Why are some DSLR cameras more expensive than others? High-end DSLRs have certain features in common, including top notch lenses, large sensors, exceptional technology, prestigious brand name, and image quality, among many others.
If you don’t mind shelling out a bit more for superior quality and performance, you’ll get your money’s worth with some of the highest-priced DSLRs below.
Here are the four most expensive DSLR cameras in 2016
1. Hasselblad H5D 200MS
Price: $44,000.00
The Hasselblad H5D-200MS medium format DSLR leads the pack when it comes to capturing images in unbelievably great detail. It uses a multi-shot technology also seen previously in its predecessor (the H4D-200MS) to create vibrant and ultra-sharp images.
Hasselblad 5D 200MS Shooting Modes:
- Single shot – One shot at 50 MP
- 50MP multi-shot mode – Sequence of four identical shots with a one-pixel increment to capture colors from all angles and produce a full-color image with no artifacts
- 200MP multi-shot mode – Sequence of six identical shots with a 1.5-pixel increment to capture colors from all angles and produce a 200MP ultra-high resolution image
In addition to excellent shooting performance, the H5D-200MS can also withstand and perform well in bad weather. Making this DSLR easy and efficient to use are its larger, strategically positioned, and user-friendly buttons.
Hasselblad H5D 200MS Specs
| Image Sensor | Large sensor medium format |
| Compatible Lenses | Hasselblad HC/HCD lens line |
| Memory Card Compatibility | CF card type U-DMA or tethered to Mac or PC |
| Focus System | Autofocus metering with passive central cross-type sensor True Focus with Immediate Focus Confirm (IFC) Instant manual focus override. Metering range EV 1 to 19 at ISO 100 |
| Video | N/A |
| ISO | ISO 50, 100, 200, 400, and 800 |
| LCD Type | 3.0″ TFT type LCD display with 24-bit color, 460,320 pixels |
2. Pentax 645Z
Price:
This medium-format DSLR practically has all the features needed to take your photography practice from personal to commercial. Its 43.8mm x 32.8mm, 51.4 megapixel CMOS sensor results in photos that can be produced as high-quality, large-format prints. Cropping the photos at any size is also possible because of its ultra-high resolution imaging. It has a frame rate of 3 fps for quick image transfer and processing, so you can easily view images on your camera and edit them on a computer.
The Pentax 645Z is weatherproof, owing to its 76 special seals, magnesium alloy body, and die-cast aluminum chassis, making it ideal to use under any field condition.
Pentax 645Z Specs
| Image Sensor | CMOS with a primary color filter |
| Compatible Lenses | PENTAX 645AF2, 645AF and 645A mount lenses (PENTAX 67 medium format lenses useable with adapter) |
| Memory Card Compatibility | SD, SDHC*, SDXC* memory card, Eye-Fi card, FLUCARD *UHS-I compatible
Dual Card Slot: Sequential save, Save to Both Dual save, Separate RAW/JPG, Copying images between slots possible |
| Focus System | Type: SAFOX 11 TTL phase-matching autofocus with 27 AF points (25 cross type focus points in the center)
AF modes: Single AF (AF.S), Continuous AF (AF.C), Focus operation customizable, Manual Focus Area Selection Modes: Spot, Select, Expanded Area AF (S, M, L), Zone Select, Auto (27 AF Points) Brightness Range: EV -3 to 18 (ISO 100, at normal temperature) |
| Video | HD |
| ISO | Brightness Range: EV -3 to 18 (ISO 100, at normal temperature) |
| LCD Type | Type: 3.2” Tiltable TFT color LCD monitor featuring an air-gapless structure with an AR-coated, tempered-glass front panel and brightness/saturation/color adjustments; approx. 1037K dots resolution |
3. Nikon D5
Price:
The Nikon D5 is an all-around camera packed with features that allow you to take pictures in almost any kind of shooting condition.
This FX-format DSLR’s claim to fame are its native ISO sensitivity of ISO 102,400, boosted ISO of 3,280,000, and autofocus that help produce detailed, sharp images with accurate colors. The D5 also has a long battery life, long overall shutter life, built-in vertical grip, and the ability to capture 12 frames per second.
Rightly so, the D5 is dubbed the most powerful DSLR flagship in the Nikon lineup.
Nikon D5 Specs
| Image Sensor | CMOS |
| Compatible Lenses | AF NIKKOR lenses, including type G, E, and D lenses (some restrictions apply to PC lenses) and DX lenses (using DX [24×16] 1.5x image area), AI-P NIKKOR lenses, and non-CPU AI lenses (A and M modes only).
Electronic rangefinder can be used with lenses that have a maximum aperture of f/5.6 or faster (the electronic rangefinder supports 15 focus points with lenses that have a maximum aperture of f/8 or faster, of which 9 points are available for selection). IX NIKKOR lenses, lenses for the F3AF, and non-AI lenses cannot be used. |
| Memory Card Compatibility | Two versions: QXD or CF memory card compatible |
| Focus Mode | New AF system with 153 AF points, 99 cross-type
AF detection to -4EV (center), -3 EV (all other focus points) |
| Video | 4K video capture at 30p |
| ISO | ISO range 100-102,400 (native), up to 3,280,000 boosted |
4. Canon EOS-1DX Mark II
Price:
Made with the professional action or sports photographer in mind, this full-frame DSLR has a maximum of 14fps standard/16fps Live View burst rate and a maximum of 170 RAW images per blast when a Cfast card is used. Add to that its 4K video capture capability and improved AF performance, and you have the full package needed for capturing the best photos and videos of moving objects.
But it’s not only sports and action photographers who can benefit from these features. Wildlife and studio photographers can also find the Canon 1DX Mark II suitable for their shooting needs.
Canon 1DX Mark II Specs
| Image Sensor | High-sensitivity, high-resolution, large single-plate full-frame CMOS sensor |
| Compatible Lenses | Canon EF Lenses (excluding EF-S and EF-M lenses) |
| Video Format | 4K |
| Memory Card Compatibility | CF/CFast 2.0 |
| Focus Mode | TTL secondary image-forming phase-difference detection system with AF-dedicated CMOS sensor |
| ISO | Normal ISO Speeds: ISO 100-51200 (in 1/3-stop increments)
Expanded ISO Speeds (Equivalent): L: 50, H1: 102400, H2: 204800, H3: 409600 For [Highlight tone priority], the settable ISO speed range will be ISO 200-51200. |
| LCD Type | TFT color, liquid-crystal monitor |
Given the myriad of extra features these high-end DSLR cameras offer for an easier and more enjoyable photography experience, some people still dream about getting one for themselves—never mind the steep price tags. For the serious hobbyist or the professional photographer, having one of these camera models can level up his photography game and stir up his creative juices.
