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The Best DSLR Cameras under $5500

★ Top Choice
♥ Runner Up
Best Splurge
Best for Sports and Wildlife

Sony a99 II

★ Top Choice
BUY NOW From $3198

Features

  • High bitrate XAVC S5 , S-log, slow/quick frame rates6, 4:2:2 HDMI out, 4D Focus hybrid phase AF w/ 79-point sensor plus 399-point on imager Viewfinder Type : 13 cm (05 type) electronic viewfinder, XGA OLED.
  • Operating temperature:0°C - 40°C (+32°F - +104°F)C.424MP full-frame sensor w/ no low-pass filter up to ISO 102,4004, 4K movie recording w/full pixel readout in full-frame or super 35, 5-axis in-body image stabilization optimized for full-frame sensor.
  • Total number of pixels:43.6 megapixels approx.
  • Wi-Fi/NFC code for easy file transfer and remote control, Dust/moisture resistant magnesium alloy body w/ 300k+ cycle shutter, , Ultra-fast OLED w/EVF benefits and optical viewfinder immediacy.
  • Up to 12fps at 424MP continuous shooting with AE/AF tracking, World’s first 79 hybrid AF cross-point array for unmatched AF tracking.

Pros

  • ⊕ Crisp EVF.
  • ⊕ 4K video capture.
  • ⊕ 12fps capture rate.
  • ⊕ High-resolution sensor.
  • ⊕ Dual autofocus system.

Cons

  • ⊖ Lengthy write times.
  • ⊖ Omits built-in flash.
  • ⊖ Neglected lens system.

Pentax 645Z

♥ Runner Up
BUY NOW From $5023.51

Features

  • Class leading speed and response with 3FPS frame rate.
  • Versatile live view with a tiltable LCD panel.
  • 51.4 effective mega-pixel CMOS sensor.
  • Real Time Scene Analysis with 86,000 pixel sensor.

Pros

  • ⊕ Speedy response.
  • ⊕ Dual tripod mounts.
  • ⊕ Solid control layout.
  • ⊕ Weather-sealed design.
  • ⊕ Excellent build quality.

Cons

  • ⊖ Expensive.
  • ⊖ Large and heavy.
  • ⊖ So-so video quality.
  • ⊖ Limited video features.

Nikon D5

Best Overall
BUY NOW From $5496.95

Features

  • 12 fps Shooting for 200 Shots with AE/AF.
  • 180k-Pixel RGB Sensor and Group Area AF.
  • 14-Bit Raw Files and 12-Bit Raw S Format.
  • Supplied With: EN-EL18a Rechargeable Li-ion Battery, MH-26a Battery Charger, USB Cable Clip, HDMI Cable Clip, UC-E22 USB Cable, AN-DC15 Strap, DK-27 Eyepiece Adapter, DK-17F Fluorine-Coated Finder Eyepiece, BF-1B Body Cap, BS-3 Accessory Shoe Cover, BL-6 Battery Chamber Cover, Warranty, Network Guide.
  • 3.2" 2.36m-Dot Touchscreen LCD Monitor.
  • Multi-CAM 20K 153-Point AF System.
  • 20.8MP FX-Format CMOS Sensor.
  • Supplied With: EN-EL18a Rechargeable Li-ion Battery, MH-26a Battery Charger, USB Cable Clip, HDMI Cable Clip, UC-E22 USB Cable, AN-DC15 Strap, DK-27 Eyepiece Adapter, DK-17F Fluorine-Coated Finder Eyepiece, BF-1B Body Cap, BS-3 Accessory Shoe Cover, BL-6 Battery Chamber Cover, Warranty, Network Guide.
  • 4K UHD Video Recording at 30 fps. CompactFlash (CF) (Type I, compliant with UDMA) XQD Type Memory.
  • EXPEED 5 Image Processor.
  • Native ISO 102400, Extend to ISO 3280000.

Pros

  • ⊕ Massive ISO range.
  • ⊕ Brilliant AF system.
  • ⊕ Amazing 102,400 max ISO.
  • ⊕ Capable of LAN transfers.
  • ⊕ Incredible AF performance.

Cons

  • ⊖ Heavy.
  • ⊖ Big and heavy.
  • ⊖ Very expensive.
  • ⊖ 12fps not class-leading.
  • ⊖ 4K recording limited to 3mins.

Specs

  • Movies: 4K.
  • Maximum continuous shooting speed: 12fps.
  • Megapixels: 20.8MP.
  • User level: Expert.
  • Sensor: Full-frame CMOS.
  • Screen type: 3.2-inch, 2,359,000 dots.
  • Autofocus: 153-point AF, 99 cross-type.

Canon 1DX Mark II

Runner-Up, Best Overall
BUY NOW From $5499

Features

  • 4K video (4096 x 2160) up to 60 fps (59.94), with an 8.8-Megapixel still frame grab in camera. Full 1080p HD capture up to 120 fps for slow motion.
  • Fastest shooting EOS-1D, capable of up to 14 fps full-resolution RAW or JPEG, and up to 16 fps in Live View mode with new Dual DIGIC 6+ Image Processors.
  • Dual Pixel CMOS AF & Movie Servo AF for high speed, high frame rate and continuous autofocus during video shooting.
  • Improved AF performance through 61-point, wide area AF system with 41 cross-type points, improved center point focusing sensitivity to -3 EV and compatibility down to f/8.
  • Achieves a maximum burst rate of up to 170 RAWs in continuous shooting at up to 16 fps, and 4K movies using CFast cards in the new CFast 2.0 slot.
  • Accurate subject tracking for stills and video with new EOS Intelligent Tracking and Recognition AF with 360,000-pixel metering sensor.

Pros

  • ⊕ 4K video.
  • ⊕ Built-in GPS.
  • ⊕ In-body GPS.
  • ⊕ Pro-grade build.
  • ⊕ 3.2-inch touch LCD.

Cons

  • ⊖ 4K video is cropped.
  • ⊖ No Wi-Fi connectivity.
  • ⊖ Omits Wi-Fi and in-body flash.