Crazy Consumer Electronics World: Buying guide: best SLR for enthusiasts

While compact system (mirrorless) cameras have eaten into their market share to an extent, SLRs remain the weapon of choice for many enthusiast photographers. It's not hard to understand why; enthusiast-level SLRs offer near pro-levels of performance at an affordable price, are relatively to easy to use, and give access to a massive range of lenses and accessories. Indeed, some enthusiast SLRs rival pro-spec models, blurring the boundary between the two.

Many photographers prefer the reassuringly chunky feel and build quality of SLRs, as well as the more traditional optical viewfinder and fast, phase-detection autofocusing. Enthusiast-level SLRs include both APS-C and full-frame sensors; to recap, a full frame sensor is the same size as 35mm film negative 'frame.' This means that its light sensitive photosites (pixels) can be larger than those on APS-C format sensors, so more light can enter them – which can mean better dynamic range and less noise in low-light shooting. APS-C sensors are physically smaller and are subject to a focal length multiplication factor (the so-called 'crop factor) in comparison to full-frame cameras.

That said, APS-C sensors in the best enthusiast SLRs still offer high resolution, and lenses for APS-C cameras are cheaper than their full-frame equivalents.

Here are some of our favourite enthusiast-level SLRs.

Canon EOS 6D

EOS 6D

Sensor size: Full frame

Pixel count: 20.2Mp

Screen type: 3-inch LCD, 1,040,000 dot

Maximum continuous shooting rate: 4.5fps

Maximum video resolution: 1080p

The Canon EOS 6D is a great example of a compact full-frame camera, weighing in at almost 200g less than its bulkier big brother, the Canon 5D Mk III. It's built to last though, with front and back sections made from sturdy magnesium alloy. In many ways, the handling and build quality is similar to the APS-C format Canon 60D, but there are some significant differences. As with the 5D Mk III, the 6D lacks a pop-up flash; while most serious photographers would only use a flashgun anyway, built-in flash can come in handy for wirelessly triggering off-camera flash units or basic fill-in flash in strong sunshine. The 6D also lacks a vari-angle/touchscreen LCD, which is a frustrating omission.

What the 6D lacks in mod cons it makes up for in resolution, and it packs a 20.2Mp full-frame sensor that's almost the match of the one in the 5D Mk III. It's got the same Digic 5+ image processor, too. Compromises have been made with the autofocus, however. The 6D gets by with only 11 AF points, and only the centre point is cross type. Connectivity is good, with both onboard Wi-Fi and GPS (though the latter quickly drains the battery). High ISO performance is impressive and there's a good range of advanced shooting features, but if the restricted AF options are a worry, you might be better off stumping up for the full-fat 5D Mark III.

Read our full Canon 6D review

Nikon D610

D610

Sensor size: Full frame

Pixel count: 24.3 Mp

Screen type: 3.2 inch LCD, 921,000 dots

Maximum continuous shooting rate: 6fps

Maximum video resolution: 1080p

Nikon's D600 was initially welcomed as a cheaper and in many ways more practical alternative to the 36Mp behemoth that is the D800/D800E, but dirty sensor issues soon rained on its parade.

The updated version, the D610, is very much the camera that the D600 should have been. An updated shutter mechanism seems to have stopped the mystery gunge appearing, and you're getting all the benefits of full frame – detailed wide-angle shots and fine depth of field control – at a reasonable price.

The larger photosites on its sensor give the 610 greater dynamic range and cleaner images at higher ISOs than the D7100, even though it can't resolve more detail. With a part-magnesium alloy body, the D610 is tough enough for demanding use, and weather seals mean you can keep shooting when the heavens open.

As with the D800, there are plenty of direct control buttons, which make adjusting key settings a lot easier. The downsides are the lack of onboard Wi-Fi, and the absence of a touchscreen/vari-angle screen is also disappointing on a camera at this price. Still, the D610 has become significantly cheaper since it launched, making it a very attractive first full-frame SLR for Nikon fans.

Read our full Nikon D610 review.

