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Previously used exclusively by the pros, today the best dSLR camera market has expanded and become more affordable to the amateur photo enthusiasts or for the aspiring professional. The best dSLR cameras open up a world of creative flexibility while shooting, which cannot be reproduced by the point and shoot cameras.

Some of the plus points which make dSLR's a compelling buy are,

-Image quality, Sporting larger sensors than the point-and-shoot cameras this ensures excellent image quality. Thanks to the advanced imaging sensors, the entry-level dSLR's offer significantly better image quality than the high end point and shoot cameras.

-Support for wider dynamic ranges- enables capturing of vivid hues and contrasts.

-Creative control- all settings can be made manually offering unlimited control to the photographer

-Performance- Increased shutter speed- to capture action shots, kids photos etc. Faster continuous mode and autofocus performance

-Flexibility-Due to compatibility with a wide range of lenses, can be fiited with lenses which run the gamut of zooms, from the ultra-wide angles to super telephoto lenses and special lenses such as fish-eye and macro lenses etc.

Choosing the best dSLR/Professional camera is indeed a tough option. This is a varied segment and you should choose the best type of dSLR/Pro camera that would fit your needs. Typically the dSLR's come as body-only' cameras unless they are equipped with the kit lenses' which usually offer less optical zoom. The lenses require an additional investment based on your photo needs.

Check out this list of best DSLRs 2013, top rated by some of the best camera reviewers around the web.

Browse All Top SLR/Professional Digital Cameras »

Pentax K-3

Pentax K-3 SLR Camera - Body Only


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Pentax K-3
Nikon D610
Nikon D5300
Canon EOS 70D
Canon EOS 700D (EOS Rebel T5i)
Pentax K-3 SLR Camera - Body Only
Nikon D610 24.3 MP CMOS FX-Format Digital SLR Camera (Body Only)
Nikon D5300 24.2 MP CMOS Digital SLR Camera
Canon EOS 70D 20.2 MP Digital SLR Camera
Canon EOS 700D (EOS Rebel T5i) Digital Camera
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Release Date
Oct 2013
Oct 2013
Oct 2013
Jun 2013
Jun 2013
Camera Type
SLR/Professional, Mid-size SLR
SLR/Professional, Mid-size SLR
SLR/Professional, Compact SLR
SLR/Professional, Mid-size SLR
SLR/Professional, Compact SLR
Resolution
24.0 Megapixel
24.0 Megapixel
24.0 Megapixel
20.0 Megapixel
18.0 Megapixel
Image Sensor Type
CMOS
CMOS
CMOS
CMOS
CMOS
LCD Screen Size
3.2 in.
3.2 in.
3.2 in.
3.0 in.
3.0 in.
Image Sensor Size
28.2 mm
43.18 mm
28.2 mm
27.04 mm
26.81 mm

Excellent high ISO image quality, Shoots at 8.1fps

Comfortable and intelligent design, and excellent photo quality and performance

Excellent image quality, straight-forward handling and quick performance

Delivers excellent autofocus performance and the camera itself is quite fast

Ability to preview the Creative Effects


The main categories which dSLR's would fall into are,

Entry level dSLR- Most of the best entry-level dSLR cameras are available for about $600- $800 body only mainly for the aspiring hobbyist who expects more from his camera than what a point and shoot has to offer.

Mid-range dSLR- Mainly for aspiring professionals they offer more flexibility, performance and ruggedness than the entry level dSLR's. Most of the best mid-range dSLRs are typically available in the $1000-$2000 range.

Professional dSLR- They bring a level of versatility, ruggedness and functionality for pro photographers. The best professional dSLR cameras are available from $2000 upwards for body only.