Digital SLRs Digital Photography - Page 5

Sony Alpha DSLRA300X 10.2MP Digital SLR Camera with Super SteadyShot Image Stabilization with DT 18-70mm f/3.5-5.6 & DT 55-200mm f/4-5.6 Zoom Lenses

Amazon Price: $799.99 List Price: Usually ships in 24 hours By: Sony - Model: B00138R12I Amazon Marketplace: 7 new & used starting at $747.00

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Features:

• 10.2 MP for high-resolution image detail
• Kit include DT 18-70mm zoom + 55-200mm telephoto lenses
• High sensitivity (ISO 3200) with noise reduction
• Tiltable 2.7¿ LCD screen for high/low angle shots
• In-camera image stabilization

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 21 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

A true DSLR value 4 out of 5 stars.
6 of 7 people found this review helpful.

I researched affordable DSLR cameras and chose the A300 for its rear screen viewing when desired, its 'in the camera body' anti shake system, its comfortable shape and weight, and its excellent picture clarity. The A300 is NOT a 'dumbed down' DSLR. Its sophisticated (yet easy to use)features should satisfy any photographer. Controls are perfectly positioned, settings are easily reviewed, delay time between pressing the shutter release and the picture being taken IS NON EXISTANT. Audio noise is unobtrusive. Bracketing is simply achieved. and the kit lens is fine for general use. As I take Nature photos, I opted for the Tamron 70-300mm zoom lens as a quality yet less expensive alternative to the Sony zoom. I would buy the Sony A300 again without hesitation. [Nevertheless, if you have an extra $400, the new 350 is an impressive choice indeed.]

Editorial Review:

10.2-megapixel effective recording * 18-70mm f/3.5-5.6 lens (35mm equivalent focal length: 27-105mm) * compatible with Sony Alpha and Minolta A-type bayonet mount autofocus lenses * Super SteadyShot® image stabilization * anti-dust technology to keep image sensor clean *

Olympus Evolt E510 10MP Digital SLR Camera with CCD Shift Image Stabilization and 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 Zuiko Lens

Amazon Price: $585.00 List Price: $1,060.88 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Olympus - Model: 262071 Amazon Marketplace: 31 new & used starting at $475.00

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Features:

• 10.1-megapixel CMOS sensor captures enough detail for photo-quality 18 x 24-inch prints
• 2.5-inch Live View HyperCrystal LCD display
•  Mechanical Image Stabilization with Supersonic Wave Drive technology
• Lightweight ergonomic design; kit includes one 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 Zuiko lens
• Powered by one lithium-ion battery; stores images on CF, Micro Drive, or xD Picture Cards

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 157 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

DSLR after film and digital point & shoot. 5 out of 5 stars.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

This is my first camera review and is based upon six weeks of heavy use of my new Olympus E-510, 10MP, DSLR with two very good kit lenses (14-42mm and 40-150mm). I bought the camera to upgrade my ability to capture indoor architectural details in historic buildings. My background includes the use of 35mm film SLRs and digital point & shoot cameras. I have been slow on getting a DSLR because I don't like big, heavy cameras in outsized bags. The E-510 is amazingly light but easy to get a good grip on. I've added a Lowepro 160 AW bag for the camera, two lenses, a spare Olympus Li-ion battery and a spare 4GB compactFlash card. There's still room for more and it is almost feather light over your shoulder.

I have taken several hundred practice images in my own home using the built-in flash and an external Olympus FL-36 electronic flash with tripod. As expected, the built-in flash is fine for quick photos of the family but more serious work demands an external flash unit. I've added a diffuser to my FL-36 and found it helpful. I've used automatic settings and tried the full range of manual settings. So far I've only used the lower resolution SQ JPEG settings. For minute detail I plan to use higher resolution HQ, SHQ and RAW settings in the future. These settings are all easy to find and quick to set using the camera's easy to read paper instruction manual and intuitive Menu viewable through the LCD window on the back of the camera.

Outdoors I've made very good use of both lenses and the image stabilization feature. When you can walk backwards in a busy zoo and can capture a two year old without blurring, you've got a great stabilization system on the camera! I've taken several hundred images of waterfalls in a dark forrest with brilliant, high-noon sun streaming through the trees and close range to distant landscape shots around a large manmade lake from a fast moving boat. All the results have been excellent. I have taken a number of these images, opened them up in Adobe Photoshop CS2 and been very pleased with the results.

