISO speeds all the way up to 1.6 million, but even a high-end full-frame camera can’t squeeze any reasonable image quality out of a setting that high. 

You can push the sensor harder than you might expect. While shooting at dusk, I could push all the way up around 6400 before things got too gnarly for my taste. You can even go higher if you plan to go to black-and-white where the noise can masquerade as grain. 

When it comes to overall image quality, I don’t really have any complaints, but you also won’t be blown away. Pentax has long held a reputation for solid reliability and that’s exactly what this camera offers. 

Video capture

If you want the best performance out of the Pentax K-3 Mark III for shooting video, you’ll want to stick to 1080p instead of jumping up to 4K. At 1080p, you can shoot 24, 30, or 60 fps using the whole width of the sensor. You can shoot 4K at 24 or 30 fps, but it crops into the sensor, which can be awkward depending on your lens selection. 

Overall video image quality is fairly standard. It offers pleasing colors and smooth footage, but video is clearly not the focus with this camera body. 

A DSLR in a mirrorless world

In the past year, the only DSLR I’ve spent any real time with is my Canon 1D X Mark II. I’ve used a ton of other cameras, but they have all been mirrorless. A lot has changed since the Pentax K-3 Mark II showed up back in 2015. 

Even looking at the K-3 Mark III’s direct competition provides even more evidence of how much things have changed. Its closest real competition comes in the form of the Nikon D500, which debuted at CES back in 2016. 

In that comparison, the Pentax predictably wins on image quality and other features like memory card speeds. But, the Nikon still offers more total AF points (It has 153 to the Pentax’s 101). The D500 also has a tilting screen, which really comes in handy in some situations. 

Who should buy the Pentax K-3 Mark III DSLR?

If you’re a committed Pentax fan, then you’re going to love this thing. It works seamlessly with all of your old lenses. The AF system is as good as anything Pentax has offered so far. The body is rugged, and the image quality is excellent well beyond the ISO range of the older model. 

If you’re just looking to jump into the world of advanced cameras, however, the K-3 Mark III DSLR is a very hard sell. Modern mirrorless cameras offer features like face-detect focus tracking that the K-3 Mark III (or any DSLR) can touch. 

The K-3 Mark III is an even tougher sell because of its $2,000 price tag, which puts it in direct competition with really excellent cameras like the Sony A7 III and the even cheaper Fujifilm X-T4. 

I’m still glad the Pentax K-3 exists

Go scroll through the B&H reviews of the Pentax K-3 Mark III and you’ll find at least two people who start their review with, “I’ve been shooting Pentax for forty years.” Pentax cameras have some of the most dedicated photographer fans that you’ll ever meet. And while so many camera lines and lens mounts have been relegated to the trash heap (or Facebook Marketplace), I give Pentax a lot of credit for keeping its DSLRs alive. 

It’s not just lip service for fans, either. Pentax clearly put time and effort into making this a truly excellent camera. Picking it up may feel dated here in 2021, but it also feels old school. Choosing an AF points and deftly maneuvering your fingers across familiar controls is a really wonderful experience. 

If you’re a hard-core Pentaxian, then this one is for you. And it’s a good one.

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We love limited edition camera releases—some more than others—and Ricoh’s latest special edition camera, the Pentax K-3 Mark III Jet Black, is one of the coolest we’ve seen in a while. As the name suggests, it sports a stealthy blacked-out paint job and even ships with a matching HD Pentax-DA 20-40mm f/2.8-4 lens, with the same Batman-esque treatment.

The Pentax K-3 II Jet Black

Related: Ricoh Pentax is about to drastically change the way it sells cameras in Japan

When we say blacked-out, we mean, blacked-out—everything from the Pentax logo to the symbols on the mode dial are colorless. This does beg the question, how easy will this thing be to use? Fortunately, it seems many buttons are still labeled in charcoal grey paint. But you’ll probably want to get some practice in with the camera before shooting any lowlight events.

Why is Ricoh crowdfunding this camera?

Related: Pentax K-3 Mark III camera review – a solid DSLR in a mirrorless world

Back in January, Ricoh Japan announced a change to its business approach with an emphasis on smaller production runs, an increase in limited-edition releases, and a commitment to include user feedback more frequently in future product developments.

This model in particular is Pentax’s first limited release since that announcement. And it was selected by Pentax users last fall—participating in the brand’s Co-Creation Project—as the most popular among a handful of limited edition designs.

