DSLR Tips Buyer's Guide:
The best semi-pro digital SLRs

If you’re shopping for a semi-pro DSLR, you’ve come to the right place! At our sister site, Camera Labs we provide in-depth reviews but understand you’re busy people who sometimes just want recommendations of the most outstanding products.

So here we cut to the chase and list the best models around right now. We’ve fully tested each one and there’s links to our reviews for more details – and to see an actual demonstration of their highlights, be sure to check out our video tours.

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Canon’s EOS 40D is a feature-packed DSLR for enthusiasts and semi-pros. It features 10.1 Megapixel resolution, tough build quality, 6.5fps continuous shooting, anti-dust facilities and Live View with full remote control with your PC using supplied software. The EOS 40D is also quicker and better weather-proofed than its predecessor which all adds up to a camera which handles with supreme confidence. It may not feature the VGA screen or HDMI port of the Nikon D300 and Sony A700, but remains a highly capable DSLR we can whole-heartedly recommend.

Pros: Quick handling; Live View; anti-dust, PC control.
Cons: ‘Only’ 10 Megapixels; non-VGA screen; no HDMI.
Overall: A very impressive DSLR, but with tough rivals.
More info at Camera Labs: full review

Nikon’s D300 is the feature-packed successor to the D200. It may look almost identical, and shares the same superb build quality of its predecessor, but under the hood are a raft of improvements. These include 12.3 Megapixels, 6fps shooting, a 51-point AF system, 3in screen with VGA resolution, Live View, a viewfinder with 100% coverage, and an HDMI port. Since the image quality isn’t a big step-up from 10 Mpixel models though, you should only buy the D300 if you want or need these new features. If not, the D200’s still a great choice and any spare cash can be invested in lenses.

Pros: Superb build, quick handling, great features
Cons: Anti-dust not effective in our tests
Overall: A superb DSLR, but only if you need the features
More info at Camera Labs: full review

The Nikon D200 is a 10.2 Megapixel DSLR packed with features to satisfy pros and delight enthusiasts. It has a tough weather-sealed body which inspires confidence, a large, bright viewfinder with grid lines which can be switched on or off, fast 5fps continuous shooting, and support for a wide range of accessories including GPS positioning, Wifi wireless connectivity and PC Sync studio lighting. Suffice it to say the overall handling and image quality is excellent. The D200’s an ideal choice for higher-end enthusiasts or pros wanting a backup body who don't need the new D300's extra features.

Pros: Superb build quality, handling and features
Cons: RAW adjustment software costs extra
Overall: One of the most powerful DSLRs around
More info at Camera Labs: full review

The Canon EOS 5D is the first 'affordable' DSLR with a full-frame sensor, allowing lenses to perform exactly as they would on a 35mm film body. This is the holy grail for many photographers who don’t like the cropping field-reduction factor of most other DSLRs. It’s certainly reassuring to know a lens will deliver the same field of view and perspective it did on a 35mm body. Boasting 12.8 Megapixel resolution, the quality's roughly equivalent to a 3000 dpi 35mm film scan too, and the physically larger sensor ensures noise is kept to a minimum. It's an impressive combination but the 5D's still pricey, can suffer from light fall-off in the corners and demands decent quality lenses. Nikon's D200 is also quicker and better-featured.

Pros: Cheapest full-frame body yet; low noise
Cons: Pricey and Nikon D200 has much better features
Overall: Those who covet a full-frame DSLR will love the 5D
More info at Camera Labs: full review