Digital SLR Cameras Reviews

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Digital SLR Cameras

Updated November 2006
Full Story Continued - Digital SLR Cameras Consumer Report

Camera and lens considerations go together

If you're moving from film SLR photography to digital, choosing a digital SLR system is a no-brainer: just get the best digital SLR camera body you can afford to fit the lenses you already have. If you're moving from a compact digital camera to a digital SLR camera, expert reviews suggest comparing lens systems first, before deciding on a camera model. You'll probably be happy with the camera's basic zoom lens for a while, but you'll eventually want more lenses for extreme telephoto, wide angle and more. Third-party lenses by manufacturers like Tamron are available for most digital SLR cameras, but you'll find the most options within the camera manufacturers' brands.

Canon and Nikon dominate the SLR market, with the largest lens systems available, including everything from beginner lenses to top-quality professional-grade lenses. Experts say both companies are committed to digital SLR equipment over the long haul, so your lens investments will pay off in the long term. Another big advantage of these two brands is that in most metro areas, you can rent a specialized Canon or Nikon lens -- giving you a chance to try out new lenses before you buy.

In an article at Photo.net, Kenneth Greenspun notes the specific advantages of each lens system. Canon excels in image-stabilized lenses, especially useful for long telephoto shots of wildlife, and for anyone who has trouble holding a camera steady. Canon also makes the best lenses for architectural shots of tall buildings, while Nikon makes better wide-angle lenses for shots of interiors and landscapes. Nikon macro (extreme telephoto) lenses are slightly superior for close-up shots of flowers, jewelry and other small objects.

Reviews often recommend Pentax as a budget SLR brand, especially because Pentax digital SLR cameras can use any Pentax lens ever made. Plenty of good secondhand Pentax lenses are available, making it easier to assemble a full set of lenses at moderate cost. Though Minolta no longer makes lenses, the new Sony Alpha can use not only new Sony lenses, but any of the basic Minolta A-mount lenses as well. Olympus makes special lenses for its digital SLR cameras, but with an adapter (*est. $100), you can also use regular Olympus SLR lenses, albeit only for manual focus.

If you don't think you'll want a lot of accessory lenses down the road, lens considerations may not take precedence for you. All digital SLR cameras have available lenses for the basics.

Canon and Nikon digital SLR cameras dominate reviews

If you think you might want to buy a higher-end digital SLR body someday, Canon and Nikon are your best bets. Both companies make superb pro-level digital SLR camera bodies, and you'll be able to use any lenses you've acquired.

Overall, reviews say that for image quality, Canon digital SLR cameras slightly outperform other brands at the same price level, including Nikon. The catch is that many reviews prefer Nikon digital SLRs when it comes to ergonomics and ease of changing settings. Several reviews also consider Nikon digital SLRs a little sturdier overall. If you plan to take photos in dusty or wet conditions, reviews say the higher-end Nikon digital SLR cameras, like the Nikon D80 (*est. $1,050 with lens) and Nikon D200 ( *est. $1,850 with lens ) have better seals than the competing Canon digital SLR cameras.

The better brand for taking photos in dim light depends on whether or not you usually use flash. Reviews say Nikon digital SLR cameras focus better in dim light and have an autofocus-assist light that's separate from the flash. Canon digital SLR cameras use the flash for auto-assist, and though you can take the photo without the flash, it's a little more awkward. Nikon also excels in synchronizing its digital SLR cameras with external flash units. For photographing backlit subjects, Nikon offers a spot meter and fast flash even in entry-level models.

For shooting without flash, though, reviews say Canon digital SLR cameras generally take better photos. At high ISO settings, Canon images show much less digital noise. Nikon is closing the gap, but most reviews say Canon still excels. You can correct images for digital noise with certain photo-editing programs, but it adds extra work.

For travel or other situations where battery life is important, Nikon digital SLRs outperform all other brands. Even the inexpensive Nikon D50 (*est. $700 with lens) can take about 2,000 shots on one battery charge, while for the same price, the Canon XT takes only about 650 shots. The Nikon D80 can take 2,700 shots per battery charge, and the optional MB-D80 battery grip (*est. $150) can double this.

