SLR Cameras Reviews

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SLR Cameras Reviews Reviewed
Review Ratings	Citation	CS Credibility Rating	SLR Cameras Ratings Comments on Reviews
1. Popular Photography	Gear Guide 2005 Editors of Popular Photography Dec. 2004		In addition to in-depth reviews of specific models, Popular Photography offers an annual guide to the best models in various categories. The current top pick among entry-level SLR cameras is the Konica Minolta Maxxum 5, which editors say has "the most high-end features for the buck," lacking only built-in diopter correction. Also ranked high are the Canon EOS Rebel K2, Nikon N55 and Pentax ZX-60, although editors criticize the exposure metering on the Pentax. For more advanced users, the editors recommend the Canon EOS Elan 7NE, saying its eye control focus works better than on earlier models, plus the Konica Minolta Maxxum 7, which has controls identically placed with its digital twin, the 7D. Also ranked highly are the Nikon N80, Pentax *ist and Sigma SA-9.
2. Shutterbug.net	Special Report: photokina—New 35mm And Digital SLR Cameras Peter K. Burian Jan. 2005		This review covers new digital and film SLRs, especially the Nikon flagship model, the F6, and the Canon Rebel T2. Compared with the Nikon F5, the F6 adds an LCD data panel in the back, and is quieter—even silent at 1 fps. The F6 also has an 11-point autofocus sensor instead of 5, and adds extra custom functions; a new shutter module of KEVLAR and aluminum adds greater speed and reliability. The only drawback is that while the F5 accepted accessory prisms, the F6 does not. Compared with the Canon Rebel Ti, the new T2 is faster at 3 fps (2.5 in continuous shooting) and has more convenient controls, more autofocus mode options, superior autofocus tracking speed, and improved flash metering with the new E-TTL II system "for more accurate exposures with dark-toned or highly reflective subjects," concluding that "this is a best-value SLR that will keep the Rebel series the most popular in 35mm photography."
3. American Photo	Editors Choice Awards 2004 Editors of American Photo Not Dated		Among 35mm SLR cameras, the editors of American Photo give their Editors' Choice Awards to five models: the Konica Minolta Maxxum 70, Canon EOS Rebel K2, Canon EOS Elan 7N and 7NE, and the Leica Digital-Modul-R back for Leica SLRs. Unfortunately, no supporting information is offered, and the full reviews of each model don't seem to be available online.
4. Ken Rockwell	How to Choose and Buy a First 35mm Camera Ken Rockwell 2004		After noting that picture quality does not depend on what kind of camera you have, photographer Ken Rockwell notes that the entry-level Canon Rebel G "can do just about everything," and that a Nikon N65 should also work fine—and be lighter to carry than the more expensive cameras. "Do you really want to have to carry around a heavy F100 or F5? Don't buy an expensive camera unless you can write down some very important reasons that you need something you can't do on the less expensive cameras." He also recommends buying a medium-format camera instead of an expensive 35mm SLR.
5. PHOTOgraphic.com >> Details/Subscribe	Camera Buyer's Guide Editors of PHOTOgraphic Nov. 2004		This review calls the 35mm autofocus SLR camera, "the most versatile camera type available today" and "the camera that comes closest to being able to do it all, the camera that can handle the widest variety of subjects and situations," going on to review nineteen autofocus SLRs plus two manual focus models. The review is an excellent overview of the complete lines of Canon, Contax, Minolta, Nikon, Pentax, and Sigma, except that it's dated before the release of the new Nikon flagship model, the F6. While the strengths of each model are nicely summarized, the review makes no recommendations.
6. PHOTOgraphic.com >> Details/Subscribe	Camera Buyer's Guide Editors of PHOTOgraphic Nov. 2003		This buyer's guide includes twenty-four film SLRs ranging from entry-level cameras to the ultimate pro models. If the cameras had been rated or compared against each other, this review would rank higher in our chart. However, the write-ups are detailed and they're followed by a thorough spec list. Among those included are the high-end Canon EOS-1v and Nikon F5, as well as the mid-range Canon EOS-3 and Nikon F100. In a related article, editors like the Maxxum 70 and say the Canon EOS Rebel Ti is worth the price difference over the Rebel GII and K2 models. Even though this guide is older, there's still valuable information here, not all of it is included in the 2005 buyer's guide (above).

