Top DSLR Cameras: Take Better Pictures

SONY ALPHA A99 II CAMERA

The many vital controls of the A99 II are strategically placed within reach. Some commands like the ISO sensitivity & exposure compensation can be found even without taking your eye off the viewfinder.

The A99 II tends to be slightly shorter than competitor camera. The reason for the height is, unlike other cameras the A99 II does not need a pronounced pentaprism unit for the viewfinder.

Product Features

Improved autofocus system: The A99 II is equipped with Single Lens Translucent Technology (SLT). The SLT is a state-of-the-art technology that uses a translucent mirror to eliminate the necessity of the mechanical movement to get light in the sensor. 

The constant exposure of light to the AF sensor enables full-time autofocus. The SLT allows high-precision high-speed hybrid phase-detection AF and AF/AE tracking in 12fps continuous shooting.

The A99 II responds very fast when the camera's active AF point is moved over subjects near and far. The eye recognition and face detection AF ensure focusing is spot on, with eyes pinpoint sharp when taking portraits. The improved autofocus system on the A99 II can quickly lock on to focus even in low light surroundings.

Improved Menu system: The A99 II camera is equipped with an updated menu system. Unlike its predecessor's menu system, the revamped menu is colour coded with navigation. The five multi-page sections on the menu system can now be easily worked and skipped.

Screen and Viewfinder: The Sony A99 II camera comes equipped with a 3-inch articulated LCD screen, on a tilt mechanism strategically positioned away from the body. The LCD screen on this camera is not touch-sensitive.

The A99 II camera also sports a 0.5-inch electronic OLED viewfinder. The electronic viewfinder has improved magnification with a 2.36 million-dots resolution.

Image stabilization: The Sony A99 II camera comes complete with a built-in image stabilization mechanism named SteadyShot. This 5-axis image stabilization enables you to take sharp images, offering around 2.5 stops (EV) of active stabilization.

With the A99 II SteadyShot, you could take a sharp picture with a low shutter speed of 1/15sec at 70mm. Very few other competitors can offer this.

Speed: The A99 II camera enables you to take high-resolution pictures faster. With the super-fast UHS-I SDXC U3 card, you could take a burst of approximately 50 images in only four seconds. 

The buffer will take about 30 seconds to clear. It is possible to take more photos in the 30 seconds the buffer takes to fully-clear, but it's impossible to access the menu.

The superb colour rendition, massive file sizes, and sharp lenses, viewing pictures on the LCD screen is fully satisfying. The built-in image stabilization and autofocus improvement work well for the high-resolution photos.

The A99 II camera is generally slower for action photography. There is a slight autofocus limitation in continuous shooting and the processor performance for buffering images is quite slow. 

Overall, the Sony A99 II camera is a brilliant all-rounder and can serve both the pros and beginners well.

CANON EOS 5D MARK IV DSLR CAMERA

Product Features

30.4 Megapixel Full: frame CMOS Sensor- The EOS 5D Mark IV camera comes equipped with a high-speed, full-frame CMOS sensor. The CMOS sensor is suitable for a wide range of applications combined with its high-resolution capabilities.

The 30.4 MP does not quite rival the 42MP Sony Alpha 7R, but images still come out in high-resolution. This camera lacks an on-chip digital-to-analogue conversion which offers a broader dynamic range and improved noise performance.

The CMOS sensor allows for versatile shooting in virtually all kinds of light and shooting situation from weddings and print to other fine-art or commercial use.

The EOS 5 D Mark IV consistently produces high-quality 4K image and video files that are compatible with any number of diverse workflows.

Dual Pixel CMOS AF:  In addition to its portable and sturdy design, the EOS 5D Mark IV camera utilizes Canon's fast, smooth and intelligent Dual Pixel CMOS AF technology.

The CMOS sensor features two photodiodes per pixel, with each pixel capable of phase-difference detection autofocus. The photodiodes enable the CMOS sensor to deliver fast and accurate AF throughout approximately 80% of the image plane.

The CMOS AF can detect shifts in movement at the pixel level. When the CMOS AF detects a change in motion, it enables continuous automatic AF and AF tracking.

The continuous automatic AF and AF tracking enhance smooth, accurate focus transitions in movies and overall camera operation for still sharp photos.