Entry-level digital SLR cameras

Experts emphasize that every digital SLR camera on the market is capable of taking excellent photos. You can usually compensate for any camera deficiencies with skillful photo editing. If you're a serious photographer with a limited budget, experts suggest putting most of your money toward an excellent lens. If your budget is really limited, just get an inexpensive entry-level digital SLR with its kit lens. Entry-level digital SLR cameras have sensors ranging from 6.1 to 8 megapixels in size – a difference that expert reviews say doesn't really matter. They're priced from $560 to $700, including a basic 18 to 55mm zoom lens.

Reviews praise the image quality of the 8-megapixel Canon Digital Rebel XT (*est. $700 with lens) , known abroad as the Canon 350D. It's slightly better for action shots than its top competitor, the 6.1-megapixel Nikon D50 (*est. $700 with lens) , since the Rebel XT can shoot 3 frames per second (fps) for up to 14 shots, compared with 2.5 fps (up to 10 shots) for the Nikon D50. The Nikon D50 also lacks depth-of-field preview, while the Canon Rebel XT can preview which parts of the image will be sharp and which blurred.

Reviews praise the build and ergonomics of the Nikon D50, however, and say it makes better shots in certain situations. In dim light, the Nikon D50 uses an autofocus-assist beam. (Users complain about having to use the flash for autofocus-assist on the Rebel XT.) The Nikon D50 uses a spot meter for better shots of backlit subjects, and the flash is fast and powerful for daylight fill shots outdoors. Nikon doesn't include the best photo-editing software with this camera; its software can't edit RAW images, so you'll likely want to pick up some more sophisticated software.

The Canon Digital Rebel XT is smaller and weighs 2 ounces less, but the Nikon D50 can shoot about 2,000 shots per battery charge; the Rebel XT only about 600. However, you can buy the Canon BG-E3 Battery Grip (*est. $145) that doubles the Rebel's battery life and, for many users, improves comfort. The grip uses either the Canon NB-2LH rechargeable lithium battery or six AA batteries.

If you want to spend less, more reviews recommend the 8-megapixel Olympus Evolt E-500 (*est. $600 with lens) than any other budget digital SLR. This model has a self-cleaning sensor that minimizes the problem of getting dust on the sensor when you change lenses. The 2.5-inch LCD screen is another bonus. This doesn't sound much larger than the 2-inch screen on the Nikon D50 or the 1.8-inch screen on the Canon Rebel XT, but reviews say it makes a big difference in usability. The Evolt E-500 can set white balance by Kelvin degrees -- a special advantage for studio shots -- and like the Nikon D50, can shoot 2.5 frames per second. The main drawback is that most adjustments require menu settings, so it's not as easy to use as the Canon Digital Rebel XT or the Nikon D50.

Reviews make the same complaint about the entry-level Pentax and Samsung digital SLR cameras, but rank them lower for image quality. The 6.1-megapixel Pentax K110D (*est. $560 with lens) is the least expensive digital SLR available, but reviews consistently rank it lower for image quality as well as usability. It uses AA batteries, getting just 70 shots per set.

The similar Pentax K100D (*est. $610 with lens) is the least expensive digital SLR camera to include image stabilization. This feature is especially important if you want to take photos without flash in dim lighting or for those who have trouble holding a camera steady. However, reviews say that the image stabilization on the Pentax K100D tends to degrade image quality.

Some Pentax digital SLR cameras are now marketed under the Samsung brand, which can get confusing. The 6.1-megapixel Samsung Digimax GX-1S (*est. $700 with lens) is the same as the Pentax *ist DS2 in Europe, while the Samsung GX-1L (*est. $600 with lens) is the same as the Pentax *ist DL. All have some high-end features like mirror lockup and depth-of-field preview, but most reviews say both image quality and usability can't compare with other brands.

New 10-megapixel digital SLR cameras

While expert reviews say the difference between 6 and 8 megapixels is minimal, jumping up to 10 megapixels can make a difference in image quality, with more latitude for image editing, enlargements and cropping without loss of detail. The latest 10-megapixel digital SLR cameras also offer faster and longer bursts of action shots, 2.5-inch LCD screens, and special features like image stabilization, self-cleaning sensors and LCD screens that preview shots.