I have tried the "live view" capability and it works fine but I find myself using the viewfinder 95% of the time. So, this feature is pretty cool but up to you on how you prefer to use it. Battery life is outstanding. In other words battery life has been a complete non-issue to me, inside, outside, with or without the flash.

Concerning low-light focus problems mentioned in some other reviews. I have experienced the problem, but with all the settings this camera has, you can easily work around the issue. But it is important to know this limitation and experiment with it before you encounter it in a photo shoot situation.

If you'd like some outstanding recommendations on how to customize and save your E-510 camera settings check out this website. http://www.wrotniak.net/photo/43/e510-sett.html

One thing I have not tried yet is the panoramic shooting mode. To use this mode you must have a Panoramic xD card (I bought two CompactFlash cards, 2GB & 4GB when I bought the camera). The xD card will be my next purchase. Unless you want to spend the money, you might buy the 4GB CompactFlash card and a 1GB or 2GB xD card for starters. No, the camera does not come with a memory card upon initial purchase unless you buy a complete kit.

So, read the reviews, to include the 4 and 3 star reviews. If you make your decision to buy a E-510 and save a few bucks or buy the newest E-520 you won't be disappointed. Olympus Evolt E510 10MP Digital SLR Camera with CCD Shift Image Stabilization and 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 and 40-150mm f/4.0-5.6 Zuiko Lenses

Editorial Review:

The Olympus EVOLT E- 510 digital SLR is a great camera to help you evolve as a photographer. Only Olympus digital SLRs are engineered to be 100-percent digital. Simply put, this means your pictures will have stunning edge-to-edge sharpness that can't be beat. Olympus' Live View LCD technology is a unique feature that enhances your picture-taking experience. Whatever life brings, whatever you're photographing, you'll capture colorful memories with the E-510's proven Dust Reduction System and powerful, 10-megapixel imager.

Sony Alpha A700 12.24MP Digital SLR Camera (Body Only)

Amazon Price: Too low to display List Price: Usually ships in 24 hours By: Sony - Model: B000VPNYSO Amazon Marketplace: 12 new & used starting at $999.99

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Features:

• 12.24-megapixel Exmor CMOS sensor captures enough detail for poster-size prints
• Body only; lenses sold separately
• In-camera image stabilization and anti-dust vibration systems; Eye-Start Autofocus system
• 3-inch LCD display; 11-point autofocus system; 40-segment multi-pattern honeycomb metering
• Powered by lithium-ion battery; stores images on CF I/II and Memory Stick Duo/Pro Duo cards

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 22 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Excellent, class leading DSLR, but not perfect (what is?) 4 out of 5 stars.
5 of 6 people found this review helpful.

I have a Canon 5D and although it produces impressive pictures, I found too many of my pictures were blurred and I found myself not carrying my 5D around as it was a heavy camera (front heavy and hard to hold still IMHO) with the 24-105mm lens attached (hence the blurred shots). I started to look for a smaller and lighter camera - comfort was a major issue as was the size of the viewfinder and quality of the LCD as the 5D's LCD is frankly poor - very hard to tell if something was sharply focused or the appropriate colour. I tried out the following:

Pentax K20 - didn't like the focusing system or the LCD menu system, but otherwise impressed with the camera. Also, it's not a Nikon or Canon which is attractive given their saturation of the market - it's good not to go with the herd sometimes! Good range of lenses.
Nikon D80 - uncomfortably ergonomics for me, as with the D300, the thumb rest digs right into the lower joint of my thumb making it hard to hold firmly, I also didn't like the reversal of the focus and zoom rings on their lenses (focus at the back, zoom at the front).
Nikon D300 - very nice camera, but almost 100g heavier than the 5D!
Canon 40D - very similar to the 5D in terms of size, weight and shape. Comfortable but bland ergonomics and still on the heavy side. Nice big viewfinder, very impressive large information in the viewfinder too, compatible with my existing lenses. But it's a Canon (I have an aversion to monopolies or duopolies - it's not good for consumers or innovation!) and with their quality 17-80 lens it was going to weigh little less than the 5D.
Olympus 510 - brilliant size, weight and comfortable ergonomics, good kit lenses. I don't like the 4/3rds system (a smaller sensor just can't be better as I found with comparisons to the 5D and it makes the viewfinder very small) and their menu system is plain ugly. With a 900,000 pixel moveable screen and cleaner menu, Olympus would corner the small DSLR market.