3.2-inch Touch Panel LCD: The EOS 5D Mark IV camera sports a low-reflection, 1.6 million dots 3.2-inch LCD screen. The touch screen LCD panel offers a sharp, bright display in a wide variety of shooting situations.

The LCD's touch panel surface facilitates fast, intuitive operation including, menu & setting changes and image magnification during shoots.

The touch panel display surface working with the Dual Pixel CMOS AF enables you to select focus points throughout the frame. With the ENOS 5D Mark IV, still, images are captured quickly with the

touch panel's shutter release function. Image review and playback are also enhanced with the camera's clear-view LCD II monitor. A customizable quick control screen adds convenience and flexibility for your specific preferences.

7.0 fps continuous shooting: The ENOS 5D Mark IV camera is constructed for action photography. The advanced AF, remarkable shutter speed and image processing systems ensure virtually instantaneous performance and response at up to 7.0 fps, even at full resolution.

Whether you are capturing an athlete in action or searching for a joyous expression on a bride's face, the speed remains constant.

The EOS 5D Mark IV camera doesn't let file size compromise the speed of capture even when bracketing exposures of a complicated lighting situation.

DIGIC 6+ Image Processor: The robust DIGIC 6+ image processor ensures that high-quality still image and 4K video recording is achieved no matter the shooting environment.

This powerful image processor also increases the EOS 5D Mark IV camera's in-camera capabilities, enabling fast operation across the board.

The DIGIC 6+ image processor features a noise-processing algorithm that assists in reducing noise at high ISO settings. A Digital Lens Optimizer on the image processor can automatically apply several diffraction and aberration corrections.

The DIGIC 6+ can also implement other corrective measures specific to the lens' use, as well as ensure the camera performs numerous operations with ease.

Aside from the above features, The EOS 5D Mark IV camera is packed with other elements. Some of the advanced features on this camera include built-in Wi-Fi technology, Built-in NFC technology and built-in GPS.

The Canon EOS 5D Mark IV camera is one of the most complete and well-rounded DSLR's in the market. The advanced features and capabilities make this a-must-have camera. The EOS 5D Mark IV is designed for a variety of subjects, from wildlife to landscapes and sports, it performs excellently in all situations.

NIKON D7200 DX-format DSLR

Product Features

24.2 megapixel CMOS image sensor: The Nikon D72000 camera sports a 24.2 megapixel DX-format CMOS image sensor with no optical low-pass filter. Free of an optical low-pass filter, this camera produces remarkably sharp pure videos and photos up to ISO 25,600.

The 1.3x crop mode on this camera extends the reach of DX-format lenses, getting you closer to action, wildlife and sports.

The 24.3 MP DX: format CMOS image sensor works with EXPEED 4 image processing and NIKKOR lenses to enhance tonality and detail. This outstanding image quality is maintained even in low-light images.

The D7200 also enables you to expand the ISO range up to BW1 (51,200) and BW2 (102,400) to shoot monochromatic photos in even more challenging lighting situations.

The D7200 can also take up to 27 shots in 12-bit lossless compressed RAW. This powerful camera is also capable of taking up to approximately 18 shots when using 14-bit lossless compressed RAW and DX-format image size.

With the Nikon D7200, you can switch to 1.3x image size which will allow you to capture approximately 7fps in continuous high-speed mode. When using the live view, the maximum frame rate will be approximately 3.7fps.

Advanced Multi-CAM autofocus: Whether you're capturing images after dusk or during daylight, the Nikon D7200's excellent AF system will ensure quality photos. The advanced Multi-CAM 3500 II, autofocus sensor module, is designed to achieve outstanding focus detection, even at a very dim -3 EV.

The D7200's high: density 51 focus points cover a wide area of the frame in DX-format and most of the structure in 1.3x crop mode. The 15 cross-type sensors in the centre provide higher detection capabilities. One centre AF point works to f/8, for more exceptional focusing performance when using teleconverters.

Apart from the main features, the Nikon D7200 also packs several other impressive features. Some of the features include the Auto ISO, which allows you to make smooth exposure transitions while monitoring with highlight display (Zebra stripes). The D7200enables you to create beautifully rendered time-lapse movies with rhythmic exposure variations entirely in-camera.

A featured optimal ME-W1 wireless microphone enables you to record clear monaural audio from subjects as far as 164ft away. The optional HC-E1 HDMI cable will allow you to transfer uncompressed footage onto an external recorder.