SLR Cameras Reviews above this line are significantly better than reviews below.

Review Ratings	Citation	CS Credibility Rating	SLR Cameras Ratings Comments on Reviews

7. Shutterbug.net >> Details/Subscribe	New 35mm SLR and Rangefinder Cameras Peter K. Burian 6/4/2005		In evaluating the best SLR cameras through 2004, Peter Burian takes a close look at the newest and most advanced 35mm and digital models. Top scores go to the Minolta Maxxum Digitals—the Maxxum 50 for family use, and the Maxxum 70 for more serious photographers. The Canon EOS Elan 7N and 7NE are also highlighted.
8. PhotoAlley.com >> Details/Subscribe	My First Single Lens Reflex Camera Chuck DeLaney Not Dated		Dean of the New York Institute of Photography, Chuck DeLaney recommends the Nikon N55, N65, or N75 for beginners, and the Nikon N80 for more serious enthusiasts. The rest of the article is an in-depth review of the N80 based on several years of use, noting that it has held up very well, but that the autofocus assist beam used in dim light is annoying compared to the IR beam used on the N90.
9. Photo.net >> Details/Subscribe	Canon vs. Nikon Phillip Greenspun plus comments from readers As of May 2005		This article is worth a separate listing, because the differences between Canon and Nikon could be very important in deciding which system to start building—the body is usually only the start. For entry-level cameras, Greenspun recommends the Nikon N65 or N80 or any low-end Canon body (though the Rebel G doesn't let you shift AF off shutter release)—and the Canon Elan 7 and Nikon N80 for intermediate users. The Canon EOS 1V has the best Canon viewfinder. For overall systems, he recommends Nikon for eyeglass wearers, also for macro and wide-angle lenses, but Canon for long image-stabilized telephoto lenses, perspective correcting shift-tilt lenses and autofocus, especially on high-end bodies. Many user comments add to the discussion.
10. PHOTOgraphic.com >> Details/Subscribe	Nikon F6—New top-of-the-line AF 35mm SLR Editors of PHOTOgraphic Magazine Apr. 2005		This is an in-depth review of Nikon's newest top-of-the-line model, the F6. Rating it for AF performance, metering performance, feature set, ease of use, ergonomics and value, the editors give it perfect scores on every single point. "In short, the F6 has all the features a pro would want, and they all work the way a pro would want them to work. If you're looking for the ultimate AF 35mm SLR, this just may be it." They add that, "Performance lives up to the expectations. The F6's 3D Color Matrix Metering provided a higher percentage of "keepers" in general shooting with color-slide films than the F5's."
11. Photo.net >> Details/Subscribe	35mm Camera Reviews Philip Greenspun As of June 2005		Photography sites all over the Web refer back to the helpful articles on Photo.net. It offers a wealth of articles, reviews, buying guides, and consumer comments and reviews. The in-depth reviews don't cover all the latest models, though they do include the Minolta Maxxum 7, Canon EOS 1V and Elan 7, and Nikon F100 and N80—plus quite a few other models worth considering. Even the old reviews have useful hints on what to look for at various levels of skill, and for specific purposes. The article on building a 35mm system recommends buying an f/1.8 lens (50mm) as the starter lens, followed by a 24mm or 28mm wide-angle lens. Canon and Nikon bodies are recommended.
12. Shutterbug.net >> Details/Subscribe	Nikon N80/F80 Phillip Greenspun 6/1/2005		Although this is an in-depth review of the N80, which Greenspun says is "all the camera that 99 percent of people need, 99 percent of the time," it also clarifies the reasons why you might want to spend more for an F100. The F100 has a 100% viewfinder—a real luxury—and is easy for eyeglass wearers. Plus it has mirror lockup and weatherproofing—very nice features indeed.
