12 Best Mid-Range Cameras in 2023 – Picks for Intermediates

Beginner photography enthusiasts eventually come to the point where their entry-level cameras just do not cut it for their needs anymore, and they need an upgrade. Some will jump to the high-end product immediately, while others, for budget or any other reason, cannot go there just yet. This guide is for those photographers since today; we are going to talk about the best mid-range cameras in today’s market.

Opting for a mid-range camera might be a smarter move in the transition from entry-level type, as some features on high-end units might be unnecessary for your needs. Mid-range ones are good enough to provide you with extra challenges and opportunities while avoiding to confuse with too much information, especially if you are in the learning phase. We did some research and found some interesting picks for you, so let us begin without further ado.

List of Best Mid-Range Cameras

1. Nikon D7500

Although Nikon D7500 does not sport some groundbreaking technologies and innovations, it is certainly a camera that will serve as a fantastic way to transition from entry-level to mid-range. With that said, you will still get high-end performance and some versatile features that will certainly make your money’s worth.

This digital SLR comes with some tempting specifications, and since it is produced by a high-end and renowned manufacturer, you can rest assured that the overall quality will be on a very high level. It is a perfect mid-range unit that sits in a very competitive segment of the market. To explain it in a bit more “plastic” way, it is not a pro-level product, but it is certainly overkill for just taking holiday pictures.

Once you peak “under the hood,” you will find that this camera sports a 21-megapixel APS-C sensor and takes Nikon F-mount lenses. You will also find a tilting touch screen at the rear, Bluetooth connectivity, WiFi, 4K video, and all the nice little things that you should expect at this price point.

When compared to its predecessor, D7500 comes with some nice improvements. For starters, the continuous burst shooting speed has been improved from 6 to 8 fps, and the metering sensor got a nice boost from 2k to 180k, which is a very good improvement and a significant jump in this department.

One of the standout statistics with this unit was definitely the maximum ISO which stands at 1.640.000. However, it will still perform very well in low-light conditions but will provide excellent results in highly illuminated conditions as well. Overall it is a great mid-range unit and definitely the best one our research has led us to.

Nikon D7500 Specifications

 

2. Panasonic LUMIX GH5 4K Digital Camera

Panosinc’s Lumix GH5 digital camera continues the company’s tradition of innovation and technical improvements that have been around for a long time. This unit comes with a set of unique shooting features, a weather-sealed body, and speedy performance that makes it a worthy upgrade to your beginner-level camera.

Design-wise, this model stuck to the “if it ain’t broken, don’t fix it” rule, so it is pretty similar to products before it. The matte black finish delivers a premium look to it, and the body of the camera is fairly slim, with a deep and comfortable handgrip that will allow intermediates to take snaps effortlessly.

As far as user-friendliness goes, this is a pretty accessible unit. You can navigate the menu by using the rear command dial, go to a focus joystick, or simply use the touchscreen if you feel more comfortable with it. The LCD is very responsive, and it allows you to navigate menus, adjust the focus point, or zoom in and out images to get a better look.

This is an overall responsive camera that can power on, focus, and fire in just 0.8 seconds, which is very impressive. The Autofocus system is purely contrast based, and it is another amazing selling point for this unit, as it is super fast. You can also do continuous shooting at 10.3 fps with a locked focus.

The Lumix GH5 uses a 20-megapixel Micro Four Thirds image sensor and offers 225 selectable boxes you can choose from individually. Its native ISO range starts at 200 and can range up to 25600, although it can be extended.

Overall, this is a great mid-range consideration for any photographer that has had enough of its entry-level camera. It covers everything you would want for an upgrade, and although you will have to pay slightly more than for Nikon D7500, it will definitely be worth it.

Panasonic LUMIX GH5 Specifications

 

3. Canon EOS RP Full Frame Mirrorless Digital Camera

Canon is a company that is well-known for catering to mid-range customers and crop sensor consumers, and this particular unit is one of the shinier examples of this practice. This is a camera that will not break the bank but will certainly deliver some excellent features that will serve as a fantastic upgrade from an entry-level product.

The EOS RP is a big success and a great choice for intermediates, as it offers full-frame functionality and 4K video that is wrapped in a neat little package that is lighter, more convenient, and cheaper than the rest of its rivals that offer similar features at a similar price range.

This camera is powered by the Digic 8 processor, which provides the necessary speed in performance, making it a worthy upgrade. However, one of the biggest selling points for this unit is its 26.2-megapixel sensor, which was optimized to work with a mirrorless system, which is identical to EOS 6D Mark II.

There are also some cool innovations in other departments. This camera can shoot 4K up to 25 fps, but when it does so, it will lose Dual Pixel CMOS AF and will suffer a 1.76 x crop, so it is not a flawless unit, but some sacrifices need to be made to push some other features as a highlight when we talk about mid-range cameras.

One of the more impressive things about the EOS RP is its tiny form. It weighs only 485 grams with a battery and memory card in it, and the lightweight factor can really mean a lot for intermediates. Over the course of years, EOS RP has cemented its position as one of the best mid-range units as an affordable yet very well-performing product you should keep in mind when browsing for a new camera.

Canon EOS RP Specifications

 

4. Sony Alpha A6100 Mirrorless Camera

Sony Alpha A6100 mirrorless camera is a great upgrade to its predecessor, A6000, which was released back in 2014. This is a unit that brought some excellent innovations, such as a modernized design, 4K video, and one of the best autofocus systems you can find in the market at this price range.

Although this is a great unit, it is not flawless, and it does come with certain shortcomings, such as a plastic exterior and lack of weather protection. Despite these drawbacks, you will still get exceptional image quality and amazing autofocus, rendering it a suitable upgrade from entry-level and a worthy consideration for an intermediate.

