The Best Digital SLR Camera...

For Step 1 of
4

YOU

People often ask me: what is the best digital SLR camera?

My answer is always the same:

The best digital SLR camera is one that helps you take photos that you love.

All digital SLRs on the market today are very similar, and they all take great photos.

Comparing digital SLR cameras is a lot like comparing apples to apples. Faced with a large pile
of apples, how do you pick the best one for you?

You can pick from a variety of apples because you know exactly what you like (i.e. crunchy,
tart, green, no spots).

Finding the best digital SLR camera is not really different.

Discover Your Inner Photographer

Let's start with a self-assessment.

This one won't help you quit smoking or discover your true calling in life, but it should help you
pick out the best digital SLR camera for you.

The question you have to ask yourself is: What do I love to photograph?

Think of this exercise as finding your photographic sign. Once you know your sign, it will be
easier for you to find a digital SLR you're compatible with.

In the next section, I'm going to list of a variety of photographic styles. See if one of them
appeals to you more than the others.

Photography Styles
Action and Sports

You may not think you're an action photographer.

If your joy in life is photographing children and
pets, you are! They never stop moving around,
and they rarely sit still for a photo.

Portraits

Faces are fascinating to you. When you go on

vacation you are more inclined to take photos of
the locals than the scenery. There is something
about the human face and the expressiveness of
the eyes that is captivating.

Landscapes

Landscape photographers are somewhat opposite

to portrait photographers. While the portrait
person likes to interact with people, the
landscaper is more at home in the beauty of
nature without another single person for miles.

Macro

The devil is in the details - and you want to try to

find it. Macro photography is for those who love
the small things in life, and pay enough attention
to their surroundings to notice all of the tiny
details.
Night/Low Light

You enjoy prowling around in the dark or are

fascinated by the way night-time can change a
city. That, or you really enjoy taking photos
inside dim galleries and museums.

Travel/Outdoor

You want your camera to go EVERYWHERE

with you. Whether it's hiking, biking, or jumping
out of an airplane, the best digital SLR camera for
you will be small and light.

Indoor

You are most inclined to pull out a camera when

your small child is reaching for his favorite toy.
You take photos of birthday parties, dinners, and
other events that occur inside a house.

Spontaneous

You want to be able to react on a moment's

notice, and know that speed is essential to
capturing the photo of a lifetime. You have a
habit of waiting until the last moment to bring out
the camera.
Planned/Studio

No photo you take is without some form of

preparation. Whether it's a child's portrait or a still
life of your favorite flower, you like to get
everything set up so that the light, color and mood
are just right.

Pick Your Style

Before you go any further, pick your photographic style.

It's OK to choose 2 or 3 styles, so long as you remember which ones they are.

Write them down somewhere so you won't forget them.

Once you start comparing digital SLR cameras, it's easy to lose track of why you needed the
camera in the first place.

When you just focus on the features that help you take the photos you love, it reduces the
number of features you have to evaluate.

Your Next Step — Learn Digital SLR Jargon

In Step Two you'll find out how a digital SLR camera works and how it's different from a
compact camera. You'll also learn all of the latest digital SLR camera tech jargon, explained in
plain English.

A solid foundation in this terminology will help you match camera features to the photographic
style you just selected.

End result?

You'll find the best digital SLR camera, and not just the best camera for anyone.

Nope, this will be the best digital SLR camera for you.

What Is a Digital SLR Camera? Step 2 of 4 (Part I)

If you've been wondering "what is a digital SLR?" I'm not all that surprised.

Many consumers are much more familiar with compact digital cameras, since these models have
flooded the marketplace.

Like cell phones, it's hard to walk down the street these days without seeing someone snapping a
photo. Digital SLR cameras are far less common, and up until 2005 were really only used by
professionals.

The good news is that the price of digital SLRs keeps falling and many are competitive now with
the high-end compact cameras. This also means that many new consumers are hearing about
these cameras and aren't quite sure what they can do.

So what is a digital SLR? Let's find out.

SLR Defined
SLR is an acronym: it stands for Single Lens Reflex.

Now you know what SLR stands for but that doesn't really help answer the question, does it?
Let's define further:

 With an SLR camera, you see exactly what the lens sees
 You can change the lens on a digital SLR
 Digital SLRs have large image sensors that produce high-quality photos
 An SLR has a near-zero lag time, and is ideal for action photography

Bottom line? Digital SLR cameras are versatile.

You can take photos of everything from sleeping kittens to race cars and you'll never be limited
by your camera.
With an SLR in your hands you can rest assured that you'll only miss great photo opportunities
because you weren't prepared, not because your camera was too slow.

The Anatomy of a Digital SLR

To properly answer "what is a digital SLR?" you have to understand a bit about the mechanics of
an SLR camera.

In order to avoid getting overly technical I've simplified this diagram and am highlighting the
key elements.

If you really want to dredge into the specifics, you can do that at Wikipedia.

1. Light passes through the lens and strikes a mirror (green)

2. The mirror reflects the light up to a focusing screen
3. Light passes through the focusing screen and enters a block of glass called a pentaprism
(orange)
4. The pentaprism reflects the image so that you can see it in the viewfinder
5. When you take a photo, the mirror flips up and a shutter (blue) opens that exposes the
digital sensor (red) to light

This is a great example of what-you-see-is-what-you-get. By using the viewfinder you can

precisely compose your image and adjust the focus.

Is ithe image that you see in the viewfinder 100% accurate? In most cases it isn't.

If you read digital SLR camera reviews, you may hear a lot about viewfinder "coverage" and
"brightness".

Many digital SLR viewfinders only show you 95% of the image that will be captured by the
sensor - this is what "coverage" refers to. Unless you are extremely precise when it comes to
your photographs you won't notice the 5% difference.

Digital SLR viewfinders also vary in brightness, which is another way of saying how clear the
image appears. "Bright" viewfinders make it easier to use manual focus, since you can clearly
see the details of your subject.
A Lens For Every Occasion

In addition to the pentaprism viewfinder, one of the key features of any digital SLR camera is the
ability to change lenses.

Most people think that the camera alone is responsible for capturing an image, but this isn't the
case.

The lens that's attached to it can play a huge role in the color, contrast and clarity of every single
photo that you take.

Owners of digital SLR cameras can buy lenses that match their photography style, since a
landscape photographer should not use the same lens as a wildlife photographer.

The ability to swap lenses at any time adds to the versatility of a digital SLR camera, and means
that even if your photography needs change in a couple years, you won't have to buy a new
camera, you'll just need a different lens.

What's Next
Hopefully you're starting to feel more comfortable about this whole digital SLR camera thing.

If close friends pop the question "what is a digital SLR?" you'll be able to respond in an educated
fashion (just throw out the term "pentaprism" and watch their eyes go wide).

Let's take it a step further.

I am a digital SLR enthusiast - this web site probably gives that away. I think that there are many
advantages of digital SLR cameras.

But I also know that there are many features of compact digital cameras that aren't available on
digital SLRs.

These two articles present both sides of the coin so that you can make an informed camera-
buying decision:

 The Advantage of Digital SLR Cameras

 The Difference Between SLR and Digital Compact Cameras
If you already feel quite confident that a digital SLR is the right camera for you, and have been
following along with the step-by-step guide to buying a digital SLR, it's time for Step 2 - Part
II: defining digital SLR terms.

A clear understanding of digital SLR jargon will help you decide which camera features you
must have — and which ones you can live without.

So You Want to Define Digital Step 2 of 4

(Part II)

SLR Terms?
This page defines digital SLR terms and lets you explore more articles that will help you become
fluent in digital SLR tech jargon.

Take a deep breath.

Relax. Hum a few bars of your favorite tune.

This will be easy for you to understand.

It's not rocket science, it only seems that way when it's presented with tons of charts and graphs.

The contents of this digital SLR dictionary are written in plain English and make no assumptions
about your level of photographic expertise.

Since photography is a visual medium, you won't just be reading a lot of text - I've included
plenty of illustrative photos to help make these features clear.

Ready to get started? Let's define some digital SLR terms!

