This versatile camera has a robust design, built-in image stabilisation and a swivelling 75mm LCD viewfinder with a 100 per cent field of view, all of which make it ideal for shooting in tricky outdoor conditions. It also benefits from having wireless flash compatibility and you can plug in an external microphone to record high-quality sound when shooting HD video. On the downside, image resolution is relatively low at only 12.3 megapixels.
Price
£1,499.99
parkcameras.com (opens in new tab)
With a whopping 24.6-megapixel sensor, you certainly can’t knock the image resolution of the A850. It’s let down, however, by Sony’s failure to include either Live View or HD video recording capabilities, both of which now come as standard on the majority of digital SLRs available in this price range (including some of Sony's own, cheaper models).
Price
£1429.99
camerabox.co.uk (opens in new tab)
A solid all-rounder, this camera has all the main features you would want in a digital SLR. Image resolution is great thanks to an 18-megapixel sensor, while Live View is displayed on a 75mm LCD monitor that’s also built for full HD video recording. The 7D's magnesium alloy body offers weather sealing too, allowing you to get the shots you want in even the worst conditions, while a long battery life is ideal for extended shooting.
Price
£1299.99
currys.co.uk (opens in new tab)
With its very reasonable price, the D7000 offers excellent value for money for any digital SLR enthusiast looking to take their photography to the next level. A compact but durable design is enhanced by easy-access Live View, full HD video recording capabilities – with HDMI connectivity that allows you to watch your movies back through an HD television – and a 75mm LCD monitor that has a wide-viewing angle of 170˚ to help you get everything in shot.
Price
£1098