Even though the exterior of this camera is plastic, it is by no means flimsy. Its rangefinder-style design is very comfortable to use, and its electronic viewfinder is positioned at the rear end rather than being located behind the lens, which can be very convenient for some users.

It is important to mention that this camera is sold as a body only, meaning that you will be able to choose whichever lens you want. There is also a pop-up flash and a hot shoe where you can mount an accessory flash or external microphone, which is a nice little touch. Controls are pretty basic, which is not a bad thing by any means, especially for a transition camera.

Sony Alpha A6100 boasts a 24-megapixel image sensor, and you get pretty much the same chip and image processor used in A6400 and A660. The image quality is pretty good, and you will be able to capture high-quality 4K video footage at your choice of 24 or 30 fps at a 100 Mbps recording rate. There is much more to like than dislike about this model, and with its affordable price, it should be among your top choices for a mid-range camera.

Sony Alpha A6100 Specifications

 

5. Canon EOS 90D DSLR Camera

Canon EOS 90D is considered one of the best mid-range DSLR cameras on the market, with its outstanding balance between overall quality and affordable price tag. It offers some amazing tech and a fantastic 32-megapixel sensor with support for 4K video, as well as improved autofocus.

All of the features and specifications that come with this superb unit are something that you would expect from a much higher-priced product. Design and technology-wise, this is a real state-of-the-art product that has a lot to offer with minimum drawbacks. Although it cannot serve as an adequate replacement for the EOS 7D Mark II, it will still perform at a very high level.

As far as dimensions and weight go, this unit is pretty similar to its predecessor, EOS 80D, and the grip is also almost identical. It is safe to say that the camera is very comfortable and versatile in terms of its exterior, and the control layout you get is pretty straightforward and suitable for mid-range users.

With the addition of the autofocus control stick, it seems like directional pads are a bit necessary, although they will not harm the overall user experience by any means. However, what is really important about this camera is what lies “under the hood.” This unit marked the debut of the APS-C Canon image sensor.

Everything about this unit’s operation feels sharpened to perfection. There are some minor drawbacks in the image department, but nothing an intermediate user should consider as a dealbreaker. Overall, despite some limitations EOS 90D DSLR Camera comes with, it is still a worthy consideration for an upgrade, and with an affordable price tag, there is no reason for it to slip out of your top picks.

Canon EOS 90D DSLR Specifications

 

Things to Consider When Buying a Mid-Range Camera

When you are looking for a camera upgrade, you obviously need to look for a product with more advanced features and specifications. Mid-range cameras are relatively affordable but offer much higher value than entry-level ones. In the guide below, we will point out some essential features you should look for when upgrading to a brand-new mid-range camera.

Image Quality

This is the most important consideration, and obviously, you should be in the market for a camera that will grant you better image quality than your old, entry-level cameras. You can figure out what will work better for you based on the manufacturer’s specifications alone. Look for a camera that offers a better lens, as it is one of the most important factors that impact image quality in general.

Ergonomics

The best course of action for this is to actually go to the store and hold the camera you want to buy. This way, you will be able to figure out whether or not the grip and the body of the camera suit your hands. However, if you are buying online, you will have to make an educated decision based on the available reviews and second opinions from other users.

Size and Weight

This is a very important factor, especially if you are still learning. The size of your hands is also important for this, and if you have small hands, you should probably look for a lightweight and compact unit. Again, if you are not able to go to the store and physically test the camera you want to buy, you will have to make a judgment according to user reviews.

Megapixel Resolution

Although most advertisements for cameras often put emphasis on the number of megapixels in the camera, it is not the most important factor to have in mind when buying one. However, it is relevant if you require it for some professional work or want to print the pictures on bigger surfaces.

User-Friendliness

It is very easy to think that buying a camera with countless settings and options is a track to becoming a great photographer. In practice, it simply is not true, and when you are an intermediate photographer, you want to have some extra options and settings but not as many to lose track and focus on what you are supposed to do.

User-friendliness is one of the most important factors to think about when buying a mid-range camera. Luckily, mid-range cameras are not very stacked when it comes to button layout and menu navigation difficulty, and they are generally made to suit intermediate needs. However, it will not hurt to do research and ask other users if they have difficulties navigating the camera you want to buy.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is a mid-range camera setup suitable for vlogging?

Cameras that are good for YouTubers and vloggers should be compact and have the ability to shoot 4K videos. Fast autofocusing, good dynamic range and solid low-light capabilities are also important features to have in mind.

2. Can I shoot professional-grade videos with mid-range cameras?

It is possible to record professional-grade videos with mid-range cameras. However, you will likely have to spend some extra money on upgrades to improve the quality of the video you are capturing.

3. When should I look to buy a mid-range camera?

Purchasing a mid-range camera is best to consider when you are in the transition period and want to upgrade from an entry-level camera. Mid-range cameras are a bit more expensive than entry-level ones, but they also come with a set of features that are an improvement.

These cameras are also still user-friendly, so you will not need some expert knowledge to use and navigate them. However, as you get more advanced features, you need to expand your know-how about cameras, so it is something that comes naturally.

4. What DSLR is best in the mid-range?

There are various great DSLR cameras in mid-range, but as we researched, Canon EOS 90D caught our eye, as it is jam-packed with modern features that usually do not come with such a price tag.

Final Words

Transition periods can be difficult in various aspects of our lives, and photography is not any different in that regard. However, a thorough inspection of specifications and a bit of research can take you a long way, and there are plenty of great mid-range cameras on the market awaiting their new owners.

We hope you liked our choices in this list and that they will paint you a better picture of what you need when switching from entry-level to mid-range cameras. If you are still unclear on which one to choose, revisit our picks and pay attention to the specifications tables, as they will provide you with the necessary information to make an educated decision.