I decided to buy an A700 with a Carl Zeiss 16-80 lens and have used it for a couple of weeks and overall I am very happy - I use it far more than the 5D as it is light and small and easy to carry. On the downside, the picture quality is not as good as the 5D especially at high ISOs where the Sony is noticeably grainy. Amateur Photographer has a review in their current issue which shows that in terms of IQ, resolution and noise the 5D beats the D300 and 40D, so the A700 really can't compete. But there's no point having the best camera sitting at home gathering dust.

Sony A700 Pros:
- Lightweight and small compared to others in class.
- Very nice ergonomics and comfort in the hand. Easy to hold very tight with very little camera wobble compared to the 5D which is front-heavy and less easy to hold still.
- Brilliant LCD, easy to check colour accuracy and sharpness - don't even need to zoom to check focus. Sony and Nikon are miles ahead of Canon, Olympus and Pentax here.
- Carl Zeiss lens is lightweight and small too, with a very useful range. Very sharp and colourful lens.
- Very bright and large viewfinder - which is so important and put me off Canon's 20D and 30D a few year's ago which have small, pokey viewfinders.
- Anti-shake device is superb, makes a huge difference and in my view is better than the lens version with Canon and Nikon. It applies to all lenses which is a major plus.
- I love the shake level meter in the viewfinder window. It is brilliant and almost on its own has made me a convert to the A700. A little chart fluctuates depending on camera shake, so you wait until the chart drops and then take the picture - it is so helpful.
- White balance settings have 7 variable settings (-3, 0, +3) which is very helpful.
- Lovely clean menu system, easier and quicker than Canon and up there with Nikon's which is also lovely to use. Olympus and Pentax really needs to take note, as their menus are cluttered and not intuitive. The A700's menu is a pleasure to navigate.
- Dedicated ISO, drive, WB and exposure buttons is very quick and useful, all are large and easy to press and can be used without even taking one's eye away from the viewfinder. Also a custom function button (NOT a direct printer button like Canon!). I don't miss the top LCD screen at all - big buttons are more helpful!
- Compressed RAW looks as good as RAW but takes less space and time.
- Outdoor shots are very sharp, very colourful and contrasty. I mainly take travel and outdoor pics so this camera really suits my style and needs.

Sony A700 Cons:
- Picture quality and resolution is not up to Canon 5D standards (but matches 40D and D80 etc). I appreciate they are not like-for-like cameras or in the same class, and the 5D is full frame etc, but it is 3+ years old. My experience is borne out by Amateur Photographer - full frame is best. I should add that at low ISOs (200 or below) and shooting RAW or cRAW the Sony output is almost as good as the Canon, which when coupled with the Sony's size, weight, LCD and anti-shake device is enough for me.
- Where the Sony suffers is at higher ISOs. At 800 the 5D has almost zero grain or noise whereas the Sony, to me, is noisy in the shadows and darkers areas of the pic. If you mainly shoot indoors or in low light, this may not be the right camera for you.
- Poor dedicated range of lenses. Not as many lenses as available for Canon and not the same quality either in terms of build and glass. Too many of the Sony lenses I have read about have had poor reviews. No problems if you have Minolta glass - but again, not the range or quality of Canon.
- Too few Sony lenses have USM/HSM/SSM etc motors. The Zeiss lens is quick but not as quick as my Canon lenses with USM motors. More importantly the Zeiss lens is very "squeaky" in use - when going from completely out of focus to focus there is an audible whirr and squeak as it is not an SSM lens. Only the high-end telephotos have SSM. Also, many of the Sigma lenses don't have HSM while they do for Canon and Nikon mounts making them also loud and slower.
- WB under incandescent light is poor - very orange cast and even with the parameters being changed, is still badly inaccurate.
- There is no ISO reading in the viewfinder info bar which would be helpful and is standard at this level of DSLR.
- The AEL button is very raised away from the body, as a result, when pressed, it is hard to keep my glasses close to the viewfinder and my view becomes distorted - this is actually quite annoying, but nevertheless not a deal breaker by any means.
- The rubber grips on the lens are very fine and are a dust magnet. It's a really minor point, but after one week my Carl Zeiss lens looked shabby because any dust and dirt gets stuck in the fine rubber ridges and is really hard to clean.