The same overall pros and cons that distinguish Canon and Nikon digital SLR entry-level models prevail at this price level too, except that both brands offer depth-of-field preview, and the Canon Digital Rebel Xti (*est. $900 with lens) features dust reduction. Most reviews rate the Canon Rebel XTi slightly higher than the Nikon D80 (*est. $1,050 with lens) for image quality, especially at higher ISO settings, but prefer the build and ergonomics of the Nikon. The Nikon D80 also has better battery life, a spot meter for backlit subjects, and better focus in dim light. The Nikon D70s (*est. $870 with lens) is less expensive, but its 6.1-megapixel sensor can't compete with the 10.1-megapixel Canon Rebel XTi.

The Canon Rebel XTi is the first digital SLR camera to include dust reduction in both the hardware and software. The camera body includes a self-cleaning sensor, and the image processing also cleans off dust; reviews say this combination works well. Another special feature is an auto depth-of-field mode; this can set the F-stop to keep all the objects in sharp focus. Reviews say the grip is more comfortable than that of the Rebel XT, and the larger 2.5-inch LCD screen is brighter, with a wider angle of view.

The Nikon D80 has the advantage for long bursts of action shots. The Canon Rebel XTi can also shoot at 3 frames per second, but only for about 27 shots, while the Nikon can shoot up to 100 shots in one burst. The Nikon D80 is also better equipped for long trips, since the battery is rated for 2,700 shots per charge. Like the Nikon D50, the D80 has a spot meter for better shots of backlit subjects; to get that on a Canon digital SLR means moving up to the Canon EOS 30D (*est. $1,250 with lens) .

Reviews say the Nikon D80 is better sealed against moisture and dust than the Canon Rebel XTi, and the shutter is rated at 100,000 cycles. The Nikon D80 is extremely fast to power up and focus, and many reviews prefer the Nikon D80 controls, with two command dials and a top-mounted LCD display to show settings. There are little touches, too, like a cover on the LCD screen to protect it from scratches, and a new auto-AF mode that senses which autofocus points to use. If the whole Nikon system is better for your interests than Canon, reviews say the Nikon D80 is the best digital SLR camera to buy. If you haven't yet settled on a lens system, the image quality, dust reduction and pricing of the Canon Rebel XTi make it a better buy for most users.

Image stabilization

Along with 10-megapixel sensors, image stabilization is hot right now. This is understandable, not only with an aging population (with shakier hands) but because it makes it much easier to shoot photos in available light (without flash or studio lights). Manufacturers have long built image stabilization into their lenses, but building it into the camera body itself is a new feature.

Reviews rank the new Sony Alpha A100 (*est. $900 with lens) at the top for the best image stabilization. In addition, the Sony Alpha is loaded with features, including a self-cleaning sensor, spot metering, depth-of-field preview and Kelvin white-balance settings. Mirror lockup is automatic when the self-timer is set. An eye-activated autofocus speeds focusing by starting to focus as soon as you put your eye up to the viewfinder. The Sony Alpha not only shoots at 3 frames per second, but can shoot .jpeg files indefinitely till the memory card is full. Tests show that it does slow down after about ten seconds, to around 2 fps, but this is still extraordinary for action shooting. Sony bought rights to the Minolta digital camera designs, so the Sony Alpha takes any Minolta A-type lens as well as the 16 new Sony lenses.

At first glance these features make the Sony Alpha the obvious winner among 10-megapixel digital SLRs. If you need image stabilization, it probably is – especially if you don't plan to take a lot of photos in dim light without flash. Reviews say the main drawback to the Sony Alpha is that images show unacceptable digital noise at ISO 1600. If you don't take many photos at high ISO settings, you can just fix the noise when you edit the photos.

