Top DSLR Cameras Under $1,000 in 2020

The Best DSLR Cameras Under $1,000 - FilterGrade

Photography is not always a cheap and profitable hobby to take up. But, purchasing a DSLR doesn’t have to drain your bank account, and could potentially lead you to making money one day. With new cameras being released regularly, it is far easier to find an affordable DSLR camera for under $1000. Whether you are looking to upgrade your existing DSLR, looking to add a second camera to your gear list, or you are a first-time buyer you will want to consider the cameras on this list of the best DSLRs for under $1000.

Top 12 DSLRs for under $1000 in 2020

1. Canon EOS Rebel T7i DSLR

This is a great introductory camera for those looking to buy their first DSLR. It can be a good choice for those professionals that want to have a backup camera. This camera is easy to use but still offers some great standard features. The Canon EOS Rebel T7i is a nice upgrade to previous Canon Rebel models. 

Pros: 

  • Fast autofocus
  • Accurate viewfinder playback for video and stills 
  • Burst shooting
  • Great Video capture

Cons: 

  • Small viewfinder
  • No autofocus fine-tuning
  • Battery life is not as long as expected
  • Cannot change Auto ISO minimum shutter speed
  • Video is only capable of 1080p

Overall this camera produces decent images and for under $1000 this kit comes equipped with everything you need to get started. Get yours here. 

2. Pentax K-70

This DSLR camera is compact and lightweight making it ideal for travel and landscape photography. It features an AA-Filter-less lens Aps-C MOS sensor. The body of the camera features shake reduction, is dustproof, weather-resistant, and durable. The vari-angle LCD and night vision red light allows you to take creative shots in low-lighting. This camera offers something to photographers of all levels. 

Pros:

  • Multiple weather seals
  • Builtin WiFi
  • Highly durable
  • Excellent image quality even when shooting RAW

Cons: 

  • Out of date autofocus system
  • Poor JPEG compression
  • No wireless flash control

Overall, the Pentax K-70 is a solid camera with innovative features. You can get the body and kit bundle for under $1000 here

3. Nikon D5600 DSLR 

The Nikon D5600 DSLR will provide beginner and photography enthusiasts a fantastic camera capable of crisp clear images. The powerful low light settings help you capture images at any time, day or night. The Bluetooth technology featured with this camera allows you to upload images directly to your smartphone as you shoot making it easier than ever to share what you capture with the world.

Pros:

  • Compact
  • Lightweight
  • Excellent dynamic range
  • High ISO performance
  • Capture time-lapse movies
  • Burst mood

Cons: 

  • The viewfinder doesn’t show full coverage
  • White balance is off
  • Does not support IR remote
  • Does not shoot 4K video

Overall you can expect great image quality with this Nikon. It features some great new technology that many looking to share their images instantly to social media will enjoy. You can learn more about it here

4. Nikon D7500

The ergonomic design of the Nikon D7500 makes it a comfortable fit for many photographers. It lives up to its Nikon name in terms of image quality and is a reliable camera for those who have not yet found their niche. It features a flip-screen LCD, Bluetooth capabilities, built-in flash with in-camera scene analysis so you get the right amount of light on your subjects.

Pros:

  • Great ISO performance
  • Touchscreen
  • Long battery life

Cons: 

  • 4K videos cropped severely
  • High noise on JPEG
  • Heavy

Overall, the Nikon D7500 is capable of shooting a variety of images and producing high-quality shots. You can get yours here.

5. Nikon D610

The Nikon D610 DSLR is an excellent camera for those who are looking for a solid everyday camera. It captures crisp, clear, and balanced images. As a full-frame camera, this camera body is excellent for under $1000. It allows beginners and professionals alike outstanding features that are easy to use.

Pros:

  • Wide range of shooting features
  • Solid design
  • Great performance
  • Excellent image quality

Cons: 

  • Unrecoverable clipping in highlights
  • Requires you to purchase a separate WIFI dongle

Overall the Nikon D610 is a suitable camera that can be used in a number of settings. It has a number of features that professionals will find useful and that beginners will find easy to navigate. You can learn more about this camera here.

6. Canon EOS 80D

The Canon EOS 80D features some great designs and functions. It allows users to navigate the camera with an easy to use menu, tilt and flip Touchscreen LCD, and custom setting modes among others. The body of the camera is strong and durable and for its price, can exceed your expectations. 

Pros:

  • More organized menu bars
  • Weather-sealed
  • 100% viewfinder coverage
  • Touch focus 
  • Excellent battery

Cons: 

  • Unable to capture 4K video

Overall, the Canon EOS 80D is a well-designed and easy to use camera. It captures great stills and video alike. You can learn more about this camera here

7. Canon EOS Rebel T6

The Canon EOS Rebel T6 is an option for those just getting started with photography and don’t want or need a full range of features or functionality. This DSLR can produce nice images but lacks many of the advanced features most advanced DSLR offers.

