Entry-Level Digital SLRs

SLRs under $600

Entry-level digital SLRs are designed to make it as easy as possible to shoot pictures on automatic settings -- using few buttons and dials. However, this backfires when you want to adjust settings manually, because the settings are hidden in fairly complicated menus. If you're sure automatic settings are what you'll use nearly all the time, however, reviews say you can get consistently great photos with top-rated entry-level digital SLR cameras.

Nikon dominates the field at this price range with entry-level digital SLR cameras designed specifically for people moving up to a digital SLR camera from regular point-and-shoot digitals. The latest model, the 10.2-megapixel Nikon D60 (*Est. $620), is usually considered an entry-level digital SLR, but it's so close in price to the top-ranked Canon Xsi (*Est. $700) that the differences in features loom rather large. The Nikon D60 has a self-cleaning sensor and comes with an image-stabilized lens, but its image stabilization ranks below that of the Sony A350 and Canon XSi, which cost just a bit more.

The Nikon shoots slightly slower at a maximum of three frames per second, and the LCD screen is smaller and lacks Live View. Nor does it provide a depth-of-field preview so you can check through the viewfinder to see which parts of the image will be in focus and which will be blurred. This is a feature standard on most SLR cameras.

Even more important, the Nikon D60's three-point autofocus doesn't compare well with the faster nine-point autofocus on the Canon XSi, and the Nikon's noise reduction tends to make images softer (less sharp). Because the Nikon autofocus is built into the lens, not the camera body, you can only use autofocus lenses with it, eliminating a lot of excellent secondhand Nikon manual-focus lenses. (The Canon digital SLR cameras can use any Canon EOS lens -- manual or autofocus.)

The six-megapixel Nikon D40 (*Est. $470) doesn't have sensor cleaning, image stabilization or Live View, but it still is the most recommended entry-level digital SLR camera in reviews because it consistently turns out great photos on automatic settings. The six-megapixel resolution is plenty for prints as large as 8 by 10 inches, and the Nikon D40 is small and light -- nice for travel and carrying with you all the time.

The D40 offers a lot of helpful features that take the guesswork out of digital photography. Eight program modes automatically adjust exposures to fit situations such as "child," "sports" or "landscape." Color matrix metering takes colors into account in setting exposures, and help files are built right into the camera. Reviews praise both the viewfinder and the 2.5-inch LCD screen as bright and clear. The viewfinder has ample eye relief so people wearing glasses can see well.

As with the Nikon D60, autofocus is the weak point, and the Nikon D40 is slower too, shooting at just 2.5 frames per second. However, a Popular Photography & Imaging review says that the D40 is still better for action shots than any fixed-lens digital camera. The Nikon D40 review at CNet.com criticizes its 0.7-second shutter lag even in good light, and in dim light, autofocus takes so long that it's easy to miss a shot. If your favorite subjects are birds in flight or sporting events, reviewers say you'll probably be happier with a different digital SLR.

Olympus entry-level cameras cost a bit more but are worth considering for several reasons. Its kit lenses have a wider angle than most -- useful for interior shots of rooms and a good choice for landscape architects or real estate agents. Also, the lens system is set with the "four-thirds" ratio so it fits larger standard print sizes (such as 5 by 7 inches or 8 by 10 inches) without as much cropping, giving the Olympus SLR cameras an advantage. The smaller Olympus sensors increase depth of field, and though you can adapt most lenses to fit an Olympus, the digital SLR lenses designed for them are especially lightweight.

For example, the Olympus EVOLT E-420 (*Est. $500) is especially small and compact, so it's easy to carry. PC Pro, a U.K. computer magazine, says that the E-420 is a good choice for someone stepping up to a DSLR from a compact digital camera. In addition, PC Pro, along with American Photo, say its size makes it an ideal backup or secondary camera for a sophisticated enthusiast or even a pro. The E-420 comes with a self-cleaning sensor and Live View, but not image stabilization.

The similar 10-megapixel Olympus E-520 (*Est. $520) does build image stabilization into the camera body. This makes it less expensive than a Canon or Nikon in the long run, because with the Olympus E-520 you don't need to buy expensive image-stabilized lenses. The E-520 also has a swiveling LCD screen. This can be a big help in composing shots if you do a lot of macro photography of insects or flowers at ground level. It also lets you photograph people without making them self-conscious, since you can keep the camera at waist level instead of in front of your face.

The Nikon D40 and Olympus E-520 are the best choices for most beginning SLR users, but if you have Canon EOS lenses or think you'll prefer Canon lenses, experts say the 10-megapixel Canon Rebel XS (*Est. $530) provides superb image quality. The kit now comes with the same image-stabilized lens that comes with the Xsi (*Est. $700), but you don't get the spot meter, big LCD screen, Live View and self-cleaning sensor. As a starting camera for a Canon SLR system, though, it's fine. Just be sure it feels good in your hands; some reviewers find it too small.