There are also some minor drawbacks. Users complain that the shutter is unusually loud, and the eyestart system can be a bother, making the camera try to focus at odd times, so it often has to be turned off. (Any object close to the viewfinder turns it on, not just your eye.) The camera takes about 1.5 seconds to start up, longer than the Canon Rebel XTi and Nikon D80, which take a tiny fraction of a second. That doesn't sound like much difference, but it can mean missing a shot.

For about a hundred dollars more, the even newer 10-megapixel Pentax K10D (*est. $1,000 with lens) lacks the eyestart system, but otherwise offers the same features as the Sony Alpha. Because the Pentax K10D is so new, its image stabilization and image quality haven't yet been compared with those of the Sony Alpha. The Pentax K10D sensor repels dust, cleans itself, and reviews say the camera body has better seals against dust and moisture than even the Nikon D80.

Like the Sony Alpha, the Pentax K10D can shoot at 3 fps right up to the capacity of the memory card. Battery life is also similar at about 730 shots, but you can double it with the optional Pentax B-DG2 battery grip (*est. $200). (Note that the Nikon D50 and D80 are still top contenders for the most shots per charge, at 2,000 and 2,700 respectively.)

In a preview report on the Pentax K10D, Popular Photography says this digital SLR is easier to use than others by Pentax, because fewer adjustments require digging into menus -- more of its controls are accessible with buttons and dials. The Pentax K10D has two command dials, plus a rotary switch for autofocus patterns. You can even preview depth of field and Kelvin white balance on the LCD screen. (You're just taking a shot and previewing it before the camera saves it.) The big question is how image quality will stack up against that of the Nikon D80, Canon Rebel XTi and Sony Alpha.

Image stabilization plus an LCD that previews shots

Until recently, all digital SLR cameras used the LCD screen only for playback and to show settings. You had to rely on the viewfinder to compose each shot and check focus and lighting. The 7.5-megapixel Olympus Evolt E-330 changes all that, offering not only image stabilization and a self-cleaning sensor, but the first "live" LCD screen with two different preview modes for composing and checking shots. (One mode is especially good for closeups.) The tilting LCD makes the Evolt E-330 especially comfortable to use. Instead of lying on your belly to take a shot of a low-growing wildflower or small animal, you can hold the camera low and view the LCD screen from above.

Like other Olympus digital SLR cameras, the Evolt E-330 also has a self-cleaning sensor. Combined with the "live LCD," this makes the Olympus Evolt E-330 an easy camera to use for people moving to a digital SLR from a compact digital camera. However, reviews say image quality and overall performance don't compare well with other digital SLR cameras that cost less. Battery life is poor, at about 200 shots per charge, but the main drawback is that it's slow. It can take as long as three seconds to start up, and about two seconds between shots. If you take a lot of closeups or studio shots, these drawbacks won't matter, and the LCD preview may be worth the price. For most users, reviews say other digital SLRs are better buys.

Even less of a bargain, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-L1 (*est. $1,900) also gives a live LCD preview of shots, but only in one mode. Reviews say the live preview is useful only for manual focus, with 10X magnification. Overall, reviews find this digital SLR puzzling, because its price seems out of proportion to the 7.5-megapixel sensor and 3-point autofocus. (Even the entry-level Nikon D50 has 5-point autofocus.) The Panasonic digital SLR price seems to be based on the Leica kit lens, both for its image stabilization (built into the lens, not the camera body), and the Leica name. Apparently this is a true Leica lens, not just a lens designed and checked by Leica, but reviews don't find the image quality outstanding.

If you long for a tilting "live" LCD screen, you can find a third-party Zigview LCD (*est. $280) to add to most digital or film SLR cameras; see Alternative Considerations below.

Higher-end digital SLR cameras for faster action shots

At this price range you get more durability and faster action shots, and brand differences between Canon and Nikon narrow. Reviews say that image quality is superb from both top contenders, the 8-megapixel Canon EOS 30D (*est. $1,250 with lens) and the 10-megapixel Nikon D200 ( *est. $1,850 with lens , or $1,550 body only ). Although the Nikon D200 has a higher-resolution sensor, expert reviews say the two-megapixel difference isn't significant.