13. Photo.net >> Details/Subscribe	Minolta Maxxum 7 Gary Friedman Not Dated		This in-depth review of the Maxxum 7 says it's now the reviewer's top choice both for portraits and travel—intuitive and easy to use, even in the dark. There's an active, extremely useful depth-of-field preview, a scene brightness map on the LCD screen (which shows values at all fourteen exposure points) plus superb wireless flash control.
14. Photo.net >> Details/Subscribe	Canon Elan 7 Phillip Greenspun Not Dated		Greenspun recommends the Elan 7 as the ideal first body if you're going to go with a Canon system, but suggests that the 7E (with the eye movement focusing) slows autofocus too much. He praises the Elan 7's quiet, easy two-dial controls—always in the convenient place—but notes that while adjusting settings, the display can shut off—then when it returns, you've lost your work. Also he doesn't recommend this camera for eyeglass wearers, suggesting the EOS 1v—though it is "staggeringly heavy" or a Nikon instead. (He doesn't recommend the Rebel G even for a beginner; it has a poor viewfinder and no depth-of-field preview.)
15. Steves Digicams.com >> Details/Subscribe	Canon EOS Elan 7 35mm SLR Gregg Hickman Apr. 29, 2001		This in-depth review of the Canon EOS Elan 7 notes that, "with camera manufacturers, as you move up the line of their SLR product offerings you step up in the camera's ability to precisely set exposure for you. The Canon Elan 7 is no exception and is a significant step up from the entry level Rebel 2000. In fact, the Elan 7 has a 35 zone metering system and will out perform the ability of most manual photographers." He recommends using the battery grip BP-300 when mounting long lenses, for better balance. Also, he notes that "a major reason to purchase an SLR is to improve your flash pictures," for which he recommends an extra flash plus a diffuser—so the extra flash height eliminates red-eye. The built-in flash is fine for daylight fill flash.
16. Steves Digicams.com >> Details/Subscribe	Nikon N80 35mm SLR Gregg Hickman Apr. 16, 2001		This in-depth review of the Nikon N80 is especially interesting not only because of the N80's popularity as a middle-range SLR, but also because the same photographer also reviewed its major competitor, the Canon EOS Elan 7, in a separate review. As with the Canon, Hickman recommends buying the battery grip (MB-16) when using anything longer than a 50mm lens. He praises the convenient focus zone selector that "can be controlled at eye level without missing a beat," plus spot metering that moves with the focus locator. He also praises the eighteen custom functions, including a built-in grid screen for keeping the horizon level. You can also choose a quiet film rewind. He also praises the DOF preview button and universal cable-release port, as well as the ten-segment 3D matrix meter as "more than adequate for most pros."
17. PhotoNotes.org >> Details/Subscribe	Why did I choose Canon EOS? NK Guy 6/26/2005		Part of a larger site with reviews and comparison charts for Canon SLRs, this article tells why the author chose to switch from a manual focus SLR to the Canon EOS autofocus system—and why he chose Canon rather than Nikon or another brand. He notes that for a family SLR used primarily with one lens, on automatic, the brand doesn't matter. When you commit to a whole system of lenses, it does. He recommends giving more weight to the subjective feel of a specific camera than to any one feature. He narrows the choice to Canon or Nikon for serious photography because special lenses are easy to rent when needed. He notes that Nikon has the advantage for macro and manual photography, eyeglass wearers and spot metering, but he loves the Canon controls and still thinks Canon offers more for the money.

