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Best digital SLR for beginners
Pros: ultra-high-resolution, 24-megapixel sensor, compact and lightweight, shoots 1,080p full HD video with manual control
Cons: overall image quality no better than lower-res cameras, huge resolution means huge files, sluggish autofocus in Live View and Movie mode
018208254927
25492
Nikon
24.2
23.2mm by 15.6 mm
Optical (in-lens)
18 mm to 55 mm kit lens
3 inches
Optical
SD/SDHC/SDXC
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
4 frames per second
540
Black, red
3.8 inches by 5 inches by 3.1 inches
16 ounces (body only)
Digital single-lens reflex camera
*Est. $650 with kit lens
ISO 100 to 6,400; Hi-1 (ISO 12,800)
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Step-up entry DSLR
Pros: first DSLR with a touchscreen, which experts call fantastic, new features help in backlit or dimly lit situations, faster live-view autofocus than other entry-level DSLRs, faster …
Cons: live-view autofocus isn't that quick, loud autofocus can be heard on videos
not avail.
639767693028
ACANEOSDRT4IK3
Canon
18
22.3 mm by 14.9 mm
Optical (in-lens)
18 mm to 55 mm kit lens
3 inches
Optical
SD/SDHC/SDXC
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
5 frames per second
550
Black
3.9 inches by 5.2 inches by 3.1 inches
18.3 ounces (body only)
Digital single-lens reflex camera
*Est. $850 with kit lens
ISO auto 100 to 6,400; manual 100 to 12,800; expansion to ISO 25,600
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Best-value advanced DSLR
Pros: great image quality, even in low light, dual memory-card slots, weather-sealed, partly metal shell
Cons: some blown highlights in tests, limited features in Live View, focusing noise shows up on movies, controls are awkward for some
018208254682
VBA290AE
Nikon
16.2
23.6 mm by 15.6 mm
Optical (in-lens)
N/A
3 inches
Optical
SD/SDHC/SDXC
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
6 frames per second
1050
Black
4.1 inches by 5.2 inches by 3 inches
24.3 ounces (body only)
Digital single-lens reflex camera
*Est. $1,000 body only
ISO 100 to 6,400; Hi-1 (ISO 12,800); Hi-2 (ISO 25,600)
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Entry-pro DSLR
Pros: unheard-of resolution, outstanding images, even in low light, dual CF/SD card slots, sharp HD video
Cons: many complaints of faulty left autofocus, slow burst shooting, behemoth full-res files gobble memory, clunky user settings
018208254989
D800E
Nikon
36.3
35.9 mm by 24 mm
Optical (in-lens)
N/A
3.2 inches
Optical
CF Type I (UDMA-compatible); SD/SDHC/SDXC
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
4 frames per second
900
Black
4.8 inches by 5.7 inches by 3.2 inches
31.7 ounces (body only)
Digital single-lens reflex camera
*Est. $3,000 body only
ISO 100 to 6,400; Lo-1 (ISO 50); Hi-1 (ISO 12,800); Hi-2 (ISO 25,600)
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Best pro DSLR
Pros: extraordinary images, even in low light, blistering shooting speed, built for heavy-duty pro use
Cons: heavy and bulky, wireless module costs $600 extra, no headphone jack
013803145410
1D X
Canon
18.1
36 mm by 24 mm
Optical (in-lens)
N/A
3.2 inches
Optical
CF Type I and II (UDMA compatible)
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
14 frames per second
1,120 shots per charge
Black
6.4 inches by 6.2 inches by 3.3 inches
47.3 ounces (body only)
Digital single-lens reflex camera
*Est. $6,780 body only
ISO 100 to 51,200; expands to ISO 50, 102,400 and 204,800