Ricoh also notes that the Jet Black model is quite challenging to mass-produce, which explains its super-limited production run.

How do I get one?

That may be a tad tricky. The Pentax K-3 Mark III Jet Black is currently available through the Japanese crowdfunding platform, Ubgoe for a price of ~$2,600 for the camera and lens. The run is limited to just 232 models, and as of writing, 184 remain.

The campaign runs through April 27, 2022, or until all the cameras are claimed. It’s already surpassed its target amount of ~$80,000, so presumably, anyone who backs the campaign at this point will in fact receive a Jet Black K-3 Mark III.

Unfortunately, delivery—which is expected by the end of July 2022—is only available in Japan.

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As the age of the DSLR continues to dwindle down, Nikon Japan has quietly hinted at ending production of the pro-grade, crop-sensor Nikon D500. A quick trip over to the Nikon Japan Website shows the model listed as an “old product.” This designation is given by Nikon to any piece of gear near the end of its production life. And it’s likely that production of the D500 has already concluded. So what does mean for Nikon users and the industry as a whole?

Current availability

As of publication time, the D500 is listed as in-stock and available from a number of major US retailers. That said, we did also find several stores with the model listed as back-ordered, so it’s hard to tell what its official status is in the US. Will those backorders be filled? We’ve reached out to Nikon USA for further clarification and will update this story accordingly, with any new information.

But more importantly, if you’re considering purchasing a new D500, we’d suggest you do so as soon as possible. Because once this stock dries up, it’s unlikely more new models will arrive in the US (or wherever you may live).

Impressive specs for 2016 and today

The Nikon D500 launched in January 2016 alongside the supremely pro-grade Nikon D5. Spec’ed to impress, the D500 still holds its own to this day. It sports a 20.9MP APS-C sensor, super reliable 153-point AF module with outstanding subject tracking capability, 10 fps continuous shooting with an impressively deep buffer (and AF), 4K/30p video capture, a touchscreen, an AF joystick, dual card slots, and more.

I personally spent some time shooting with the D500 and found it to be a super-capable workhorse, with great image quality and fantastic autofocus, even in challenging lighting conditions.

A mirrorless equivilent?

So does Nikon have a pro-level, crop-sensor mirrorless equivalent waiting in the wings, ready to pick up where the D500 left off? As far as we know, no. The crop-sensor mirrorless Nikon Z50 is a perfectly fine enthusiast-level camera and even offers bursts up to 11 fps (5 fps with live view), but it’s far from a pro-level body.

The full-frame Nikon Z6 II is probably the closest mirrorless cousin to the D500, with its 14 fps continuous shooting speed, dual card slots, and high-res EVF. And as of writing, the retail body-only price of the Z6 II is only $400 more than a new D500. So it’s not like would-be D500 users are totally at a loss for a similarly-spec’ed and priced mirrorless replacement. And hey, you can always shoot with the Z6 II in “DX” mode.

The DSLR days darken a bit more

While this is a sensible decision by Nikon—Canon too has announced a move toward a mirrorless-focused future—it’s still a sad day for DSLR lovers everywhere. That said, it’s good news for the non-mirrorless-focused brand, Ricoh/Pentax, who will soon be the only company making high-end DSLR bodies.

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Over the past decade, there’s been a nearly industry-wide shift away from DSLR cameras to mirrorless models. Thanks to their less complex mechanical design, which forgoes the clunky reflex mirror, mirrorless cameras are less expensive to design and manufacture. They also bring benefits like real-time exposure previews, swifter performance, better autofocus, and more AI smarts.

But the tradeoff of this shift also means fewer folks are buying DSLR lenses, and as a result, brands are scaling back production. Canon, for instance, just discontinued roughly a third of its EF-mount lineup in the US market, and actual retail availability in the US is even more limited.

Only nine Canon EF primes are available in Japan

This story bubbled to the surface a week or so ago on the back of a tweet by Kimio Tanaka, a Japanese automotive photographer, and author. Tanaka-san’s tweet compares two screenshots taken just five weeks apart, showing Canon Japan’s EF-mount prime lens lineup.

In the first screenshot, no less than ten of 21 available lens models are shown as being in “short supply.” Five weeks later, all ten have vanished along with two further models for good measure, leaving a selection of just nine DSLR primes remaining. (And they’re almost entirely Canon L glass, suggesting that demand for consumer-grade DSLR primes has fallen off a cliff.) 