Canon has dropped the price on the Canon EOS 30D so much that unless Nikon follows suit, or you already have Nikon lenses, the Canon looks like the better buy. It has a spot meter, and images shot at high ISO settings show less noise than those from the Nikon D200. Reviews still favor the Nikon brand for overall ergonomics and ease of use, however. It's also better sealed against moisture and dust, though both cameras are better sealed than less expensive models.

Build quality is also better at this price level – magnesium instead of plastic – and shutter life is rated at 100,000 cycles. Both cameras can shoot at 5 frames per second (for up to about 30 .jpeg files) with 1/8000-second maximum shutter speeds. Compare this with 3 fps on the Canon Rebel XTi and Nikon D80, with 1/4000 shutter speeds. Note, however, that the less expensive Nikon D80 takes up to 100 images in one burst. If you want a Nikon and don't need to shoot 5 frames per second, reviews say the Nikon D80 hits the sweet spot for value.

More on digital-SLR camera lenses

Experts say most users will be happy for a while with the kit lens that comes with the camera, which is usually an 18 to 55mm F3.5 to 4.5 zoom lens of medium quality. Once you see what a digital SLR can do, though, you'll probably want more lenses – perhaps a long telephoto, a wide-angle lens and, for most shooting, a macro lens for closeups and a "normal" lens that gathers more light than the kit lens. (The wider the lens can open, the faster shutter speeds you can use, minimizing camera shake and thus making sharper photos – so an F1.4 lens is best, F1.8 second best.)

Note that SLR lenses made specifically for digital cameras – including the kit lenses – are smaller and lighter than SLR lenses made for film cameras, but you can use "regular" SLR lenses on either digital or film cameras. When you use a regular SLR lens on a digital SLR camera body, a "lens factor" comes into play when the sensor on the digital SLR is smaller than 35mm. Each brand has a consistent lens factor – for example, 1.5 for Nikon, 1.6 for Canon, 2.0 for Olympus. This means that a 50mm film-camera lens mounted on a Nikon digital camera has the same angle of view as a 75mm telephoto lens, so a "normal" lens for a Nikon digital SLR (with the same angle of view as normal eyesight) is 33mm.

Since digital cameras only use the central part of a regular SLR lens, some of the lens is "wasted" but this can actually be an advantage. Only the finest, most expensive SLR lenses are sharp and distortion-free out to the very edges, so a lens that might not produce very good results on a film SLR camera can often work very well on a digital SLR body. This increases the chances of getting excellent buys on used lenses.

Important Features: Digital SLR cameras

Expert reviews note that even within the same camera or lens model, quality varies. Take time to put a new digital SLR camera and lens through its paces before committing to the purchase. Experienced users sometimes return cameras and lenses several times till they find one that meets their standards; enlist the aid of an experienced photographer if you're in doubt. Reviews say the following features are important in choosing a digital SLR camera:

  • Size and weight may be important if you plan to take the camera and at least one lens with you most of the time. A December 2004 survey of digital camera owners by the Consumer Electronics Association found that 81% chose portability as an important factor, but it's easy to underestimate this when buying. See our Comparison Chart for size and weight specifications.
  • Choose a digital SLR camera body that feels good in your hands. This is a personal matter, depending partly on the size of your hands, but also on other factors that no one can quantify. Expert reviews recommend comparing cameras in person before buying.
  • A large, bright viewfinder is important on a digital SLR camera. This matters much more than on a compact digital camera because on an SLR, you use the viewfinder to compose shots and check focus, depth of field and lighting. Most digital SLRs have adequate diopter correction, but if you wear glasses, you may also need an eyecup – usually an option at extra cost. You can get used to the way controls are laid out on a camera, but if you can't see well through the viewfinder, you're really stuck.
  • A large, bright LCD screen is still important. Reviews say 2.5-inch LCD screens are much nicer to use than the smaller screens on some entry-level DSLR cameras. A larger screen can also make a big difference in checking shots for sharp focus, especially important for one-time photo opportunities. Most LCD screens have a brightness adjustment, and most newer LCD screens also have wide viewing angles.
  • Resolution isn't everything. Don't be swayed too much by megapixels, because image quality depends on several other factors just as much. Lens quality, sensor, and focus also matter, not to mention your composition skills. Reviews say that when comparing digital cameras, a difference of 2 megapixels isn't usually significant.
  • Consider features that minimize dust on the sensor. Reviews praise new digital SLR features like sensors that repel dust and clean themselves. The new Canon Digital Rebel XTi also adds "dust deleting" image processing inside the camera. Dust gets on digital SLR camera sensors more than on fixed-lens digital cameras, though users say you can minimize the problem by changing lenses inside a clear plastic bag. You can fix dust spots on an image using photo-editing software, and with care you can clean a sensor yourself (see the Best Research section below), but a camera that takes care of this problem all by itself is ideal.
  • Image stabilization makes for sharper shots in less light. This feature can make the difference between carrying a tripod or leaving it at home, and image stabilization is also a boon for any user who has trouble holding a camera steady. Reviews say that image-stabilized SLR lenses are a more reliable but also more expensive solution.
  • Depth-of-field preview is helpful. This feature enables you to take full advantage of the through-the-lens viewfinder, so you can be sure that the subject is fully in focus while controlling the sharpness of the background for the effect you want. This is especially important for product and portrait photography. While you can usually take sharp photos easily with a fixed-lens digital, it requires more care to get the entire subject sharp when using a DSLR. Most brands offer this on entry-level models, but to get it on a Nikon requires moving up to the Nikon D80.
  • For action shots, startup time, shutter lag, maximum shutter speed and burst mode are all important. Keep these features in mind if you plan to photograph a lot of moving subjects -- children at play, sporting events, birds in flight, etc. The PC Magazine customer satisfaction survey finds that this is one of the primary complaints of digital camera owners, so it may be more important than you anticipate.
  • For fast action shots, budget for a fast memory card. The speed and number of continuous shots depend partly on the speed of the memory
  • For available-light shots in dim lighting, digital noise becomes an issue. Although reviews praise Nikon digital SLR flash systems and ability to focus in dim light, reviews consistently rank Canon digital SLR cameras higher for image quality at high ISO levels. Note that you can use photo-editing software to correct for digital noise; some specialized photo software is designed to do just this.
  • Fast flash sync, preferably at 1/500 second, is ideal for fill flash on outdoor shots. For daylight fill flash, Nikon excels. This is another feature often overlooked initially, which experts say can dramatically improve many shots. A flash sync of 1/250 second is usable, but not nearly as good, and a flash sync slower than that is only useful indoors.
  • A spot meter improves exposures of backlit subjects. To get this on a Canon DSLR requires moving up to the Canon EOS 30D, but Nikon offers it even on the entry-level Nikon D50.
  • For studio shots, look for external TTL (through-the-lens) flash sync. Be sure to compare SLR systems for the whole range of flash options available. Most reviews give Nikon the lead in this area.
  • For closeups, product shots and other studio work, mirror lockup and remote control can minimize image blur when the camera is mounted on a tripod. Mirror lockup lifts the mirror out of the way well before the camera takes the picture, so the camera vibration is finished before the shutter opens. A cable or infrared (IR) remote control can eliminate the vibration otherwise resulting from pressing the shutter button.
  • Choose the retailer with care. Experts advise that if a camera price looks too good to be true, it probably is. Be alert for gray market cameras (imported, so the warranty is not valid in the U.S.), bait-and-switch schemes and extra charges. Make sure you can return a camera or lens without a restocking fee. (Usually this is only possible if you haven't installed any of the bundled software.) See Best Research below for more help.
  • Budget for accessories. Think beyond the cost of the camera itself to accessories you'll want. At the very least, you'll probably want at least one larger, faster memory card, plus an extra battery so you can use one while the other charges. You'll need a camera bag, and eventually you'll probably want an external flash unit for more flash power, a remote control, a grip, and additional lenses and filters. That's only the beginning, for it doesn't take into account new software -- for processing RAW images, for example -- backup storage, monitor calibration, a better photo printer, etc.
Consensus Report

Our Consensus Report shows how many times products are top-ranked by reviewers included in our
All The Reviews Reviewed chart.