Digital SLR Tech Terms

Megapixels

Cameras with more megapixels give you the freedom to make huge prints and to crop your
photos, but they do not necessarily have higher image quality. Learn More

ISO (and Image Noise)

Increasing the ISO setting lets you take clear photos in dim light without having to use a flash,
but it also degrades the image quality. Learn More
Dust Control

Dust that lands on an SLR sensor appears as small black spots in every photo you take. Dust
controls systems attempt to prevent and eliminate this. Learn More

Image Stabilization

There are two types of stabilization: one that's included inside the camera and one that's inside
the lens. Regardless of the type, stabilization helps to eliminate blur in your photos caused by
camera shake. Learn More

Live View

With a live view system, you can compose photos using the LCD screen on the back of the
camera in addition to the viewfinder. Learn More

Dynamic Range

Your eyes have exceptional dynamic range and can see details in a scene even when there's
extreme contrast. Unfortunately, an SLR doesn't work quite as well as your eyes. Learn More

Crop Factor

A digital SLR sensor is smaller than a frame of 35mm film, so only a portion of the image that
passes through the lens is captured by the sensor. Learn More

Autofocus

Autofocus systems can include anywhere from 3 to 9 individual focus points. More important
that the number of points is the accuracy of the system. Learn More

Continuous Drive

A continuous drive lets you take multiple photos in rapid succession. More expensive cameras
have faster continuous drives. Learn More

File Formats: RAW and JPG

JPG is the standard format for digital images, and is easy to e-mail, upload and print, but RAW
offers significantly more creative freedom. Learn More

Aspect Ratio

Wonder why your digital prints never turn out exactly like the image on your computer monitor?
The culprit is aspect ratio. Learn More
What's Next
Now that you're able to define digital SLR terms with some measure of confidence, it's time to
move on to Step 3: comparing digital SLR cameras.

You should have a firm grasp of the following:

1. What you love to photograph (Step 1)

2. How an SLR works and how it differs from a compact camera (Step 2 - Part I)
3. Digital SLR tech jargon (Step 2 - Part II)

In the next step, you'll start your digital SLR camera research and will begin to match the
features that each camera offers to your specific photographic needs.

Digital SLR Camera Comparisons Step 3 of 4

Are you ready to get started on some digital SLR camera comparisons?

Before we do that, make sure you know the type of photos you want to take and
that you understand some digital SLR jargon.

Why? Because this knowledge will make your digital SLR camera comparisons
100 times easier.    

Here's a pop quiz to help you out:

1. Are you an action or portrait photographer?

2. What do ISO and crop factor mean?

If you can't answer question one, go to Step 1 - Find Your Best Digital SLR.

If it's question two that has you stumped, jump to Step 2 - What is a Digital SLR?.

If you know the answer to both questions then keep reading to discover the easiest way to make
your digital SLR camera comparisons.
The Digital SLR Matching Game
Let's play a matching game.

It's fun, and the goal is to save you time. If this works, you won't have to compare every digital
SLR camera on the market, just a few.

Let's begin with your favorite photographic style that you selected in step one:

 Action and Sports

 Portrait
 Landscape
 Macro
 Night/Low Light
 Travel/Outdoor
 Indoor
 Spontaneous
 Planned/Studio

Do you remember the one you identified with? Did you write it down?

If not, go back to Step 1 right now and decide which one best describes your photography style.
Don't worry, I'll wait.

Got your photographic style? Good.

In the following table, the photographic styles are on the left, and the most important camera
features to look for are on the right.

Find your style, and you'll see just what features you need in your digital SLR camera.

This process should make your digital SLR camera comparisons significantly easier.

1. High continuous speed

Action and Sports 2. Large buffer
3. Fast multi-point autofocus
 1. Image stabilization
Portrait 2. Live view LCD
3. Color control (especially flesh tones)

1. Image stabilization
2. Extended dynamic range
Landscape 3. Dust control
4. Color control (especially earth tones)

1. Image stabilization
Macro 2. Live view LCD
3. Compatible with macro lenses

1. Image stabilization
2. Low noise at high ISO settings
Night/Low Light 3. Image noise reduction for slow shutter speeds
4. Remote shutter release

1. Image stabilization
Travel/Outdoor 2. Small size and low weight
3. Extended dynamic range

1. Image stabilization
Indoor 2. Low noise at high ISO settings
3. Lots of external flash options

Spontaneous 1. Fast multi-point autofocus

1. Live view LCD

Planned/Studio 2. Compatible with lighting accessories

Any digital SLR camera is compatible with more than one photography style.

The point is to find a camera that matches your primary photographic need first, and then see
how well it works for other styles of photography.

Example: if you enjoy action and sports photography, get the best digital SLR for action.

This camera will also take photos of stationary objects, but if you purchase a slower camera you
might be disappointed with your action and sports shots.

Focus on the camera features that satisfy your primary photographic need, then use that
camera for other styles of photography.

Start Your Digital SLR Camera Comparisons

Now you can really begin your digital SLR camera comparisons.

You're not only informed about your photographic style, you also know exactly what features to
look for.

There are three ways that you can tackle this step:

1 - Compare By Features

If you go this route, you need to select the one camera feature that's most important to you.

Maybe it's the speed of the camera, or how much it costs.

Whatever the defining feature may be, there is probably a digital SLR out there that will match
your needs.

 Megapixels - if you're positive you want to print at large sizes, then you need a camera with a
lot of megapixels.
 Cost - don't have Donald Trump's income? You might be looking for an inexpensive digital SLR.
 Ratings - find out what others think and which digital SLR gets the highest ratings by users.
 Size - when you don't want to lug around a brick all day, a small-sized digital SLR is ideal.
 Speed - capturing motion is not easy for every camera, so you'll need one that can keep up.

2 - Find the Best

This approach to digital SLR camera comparisons is for those who only want the best.

Let me say this first: the best is relative.

The cameras that I present in this section are my choices as the best digital SLRs in each
category. No panel of judges was involved.

I justify my "best of" camera choices in detail, so you can see how I reached my conclusions.

If this approach is helpful to you, then find out what's the best digital SLR camera.

3 - Read a Guide

This technique is for those who like details.

Rather than finding out what I think are the best cameras, or deciding ahead of time which
feature is most important, you'd like to find out the specifics of each digital SLR camera.

That's what the in-depth digital SLR camera guides on this site are all about.
They'll walk you through all of the camera features, and identify the pros and cons of each one.
You'll get to see plenty of photo samples taken by the camera along the way.

Once you're finished with a digital SLR camera guide, you'll have a much better sense of
whether or not the camera is the best digital SLR for you.

Select a camera manufacturer from the list below to get started:

Good Luck
It's my sincere hope that you can now complete your digital SLR camera comparisons with ease.

Comparing digital camera features can be a slow and painstaking process. With any luck you've
just eliminated half of the models to consider.

And just think - once you get done with your digital SLR camera comparisons, you can go ahead
and buy it.

If you're used to film SLR or digital compact cameras, a digital SLR will be a whole new world
of fun for you.

The Top Rated Digital SLR Page updated: August

2008

Camera
If you've been searching for the top rated digital SLR camera, then this is the page for you.

In the paragraphs that follow, I'll break down the current ratings numbers for many recently
released digital SLRs.

You won't find all the latest cameras listed here - that's because it takes some time for the
ratings scores to pile up to be significant.

Clearly, cameras that have been available longer also have a greater number of reviews.

This page analyzes the numbers for you, presenting the top rated digital SLR camera in a variety
of different categories - with a brief description of the strengths and weaknesses of each camera.

After all, just because a camera is top rated may not mean that it's the best one for you (but it
certainly was for a lot of other folks).
Methodology
The information presented on this page is a merger of two different sources:

1. Digital Camera HQ - a review aggregator, this site compiles reviews from a variety of sites like
Amazon, CNET and Yahoo! Shopping
2. Digital Photography Review - this massive digital camera site also includes plenty of user
reviews and ratings

I averaged the rating score across both sites and added up the total number of ratings across both
sites, in order to paint the most comprehensive picture of a camera's ratings relative to the total
number of reviews.

After all, if only 10 people give an SLR 5 starts, that's not quite the same as 300 people giving a
camera 5 stars.

There are two important things to keep in mind as you read this analysis of the top rated digital
SLR:

1. Cameras with a higher number of reviews also have lower rating scores - there are more people
who might have had a bad experience with the camera or company and give it a low rating
2. Less popular cameras with a minimal number of reviews often bubble to the top of the ratings,
since the people that review them are enthusiastic and positive about the camera

Taking these two factors into account, I went looking for cameras with a relatively high number
of reviews that also held up well in the ratings game.

You are - of course - welcome to draw your own conclusions.

Top Rated Digital SLR - Less Than 500 Reviews
RATIN
CAMERA # OF REVIEWSAVG. U.S. COST
G

Pentax K20D 4.75 96 $1,170

Pentax K200D4.74 103 $620

Sony A700 4.72 113 $1,200

Nikon D300 4.69 419 $1,840

The very first thing you notice is that the top two cameras are made by Pentax.