Canon USA suggest a greater selection is available stateside

Related: Nikon ends production of the D500, pour one out for a king of the crop-sensor DSLRs

Of course, Tanaka-san’s information is specific to the Japanese market and the situation differs globally. With that being the case, we rolled our sleeves up and did some digging. As of now, in the US market, Canon claims far more products to be current than does its Japanese website. Presently, the company says that some 27 EF-mount zoom lenses and 31 primes are available for purchase, including 7 specialized primes (tilt-shifts, macros, etc.).

To get a sense of how the situation has been changing over time, we took a look back and compared the company’s current lens offerings to past offerings, recorded prior to two particularly salient moments. The first was the introduction of Canon’s mirrorless RF lens mount in 2018, and the second was the start of the Covid-19 pandemic. Helpfully, Archive.org archived Canon’s lens lineup just a few months prior to both events in April 2018 and October 2019, respectively.

Five months prior to the RF-mount’s debut, Canon listed a whopping 40 zooms and 46 primes, as well as two EF-mount teleconverters. And 18 months later, at the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, a few lenses had been dropped from the list, but the debut of some others meant that overall, the situation still remained pretty static. A total of 38 zooms, 44 primes, and two teleconverters were listed on Canon’s site at that point.

Canon USA’s info suggests a one-third reduction across the board

Compare that to today and the difference is stark. Based on the available products listed by Canon USA, the number of DSLR-oriented zooms and primes has now fallen by around one-third since the arrival of the RF-mount, and most of that has happened in just the past 18 months.

Even just taking Canon’s info at face value, it’s pretty obvious that the brand has been working to wind down its DSLR lens line. (But of course, it has to do so while trying not to scare off its remaining DSLR customers in the process).

The situation at retail tells a rather different story

And the scope of the drawback is only reinforced if you take a look at the situation in retail. Of the 27 zooms and 31 primes listed as currently available by Canon, a further seven zooms and seven primes are no longer listed at all by authorized dealer Adorama. And among those it does still list, another seven zooms and 17 primes are now only available as back ordered items which will only be delivered when (or if) stock becomes available.

That leaves just 13 first-party zooms and seven primes available for immediate purchase by Canon’s remaining DSLR shooters in the US market. Of course, stock for any given model could come back even without further production. (And to prove that point, we found a few lens models that vanished from Canon’s site in the 2018 archive, but which had returned again when archived 18 months later). Additionally, any unsold stock could also potentially be shifted between markets to maximize Canon’s returns.

If you’re planning to buy, strike while the iron’s still there

In all, these are the only Canon DSLR lens models that you can buy new from Adorama today. If you plan on doing so, you’d be well advised to make haste or prepare yourself for a second-hand ownership adventure!

Prime lenses:

• EF-S 24mm f/2.8 STM
• EF 50mm f/1.4 USM
• EF 50mm f/1.8 STM
• EF 85mm f/1.4L IS USM
• EF 85mm f/1.8 USM
• EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM
• TS-E 135mm f/4L MACRO

Zoom lenses:

• EF-S 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 IS STM
• EF-S 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 USM
• EF 11-24mm f/4L USM
• EF 16-35mm f/2.8L III USM
• EF 16-35mm f/4L IS USM
• EF 17-40mm f/4L USM
• EF-S 17-55 f/2.8 IS USM
• EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS II
• EF 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6L IS USM
• EF 70-200mm f/4L IS II USM
• EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 III
• EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM
• EF 200-400mm f/4L IS USM Extender 1.4x

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Think full-framers are the only professional-grade cameras out there? Nikon’s new APS-C-format DSLR, the D500 ($1997, street, body only), challenges the notion that a crop-sensor camera can’t deliver pro-level performance. This latest release follows in the footsteps of its heavy-duty predecessors in the high-end DX-format line, the last of which was 2009’s 12MP D300S. In the intervening years, Nikon has made significant advances in autofocus, ISO range, burst speed, and of course sensor resolution.