# of Picks Model (with retailer links) Details from Amazon.com
11 Canon EOS 30D (*est. $1,250 with lens) details
10 Canon Digital Rebel XT (*est. $700 with lens) details
9 Nikon D80 (*est. $1,050 with lens) details
8 Nikon D200 *est. $1,850 with lens details
8 Nikon D50 (*est. $700 with lens) details
6 Sony Alpha A100 (*est. $900 with lens) details
5 Olympus Evolt E-330 (*est. $1,250 with lens) details
4 Canon EOS 20D (*est. $1,100 with lens) details
4 Nikon D70s (*est. $870 with lens) details
3 Canon Digital Rebel XTi (*est. $900 with lens) details
3 Samsung GX-1L (*est. $600 with lens) details
3 Olympus Evolt E-500 (*est. $600 with lens) details
2 Pentax K100D (*est. $610 with lens) details
2 Panasonic Lumix DMC-L1 (*est. $1,900) details
1 each Fujifilm S3 Pro , Nikon D70 (discontinued), Pentax *ist DS2 (discontinued)

This chart reflects the position of the top contenders: the Canon EOS 30D vs. the Nikon D200 in the top price range, and at the other extreme, the Canon Digital Rebel XT vs. the Nikon D50 for an entry-level digital SLR. In between, the number of picks is distorted somewhat by how long models have been available for review; thus the Canon Digital Rebel XTi and Sony Alpha A100 are both at a disadvantage because they are quite new. The Pentax K10D and Sigma SD14 have only been previewed.

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Alternative Considerations

For information on more expensive professional-level digital SLR cameras, see the sources listed on our Digital SLR Camera Reviews page. Most of these sources also cover professional cameras, and our rankings will help you zero in on the best reviews.

An article by Herbert Keppler in the July issue of Popular Photography alerted us to the option of adding a tilting "live-preview" LCD screen to a digital or film SLR camera that lacks it, as most do. Argraph manufactures several Zigview models: http://www.argraph.com/

You can get underwater housings for most digital SLR camera setups, either from third parties or from the manufacturers. For an example of how this can work, check out the article "Diving with the Olympus EVOLT E-330," by Larry Cohen: http://www.stanford.edu/~kwillis/blog/archives/2006/10/olympus_evolt_e.html

Only the most dedicated photographers carry an SLR camera everywhere, so you may still want a smaller fixed-lens digital camera. See our ConsumerSearch reports on digital cameras and ultra-compact digital cameras .

Slide film processed in a pro lab is still the best way to record accurate color. It's also the best way to check a secondhand lens. Most serious photographers end up with a set of SLR lenses plus more than one camera body, so you may want to consider a film SLR camera that uses the same lenses as your digital SLR. For some situations it's handier to be able to take a lot of photos without concern for electricity or memory-card capacity, and some manual-focus SLR setups work fine without even a battery.

Norman Koren compares film vs. digital in detail on his website. This is part of a larger site with a great deal of useful information on lens testing, photo editing and printing, and more, with links to other relevant sites:

http://www.normankoren.com/Tutorials/MTF7.html

The Buzz

Sigma has announced the Sigma SD14 digital SLR camera, with a 2.5-inch LCD that – unlike other LCD screens – displays 100 percent of the image. The large, bright viewfinder shows 98 percent of the image, more than most digital SLR cameras show – and offers 18mm eye relief, a boon for eyeglass wearers. The camera includes a dust protector. The Sigma SD14 DSLR uses a Fovean sensor that shows all RGB colors at each pixel, instead of interpolating colors. It remains to be seen whether or not this really gives the equivalent of 14 megapixels, with improved color accuracy.