Pros:

  • RAW capture abilities
  • WiFi connections

Cons: 

  • Fixed LCD screen
  • No touchscreen
  • Slow
  • Dated

Overall, the Canon EOS Rebel T6 is great for beginners or those who just want a better camera to take images instead of using their smartphones all the time. You can get a full kit that comes with a lens, carrying case, SD card, and cleaning kit here

8. Sony a68

If you are looking for a simple DSLR camera that will produce nice images and accurate focusing this can be a great option for you. The Sony a68 may not have all the advanced features of some of the other cameras on this list but what it does offer is an affordable straightforward camera that is designed for ease of use. 

Pros:

  • Affordable
  • Fast continuous shooting

Cons: 

  • Poor LCD quality
  • Not touch screen
  • Bulky
  • No WiFi

Overall, the Sony a68 is an ideal camera for those who want to take more professional-looking images. You can purchase the camera and kit full of accessories for under $1000 here

9. Pentax KP 24MP Compact TTL Autofocus DSLR Camera

The Pentax KP 24MP is a small yet powerful DSLR. Those looking for an alternative to the better known Canon or Nikon DSLR will find this an ideal option. It features a 24 megapixel sensor allowing it to capture quality images that are crisp and clear. The high ISO capabilities allow you to take a number of images in various lighting. This camera is specifically designed to fit comfortably in all hands with its exchangeable grip and smart functional dial.

Pros:

  • Excellent ISO performance for both JPEG and Raw shooting
  • Easy to navigate controls
  • Compact

Cons: 

  • AF system isn’t accurate
  • Short battery life
  • Behind on video capabilities

Overall, the Pentax KP 24MP is a great compact DSLR. It offers varying levels of photographers an easy to take on the go camera for all types of shoots. You can learn more about this DSLR here

10. Nikon D3500 24MP

If you are looking for a dependable entry-level DSLR this Nikon D3500 24MP is worth the consideration. This light-weight DSLR offers a range of advanced settings and offers beginners a super simple system that guides them through the shooting process. Though the design may be geared towards beginner photographers this DSLR can be a great backup or alternative camera for professionals simply because of image quality.

Pros:

  • Compact
  • Bluetooth
  • Shooting guide for beginners
  • Effects settings
  • Quick autofocus

Cons: 

  • Fixed LCD
  • No touchscreen
  • No mic output
  • Viewfinder only shows 95% of what you shoot

Overall, the Nikon D3500 24MP DSLR is a great camera that you can take on the go with ease. The image quality is excellent even when shooting in low-lighting. This is a straightforward camera that can offer photographers stunning results. To learn more about this DSLR check it out here.

11. Canon EOS Rebel T7

This entry-level DSLR offers photographers a number of great features and settings. It has two smart autofocusing systems that allow users to capture clear images consistently. This is the ideal camera for those wanting to get started in portrait photography to learn and grow on. It features a face detection setting that will allow you to properly focus and capture live models with ease. 

Pros:

  • Realistic colors
  • Nice image quality
  • Limited noise
  • Ergonomic design
  • Sturdy
  • Wireless capabilities
  • Face detection

Cons: 

  • Limited burst mode speed
  • No tilt LCD screen
  • No touch screen
  • The LCD screen is larger than the aspect ratios
  • Not waterproof
  • No image stabilization

Overall, the Canon EOS Rebel T7 is a strong competitor if you are looking for a beginner DSLR. It stands out in its ability to focus on facial features and it is lightweight making it easy to take on the go. If you are interested in learning more about this DSLR check it out here

12. Canon EOS Rebel SL3

Another affordable DSLR from the Canon Rebel serious is the Canon EOS Rebel SL3. This camera is light and compact making it ideal for beginners to take wherever they go. Its design features a vari-angle LCD which gives you more creative options and allows you to take flawless selfies. It is capable of shooting 4K videos, time-lapse videos and has a creative assist option. It also takes high definition stills that display vibrant colors and clear details. 

Pros:

  • Compact
  • Lightweight
  • Vari-angle LCD
  • Bluetooth
  • WiFi capabilities

Cons: 

  • 4K video is heavily cropped
  • Image is choppy when shooting 4K
  • Poor Autofocus with movement

Overall, the Canon EOS Rebel SL3 is an ideal DSLR for everyday use. It offers beginners and easy to navigate system and a sleek, light design. With this camera coming in well below $1000 it can be a great investment for those wanted to experiment more with taking their own images. You can learn more about this DSLR here.

Keep Reading:

Leave a Reply