SLR Cameras Reviews above this line are significantly better than reviews below.

Review Ratings	Citation	CS Credibility Rating	SLR Cameras Ratings Comments on Reviews

18. Photography Review.com >> Details/Subscribe	35mm SLR Reviews Contributors to Photography Review As of June 2005		This site gathers and tabulates reviews from users. A nice feature is that you can sort the reviews by rating. Also you can see at a glance the number of reviews on which the average rating is based. If you click on a model, you can see all the user reviews on one page—very handy. The five highest rated SLR cameras with ratings based on more than six reviews are the Konica Minolta Maxxum 9, Nikon FM3A, Canon EOS Elan 7N/7NE, Konica Minolta Maxxum 7, and Canon EOS 1V. However, many other models received ratings close to these, so it may be more useful to note the lowest rated models: the Konica Minolta QTsi and STsi, and Sigma SA9. Rated only slightly higher are the Nikon FM10, Olympus OM-2000, Nikon N55 and Pentax ZX-50.
19. Amazon.com >> Details/Subscribe	35mm SLR Cameras Contributors to Amazon.com As of June 2005		This is another site where users post reviews. Some are quite informative, based on intelligent use over a period of time. Unfortunately, although you can sort the list of 291 items to put the best-selling cameras at the top of the list, you can't sort the list by average user rating. Nor can you see, without first clicking on a model, the number of reviews on which the average is based. Despite these inconveniences, it's worth reading reviews here of the models that interest you most. If nothing else, you'll learn their worst features before you buy. Top rated models (based on at least six reviews) are the Nikon F100, Canon EOS Rebel GII, Canon EOS Elan II/IIE, Canon EOS Rebel 2000, and Pentax ZX-30 (now ZX-L)—all with the highest possible 5-star rating.
20. Epinions >> Details/Subscribe	35mm SLR Cameras Contributors to Epinions As of June 2005		Here's another place for camera owners to rate their own models, but there aren't nearly the number of reviews here as there are at PhotographyReview.com above. Conveniently, however, the list of 255 entries can be sorted to put the highest rated models at the top, and the list shows the number of reviews on which the rating is based. There are too many 5-star, top-rated models with at least six reviews to list the top models here—a total of fourteen—but based on the number of reviews, the top cameras are the Nikon F100, Nikon FM2, Nikon F5, Nikon F3A and Minolta Maxxum 7.
21. BizRate.com >> Details/Subscribe	35mm SLR Camera Reviews Contributors to BizRate.com As of June 2005		On this widely used shopping and review site, consumers and experts cast their votes for the top of the line models. Topping the list for 35mm SLRs here, based on models that have at least six user reviews, are the Canon EOS Elan 7/7E, Nikon N5, Konica Minolta Maxxum 5 and rated slightly lower—the Canon EOS Rebel G. The Nikon FM10 is rated even lower.
22. BetterPhoto.com >> Details/Subscribe	10 Top Selling Film Cameras Contributors to BetterPhoto.com As of June 2005		This list is based not on user reviews, but on the cameras used by people posting photos at this site. It's an ingenious way to determine camera popularity—especially among people who use their cameras very actively. The top five models are, in order of use—the Canon EOS Rebel 2000, Canon EOS Elan 7/7E, Nikon N80/F80, Nikon F100, and Nikon N65/F65. An interesting feature of the list is that you can click on a model and see thumbnails of photos taken with the camera. Then of course you can see a larger view of any photo that interests you.

SLR Cameras Reviews above this line are significantly better than reviews below.

Review Ratings	Citation	CS Credibility Rating	SLR Cameras Ratings Comments on Reviews

23. Consumer Guide.com >> Details/Subscribe	35mm Autofocus and Manual Focus Cameras Editors of Consumer Guide As of June 2005		Consumer Guide provides separate buying guides for automatic and manual-focus SLR cameras, with one listing of the top ranked models—the Nikon N55, Canon EOS Elan 7N and NE, Konica Minolta Maxxum 70, and a model not often mentioned elsewhere, the Phoenix P-5000. It's not clear, however, why these models are ranked higher than others. The list of 165 models with user reviews can be sorted by rating, but few models have more than one or two reviews and many have none. All in all, it's not a very helpful site.
24. Consumer Reports >> Details/Subscribe	35mm SLR Cameras Editors of Consumer Reports Dec. 1993		Consumer Reports last looked at SLR cameras over ten years ago, so this roundup is too outdated to identify the best models.
25. About.com	SLR Cameras Editors of About.com and PC World Not Dated		About.com pulls articles from PC World on SLR camera coverage. And About.com editors also contribute a few articles, but these are more product features than reviews.