This is actually nothing new - every time I have conducted this survey of camera ratings (which I
continuously update as new cameras are released and more reviews pile up) the Pentax digital
SLR cameras have wound up at the top of the ratings charts.

A lot of this is due to a loyal Pentax fan base who are not disappointed by the fact that the new
Pentax SLRs are compatible with every old Pentax lens ever made.

Newcomers to the Pentax line of digital SLR cameras often find a lot to like: great image quality,
dust control, built-in image stabilizers and now - with the release of the K20D - live view.

One notable feature on both the K200D and K20D is weatherproofing: both cameras have
special seals and gaskets to protect the delicat digital interior from moisture and dirt.

The next cameras down in the ratings (the Sony A700 and Nikon D300) are both designed for
semi-professional photographers - this explains their higher price tags. They are packed with
features that are aimed to please more demanding photographers.

While both cameras hold up well in the overall ratings, they are excessive for beginning SLR
photographers (and priced beyond most people's budgets).

Clearly the most economical option of all the top rated digital SLR cameras listed above is the
Pentax K200D. Despite its relatively low price, the camera still came out with a very high rating
score (although only a grand total of 113 reviews).

Conclusion here?

Even though the Pentax digital SLRs aren't nearly as popular as those made by Canon and
Nikon, the people who opt to get them (and who then go on to review them) are quite pleased.

Pentax K200D
Release DateApril 2008

Key Features10.2 megapixels, image stabilization, dust control

Uniqueness Weather and dust resistant

Great For Rugged travel

Level Beginner to Intermediate

Avg. Kit Price$620

Competitors Canon Rebel XSi, Nikon D60

Top Rated Digital SLR - More Than 500 Reviews

RATIN
CAMERA # OF REVIEWSAVG. U.S. COSTREVIEW
G

Nikon D2004.78 520 $1,000  

Nikon D40 4.62 1,009 $470 Read

Canon 40D 4.54 674 $1,145 Read

Canon xTi 4.54 1,483 $630 Read

Once we pass the 500 review mark, the two dominant sellers of digital SLR cameras become
apparent: Nikon and Canon.

This makes sense: since these cameras sell like hotcakes, there is a much higher chance that
owners will later go online to post their reviews (both positive and negative).

When there are significantly more reviews for a camera, this often drives down the average
rating score - there's just a higher chance that someone out there is going to get a lemon or is not
going to be pleased with how the camera operates.

There is one notable exception to this rule and that exception is the Nikon D200.

Even with over 500 reviews, the Nikon D200's average rating score is higher than either the
Pentax K20D or K200D mentioned above (and both of those have 1/5th the number of reviews).

Clearly Nikon did something right when they built the D200 and its ongoing popularity is made
clear by the fact that you can still purchase this camera NEW, even though it was originally
released in 2005 and has since been replaced by the updated D300 (which is not faring as well in
the ratings as the original D200).
Nikon D200
Release Date November 2005

Key Features 10 megapixels, fast response

Uniqueness Speed

Great For Action

Level Advanced to Semi-professional

Avg. Price $1,000

Competitors Canon 30D

The D200 is an ultra-fast camera with an 11-point autofocus and a 5 photo-per-second continuous
shot rate. The most common camera controls are available from one-touch buttons, so altering
settings on the fly based on the available light and subject matter is easy to do. Like other Nikon SLRs,
the D200 produces very little image noise even at high ISO settings.

If you're looking for a top rated digital SLR camera that won't clean out your bank account, then
consider the Nikon D40.

The D40 is Nikon's first generation of cameras geared toward beginning photographers and
follows three main design rules: small, light and easy to use.

The D40 also features an innovative LCD display that visually shows the photographer how
changing a setting like aperture either increases or decreases the opening in the lens.

While not nearly the caliber of the D200, the D40 is a much better choice for anyone who's just
getting their feet wet with digital SLRs - it makes the transition from point-and-shoot
significantly easier.

Nikon D40
Release Date December 2006

Key Features 6.1 megapixels, 2.5in. LCD, SD Memory

Uniqueness Helpful LCD

Great For Learning photography

Level Beginner

Avg. Kit Price $470

Competitors Canon 350D, Pentax K110D, Samsung GX-1L

 The D40 features an innovative LCD display that actually shows you how changing camera settings
affects your images. It's a great tool for photographers who are learning terms like aperture, shutter
speed and ISO. The D40 is also one of the smallest, lightest and cheapest Nikon digital SLR cameras.

Inexpensive Digital SLR Page updated: February 2009

Cameras
Today, finding an inexpensive digital SLR camera is much easier than it used to be

While the average price for these cameras still hovers around $700.00 USD, there
are many low-cost options out there.

Digital SLR cameras are a lot like cars and computers: as soon as a camera is
released, its value starts falling.    

That's why most of the inexpensive digital SLR cameras I list below are several
months old.

If you really want the latest and greatest digital SLR camera, then you're going to
have to pay a bit more to get it.

The Real Bargains

If you'd like to get your feet wet in the world of digital SLR cameras, and really aren't keen on
paying a ton of money, then your best bet is to find a camera that's several years old.

Older digital SLRs work just fine - mine from 2004 is still plugging along - they just don't have
all the latest features like dust control, live view and face-detection autofocus.

Since camera technology advances so quickly, many models from just 3 years ago are no longer
available new - the only way to get your hands on one is to find one used.

The good news for you is that there are plenty of people out there upgrading to new cameras to
get the latest features.

This means that a quick search of eBay should yield plenty of inexpensive digital SLR cameras
for you to choose from.

Low-Cost Cameras
For those who aren't keen on the idea of buying a camera that's already somewhat obsolete, don't
worry — you've still got options
Each manufacturer has at least one inexpensive digital SLR camera - while simpler than the
more advanced cameras, the simplicity can be appealing if you're just a beginning SLR
photographer.

Canon EOS Rebel XS (1000D)

Release DateAugust 2008

Key Features10 megapixels, dust control, live view

Uniqueness Lightest Canon DSLR

Great For Parents, travel

Level Beginner

Avg. Kit Price$530

Competitors Nikon D60, Olympus E-420, Pentax K200D

Nikon D40
Release Date December 2006

Key Features 6.1 megapixels, 2.5in. LCD, SD Memory

Uniqueness Helpful LCD

Great For Learning photography

Level Beginner

Avg. Kit Price $410

Competitors Canon 350D, Pentax K110D, Samsung GX-1L

The D40 features an innovative LCD display that actually shows you how changing camera settings
affects your images. It's a great tool for photographers who are learning terms like aperture, shutter
speed and ISO. The D40 is also one of the smallest, lightest and cheapest Nikon digital SLR cameras.

Olympus E-420
Release Date May 2008

10 megapixels, dust control, face detection,

Key Features
expanded dynamic range

Uniqueness Smallest and lightest

Great For Carrying anywhere

Level Beginner
Avg. Kit Price $430

Competitors Canon Rebel XS, Nikon D60

The E-420 is billed as the smallest and lightest digital SLR camera you can buy (size: 5.1 x 3.6 x 2.1 in.
| 129.5 x 91.4 x 53.3 mm ; weight: 13.4oz. | 380g). This is especially true when you pair the camera
with the new 25mm f/2.8 "pancake" lens. Despite its compact size, the E-420 includes a dust control
system, live view LCD, face detection autofocus and expanded dynamic range.

Sony ALPHA DSLR-A200

Release Date February 2008

Key Features 10 megapixels, dust control, image stabilization

Uniqueness Enhanced Dynamic Range

Great For Travel and low-light

Level Beginner to intermediate

Avg. Kit Price $500

Competitors Canon Rebel xTi, Nikon D80, Pentax K10D

The A200 is the third digital SLR released by Sony and it benefits from many of the improvements
that Sony has made since the release of the A100. The camera includes 10.2 megapixels, a dust
control system, built-in image stabilization and eye-start autofocus.

10 Megapixel Digital SLR Page updated: January 2009

Cameras
A year ago, this page warned about the file size created by 10 megapixel digital
SLR cameras, and urged you to consider 8 and even 6 megapixel alternatives.

Like so many other things around us, digital SLR technology moves constantly
forward and upward and the release of new cameras has been mirrored by an ever-
increasing number of megapixels.
   
With the recent and upcoming release of many new 12 megapixel and even 14
megapixel cameras, 10 is now the "standard" megapixel count for consumer-level
digital SLRs.