Canon 70D

EOS 70D

Sensor size: APS-C

Pixel count: 20.2 Mp

Screen type: 3-inch fully articulated LCD touchscreen, 1,040,000 dots

Maximum continuous shooting rate: 7fps

Maximum video resolution: 1080p

This well-regarded – and well-rounded – enthusiast-level SLR features a 20.2Mp APS-C format sensor, and enables 'Dual Pixel' phase-detection focusing for both Live View and video mode.

Both Live View and movie focusing are fast and decisive, and work well with the touchscreen (a welcome addition). There are also plenty of physical controls for traditionalists.

Other highlights of this enthusiast-friendly SLR include an impressive maximum continuous shooting rate of 7 frames per second (for 65 JPEGs or 16 raw files) and a native sensitivity range of ISO 100-12,800 (expandable to ISO 25,600). Wi-fi is built-in too.

So, is this the perfect enthusiast SLR? It does have some downsides, but not many. There is a good range of Creative Filters, but these can only be used on JPEG images, not raw. Also, the viewfinder level can be difficult to see, and you have to be careful with the otherwise excellent metering system in high contrast scenes. Some photographers might find the 19 point AF system somewhat limited compared to the 51-point system on the Nikon D7100, too. Otherwise this is a great example of a well-priced yet powerful enthusiast SLR.

Read our full Canon 70D review

Nikon D7100

D7100

Sensor size: APS-C DX

Pixel count: 24.1Mp

Screen type: 3.2-inch LCD, 1,228,800 dots

Maximum continuous shooting rate: 6fps DX mode, 7fps in 1.3x crop mode

Maximum video resolution: 1080p

This is an interesting camera, not so much for what it has – an 24.1Mp APS-C sensor is not particularly earth-shattering – but for what it lacks, namely an anti-aliasing filter. By removing this 'low pass' filter, Nikon claims that sharper images are possible straight from the camera. While there is a greater risk of 'moire' interference patterns as a result, Nikon claims the pixel density of the D7100's sensor means there will be few occasions when this is a problem – and that it's a trade-off are most users are happy to make in return for extra sharpness. Certainly, our test images were crisp and detailed, and noise is well controlled up to ISO 6400.

The D7100 is Nikon's flagship enthusiast SLR, and offers a continuous shooting rate of 6 frames per second (this can be pushed to 7fps if you use the 1.3x crop mode). There is also a generous 51 point autofocus system. One thing to watch out for is the tendency of the D7100's matrix metering system to underexpose, particularly with bright skies.

As with the D610 there is no built-in Wi-Fi or articulated screen/touchscreen, but the optical viewfinder shows approximately 100% of the image, which aids accurate composition.

To sum up, the D100 is a very practical enthusiast-level SLR, with weatherproof seals for shooting in the rain and excellent ergonomics.

Read our full Nikon D7100 review

Pentax K-3

Sensor size: APS-C

Pixel count: 24.4Mp

Screen type: 3.2-inch LCD, 1,037,000 dots

Maximum continuous shooting rate: 8.3fps

Maximum video resolution: 1080p

Here's another weatherproofed enthusiast-level SLR, again with a 24Mp sensor and again lacking an anti-aliasing filter, with the promise of sharper images from the camera. Unlike the Nikon D7100, however, there is an anti-aliasing simulator if moire pattern interference becomes an issue.

As Pentax's flagship enthusiast SLR, the K-3 features a PRIME III imaging engine that supports a brisk 8.3 frames per second continuous shooting. You can record up to 22 images in raw format at a time, or 60 JPEGs. Meanwhile the AF system has 27 autofocus points, 25 of which are cross type for increased accuracy, and the AF module is sensitive down as far as -3EV.

Image performance is generally good, with impressive detail and sharpness, and colours are nicely saturated without looking garish. The 100% viewfinder is a bonus, too. Sadly, the K-3 is dogged by chromatic aberration; this appears to be in issue inside the camera, as it appeared even when we changed lenses, and also cropped up on a fresh review sample. How much of a problem this will be depends on what you shoot and how you print it, but the bigger you print, the more likely you are to notice the aberration. As with the Nikon D7100, the Pentax lacks an articulated screen/touchscreen.

Read our full Pentax K-3 review