The Nikon D7200 is suitable for pros and beginner photographers alike. The D7200 was designed for shooting action, wildlife or sports.

The D7200's megapixel and shutter speed limit its action and wildlife shooting when compared to competitor DSLR cameras. The D7200's sensors enable you to take high-resolution photos both during the day and at night.

NIKON D850 DSLR CAMERA

Product Features

Back-side illuminated (BSI) full-frame sensor: The advanced BSI full-frame CMOS sensor features a sufficient 45.7-megapixel resolution which is 25% more than the previous Nikon D810.

The Nikon D850 is capable of capturing the most exquisite possible detail due to its lack of an anti-aliasing filter. The BSI sensors help the D 850 camera achieve enhanced light gathering, excellent image quality, more accurate colour and faster data readout.

Processing: The Nikon D850 features EXPEED 5 image-processing which is faster and more advanced than the previous EXPEED 4. The EXPEED 5 enables quick processing of all 45.7 MP of data for a more extensive dynamic range, textural detail, lower noise and subtle tonal.

The D850 camera sports a buffer capacity of 51 uncompressed 14-bit Raw files. The high-speed continuous shooting at approximately 9fps at full resolution is impressive.

Autofocus: The Nikon D850 DSLR is equipped with an ultra-accurate Multi-CAM 20K AF sensor. With 99 cross-type sensors, 153 focus points and a dedicated autofocus processor, the D850 delivers the best performance of its 45.7MP.

A new Pinpoint autofocus mode assists you in identifying tiny subjects, which is vital considering the D850's resolution. With this AF system, you can shoot in low light, up to -4 EV. The Multi-CAM AF sensor is powerful and efficient, but its coverage fails to extend to the frame edges.

Tilt and Touch: This Nikon D850 comes complete with a tilting touch screen LCD panel. The tilting capability enables you to take shots from both high and low angles easily. The touch screen surface is advantageous in navigating the menus, playback and shutter control.

The touch-screen surface works with the AF system to enable you to select focus points by merely tapping the LCD screen. Zooming during Live View shooting is also made more comfortable with the touch-screen panel.

Silent Photography: When you're shooting weddings, golf, press conferences and other areas where silence is golden, the Silent Photography option is provided. When Silent Photography has activated the D850 switches to its electronic shutter allows you to take shots without making any noise.

Mode 1 of silent photography allows you to shoot for up to 6fps continuous at 45.7MP. The 2nd mode will enable you to shoot approximately 8.6 MP and pictures in the DX image area at around 30fps for up to 3 seconds.

Aside from the main features, the D850 also sports impressive features. The D850 is capable of rendering 8K time-lapse movies by shooting sequences of up to 9,999 full-size stills. The Nikon D850 comes complete with Nikon's SnapBridge app which makes the transfer of images easy.

The price of the D850 appeals to several ambitious beginners while it functions as a perfect do-it-all DSLR camera for experienced photographers. The D850 has lower buffer capacity and slow memory cards as compared to other cameras in this range. The effective combination of speed and resolution makes this a decent DSLR.

NIKON D3400 DSLR CAMERA

Product Features

Image sensors: The Nikon D3400 DSLR is equipped with a 24.2 megapixel APS-C CMOS image sensor with no optical low-pass filter. The lack of an optical low-pass filter enables the D3400 to capture a little more detail.

The sensor functions over a reasonably wide sensitivity range of ISO 100-25,600, which is an upgrade from the previous range of ISO 12,800.

The APS-C CMOS image sensor works with the EXPEED 4 image-processing engine to enhance the detail and tonality. The EXPEED 4 is a bit slower and less potent than the current EXPEED 5, but is still able to, among other things, allow for up to 5fps burst shooting.

SnapBridge is designed to work seamlessly with Nikon's cloud storage, and sharing site, Nikon Image Space, to back-up your photos as well as help create and share albums with friends.

SnapBride works with Nikon's low-power Bluetooth connection which enables you to transfer images to your Smartphone while shooting continuously. Sharing many large files at once takes time as the wireless transfer is a bit slow.