Check back again in a year - by then, this page might no longer exist if all of the
10 megapixel cameras are considered obsolete.
Latest 10 MP SLR Guide

Canon EOS 40D

Do I Need More Than 10 Megapixels?

No, you really don't — not unless there is ANOTHER feature of a camera with a higher
megapixel count that you just can't live without.

Example: the Pentax K20D captures a whopping 14.6 megapixels in every shot.

Pentax also offers another camera - the K200D - which is a more common 10 megapixel digital
SLR.

Which one to choose?

 If you're a Pentax enthusiast looking for advanced camera features and a live view LCD, then the
K20D is right choice (the K200D doesn't have live view)
 If you can't imagine ever using the live view mode (which does come with limitations), then save
some money and opt for the simpler K200D

My point is this: first, find the digital SLR camera that has all the FEATURES you want, and
don't be overly concerned about its megapixel count.

All of the 10 megapixel digital SLR cameras listed below will capture exceptional photos.

There is nothing in the number of megapixels that improves the quality of the photos you take - it
just helps you make giant-size prints.

Latest 10MP Camera Models

Since 10 megapixels is such a popular number for digital SLR cameras, there's a wide range of
options - and prices - to choose from.
In order to make things simpler, I've separated the 10 megapixel digital SLRs into two
categories:

1. Cameras for consumers - these cameras have less features (and cost less) but are better suited
for beginning photographers and those just making the switch from compact to digital SLR
2. Cameras for advanced amateurs - these full-featured digital SLRs require more advanced
photographic knowledge which justifies their higher price tags

Consumer Level Cameras

Camera LCD Size Autofocus Dimensions Weight Price

5.2 x 3.7 x 2.5 in 21 oz
Canon xTi 2.5 in 9-point $598
127 x 94 x 65 mm 566 g

4.9 x 3.8 x 2.4 in 17.7 oz
Canon XS 2.5 in 7-point $700
124 x 96.5 x 61 mm 502 g

5.0 x 3.7 x 2.5 in 17 oz
Nikon D40x 2.5 in 3-point $615
124 x 94 x 64 mm 482 g

5.0 x 3.7 x 2.4 in 17 oz
Nikon D60 2.5 in 3-point $750
126 x 94 x 64 mm 482 g

5.1 x 3.6 x 2.1 in 13.2 oz
Olympus E-410 2.5 in 3-point $463
130 x 91 x 53 mm 375 g

5.1 x 3.6 x 2.1 in 13.4 oz
Olympus E-420 2.7 in 3-point $463
130 x 91 x 53 mm 380 g

5.4 x 3.6 x 2.7 in 16.2 oz
Olympus E-510 2.5 in 3-point $558
136 x 91 x 68 mm 460 g

5.4 x 3.6 x 2.7 in 17.3 oz
Olympus E-520 2.7 in 3-point $700
136 x 91.4 x 68 mm 490 g

5.2 x 3.7 x 2.9 in 22.2 oz
Pentax K200D 2.7 in 11-point $800
132 x 94 x 73.7 mm 714 g

5.2 x 3.7 x 2.8 in 22.5 oz
Sony DSLR-A100 2.5 in 9-point $685
133 x 95 x 71 mm 638 g

5.2 x 3.7 x 2.8 in 19.2 oz
Sony DSLR-A200 2.7 in 9-point $700
131 x 98.5 x 71 mm 532 g

5.25 x 4.0 x 3.0 in 20.5 oz
Sony DSLR-A300 2.7 in 9-point $800
133 x 102 x 76 mm 582 g
Advanced Amateur (Pro-sumer) Cameras
Camera LCD Size Autofocus Dimensions Weight Price

5.7 x 4.2 x 2.9 in 26.1 oz
Canon 40D 3.0 in 9-point $1,150*
146 x 108 x 74 mm 740 g

5.2 x 4.1 x 3.0 in 21 oz
Nikon D80 2.5 in 11-point $854
132 x 103 x 77 mm 585 g

5.8 x 4.5 x 2.9 in 32.5 oz
Nikon D200 2.5 in 11-point $1,300*
147 x 113 x 74 mm 920 g

5.3 x 3.8 x 3.1 in 16.9 oz
Panasonic DMC-L10 2.5 in 9-point $1,114
135 x 96 x 78 mm 480 g

5.6 x 4.6 x 2.9 in 28.2 oz
Olympus E-3 2.5 in 11-point $1,685*
142 x 116 x 74 mm 800 g

* no lens included

Extra Features
Given the competitive level of the 10 megapixel digital SLR camera market, it's not enough these
days for companies to just lob out another camera.

No, the latest thing drawing customer attention is "what extra features does it have?".

What do I mean by extra features? Well, there are 4 things your digital SLR can include in
addition to its massive sensor:

1. Image Stabilization - this feature helps you take clearer photos when you hold the camera in
your hands
2. Dust Control - special systems prevent the digital sensor from getting contaminated with dust
(which shows up in your photos as black spots)
3. Live View - this lets you see a preview of the image you're ABOUT to take on the camera's LCD,
which is quite common on compact cameras but not on SLRs
4. Dynamic Range Control - cameras with dynamic range controls produce pictures that are more
true to life, especially when there's strong contrast in the scene

In order to help you compare the available 10 megapixel digital SLR cameras at a glance, the
following table shows which of these extra features each camera includes.

A note about image stabilization: it can either be included in the camera body (built in) or as part
of the lens. When the stabilization is built in, it works with every lens that is compatible with the
camera.
Cameras that don't have stabilization built in require special lenses (which are more expensive
than their non-stabilized alternatives) in order to achieve the same effect.

In the table below, cameras with built in image stabilization are noted with a checkmark, while
those with lens stabilization have an asterisk (cameras that don't have any form of stabilization
are blank).

Camera Stabilization Dust Control Live View Dynamic Range

Canon xTi *    

Canon 40D *  

Nikon D40x *      

Nikon D60 *  

Nikon D80 *      

Nikon D200 *      

Olympus E-410    

Olympus E-420  

Olympus E-510  

Olympus E-520

Olympus E-3  

Pentax K200D    

Sony DSLR-A100    

Sony DSLR-A200  

Sony DSLR-A300

12 Megapixel Digital SLR Cameras Page updated: April 2009

A 12 megapixel digital SLR camera is the right choice for you if you want a lot of    
flexibility when it comes to cropping and printing your photos.

At the full 12 megapixels, you can make beautiful crystal-clear prints all the way
up to 18x24 inches. If you're not overly fanatical about image quality, you can
push that print size all the way up to 28x42 inches.

You can also crop your photos agressively and still make large-scale prints.

Even if you cut out a whopping 50% of your original photo, you've still got an
image with 6 megapixels, which is more than enough to make a nice 11x14 or
8x10 print if you so desire.
Latest 12 MP SLR Guide

Nikon D90

More Space, More Power

12 megapixel photos take up a lot of "digital space", and require:

 Larger memory cards when the photo is taken

 Larger hard drives for more permanent storage
 More powerful computers to view and edit

While you might have a fantastic time taking photos with the camera, if you then try to view
them on a five year old computer with a relatively small hard drive the experience will be less
than satisfying.

Make sure you've got a nice powerful computer and plenty of clear space on the hard drive
FIRST (or better yet, a dedicated external hard drive for photos) and then get yourself the 12
megapixel digital SLR of your dreams.

Latest 12MP Camera Models

While there used to be only a handful 12 megapixel digital SLR cameras you can buy, that's no
longer the case.

More and more cameras are including this sensor, so you've got plenty of options to choose
from...although this is not really true if you're not a Nikon fan.

CAMERA RELEASED DESCRIPTION PRICE

 (USD)

Canon Rebel XSi

(450D)
The XSi kit includes an image-stabilized lens, paired
with the camera's dust control and live view
April 2008 system. $700

A camera built with semi-professional

Nikon D300
photographers in mind, the D300 is a workhorse: it
rips through shots at speeds of 6 per second or 8 $1,500
November per second (with an optional battery grip) and it
(body
2007 includes an advanced autofocus and metering only)
system.

More Info

Nikon D700
The D700 is one of Nikon's full frame digital SLR
cameras. It has an incredible ISO range from 100 to $2,380
September 25600, a 51-point autofocus system and a
(body
2008 continuous speed of 5 photos per second. only)
More Info

Nikon D90
The D90 is the very first digital SLR to include a
video capture mode. In addition, it features an 11-
September point autofocus, dust control and a 4.5 photo-per-
$1,150
2008 second speed.