Full-sized JPEG and RAW files now top out at 20.9MP, nearly doubling the output of the D300S. The standard sensitivity range has broadened to ISO 100–51,200 and can be expanded to ISO 50–1,640,000. High-speed continuous shooting has jumped to 10 frames per second, with an impressive buffer capacity of 79 uncompressed 14-bit RAW images. The D500 borrows the powerful 153-point autofocus sensor from Nikon’s flagship D5, which it uses in tandem with its 180,000-pixel metering sensor to provide enhanced 3D subject tracking.

Also like the D5, the more affordable D500 incorporates the same 2,359,000-dot resolution touchscreen, and video capture, again on par with Nikon’s highest-performing DSLR, now reaches 4K at up to 30 fps. Like its predecessor, the D500 has two card bays and, while it maintains an SD card slot, its second port has been updated from CompactFlash to XQD, which Nikon boasts has transfer speeds of 400 MB/s.

Since the last addition to this line debuted seven years ago, we began our tests in Popular Photography Test Lab with high expectations. We were not disappointed.

In The Test Lab

In our rating of overall image quality, the new Nikon nabbed an Excellent score from its lowest sensitivity of ISO 50 all the way up to ISO 3200. In context of comparable APS-C-format cameras—the Nikon D300S, Canon’s 7D Mark II, Pentax K-3, and Sony Alpha 77 II—the newer Nikon was a significant improvement over its predecessor, though the Canon came in at a close second with an Excellent score that it retained through ISO 1600.

Tests for color accuracy revealed a Delta E of 5.3 for the D500, which leads the pack by more than a full point. Second best of the bunch was the long in the tooth D300S, followed closely by the Canon, Pentax, and Sony, which all garnered similar results.

The D500 came out about a year and half after its newest rival, the 7D Mark II. Given the rapid advancements in sensor manufacturing, it should come as little surprise that the new Nikon performed admirably compared with the other cameras in our resolution testing. At its lowest sensitivity of ISO 50, the D500 earned an Excellent score of 2650 lines per picture height. The Pentax also garnered an Excellent rating at its lowest sensitivity of ISO 100, but with a more impressive score of 2750. The Canon, which barely edged out the newer Nikon, snagged a 2660 lines per picture height, also at ISO 100. Sony’s A77 II wasn’t able to match the new Nikon, but still achieved an Excellent rating with 2620 lines at ISO 50.

Impressively, the D500 retained its Excellent resolution grade far beyond its lowest sensitivity settings, hanging onto the score all the way up to ISO 6400. At each progressively higher ISO setting we tested, the camera’s resolving capacity dropped by small and predictable amounts until we hit ISO 51,200, where resolution dropped precipitously to 2175. By the top ISO of 1,638,400, resolution fizzled to a mere 775 lines, a level of quality degradation that renders the image effectively useless.

In our tests for noise at various sensitivities—as we did with the D5—we processed the RAW images with Adobe Camera Raw, this time applying 25 percent luminance noise reduction from ISO 50 through ISO 400, stepped up to 50 percent at ISO 800, and then moved up to 75 percent at ISO 1600 and above. At those settings we encountered Extremely Low noise at the D500’s two lowest ISO settings. From there, noise vacillated between Very Low and Low up until ISO 3200. By ISO 6400, the new Nikon showed only Moderately Low noise, after which its noise rating dropped to Unacceptable.

Compared with the D300S, which reached an Unacceptable rating at ISO 3200 and above, the D500 shows significantly improved low-light performance. The older Nikon and the Pentax K-3 brought up the rear in this test, failing to produce images of acceptable noise at or above ISO 3200. The D500 and Sony’s A77 II proved to be about equally matched, although the Sony held on to a better Moderate noise score up to ISO 12,800.

In the Field

A glance at the D500 will tell you a good deal about its capabilities. Its rugged and partially rubberized chassis incorporates a deep right-hand grip for a firm grasp, an improvement over previous models that is made possible by a slimmer body. The control configuration should be familiar to Nikon shooters, with the welcome addition of LED-backlighting on the buttons lining rear LCD screen on top of the mode dial.

Also new to the line is the incorporation of a small joystick located near where your thumb lands on the back of the body, allowing you to easily pinpoint your desired autofocus point. Instead of navigating through menu options, you’ll find white balance, image quality, ISO, and drive settings all available at the touch of a button at the top of the camera, where they are easy to reach. Two programmable function buttons on the front and the back of the body add to the personalized interface possibilities. Front and rear command dials for easy exposure navigation in manual mode are customizable and move with satisfying clicks.

