HWM+HardwareZone.com Tech Awards 2011 Editor's Choice - Part 1

Best Semi-Pro DSLR Camera

Best Semi-Pro DSLR Camera

Semi-pro: What does that term really mean? In the DSLR camera world, we could define it as the advanced models just sitting before the full-frame professional series, packing an APS-C sensor which is the same size (but not the same performance) as the ones in entry-level cameras and featuring more dedicated physical controls for essential settings. Oh, and don't forget the price, size and weight; more than an entry-level's, less than a full-frame's.

Nominees:

• Canon EOS 60D
• Nikon D7000
• Olympus E-5

And the Winner Is...

The Nikon D7000 is a high performance camera, with easy access to manual controls – more 'professional' handling than either the Canon 60D or the Olympus E-5. These two winning points gives it the award. The Olympus E-5 had average performance for a camera of this class, most probably due to the smaller Four Thirds sensor. The Canon 60D produces beautiful images, but it's let down by the removal of a control joystick (which was present on the 50D), making this camera more suitable for the advanced consumer than the semi-pro.

For more details on how we selected our winners, check out the full reviews and articles listed at the References section at the end.