Nikon D5000 The D5000 takes the small size of the Nikon D60
and jams in many of the features of the D90
including its video capture mode. Unique to the
April 2009 D5000 (compared to other Nikon DSLRs) is an LCD $850
screen that flips out from the camera body.

More Info

Sony DSLR-A700 November The A700 is Sony's second digital SLR camera, and $1,100
2007 it includes an 11-point autofocus, built in image
 stabilization and dust control. The camera body is
dust and moisture resistant, and the magnesium
alloy frame makes the camera lightweight but
sturdy.

More Info

14 Megapixel Digital Page updated: January 2009

SLR Cameras
While the 14 megapixel digital SLR cameras come with a few feature advantages
over their competition, the real reason for owning a camera like this is if you like
to make giant prints.

14 megapixel sensors aren't higher quality than their 10 or 12 megapixel

counterparts: they just capture images that are LARGER.
   
The larger the image, the better it prints at large sizes - in excess of 18x24 inches -
with no loss of image quality.

However, if you don't typically print a lot of your digital photos and your primary
goal is to share your photos via web sites and online, then the large files created by
a 14 megapixel digital SLR are actually more of a burden than benefit.
Latest 14 MP SLR Guide

Pentax K20D

System Requirements
If you do decide that a 14 megapixel digital SLR is right for you, just make sure that you've also
got the following accessories:
  A memory card with a capacity greater than 2GB
 Plenty of available hard drive space (or an external drive just for photos)
 A fairly modern computer with enough power and speed to allow you to view and edit your
photos

All three of these items are necessary due to the increased file size of a 14 megapixel photo.
Since each image takes up more digital "space" you need to have lots of available room on both
the card and your computer to store all the photos you take with your SLR.

Latest 14MP Camera Models

Since the number 14 currently represents the highest megapixel count for digital SLRs (10
megapixels is much more common) there aren't a ton of cameras in this category yet.

Pentax K20D
Release Date March 2008

14.6 megapixels, image stabilization, dust

Key Features
control

Uniqueness Most megapixels

Great For Rugged travel

Level Intermediate to Advanced

Avg. Kit Price $870

Competitors Canon 40D, Nikon D80

The K20D boasts one of the highest megapixel counts of the consumer-level digital SLR cameras. In
addition to its dust control and built-in image stabilization, the K20D includes a live view mode (the
only Pentax SLR with this feature), expanded dynamic range and an 11 point autofocus system all
packaged in a weather and dust-resistant body.

Sony ALPHA DSLR-A350

Release Date April 2008

Key Features 14.2 megapixels, dust control, image stabilization, live view

Uniqueness Flip-out LCD

Great For Enormous prints

Level Beginner to intermediate

Avg. Kit Price $900

Competitors Canon Rebel XSi, Nikon D60, Pentax K20D, Olympus E-510

The DSLR-A350 is a lot like its sibling, the DSLR-A300: it includes a new live view mode (not available
on other Sony SLRs), an LCD screen that flips out from the back of the camera, built-in image
stabilization, dust control and Sony's dynamic range optimization (DRO) which increases shadow
detail to produce more natural-looking images. The big difference between the two cameras is in the
megapixels: the A350 has 14.2 while the A300 has 10.2.

Small Sized Digital SLR Page updated: July

2008

Camera
The biggest benefit of a small sized digital SLR camera is a simple one: you can
take your SLR with you wherever you go.

The real advantage that this provides you over those people burdened with large
heavy cameras is one of opportunity.
   
Since you're able to carry your camera with you at all times - without suffering
from neck and hand cramps - you are more likely to be ready when a fantastic
scene presents itself.

If you often find yourself thinking "Gosh, I wish a had a camera to capture this
moment" then a small sized digital SLR might be just the thing for you.
Your Travel Companion
When people ask me which cameras I recommend for travel photography, I often turn to the
small sized SLRs.

There are several reasons why:

 A small camera is easier to fit in a carry-on bag (rather than wedging the camera in your
luggage)
 Small sized SLRs can be carried around without fatigue - even on a long day of sightseeing
 A small camera draws less attention (when in foreign locations) than a huge SLR with a
gigantic lens

No Lens, No Battery, Less Weight

When you compare small sized digital SLR cameras, keep these two points in mind:

1. Weight is added by the battery

2. Both size and weight are added by the lens

While batteries don't add huge amounts of weight to the camera, some manufacturers have
gone to great lengths to keep battery weight at a minimum (a great example is the LP-E5
battery used on the Canon Rebel XS and Rebel XSi).

Here's my suggestion if you pop by your local camera retailer to hold some cameras and
compare the weight: make sure they've got batteries inside.

Since the camera won't do a thing without it's battery, you really can't judge how much it
weighs without one.

Lenses are an entirely different story: there is huge variation in the size and weight of lenses,
and your selection here will vastly affect the portability of your camera.

While you may start out with a small-sized digital SLR, you can easily negate this advantage
by slapping a huge heavy lens on the front of it.

Small Sized Digital SLR Cameras

Currently, there are three contenders in the small-sized SLR camera category (sizes and
weights listed are without lenses or batteries):

Camera Megapix Dimensions (Width x Height x Depth) Weight

Inches Millimeters Ounces Grams

Olympus E-420 10 5.1 x 3.6 x 2.1 130 x 91 x 53 13.4 380

Nikon D60 10 5.0 x 3.7 x 2.4 126 x 94 x 64 17 482

Canon Rebel XS 10.2 4.9 x 3.8 x 2.4 124 x 96.5 x 61 17.7 502

Based on the information above, you can see that the Olympus E-420 wins the award for the
smallest and lightest digital SLR - but the Nikon D60 and Canon XS aren't significantly larger
or heavier.

While size and weight are probably important to you - you wouldn't be reading this otherwise
- you should also take a look at the other features each camera offers.

Here's the quick summary:

 All three cameras include a dust control system

 Only the Olympus E-420 and Canon XS have live view LCDs
 Image stabilized lenses can be purchased for both the Nikon D60 and Canon XS - there are no
stabilized lenses for the Olympus E-420
 Only lenses with their own focusing motors (AF-S or AF-I) will autofocus on the Nikon D60
 The E-420 is only compatible with new 4/3 lenses, while the XS is compatible with all Canon
EOS lenses.
 All three use SD memory cards to store photos

Now let's dig into some more detailed information about each one of these small sized digital
SLR cameras:

Olympus E-420
Release
May 2008
Date

10 megapixels, dust control, face detection, expanded dynamic

Key Features
range

Uniqueness Smallest and lightest

Great For Carrying anywhere

Level Beginner

Avg. Kit
$560
Price

Competitors Canon Rebel XS, Nikon D60

 Compare prices for the E-420 at Amazon or Adorama

Nikon D60
Release DateMarch 2008

Key Features10.2 megapixels, dust control, small and light

Uniqueness Smallest Nikon SLR

Great For Learning photography

Level Beginner

Avg. Kit Price$630

Competitors Canon Rebel XS, Pentax K200D, Olympus E-420

Compare prices for the D60 at Amazon or Adorama

Canon EOS Rebel XS (1000D)

Release
August 2008
Date

Key
10 megapixels, dust control, live view
Features

Uniqueness Lightest Canon DSLR

Great For Parents, travel

Level Beginner

Avg. Kit
$700
Price

CompetitorsNikon D60, Olympus E-420, Pentax K200D

Compare prices for the Rebel XS at Amazon or Adorama

One Size Doesn't Fit All

If you like the idea of a small sized digital SLR, I advise you to hold one in your hands
before you make a purchase.
 Why? Because small sized cameras are not always easy to use by people who have large
hands.

Since the cameras are so compact, a lot of the buttons and key camera controls wind up right
under your fingers.

I have used several small sized digital SLR cameras and have found it quite easy to change
camera settings without even realizing it.

While I recommend that you try any digital SLR before buying, it is especially important with
a small camera to make sure it's the right fit for your hand.

The Fastest
Consumer Digital Page updated: October 2007

SLR
The fastest digital SLR camera is definitely not for everyone.

If you are a portrait or landscape photographer you have no need for a camera like
this. Since your subjects aren't zipping all over the place, paying a premium for
speed is a waste.    

On the other hand, if you're a die-hard action junkie, then having the fastest digital
SLR camera will help you capture shots that would not be possible with a slower
camera.
Consumer Speed vs. Professional Speed
Before I talk too much more about the fastest digital SLR, a disclaimer is in order.

Since the Digital SLR Guide is geared toward the average consumer instead of the professional
photographer, I am leaving the pro cameras out of this analysis.

Yes, professional digital SLRs are faster than their consumer counterparts, but they SO
expensive that they're priced outside the range of most non-pros.