In line with its other professional-grade DSLRs, Nikon has equipped the D500 with a comfortable, round eyepiece fitted with an eyepiece shutter. Landscape photographers, long-exposure fanatics, and those using remote triggering systems should appreciate this feature, which helps ensure proper metering and keeps excess light from entering the camera through the viewfinder.

The sophisticated autofocus system allows you to choose from 55 points out of a grand total of 153 AF sites. Of these, 99 points are of the cross-type variety, but how many the camera actually engages varies depending on the focal length of the lens attached to body. A number of autofocus modes include the ability to utilize dynamic-area groups of 25, 72, or all 153 AF sites to track the movement of subjects around a pre-selected point. Using the 3D-tracking setting in tandem with continuous autofocus, the camera will even track a subject’s movement across the whole frame. Because the AF sensor is the same one that’s in the full-frame D5, it covers a much larger portion of the D500’s APS-C-sized frame. This allows for better tracking around the edges of the frame and makes following along with subjects while focus tracking significantly easier. In our tests it performed as expected, maintaining a solid lock on a variety of different moving subjects.

Field testing the video capabilities of the new Nikon revealed minimal rolling shutter distortion from fast moving subjects and low-light capabilities to be expected with this class of camera. Our 4K footage looked [PLEASE DESCRIBE BRIEFLY HERE. Anything to say about dynamic range???]. Our only gripe, and it’s minor, is that the frame rate tops out at 30 fps rather than 60 fps for smoother motion.

The Bottom Line

Nikonians with APS-C-sensor bodies who are looking to upgrade would do well to step up to the D500, especially if you’ve already amassed a selection of DX glass. The sophistication of the new camera and the many features Nikon has passed down to it from the D5 reaffirm the company’s dedication to the crop-sensor system after the long wait since the D300S had some shooters wondering whether we’d ever see this camera.

Fine-art photographers and still-life shooters should be more than pleased with its top-of-the-line color rendition. Its overall image quality and resolution stand up to pixel-peeping, and the camera’s 20.9MP sensor natively outputs files ready to print at the popular 13×19 size, perfect for high-end home photo printers.

The D500 has much to offer more active snappers, as well. Those enamored with photographing skateboarders, children, and other fast-moving subjects should appreciate its advanced AF system. Plus, relatively low noise at higher ISO settings allow for faster shutter speeds in more challenging lighting situations.

No matter what your preferred style of photography, the D500 is an excellent tool. It transcends the limitations some people associate with the APS-C format. It’s a great back-up body for pros or a great choice for serious photographers looking to switch into a new system.

The post Camera Review: Nikon D500 DSLR appeared first on Popular Photography.

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Earlier today, we met Nikon’s new flagship D5 DSLR, but it’s not the only flagship they have to show off today. The D500 is their new top dog DX (APS-C sensor) camera and it seems like a seriously powerful option for a shooter wanting a smaller camera than the D5.

The camera is built around a 20.9-megapixel APS-C sensor that’s coupled with the new Expeed 5 image processor found in the D5. It also has the same 153-point AF system with 99 cross-type sensor. It can shoot at 10 fps with continuous AF and the buffer will hold up to 79 images before it fills up. This is very clearly a camera meant for shooting action and sports.

To further that point, the camera is built to be ruggedized in order to stand up to the elements. The shutter is also rated for 200,000 actuations, which is above what you might expect to find in an APS-C body.

While the D500 can’t quite match the ISO 3,280,000 setting of the D5, it does get most of the way there, topping out at ISO 1,640,000 in its highest expanded mode. It will be very interesting to see how the crop-sensor holds up against the full-frame version found in the D5.

When it comes to the screen on the back of the camera, the D500 has a 3.2-inch, high resolution (2359K-dot) touchscreen LCD that can be tilted up and down, which could actually come in very handy, especially when shooting video. In terms of actual video specs, it shoots native UHD 4K video just like its bigger sibling.

The D500 will cost $1,999, which is considerably cheaper than the flagship D5, but the similarity in terms of features is actually really impressive. The D500, at least on paper, actually has quite a few advantages over the entry- and mid-level full-frame cameras that are currently on the market.

We’re hoping to get some hands-on time with the D500 soon, so we’ll keep you updated.

The post New Gear: Nikon D500 Brings Flagship Features to an APS-C Sensor DSLR appeared first on Popular Photography.

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