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The Best DSLR Cameras under $3000

★ Top Choice
♥ Runner Up
Best for Pro Photographers

Canon

EOS 5D Mark IV

BUY NOW

From $2499

More info
Best for High Resolution SLR

Nikon D750 FX

★ Top Choice
BUY NOW From $1496.95

Features

  • Pro Video feature set including: Simultaneously record uncompressed and compressed, Manually control ISO, shutter speed and aperture while recording—even use Power Aperture control for smooth iris transitions and Auto ISO for smooth exposure transitions.
  • Full frame 243 megapixel CMOS image sensor and EXPEED 4 image processor.
  • Compact, lightweight and slim unibody (monocoque) body design with tilting Vari angle LCD display.
  • Built in Wi Fi connectivity and compatibility with the WT 5a + UT 1 Communication Unit.
  • Full HD 60/50/30/25/24p video.
  • Shoot up to 65 fps at full resolution Frame size (pixels) : 1920 x 1080.

Pros

  • ⊕ 3-MP camera.
  • ⊕ Full-frame, 24.
  • ⊕ Lightweight body.
  • ⊕ Lots of features.
  • ⊕ Advantageous auto mode.

Cons

  • ⊖ No 4K video.
  • ⊖ No AF-On button.
  • ⊖ Slow AF in Live View.
  • ⊖ LCD isn't touch sensitive.
  • ⊖ One os Nikon's older DSLRs.

Specs

  • Movies: 1080p.
  • Megapixels: 24.3MP.
  • Maximum continuous shooting speed: 6.5fps.
  • Sensor: Full-frame CMOS.
  • Autofocus: 51-point AF, 15 cross-type.
  • Screen type: 3.2-inch tilt-angle screen, 1,299,000 dots.

Pentax K-1 Mark II

♥ Runner Up
BUY NOW From $1539.05

Features

  • Engine Accelerometer for reduced image noise, faster focusing and increased image sharpness.
  • Hand Held Pixel Shift Resolution that allows 4 images to be complied into an superior image with increased color rendition and sharpness.
  • Astro tracer extended exposure mode with reduced star trails.
  • Magnesium Alloy, Weather Resistant body for every demanding situation.
  • 36 MP AA filter less shake reduction sensor with APS C crop mode for compatibility with Pentax k mount lenses.

Pros

  • ⊕ Rugged body.
  • ⊕ GPS and Wi-Fi.
  • ⊕ Weather-sealed.
  • ⊕ Attractive price.
  • ⊕ Clever extra features.

Cons

  • ⊖ Video still limited.
  • ⊖ Limited lens selection.
  • ⊖ Outdated video toolset.
  • ⊖ Omits UHS-II SD support.
  • ⊖ Lackluster video features.

Specs

  • Megapixels: 36MP.
  • Movies: 1080p.
  • Maximum continuous shooting speed: 4.4fps.
  • Sensor: Full-frame.
  • User level: Beginner/Enthusiast.
  • Autofocus: 33 points, cross-type.
  • Screen type: 3.2-inch tilting LCD, 1,037K dots.

Canon EOS 5D Mark IV

Best for Pros and Enthusiasts
BUY NOW From $2499

Features

  • Superb Dual Pixel CMOS AF for responsive and smooth AF during video or Live View shooting; LCD monitor has full touch-screen interface, including selection of AF area.
  • 4K Motion JPEG video (DCI cinema-type 4096 x 2160) at 30p or 24p; in- camera still frame grab** of 4K 8.8-Megapixel images; multiple video options include Full HD up to 60p, and HD up to 120p.
  • 61 AF points with expanded vertical coverage with 41 cross-points, and AF possible at all 61 AF points with many lens + extender combinations effective at f/8.
  • Excellent performance - up tp 7.0 fps*** continuous shooting speed with high-performance DIGIC 6+ Image Processor for improved speed and excellent image quality.
  • New 30.4 Megapixel* full-frame CMOS sensor for versatile shooting in nearly any light, with ISO range 100-32000; expandable up to 50-102400 (equivalent ISO).

Pros

  • ⊕ Rugged build.
  • ⊕ Great Autofocus.
  • ⊕ 30.4 megapixels.
  • ⊕ Pro-grade build.
  • ⊕ Massive ISO range.

Cons

  • ⊖ Expensive.
  • ⊖ No built-in flash.
  • ⊖ Cropped 4K video.
  • ⊖ LCD fixed in place.
  • ⊖ Omits in-body flash.

Specs

  • Movies: 4K.
  • Maximum continuous shooting speed: 7fps.
  • Megapixels: 30.4MP.
  • User level: Expert.
  • Sensor: Full-frame CMOS.
  • Autofocus: 61-point AF, 41 cross-type.
  • Screen type: 3.2-inch touchscreen, 1,620,000 dots.

Nikon D850

Best Overall
BUY NOW From $2996.95

Features

  • Tilting touchscreen, Focus Shift shooting mode, outstanding battery performance and much more; Total Pixels: 46.89 million.
  • Nikon designed back side illuminated (BSI) full frame image sensor with no optical low pass filter.
  • 4K Ultra HD video recording, slow motion up to 120 FPS at 1080p.
  • Up to 9 fps1 continuous shooting at full resolution with full AF performance.
  • 45.7 megapixels of extraordinary resolution, outstanding dynamic range and virtually no risk of moiré.
  • 8K6 and 4K time lapse movies with new levels of sharpness and detail; File system : DCF 2.0, Exif 2.31, PictBridge.

Pros

  • ⊕ 4K video.
  • ⊕ Wide ISO range.
  • ⊕ Dual card slots.
  • ⊕ Superb AF system.
  • ⊕ 8K timelapse mode.

Cons

  • ⊖ Live view AF speed.
  • ⊖ Getting a little old.
  • ⊖ Omits built-in flash.
  • ⊖ Slow Live View AF speed.
  • ⊖ SnapBridge connectivity.

Specs

  • Movies: 4K.
  • Maximum continuous shooting speed: 7fps.
  • Resolution: 45.4MP.
  • User level: Expert.
  • Sensor: Full-frame CMOS.
  • Autofocus: 153-point AF, 99 cross-type.
  • Screen type: 3.2-inch tilt-angle touchscreen, 2,359,000 dots.