Tag: DSLRs

We all know that top-of-the-line pro digital SLRs cost a lot more than entry-level models. There often are huge differences in quality and performance between the two, but not always. Entry-level models are becoming increasingly sophisticated and capable of image quality that’s even better than pro cameras produced just a few years ago. Some entry-level cameras even share some of the same components and features as the latest pro models within the same brand.

“Sweet-spot” D-SLRs are those between the entry-level models and the often much pricier, larger and heavier pro models. They’re in the sweet spot because, though they’re much closer to the entry-level models in price, they share a lot of features with pro models. That makes them great choices for many photographers, including pros on a budget and enthusiasts alike.

Buying a D-SLR is a little different than buying most other high-tech devices. You’re also selecting a complete photo system, from lenses and flash to accessories and software. The “right” camera for your needs, present and future, depends a lot on what you expect from your system.

Q) I just bought my first digital SLR; actually, it’s my first SLR, too. I’ve been spending nights and weekends trying to learn all of the various features, but there’s one feature that I’m just not getting. Depth-of-field preview doesn’t seem to work—all it does is make the viewfinder darker.

While there are advantages to truly compact digital cameras, the compacts are no match for digital SLRs in terms of image quality and performance. D-SLRs have larger image sensors, better autofocusing and metering systems and will accept a wide range of interchangeable lenses and accessories.

All digital SLR cameras offer the traditional exposure modes: program AE, shutter-priority AE, aperture-priority AE and metered manual exposure control. These are the mainstays of “serious” photographers because they provide control over important aspects of each shot.

You expect the costly pro D-SLRs to be weather- and dust-resistant, but it’s rare to find that in a lower-priced model. Yet the rugged, 10.2-megapixel K10D from Pentax features a dust- and weather-resistant body (including 72 seals) and a price under $1,000. You can’t actually submerge it, but our test camera got drizzled on for several hours (unforecasted phenomenon) during a hike with no ill effects.

Designed with sports photographers and photojournalists in mind, the Nikon D3 introduces an astounding list of brand new features and technologies that make it the most sophisticated and advanced Nikon digital SLR to date. In addition to the new FX-format CMOS sensor, the D3 incorporates Nikon’s new EXPEED Image Processing System that is central to the blazing speed and processing power needed for many of the D3’s new features.

Click on an image below to view the details of these new cameras:

Canon	Nikon
EOS 40D	D300
EOS 1-Ds Mark III	D3
Olympus
E3
Sony	Panasonic
Sony A700	Lumix DMC-L10

Every 18 months or so, Canon has unveiled a new model in its midrange D-SLR line. It’s that time again, and the new EOS 40D features a truly remarkable array of improvements over its predecessor – which was an excellent camera in its own right. And all for just $1299!

The latest EVOLT offering from Olympus updates familiar features and adds a few new ones, like sensor-shift image stabilization. Also noteworthy is affordable kit pricing—pick up a two-lens bundle for about $100 more than the basic one-lens kit. An ergonomic design combined with high-end functionality makes this a great entry into the world of D-SLR cameras. 

Digital SLRs are the most versatile cameras, and for many photographers, the best choices. There are three basic categories of D-SLRs: entry-level, midrange and pro. These aren’t exclusive categories—there are working pros who use midrange models, advanced amateurs who use models from all three categories and even well-heeled novices who buy top pro models (which, in program mode, are as easy to use as any entry-level model, albeit somewhat bulkier). But most models fall into one of the three categories. 

Q) Since I’ve been using my digital SLR, I’m getting more and more worried about dust. I’ve noticed some of the newer cameras have some sort of dust-removal feature. I’m not able to get one of the newer cameras right now. What’s the best way to avoid getting dust in the camera?

Canon's EOS-1D Mark II has reigned as the D-SLR speed king for more than a year, able to shoot its 8.2-megapixel images at an amazing 8.5 per second. Now Canon has blown that out of the water with the Mark II's successor. The new EOS-1D Mark III's ability to shoot 10.1-megapixel images at 10 per second is just one of its remarkable talents.

The annual Photo Marketing Association (PMA) Show is an exciting time of year for camera enthusiasts because that’s when many new models are introduced. This year's show (March 8-11) was no exception, bringing us a number of exciting new cameras with some great features. We'll look at these features and then at 10 new models that incorporate the latest digital camera technologies.

The more megapixels an image contains, and the less it’s compressed, the more space it takes up on a memory card. So if you shoot RAW 10-megapixel images, you’ll need high-capacity memory cards: at least 1 GB (gigabyte); a 2 GB or 4 GB card is even better.

The Nikon D40 is Nikon’s most compact and most affordable D-SLR to date. This camera combines a host of high-end features with an easy-to-navigate layout to make the creation of quality photographs easier and fun. Its straightforward layout and design, combined with the D40’s compact size, make it an excellent entry-level D-SLR.

It’s a great time to be a digital photographer. The digital SLR business is booming, with 10 manufacturers offering more than 25 camera models as of this writing, and more than half of those carrying street prices under $1,000. Even the lowest-end models can turn out quality images, and they provide lots of versatility, including full control of everything when you want it and the ability to accept a wide range of interchangeable lenses to meet every shooting need. Here’s a look at what each camera company currently has to offer.

Several camera manufacturers offer lenses featuring built-in image-stabilizing mechanisms that counteract camera shake, and these work extremely well. But you enjoy those stabilizing benefits only when using those particular lenses. More recently, other manufacturers have introduced D-SLRs with in-camera anti-shake mechanisms, which provide shake reduction with all lenses. The lowest priced of these is the new K100D from Pentax.

With the biennial fall Photokina show in Germany always come many interesting product introductions. This year’s batch included seven new feature-packed digital SLRs. All are scheduled to be on sale in the United States by the time you read this, except the Fujifilm FinePix S5 Pro (which will be available in early 2007) and the Sigma SD14 (no release date as of this writing).