Memory cards continue to improve in capacity and speed. Ritek, for example, is offering an 8GB CF (compact flash) card that reads up to 22MB per second and writes up to 15MB per second. For coverage of memory cards, one source is Steve's Digicams: http://www.steves-digicams.com/high-capacity_storage.html

Best Research

Digital SLR photography news:

Ron Galbraith's weblog is one way to stay up to date on the latest equipment and digital SLR news: http://www.robgalbraith.com/bins/index.asp

Photo District News also announces new cameras and products: http://www.pdnonline.com/pdn/prodtech/news/cameras.jsp

B&H Photo, a reputable retailer, offers a monthly newsletter with previews of new cameras and accessories: http://urlsnip.com/118266

The New York Times often runs informative articles on digital SLR cameras. See, for example, "At Last, Digital S.L.R.'s that Won't Break Your Budget," by Ian Austen, November 1, 2006: http://urlsnip.com/955530

Digital SLR cameras built for left-handed people? Dream on…apparently they just don't exist: http://www.stevesforums.com/forums/view_topic.php?id=18522&forum_id=72

Understanding and using digital SLR cameras

The Short Courses site includes an explanation of how sensors work:

http://www.shortcourses.com/how/sensors/sensors.htm

The tutorials at CameraTown are useful for understanding ISO, aperture, shutter speed, etc.: http://www.cameratown.com/guides/iso.cfm

Ken Rockwell also has excellent "how-to" articles: http://www.kenrockwell.com/tech.htm

Lens-maker Tamron offers good articles on all aspects of digital photography, including (under "Techniques and Lessons,") a good explanation of how large a print you can make from cameras with sensors of various megapixel sizes: http://www.tamron.com/lenses/learning_center/default-new.asp

Nikon fans will enjoy Moose Peterson's site on landscape photography, at: http://www.moosepeterson.com

For more information on high-dynamic-range (HDR) imagery: http://www.cybergrain.com/tech/hdr/

http://www.astrosurf.com/buil/iris/tutorial19/doc41_us.htm

LCD screen aids

Many photographers recommend Hoodman LCD hoods that shade the LCD, enabling you to see it in bright sunlight: http://www.hoodmanusa.com/

Cleaning the sensor

Photographer Bob Atkins provides a clear, well-illustrated tutorial: http://www.bobatkins.com/photography/tutorials/sensorclean.html

Lenses

The Luminous Landscape, another excellent site for serious photographers, has a clear, well-illustrated article by Nick Rains on "Understanding the DSLR Magnification Factor" so you'll know better how lenses will behave on a digital SLR: http://www.luminous-landscape.com/tutorials/

The staff of CNet Australia include an excellent overview of lenses in their article, "Using a Digital SLR." The article covers many other basics of DSLR use, with links to additional articles on related topics: http://www.cnet.com.au/photography/cameras/0,39025768,40002104-3,00.htm

Are more expensive lenses worth it for a digital SLR? Bob Atkins shows you his research results in his article, "DSLRs, Lenses and Film," published at photo.net. Note that this site has a great deal of information of value to film and digital photographers, along with extensive forums:

http://photo.net/learn/optics/digitaloptics/

Wondering which lenses fit which digital cameras? DCViews has charts of lens specifications for digital camera lenses:

http://www.dcviews.com/cameras.htm

Brad Templeton offers advice on the best lenses to buy for a Canon digital SLR: http://pic.templetons.com/brad/photo/dslrlens.html

Bob Atkins also has an article on this topic:

http://www.bobatkins.com/photography/digital/10d300dlenses.html

Choosing a retailer

Bob Atkins offers advice on how to avoid being cheated when buying photography equipment: http://www.bobatkins.com/photography/tutorials/caveat.html

Users posting in forums and at Yahoo SLR photography groups often recommend the same three online retailers as honest and reliable, with accurate descriptions of used cameras and lenses, and good return policies: B&H Photo, Adorama (which users say may not deliver as promptly as B&H), and KEH (especially for used lenses). This is not to say, of course, that there aren't other retailers who also meet these standards.

Manufacturers' Sites:

Canon: http://www.usa.canon.com/

Fujifilm: http://www.fujifilm.com

Nikon: http://www.nikonusa.com

Olympus: http://www.olympus.com

Panasonic: http://www.panasonic.com/

Pentax: http://www.pentaximaging.com/

Samsung: http://www.samsung.com/

Sigma: http://www.sigmaphoto.com/

Sony: http://www.sony.com/

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