With a budget around $2,000, you'll find outstanding DSLR cameras -- as well as an occasional mirror-less DIL camera -- that approach some of the features you'd find in a professional-level DSLR camera. The best sub-$2,000 DSLR cameras I've listed here include the cost of the camera body only. Accessories for DSLR cameras will cost extra, such as lenses and external flashes. Here are the best DSLR cameras for under $2,000, listed alphabetically.
And, if you want some help in finding the best DSLR camera, click the link and read our DSLR camera buying guide.
1. Canon EOS 7D DSLR
Canon
Those looking for an advanced DSLR camera heading into the holiday season will want to consider an interesting candidate from Canon: The EOS 7D. This Canon model has an 18-megapixel CMOS sensor sporting the latest technologies, including a 19-point autofocus system, high-end ISO settings (100 to 6,400) for low-light photography, full HD video capture at up to 30 frames per second, and a built-in dual-axis electronic level.
Several accessories are available for the award-winning EOS 7D, too, including a wireless file transmitter (the WFT-E5A), which allows for remote photography, controlled over a laptop or smart phone. The EOS 7D's big brother, the EOS 7DSV, is a more expensive studio version.
2. Fujifilm FinePix X100
Fujifilm
The FinePix X100 makes use of what Fujifilm calls the world's first "hybrid viewfinder," which combines the best features of optical viewfinders and electric viewfinders.
The X100's CMOS image sensor carries 12.3 megapixels of resolution, a 2.8-inch high-resolution LCD screen, and 720p HD video recording. The X100 includes a high-quality fixed 23mm F2 aperture lens, allowing for excellent macro photography options.
Even though the award-winning X100 looks a little like the Olympus PEN cameras, the X100 does not offer interchangeable lenses. You probably won't see another camera without interchangeable lenses in this price range, but the X100 makes use of some impressive features.
3. Nikon D7000 DSLR
Nikon
The Nikon D7000 features a 16.2 megapixel CMOS image sensor. When coupled with Nikon's EXPEED 2 image processing system, which allows for fast autofocus, low noise in photos, and six frames per second in burst mode, the D7000 creates high-quality images with impressive speed.
Look for 1080p HD video capability, a 3.0-inch high-resolution LCD, and a built-in flash unit with the D7000, which won a TIPA award in 2011.
4. Nikon V1 DIL
Nikon
The Nikon V1 DIL camera, part of the recently announced Nikon 1 camera system, is aimed at intermediate and advanced photographers looking for the thin camera bodies found in DIL system cameras. The Nikon V1 includes an electronic viewfinder that automatically turns on anytime the photographer raises the V1 to his or her eye.
Many of its other features are similar to the Nikon J1, including the V1's easy-to-use interface and design. The V1 features a 10.1 megapixel CMOS image sensor and a 3.0-inch high-resolution LCD screen. The Nikon V1 measures only 1.7 inches in thickness -- before adding the interchangeable lens -- and the camera body alone weighs only 10.4 ounces.
The Nikon V1 is now available in a black camera body only.
5. Olympus E-5 DSLR
Olympus
Olympus has announced its latest DSLR camera, the E-5, which carries some very interesting features, such as:
- A 12.3 megapixel live MOS image sensor, which allows high-speed autofocus.
- A 3.0-inch high-resolution LCD that can swivel away from the E-5.
- Various art filter options in all shooting modes.
- 720p HD video capabilities.
The E-5 was named a TIPA 2011 award winner.
6. Pentax K-5 DSLR
Pentax
The Pentax K-5 includes a 16.3MP CMOS image sensor, high sensitivity ISO settings, 1080p HD video capabilities, a 1/8000th second maximum shutter speed, and a 3.0-inch high-resolution LCD.
7. Sigma SD15 DSLR
Sigma
The Sigma SD15 DSLR camera makes use of a 14 megapixel Foveon X3 image sensor, which captures pixels in the primary RGB colors, providing high-quality images. In addition, the SD15's buffer is large enough to allow 21 RAW images to be shot continuously.
Earlier this year, Sigma also announced two additional DSLR-like cameras, including the DP2s and DP1x. Sigma initially announced plans for the SD15 in 2008, so photo enthusiasts have been waiting for this model for a long time.
8. Sony a77 DSLR
Sony
One of the most powerful cameras aimed at advanced consumer-level photographers this holiday season will carry 24.3 megapixels of resolution.
The Sony alpha a77 DSLR camera offers a powerful set of features beyond its high resolution level. It offers a 3.0-inch LCD that can tilt and swivel and full 1080p HD video. With a series of alpha interchangeable lenses available from Sony, you can find the telephoto or wide-angle capabilities you need with the a77.
9. Sony NEX-7 DIL
Sony
Sony's latest DIL camera, the Sony alpha NEX-7, will offer 24.3MP of resolution. In addition, the NEX-7 features 1080p HD video, an electronic viewfinder, 25-point autofocus, and a high-resolution 3.0-inch LCD.
All of these features are in a camera body that measures only about 1.7 inches in thickness, before you attach the interchangeable lens. The thin camera body is the key design feature of DIL cameras. The NEX-7 is available in black only.