Therefore, this discussion about the fastest digital SLR will focus on models that are more within
the price range of consumers.

How to Compare Camera Speeds

There are two obvious way to compare camera speeds:

1. Photos Per Second - also called frames per second (or FPS) this indicates how many photos the
camera can capture in 1 second
2. Number of Continuous Photos - also called a BUFFER, it's the number of back-to-back shots the
camera can take before the FPS rate slows down

Think of FPS and Buffer like marbles being dropped into a funnel. When you start out, the
funnel is empty, so you can drop marbles into it as fast as you can go.

Let's say that you can drop marbles into the funnel at a rate of 5 marbles per second. This is
equivalent to FPS.
Since the marbles don't fall out of the funnel at the same speed you put them in, at some point the
funnel is going to fill with marbles. The funnel is equivalent to the Buffer. Once the
funnel/buffer fills up, you have to add marbles at a slower rate so the funnel doesn't overflow.

The Fastest Digital SLR

As it turns out, you're going to have some choice here: there are actually TWO cameras that are
significantly faster than the competition.

When it comes to pure undiluted photography power, the two current consumer digital SLRs that
fit the bill are the Nikon D300 and the Canon 40D.

Here's how the two compare:

Camera MegapixelsAutofocusFPS BufferRelease Date Avg. Cost

Canon 40D 10.2 9-point 6.5 75 September 2007$1,300

Nikon 6/8
12.3 51-point 100 November 2007 $1,800
D200 *

* 8fps is only possible with the optional MB-D10 battery grip.

Without the optional battery grip, the FPS rates on both the 40D and D300 are comparable: 6.5
versus 6. But the Nikon gets the edge in the buffer department (100 continuous shots vs. 75) and
also has just a few more autofocus points.

However, the extra buffer, autofocus points and 2 extra megapixels will run you about $500
more, so it's worthwhile to for you to determine if the difference is really important to you.

Nikon D300
Release DateNovember 2007

Key Features12.3 megapixels, 51-point autofocus, dust control, live view

Uniqueness Fastest consumer SLR

Great For Action

Level Advanced to semi-professional

Avg. Kit Price$1,800

Canon EOS 40D

Release DateSeptember 2007
Key Features10 megapixels, dust control, 3 inch live view LCD, weather sealed

Uniqueness Fastest consumer DSLR

Great For Action

Level Advanced to semi-professional

Avg. Kit Price$1,500

Compare prices for the 40D at Amazon or Adorama

Do You Really Need It?

If you're willing to pay the price, either one of these cameras will suit you well if you're an action
photographer.

I have a pretty broad definition of action photography: simply put, I think that there is a wider
audience for the fastest digital SLR than just people who want to photograph sporting events.

While sports do require speedy cameras like the 30D and D200, there are plenty of other subjects
where a fast camera can make a difference:

 Wildlife - skittish birds and mammals are hard to capture if you don't have a speedy SLR
 Children - my son moves SO much that I'm happy I have a fast SLR to capture the moment when
he ACTUALLY looks at the camera
 Pets - while cats don't warrant the fastest SLR, it's much easier to photograph active dogs with a
camera like this in your hands

And - of course - if nothing brings you greater joy than taking photos at a NASCAR race, then
you'll be happy that you decided to buy one of the fastest digital SLR cameras you could get.

Special Features of Digital SLR Cameras

Why are so many special features of digital SLR cameras popping up these days?

It's all a matter of competition.

Early on in the digital SLR game, Canon and Nikon established themselves as the
dominant players.
   
While the other companies were duking it out in the lucrative compact camera
market, Canon and Nikon were cranking out one SLR after another.

In order to catch up and differentiate themsleves from these market leaders, other
camera companies have developed a slew of "extras" that are now included on
many different cameras.

Extra Features: an Introduction

Currently there are four common features that can extend the functionality of your digital SLR
camera:

1. Dust Control
2. Built-in Image Stabilization
3. Live View LCD
4. Enhanced Dynamic Range

Dust control digital SLR cameras have special sensors that prevent dust from attaching to the
camera's sensor which is important because dust on your sensor shows up as black smudges in
all your photos.

Cameras with built-in image stabilization are great at preventing image blur due to camera
shake (which you'll run into quite often if you enjoy taking photos in dim light without flash).

The live view LCD technology lets you preview the image you are about to take on the camera's
LCD screen. Even though this feature is common on compact digital cameras, it's not included
on every digital SLR.

Finally, cameras with enhanced dynamic range are better at capturing high-contrast scenes
without losing detail in either the shadows or the highlights.

Olympus, the Innovator

When it comes to special features on digital SLR cameras, Olympus has been the front-runner in
terms of new development.
Olympus seems well aware that they have to compete with companies with a lot of brand
recognition like Canon and Nikon, and have innovated many of the features that I have listed
above.

For example:

 The Olympus E-300 was the first digital SLR camera with dust control
 The Olympus E-330 was the first digital SLR camera with a live view LCD screen

Konica Minolta (now replaced by Sony) is credited with the development of the built-in anti-
shake system and it took awhile for other camera companies to adopt its use.

Olympus was able to claim another first with the release of the E-510 which includes built in
image stabilization: the first here is that it was the only camera (at the time of release) to include
a TRIO of special features (dust control, built-in stabilization and a live view LCD).

If you'd like to learn more about the cameras offered by this innovative company, just follow the
link for more information about all the current Olympus digital SLR cameras.

Cameras With Special Features

Have a special feature that you find especially appealing, but aren't sure which cameras include
it?

The following pages list all of the cameras that include a specific feature. Today, virtually all
new digital SLR cameras include some form of dust control (it's THAT useful) but many still
don't have built-in image stabilization or live view LCDs, so it's important to find out if a camera
that you like includes them.

 Dust Control Digital SLR Cameras

 Image Stabilization Digital SLR Cameras
 Live View Digital SLR Cameras

Dust Control Digital SLR Page updated: March

2008

Cameras
A dust control digital SLR camera ensures that every photo you take is perfectly    
clear.

Why are more and more cameras including this special feature?

It's because of one of the key differences between digital SLR and compact digital
cameras: you can remove the lens.

Every time you take the lens off your digital SLR, you're exposing the interior of
the camera (and the digital sensor) to dust contamination.

Dust in your home won't cause a lot of problems, but dust on your sensor appears
as little black spots on every photo you take.

The Issue of Digital SLR Sensor Dust

The Problem

Here's the 10-second summary:

 Dust can land on your digital SLR's sensor every time you change the lens
 The sensor is a charged plate that captures a digital image
 Dust appears in all of your digital photos as small black dots

A year ago, NO digital SLR cameras did anything about this: if you got dust on your camera's
sensor, you had to clean it yourself (a delicate and dangerous operation) or you had to have it
professionally cleaned (an expensive operation).

If you'd like to read more, I have another page that goes into more detail about digital SLR
sensor dust.

The Solution

Olympus was the first to introduce what they call a SuperSonic Wave Filter - in laymen's terms,
a sensor that "shakes off" dust particles.

Every time you turn an Olympus digital SLR on, the sensor vibrates to "throw off" any dust
attached to it.

This dust control technology was soon adopted by both Canon and Sony, and has developed into
a multi-faceted feature.

Today, dust control digital SLR cameras don't just shake off the dust, they actually repel it (with
static charges) and include software that can identify the spots of dust in your images and
automatically remove them.

Alternative Names
In an effort to make their version of dust control sound unique, each camera maker has a special
name for it.

In the end, however, all of these names just mean that the camera can either repel or remove dust
attached to the sensor.
Manufacturer Dust Control Technology

Olympus SuperSonic Wave Filter

Canon EOS Integrated Cleaning System

Sony Anti-Dust Technology

Pentax Dust Removal (DR) System

New Dust Control Digital SLR Cameras

Listed below are the latest digital SLR cameras that include dust control systems.