LCD screen: The Nikon D3400 is equipped with a 3-inch LCD panel with a decent resolution of 921K dots. Most of the D3400's rear real estate is occupied by the LCD screen which offers a clear view of the Live View shooting, information screen, and menus. Unfortunately, the LCD is not adjustable to different angles. The D3400's LCD panel is not touch-sensitive.

Active D-Lighting: The Nikon D3400 is equipped with Nikon's Active D-Lighting feature. The Active D-Lighting feature is designed to assist in retaining details in shadows & highlights in high-contrast scenes. The Active D-Lighting feature is quite useful but cannot be altered; it can only be set to on or off.

Video Quality: With the D3400, Nikon focused on delivering the basic video options that beginners find valuable. The Nikon D3400 is capable of shooting 1920 x 1080 HD footage at 60, 30 and 24 frames per second (FPS) as well as shoot 1280 x 720 at 60 frames per second.

The D3400 comes complete with wind noise reduction, two movie quality options (High & Normal) and a built-in microphone with a sensitivity that can be adjusted. This DSLR camera features a manual exposure for videos, although it is a bit limited. The Nikon D3400 does not support 4K video.

Battery life: The battery life of the D3400 is excellent as it nearly doubles that of its predecessor. The Nikon D3400 is capable of about 1,200 shots per charge as compared to the D3300's 700 shots per charge.

This impressive battery can get you through a couple of days of intense shooting. The number of days lasted might lower depending on how often you playback images, use the flash and other features.

When it comes to entry-level DSLR's the Nikon D3400 is the best option in the market. Thanks to the vast array of semiautomatic, automatic and manual options, the D3400 consistently delivers high-quality images. The compact body, dependable battery life, and reliable autofocus system make the D3400 the perfect camera for beginners.

NIKON D5 DSLR CAMERA

Product Features

Low-light capabilities: The Nikon D5 camera features an advanced low-light performance. The D5 sports Nikon's most extensive native ISO range of 100 to 102,400 along with the highest expanded range of up to Hi-5 ISO 3,280,000.

This ISO range combined with the advancements in noise reduction, colour fidelity and a next-generation AF system, opens a world of unlimited shooting opportunities is opened.

Image processing: The D5 is the highest resolution full-frame Nikon flagship ever, equipped with 20.8MP FX-format CMOS sensor. The Nikon D5 utilizes its advanced EXPEED 5 image processor to harness the power of its incredible sensor.

A second processor solely dedicated to auto focus has been added to the D5. All the great textures and details, rich tonality and vibrant colors delivered by NIKKOR lenses are captured in flawless precision.

Speed: At full speed, the D5 shoots 12fps with full-time AF and AE and 14fps with fixed focus and AE with mirror up. A new and improved shutter and mirror sequencing mechanism nearly eliminate blackout time and mirror slap for bright, consistent views.

The second processor dedicated to auto focus operations and computing also boosts the speed. A high-performance buffer combined with EXPEED 5 can handle up to 200NEF (RAW) and Large JPEG images during one high-speed burst.

The auto ISO handles smooth lighting transitions from ISO 200 to your desired sensitivity. The D5 also offers simultaneous internal and external recording, Zebra Stripes and flat picture control. The Nikon D5 also sports a built-in stereo microphone with 20-step increment adjustments.

Autofocus: The Nikon D5 is fitted with the advanced Multi-CAM 20K AF sensor module. The AF module uses 153 focus points with 99 cross-type sensors and a fully dedicated AF processor.

The AF system is capable of working even in near darkness (EV -4). Small objects moving in low light, even at high-speed can be easily tracked with remarkable precision.

The system is configurable in 25-, 72- and 153- point coverage when used with continuous AF. All the 153 points are compatible with AF NIKKOR lenses f/5.6 or faster.

The Nikon D5's features make it top-of-the-line professional equipment. Photography enthusiasts will also be lusting over this camera. The D5 is perfectly suitable for action, wildlife, or sport shooting.

. If you happen to feel that your current DSLR has certain limitations or is not giving you all the features you need. The D5 is the perfect replacement.

With so many options to choose from, selecting the best DSLR camera for your needs may prove to be a bit tricky. We recommend that you put a few vital factors into consideration before getting a new DSLR camera.

Some of the crucial factors to consider are inclusive of; pixels, ISO range, optical viewfinder, autofocus points, LCD, durability, lenses and video recording. With the information above, you are now well equipped to shop and pick out the best DSLR camera for your needs.