Entry-level DSLRs are great but, as your photographic abilities improve, you may find them lacking in features. Most of the big camera manufacturers recognize this, and provide a more advanced range of cameras -- commonly known as "consumer" DSLRs. Here are the best consumer DSLR cameras.
1. Canon EOS 60D
Canon
The Canon EOS 60D is an excellent upgrade for users of the "Rebel" series. It has 18 megapixels and a 3-inch LCD screen, which flips out and can be angled for easier movie shooting and HD movie mode. My only complaint with the 60D is that, at present, I feel it is slightly overpriced compared to many other cameras on the market, particularly seeing as it's made of plastic. It also takes a little effort to get photos right.
However, there are many other cameras in this bracket which cost more! And the image quality is excellent, as with all Canon cameras. This is a camera that rewards careful setting-up initially, with an enthusiast's desire to learn.
2. Canon EOS 7D
Canon
If you're feeling particularly flush, then the Canon 7D is the camera to buy! This is the manufacturer's flagship APS-C camera. Like the 60D, it has 18 megapixels, and full HD movie mode. But it also has an amazing 19-point autofocus system, which allows you to choose groups of focusing points, as well as single ones. The 7D has the ability to shoot eight frames per second in continuous shooting mode.
The camera is made from a tough magnesium body, and it produces excellent images in both RAW and JPEG formats. Its only drawback is an inability to get the white balance right in artificial lighting situations if using AWB. But then, it's very easy to tell the camera what lighting situation you're in!
3. Nikon D7000
Nikon
Nikon's rival to Canon's EOS 60D is the Nikon D7000, which is a great little camera. It has 16.2 megapixels of resolution, full HD movie mode, and a very generous 39-point AF system. You'd be hard pressed to end up with an out-of-focus image with this camera! If you're going to shoot primarily in JPEG, this is the camera to use, as it outperforms its rivals in this mode.
However, the D7000 is more expensive than the 60D, and it has far more of a tendency to overexpose in high contrast situations. While all DSLRs in this price bracket have a tendency to do this, it is more problematic on the Nikon.
4. Pentax K-7
Pentax
Reasonably priced and extremely compact and lightweight, the Pentax K-7 is a great choice for anyone who travels around a lot and doesn't want to be weighed down by heavy equipment. It has 14.6 megapixels of resolution, an 11-point AF system, and an HD movie mode (although this is only available at 720p). It's an extremely solidly built camera as well, with a magnesium body, which is unusual in this price range.
On the downside, it doesn't perform as well at high ISOs as its competitors, particularly in JPEG mode. But at base ISO, the colors and image quality are fantastic.