CAMERA RELEASED MP OTHER FEATURES AVG. COST

Canon Rebel xTi Oct. 2006 10.1 Picture Styles $ 590

Canon Rebel XSi April 2008 12.2 Stabilized lens $ 900

Canon 40D Sept. 2007 10.1 Fast consumer SLR $ 1,150

Nikon D60 March 2008 10.2 Smallest and lightest Nikon $ 750

Nikon D300 Nov. 2007 12.3 Fast consumer SLR $ 1,800

Olympus E-410 June 2007 10 Live view, small and light $ 469

Olympus E-420 May 2008 10 Smallest and lightest SLR $ 600

Olympus E-510 July 2007 10 Live view, image stabilization $ 555

Olympus E-3 Nov. 2007 10 Flip-out LCD $ 1,699

Pentax K20D March 2008 14.6 Weather sealing $ 645

Sony DSLR-A100 July 2006 10.2 Built-in stabilization $ 592

Sony DSLR-A200 Feb. 2008 10.2 Built-in stabilization $ 700

Sony DSLR-A300 May 2008 10.2 Flip-out LCD $ 900

Sony DSLR-A350 April 2008 10.2 Flip-out LCD $ 1,000

Sony DSLR-A700 Dec. 2007 12.2 Built-in stabilization, fast $ 1,500

Discontinued Dust Control Digital SLRs

The cameras listed below were released so long ago that they are hard to purchase new from a
retail outlet. You can still find them online, but the majority available for sale will be used.
CAMERA RELEASED MEGAPIXELS NOTES

Olympus E-330 Jan. 2006 7.5 Live view, flip-out LCD

Olympus E-500 Oct. 2005 10 Least expensive 8 megapixel SLR

Pentax K10D Dec. 2006 10.2 Weather sealing

Image Stabilization Digital SLR Page updated: April

2008

Cameras
Image stabilization digital SLR cameras are great for two types of photographers:
those with shaky hands and those who take photos in low light without flash.

The concept of image stabilization is nothing new: it's been available in Canon and
Nikon lenses for years now.
   
But adding stabilization to the camera body is a recent development, and carries
some significant advantages with it.

In the paragraphs that follow, I'll introduce you to image stabilization and will list
the digital SLR cameras that use it.

How Image Stabilization Helps

The Problem

Another page of this web site talks at length about the concept of image stabilization (also
commonly called anti-shake) so I won't go into a lot of the details here.

In a nutshell:

 There are times when you want to take photos but can't use a flash
 When you hold a camera in your hands (vs. attaching it to a tripod) it shakes
 Longer focal length lenses (telephoto) magnify camera shake
 Low-light conditions result in slow shutter speeds — slow shutter speeds result in blurry photos

Before image stabilization became a common feature of lenses, the only options available to
photographers who worked in low-light environments was to use a lens with a wide maximum
aperture or to use a very high ISO setting, so that the camera's sensor absorbed more light.

The Solution

So what's the best way to compensate for a shaky camera? Devise a system that counteracts the
shake.
Welcome to the world of image stabilization digital SLR cameras.

As I mentioned above, Canon and Nikon created high-end lenses that include image
stabilization. Canon calls their lenses IS (for Image Stabilization) while Nikon uses the term VR
(Vibration Reduction).

If you're thinking about getting either a Canon or Nikon digital SLR camera, then the only way
to get image stabilization is to buy one of these lenses.

In order to compete with these two camera giants, the other companies were forced to get
creative.

Instead of including image stabilization in the lenses, these companies built the IS into their
camera bodies. The digital sensor is placed in what looks like a gyroscope, so that even if the
camera shakes, the sensor remains still.

The Benefits of Built-in Image Stabilization

Image stabilization digital SLR cameras are great for people who take a lot of photos where
there's not a ton of light.

The most obvious example is travelers who enjoy taking photos inside museums, aquariums and
other monuments where flash photography is not allowed.

In these cases, image stabilization helps you get clear photos even if you have to use slow shutter
speeds.

Image Stabilization Digital SLR Cameras

Here are the latest camera models from the different manufacturers that include image
stabilization (or built-in anti-shake).

Pentax K100D Super - Lowest Price

Release Date August 2007

Key Features 6 megapixels, image stabilization, dust control

Uniqueness Low cost

Great For Travel and low-light

Level Beginner

Avg. Kit Price $550

Competitors Canon Rebel XT, Nikon D40

 The K100D Super represents several advancements over the older K100D model. While it still has the
built-in anti-shake that's available on the K100D, the Super adds a dust control system, an 11-point
wide area autofocus and is compatible with EVERY Pentax lens ever made. This makes the K100D
Super a great transition camera for anyone with a large collection of Pentax film SLR lenses.

Olympus E-510
Release Date July 2007

Key Features 10 megapixels, dust control, compact and light

Uniqueness Live view

Great For Travel and low-light

Level Intermediate to advanced

Avg. Kit Price $900

Identical to the E-410 in many ways, the E-510 includes one important enhancement: a built-in image
stabilizer. The stabilizer will work with any Olympus lens that you attach to the camera, and will help
when taking photos of still subjects in low light without flash.

Olympus E-3
Release Date November 2007

10 megapixels, dust control, live view, built-in image

Key Features
stabilization, weather sealed

Uniqueness Fast autofocus

Great For Action and low light

Level Intermediate to advanced

Avg. Kit Price $1,700

Competitors Canon 40D, Nikon D300, Sony DSLR-A700

The E-3 is the flagship Olympus digital SLR camera, designed with professional photographers in
mind. Advanced amateurs with enough pocket change will benefit from the E-3's 5 photo per second
shooting speed, dust control system, built-in image stabilization, live view LCD (that flips out from
the camera body and rotates), weather sealing and an ultra-fast 11-point autofocus system. New
accessories for the E-3 include the HLD-4 battery grip (for longer shooting) and two new flash units
(FL-50R and FL-36R) that can be activated wirelessly from the E-3's main flash.
Pentax K20D
Release Date March 2008

14.6 megapixels, image stabilization, dust

Key Features
control

Uniqueness Most megapixels

Great For Rugged travel

Level Intermediate to Advanced

Avg. Kit Price $1,300

Competitors Canon 40D, Nikon D80

The K20D boasts one of the highest megapixel counts of the consumer-level digital SLR cameras. In
addition to its dust control and built-in image stabilization, the K20D includes a live view mode (the
only Pentax SLR with this feature), expanded dynamic range and an 11 point autofocus system all
packaged in a weather a dust-resistant body.

Sony ALPHA DSLR-A100

Release Date July 2006

10 megapixels, dust control, image

Key Features
stabilization

Uniqueness First Sony DSLR

Great For Travel and low-light

Level Intermediate to advanced

Avg. Kit Price $700

The A100 is the first digital SLR released by Sony, the result of their acquisition of the Konica Minolta
company in 2006. The A100 has a lot of advanced features in addition to its 10 megapixels, including
a dust control system, built-in image stabilization and eye-start autofocus. The drawbacks to this
camera are a severe lack of customer support when the camera fails, and more image noise at high
ISO than the competition.

Sony ALPHA DSLR-A200

Release Date February 2008

Key Features 10 megapixels, dust control, image stabilization

Uniqueness Enhanced Dynamic Range

Great For Travel and low-light

Level Beginner to intermediate

Avg. Kit Price $700

Competitors Canon Rebel xTi, Nikon D80, Pentax K10D

The A200 is the third digital SLR released by Sony and it benefits from many of the improvements
that Sony has made since the release of the A100. The camera includes 10.2 megapixels, a dust
control system, built-in image stabilization and eye-start autofocus.

Sony ALPHA DSLR-A300

Release Date May 2008

10.2 megapixels, dust control, image stabilization,

Key Features
live view

Uniqueness Flip-out LCD

Great For High and low angle photos

Level Beginner to intermediate

Avg. Kit Price $800

Competitors Canon Rebel XSi, Nikon D60, Pentax K200D, Olympus E-510

Previous digital SLR cameras from Sony did not include a live view LCD screen, but the DSLR-A300
does. In addition, the LCD screen is articulated, and can be pulled out from the camera body for easy
viewing when composing photos from high and low angles. The live view mode on the DSLR-A300
allows for full use of the camera's autofocus system and continuous 3 photo per second shooting
mode.

Sony ALPHA DSLR-A350

Release Date April 2008

14.2 megapixels, dust control, image stabilization,

Key Features
live view

Uniqueness Flip-out LCD

Great For Enormous prints

Level Beginner to intermediate

Avg. Kit Price $900

Competitors Canon Rebel XSi, Nikon D60, Pentax K20D, Olympus E-510

The DSLR-A350 is a lot like its sibling, the DSLR-A300: it includes a new live view mode (not available
on other Sony SLRs), an LCD screen that flips out from the back of the camera, built-in image
stabilization, dust control and Sony's dynamic range optimization (DRO) which increases shadow
detail to produce more natural-looking images. The big difference between the two cameras is in the
megapixels: the A350 has 14.2 while the A300 has 10.2.

