Few gifts would brighten the eyes of your favorite photographers (or would look better at the top of your wish list) than an APS-C or full-frame DSLR camera. Many in the digital photography industry consider 2012 to be the year of the DSLR, with so many new models, so giving any of the following suggestions ensures a camera with the latest technologies, features and capabilities.
Canon EOS Rebel T4i: Introduced during June 2012, the Rebel 4Ti is Canon’s latest model of its long-running and very popular, entry-level DSLRs. It’s a great choice for the photographer ready to advance his or her skills and creative output. The new Canon EOS Rebel T4i comes with an 18-MP APS-C CMOS sensor; DIGIC 5 Image Processor; 3.0” Vari-Angle, Touch Screen LCD; and an ISO sensitivity range of 100–12,800, expandable to 25,600.
To learn more about this camera, read the PhotographyTalk article: New Canon EOS Rebel T4i DSLR Camera Looks Like a Winner Right from the Gate
The Canon EOS Rebel T4i DSLR Camera bundled with an 18–55mm EF-S IS II Lens is available for $792.89 from Amazon and for $792.00 from Adorama
Canon EOS 6D: Introduced during September 2012, the 6D is Canon’s newest full-frame DSLR camera. This is a serious camera for any photographer who has a serious passion about composing and capturing professional quality images. It features a 20.2-MP full-frame CMOS sensor, DIGIC 5+ image processor, a 3-inch LCD screen, 4.5 fps maximum continuous shooting, a built-in GPS and Wi-Fi capabilities.
To learn more about this camera, read the PhotographyTalk article: The Canon EOS 6D DSLR Camera: A Bold Bet in a High-Stakes Game
The Canon EOS 6D Full-Frame DSLR camera (body only) can be pre-ordered from Amazon for $2,099.00 and at Adorama for $2,099.00
Nikon D3200: Introduced during the early part of 2012, the D3200 has proven to be a popular entry-level DSLR camera. It upgrades its predecessor, the D3100, with a 24.2-megapixel DX-format CMOS sensor, but is still lightweight at just 1 lb. The Nikon D3200 also features a Guide Mode that is very helpful to photographers new to DSLRs. As with all these DSLR cameras, the D3200 records 1080p Full-HD video.
To learn more about this camera, read the PhotographyTalk article: 7 Value Features of the New Nikon D3200 DSLR for Digital Photography Enthusiasts
The Nikon D3200 DSLR with the AF-S DX NIKKOR 18–55mm f/3.5–5.6G VR kit lens is available from Amazon for $646.95 or buy it from Adorama for $646.95
Nikon D600: Introduced during August 2012, the Nikon D600 is a full-frame DSLR, but in a more compact and lighter camera body than most Nikon FX-format cameras. It’s a camera for passionate photography enthusiasts, with its 24.3-MP CMOS sensor; a fast, accurate autofocus system with 39 focus points; 1080p Full HD video; optional Wi-Fi connectivity; 5.5 fps continuous shooting mode; and 3.2-inch LCD screen.To learn more about this camera, read the PhotographyTalk article: Why the Nikon D600 Full-Frame DSLR is Exciting News for Serious Enthusiasts
The Nikon D600, full-frame DSLR (body only) is available for preorder from Amazon for $2,096.95 or from Adorama for $2,096.95
Nikon D800: This full-frame DSLR was the first camera to start the “year of the DSLR,” having been released during March 2012. Aimed at the semi-pro and professional market, the D800 could be considered an “indoor” camera. Its specs seem to be configured for portrait, fashion and product photographers, among others, with a 36-MP sensor, a maximum ISO sensitivity of 204,800 and a standard continuous shooting rate of 10fps.
To learn more about this camera, read the PhotographyTalk article: 8 Points of Comparison of the Nikon D800 DSLR to Its Cousin and Its Competitor
The Nikon D800, full-frame DSLR (body only) is available from Amazon for $2,999.00 its also available at Adorama for $2,999.00
Sony A37: This is Sony’s new entry-level DSLR, having replaced the older A35 during spring 2012. What distinguished the A37 (and all Sony SLT models) is its fixed-mirror technology. Light entering the camera goes directly to the image sensor. In a traditional DSLR, the light must first travel to a mirror, and then be reflected to the sensor. The A37 has a 16.1-MP CMOS sensor, 2.7” tilting LCD screen and 1080/60i/24p Full HD.
To learn more about this camera, read the PhotographyTalk article: How Sony Put Its Ducks in a Row with the New SLT-A37 DSLR Camera for 2012
The Sony Alpha 37 with an 18–55mm kit lens is $548.00 from Amazon and $548.00 from Adorama
Sony A57: Sony also introduced the A57 during early 2012, as another entry-level DSLR competitor, comparing very favorable with Canon’s EOS Rebel series and Nikon’s D3200. It’s an upgrade from the A55, with a larger body and 50% more battery power. The A57 features a 16-MP CMOS sensor, a 3.0” rear LCD screen, 1080 Full-HD at 60 fps and a maximum ISO range of 100–16,000.
To learn more about this camera, read the PhotographyTalk article: 7 Competitive Digital Photography Moves of the New Sony A57 DSLR Camera
The Sony Alpha 57 with an 18–55mm kit lens is $698.00 from Amazon and $698 from Adorama
Sony A99: Introduced during September 2012, the Sony A99 is a serious full-frame DSLR for serious amateurs and professionals. This camera is packed with the features and capabilities to compete with Canon and Nikon’s best: 24.3-MP sensor, 14-bit RAW images, a dual autofocus system with 102 AF points, 3” tilting and rotating LCD screen, 12fps continuous shooting mode and 1080/60p Full-HD.
To learn more about this camera, read the PhotographyTalk article: The New Sony Alpha ALT-a99 DSLR: The Battle Lines Are Drawn!
The Sony A99 DSLR (body only) is available for preorder from Amazon for $2,798.00 or from Adorama for $2,798.00
Pentax K-30: Pentax has a long tradition of making highly satisfying DSLR cameras and the K-30, introduced during June 2012, is no exception. This camera features a 16-MP APS-C CMOS sensor, complete body weather sealing, 3” LCD screen, 6 fps continuous shooting, and 1080p Full-HD. It’s definitely a worthy alternative to Nikon, Canon and Sony entry-level DSLRs.
The Pentax K-30 DSLR with an 18–55mm kit lens is $748.32 from Amazon and $846.95 from Adorama
Pentax K-5 II: Released during September 2012, with its K-5 IIs brother, which has no anti-aliasing filter, the Pentax K-5 II is considered by many experts as the best APS-C DSLR available. They cite the cameras 11-point SAFOX X autofocus system as its distinguishing feature, but it also offers a 16.3-MP sensor, complete weather sealing and cold-proofing, 80–51,200 ISO range, 7 fps continuous shooting and 1080p Full-HD video.
The Pentax K-II DSLR was not yet available from Amazon at the time of this article. Please check Amazon during October and November for ordering information. The estimated price is approximately $1,300 with an 18–55mm kit lens.
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