Sony ALPHA DSLR-A700

Release Date October 2007

12.2 megapixels, dust control, image

Key Features
stabilization

Uniqueness High speed

Great For Action

Level Intermediate to advanced

Avg. Kit Price $1,500

Competitors Canon 40D, Nikon D300, Olympus E-3

The A700 is Sony's second digital SLR camera, and sports a larger sensor and a faster shooting rate
than the A100 (5 photos per second). A new 11-point wide area autofocus is designed to focus
quickly on any subject. The A700 includes the built in image stabilization and dust control that are
also available on the A100. The camera body is dust and moisture resistant, and the magnesium alloy
frame makes the camera lightweight but sturdy.

Live View Digital SLR Cameras Page updated: July 2008

Live view digital SLR cameras let you see a preview of the image you're about to take on the
camera's LCD screen.

I'll pause for just a moment to let that sink in.

The big deal here is that EVERY compact digital camera out there already has a live view
LCD.

It's the primary reason whey people take photos now holding the camera at arm's length rather
than up to their face.

But digital SLR cameras aren't built quite the same as the compact models, which is why live
view digital SLRs aren't as common.

In the paragraphs that follow, I'll talk more about this feature and will identify the current
cameras that include it.

Why Live View is Not Common on SLR Cameras

The Problem

Digital SLR cameras aren't built the same way as their compact cousins, and for a long time
this has prevented them from having live view LCD screens.

Here's a quick run-down of why live view doesn't work with an SLR:

 When a digital sensor captures light it's able to transmit the image to the camera's LCD
screen for a live preview
 Digital SLR cameras use a mirror and pentaprism to reflect the image from the lens up to the
viewfinder
 When you're not taking a photo, the mirror blocks the camera's sensor (so it can't transmit
images)

So what's the LCD on a digital SLR used for? It's primary purpose is to display the image that
you just took, and to display the detailed menu settings for the camera.

If you'd like to learn more about this technology, I've got a whole page that talks about live
view LCD screens.

The Solution
In 2006, Olympus released an innovative digital SLR camera called the E-330.

The big deal about this camera is that it was the very first live view digital SLR to hit the
market.

Olympus solved the blocked sensor problem by placing a SECOND sensor in the path of the
light being reflected up to the viewfinder.

The second sensor transmits a preview to the camera's LCD, and the viewfinder works just
like it does on any other digital SLR.

Today, there are many other cameras that include a live view LCD.

Live View Digital SLR Cameras

Here are the latest camera models from the different manufacturers that include live view
LCD screens (click the link to view more information about each camera):

 Canon Rebel XSi (450D), 40D

 Nikon D300
 Olympus E-410, E-510, E-3
 Pentax K20D
 Sony DSLR-A300, DSLR-A350

Canon EOS Rebel XSi 450D

Release Date April 2008

Key Features 12 megapixels, dust control, live view LCD

Uniqueness Compact and light

Great For Parents, travel

Level Beginner to Intermediate

Avg. Kit Price $900

Competitors Olympus E-510, Nikon D80, Pentax K200D, Sony DSLR-A200

The latest offering in the Rebel line is a bit of a departure from the Rebels of old - it no longer
uses Compact Flash memory cards. Instead, the XSi has made the switch to the smaller and
lighter SD memory cards. The standard kit lens offered with the Rebel XSi is the EF-S 18-55mm
f/3.5-5.6 Image Stabilized lens: this means that the XSi has all of the top three features currently
available in digital SLRs: dust control, live view and image stabilization.

Canon EOS 40D

Release Date September 2007

10 megapixels, dust control, 3 inch live view LCD,

Key Features
weather sealed

Uniqueness Fastest consumer DSLR

Great For Action

Level Advanced to semi-professional

Avg. Kit Price $1,150

Competitors Nikon D300, Sony DSLR-A700, Olympus E-3

The Canon 40D is the fastest consumer digital SLR you can buy. It's able to take 6.5 photos per
second up to a maximum of 75 JPG images or 17 RAW. In addition to this blazing fast speed, the
camera includes a completely updated 9-point autofocus, a fast image processor (to transfer
photos to the memory card), Canon's dust control, and the addition of a live view mode on the
camera's large 3 inch LCD screen. With a rugged frame and weather-resistant seals and gaskets,
the 40D is designed for aggressive use.

Nikon D300
Release Date November 2007

Key Features 12.3 megapixels, 51-point autofocus, dust

 control, live view

Uniqueness Fastest consumer SLR

Great For Action

Level Advanced to semi-professional

Avg. Kit Price $1,800

Competitors Canon 40D, Sony DSLR-A700, Olympus E-3

If you're looking for ridiculous speed in a digital SLR camera, then look no further - the Nikon
D300 is the camera for you! With its standard EN-EL3e battery the camera zips along at 6 photos
per second up to a maximum of 100. If you add the optional MB-D10 battery grip, that speed
increases up to 8 photos per second. This speed is paired with a new dust control system, a new
live view mode, an advanced autofocus and metering system (called Scene Recognition),
enhanced dynamic range (active D-lighting) and weather resistant seals.

Olympus E-410 (Least Expensive)

Release Date June 2007

10 megapixels, dust control, compact and

Key Features
light

Uniqueness Live view

Great For Travel

Level Beginner

Avg. Kit Price $465

The E-410 packs a lot of punch into its compact frame. Even though it's almost the same size as a
compact digital camera, it still includes dust control and a live view LCD screen, making the
transition from compact to SLR much easier.

Olympus E-510
Release Date July 2007

10 megapixels, dust control, compact and

Key Features
light

Uniqueness Live view

Great For Travel and low-light

Level Intermediate to advanced

Avg. Kit Price $544

Identical to the E-410 in many ways, the E-510 includes one important enhancement: a built-in
image stabilizer. The stabilizer will work with any Olympus lens that you attach to the camera,
and will help when taking photos of still subjects in low light without flash.

Olympus E-3
Release Date November 2007

10 megapixels, dust control, live view, built-in image

Key Features
stabilization, weather sealed

Uniqueness Fast autofocus

Great For Action and low light

Level Intermediate to advanced

Avg. Kit Price $1,700

Competitors Canon 40D, Nikon D300, Sony DSLR-A700

The E-3 is the flagship Olympus digital SLR camera, designed with professional photographers in
mind. Advanced amateurs with enough pocket change will benefit from the E-3's 5 photo per
second shooting speed, dust control system, built-in image stabilization, live view LCD (that flips
out from the camera body and rotates), weather sealing and an ultra-fast 11-point autofocus
system. New accessories for the E-3 include the HLD-4 battery grip (for longer shooting) and two
new flash units (FL-50R and FL-36R) that can be activated wirelessly from the E-3's main flash.

Pentax K20D
Release Date May 2008

14.6 megapixels, image stabilization, dust

Key Features
control

Uniqueness Most megapixels

Great For Rugged travel

Level Intermediate to Advanced

Avg. Kit Price $1,300

Competitors Canon 40D, Nikon D80

The K20D boasts one of the highest megapixel counts of the consumer-level digital SLR cameras.
In addition to its dust control and built-in image stabilization, the K20D includes a live view mode
(the only Pentax SLR with this feature), expanded dynamic range and an 11 point autofocus
system all packaged in a weather a dust-resistant body.

Sony ALPHA DSLR-A300

Release Date May 2008

10.2 megapixels, dust control, image

Key Features
stabilization, live view

Uniqueness Flip-out LCD

Great For High and low angle photos

Level Beginner to intermediate

Avg. Kit Price $800

Competitors Canon Rebel XSi, Nikon D60, Pentax K200D, Olympus E-510

Previous digital SLR cameras from Sony did not include a live view LCD screen, but the DSLR-A300
does. In addition, the LCD screen is articulated, and can be pulled out from the camera body for
easy viewing when composing photos from high and low angles. The live view mode on the DSLR-
A300 allows for full use of the camera's autofocus system and continuous 3 photo per second
shooting mode.

Sony ALPHA DSLR-A350

Release Date April 2008

14.2 megapixels, dust control, image

Key Features
stabilization, live view

Uniqueness Flip-out LCD

Great For Enormous prints

Level Beginner to intermediate

Avg. Kit Price $900

Competitors Canon Rebel XSi, Nikon D60, Pentax K200D, Olympus E-510

The DSLR-A350 is a lot like its sibling, the DSLR-A300: it includes a new live view mode (not
available on other Sony SLRs), an LCD screen that flips out from the back of the camera, built-in
image stabilization, dust control and Sony's dynamic range optimization (DRO) which increases
shadow detail to produce more natural-looking images. The big difference between the two
cameras is in the megapixels: the A350 has 14.2 while the A300 has 10.2.