Overall:
Overall the Sony A700 is a really excellent camera if you shoot at low ISOs (800 or under), mainly shoot outdoors and want something light and compact to carry all day. If you are coming from film where shooting higher than ISO 400 was virtually unheard of, this is a great camera. I give it 4 stars not 5 as it is not perfect (though arguably no camera is perfect, and this comes as close as any) - to me it is a bit too noisy from ISO 400 up, certainly compared to the D300 with which it shares a sensor. But, it doesn't matter 90% of the time. V Highly Recommended.

Editorial Review:

12.2-megapixel effective recording * APS-C-size CMOS image sensor (23.5 x 15.6 mm) * compatible with Sony Alpha and Konica Minolta/Maxxum® A-type bayonet mount autofocus lenses * 3" high-resolution LCD screen (307,200 pixels) * Super SteadyShot® image stabilization *

Sigma SD14 14MP Digital SLR Camera (Body Only)

Amazon Price: $688.43 List Price: $1,699.99 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Sigma - Model: SD14 Amazon Marketplace: 2 new & used starting at $499.95

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Features:

• 14-megapixel CCD captures enough detail for photo-quality 20 x 27-inch prints
• 2.5-inch LCD display; RAW capture plus four JPEG recording modes (includes Sigma Photo Pro 3.0 software for RAW conversion)
• Dust protector, set off from image sensor, protects sensor from effects of dust
• Continuous shooting at 3 frames per second
• Stores images on CF Type I/II cards; powered by Lithium-ion battery BP-21

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 23 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

Editorial Review:

Capture the beauty of the world around you with the Sigma SD14 14 Megapixel Digital SLR Camera. The image sensor captures pure, rich light efficiently and gives the SD14 its high resolution and richly graduated tones. The mirror lock-up mechanism raises the mirror thus preventing vibration when the shutter is released. This prevents camera shake, and is especially effective for macro photography.

FOVEON X3 Direct Image Sensor (CMOS) - 20.7mm x 13.8mm - approx. 7-12x larger than the image sensors used in ordinary compact digital cameras Lens Mount - SIGMA SA bayonet mount Compatible Lenses - SIGMA SA mount interchangeable lenses Angle of View - Equivalent to approx 1.7x the focal length of the lens for 35mm cameras Manual & Auto Focus Fast & precise focusing with 5-point AF Shutter Speed - 1/4000 - 30 sec. + bulb (up to 30 sec.) Image Sensor Dust Protector High speed continuous shooting at 3 frames per second 3 metering modes - 8-segment Evaluative Metering, Center Area Metering, Center Weighted Average Metering Built-in Flash Hot shoe (contact X synchronization at 1/180 sec. or less, with dedicated flash linking contact) Storage (Not included) - CompactFlash (Type I/II), Microdrive (FAT32 compatible) Recording Mode - Lossless compression RAW data (12-bit), JPEG ISO Sensitivity - Equivalent to ISO 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600 USB 2.0, Video Out (NTSC/PAL) Li-ion Battery BP-21, Battery Charger BC-21, Optional AC Adapter White Balance - Auto, Sunlight, Shade, Overcast, Incandescent, Fluorescent, Flash, Custom Exposure - Program AE (Program Shift is possible), Shutter Priority AE, Aperture Priority AE, Manual 144mm/5.7 W 107.3mm/4.2 H 80.5mm/2 D & 700g/24.7 oz (without batteries)

Olympus Evolt E-3 10.1MP Digital SLR Camera with Mechanical Image Stabilization (Body Only)

Amazon Price: Too low to display List Price: $0.00 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Olympus - Model: 262010 Amazon Marketplace: 16 new & used starting at

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Features:

• 10-megapixel Live MOS image sensor captures enough detail for photo-quality 18 x 24-inch prints
• 2.5-inch Live View LCD display; magnify directly on the LCD by 5, 7, or 10x
• Mechanical Image Stabilization with Supersonic Wave Drive
• Exclusive dust-free technology for spot-free photos
• Capture images to CompactFlash Type I/II, Microdrive, xD-Picture Card (Dual-Slot)

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 24 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Editorial Review:

With the E-3 Olympus has developed an impressive array of highly reliable new technologies essential for serious SLR photographers. Olympus cameras have a history of raising the bar when it comes to reliability, toughness and durability - and the E-3 takes it to a whole new level.The E-3 is equipped with a large optical viewfinder that provides 100 percent accurate viewing and 1.15x magnification for reliable composition - what you see is exactly what you'll get. Even fine details are seen with astonishing clarity. The E-3's large, precision-crafted pentaprism is crafted from high refractive index glass with a highly reflective silver coating. The eyepiece uses glass lenses. All the lenses are surface coated to maintain brightness. The focusing screen features a Neo Lumi-Micro Mat for bright, easy-to-adjust manual focusing.Spots on photos are now banished forever. The Olympus dust reduction system is an industry first and a proven technology. Every time you turn on the E-3, our Supersonic Wave Filter - located between the shutter and the image sensor - silently vibrates an amazing 30,000 times per second. Dust is blasted away. The dust reduction system even removes dust attached by intermolecular force that can't be shaken off or discharged with static electricity. Dust will no longer get between you and a great shot.Shoot anywhere, anytime, in any condition. The E-3 body, the built-in flash and the LCD are all splashproof and dustproof. Constructed from a magnesium-alloy with a homogeneous composition, the E-3 is lightweight yet strong and rugged. The same goes for Zuiko Digital lenses. You'll find splashproof and dustproof models that are as tightly sealed as the camera.To ensure you can keep shooting, even at 5 frames per second, Olympus utilizes a durable shutter mechanism tested to 150,000 cycles making the E-3 the perfect choice for photographers who demand the most from their equipment, in any situation.

Canon Rebel XS 10.1MP Digital SLR Camera with EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Lens (Black)

Amazon Price: Too low to display List Price: $699.98 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Canon - Model: XS Black Kit Amazon Marketplace: 17 new & used starting at

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Features:

• 10.1-megapixel CMOS sensor captures enough detail for poster-size, photo-quality prints
• Large 2.5-inch LCD display; includes Canon's EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS lens
• DIGIC III image processor provides fast, accurate image processing; Live View Function
• EOS Integrated Cleaning system and Canon-designed Self Cleaning Sensor Unit, plus Dust Delete Data Detection in included software
• Stores images on SD/SDHC memory cards (not included)

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 2 Average rating: 3.5 of 5

Don't lose out, get the XSi model instead! 4 out of 5 stars.
9 of 9 people found this review helpful.

If you want more bang for your buck, get the Canon EOS Rebel XSi instead of the Rebel XS. The XS is the "little brother" of the XSi which means they are both almost the same camera, but the XSi has more to offer than the XS. At the time of this writing, Amazon.com is currently selling the XSi for the same price as the XS! You would be foolish to buy the XS now instead of the XSi, especially on the fact that the XSi was released not long ago in April 2008. In other words, you have two very similar models that were both released in 2008, just four months apart, but yet the XSi has more capabilities and features than the XS and costs the same. The XS is just a trimmed-down version of the XSi.

Here are the notable similarities of the Rebel XSi and the Rebel XS:
* Both have practically the same large single-plate CMOS sensor and the Digic III Image Processor, except the XSi is 12.2MP while the XS is only 10.1MP (megapixels).
* Both have the Canon EOS Integrated Cleaning System.
* Both can be purchased with the same EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Kit Lens. If you buy the XSi camera body only, it's even cheaper than the XS with kit lens.
* Both have Live View Function with their LCD displays.
* Both are compatible with Canon EF and EF-S lenses.
* Both utilize SD and SDHC memory cards.
* Both use the same battery pack (LP-E5) and the same optional battery grip (BG-E5).
* The XS is compatible with most of the Canon EOS camera system accessories that can be used with the XSi.

Now here are the differences between the "newer" Rebel XS and the recently released Rebel XSi:
* The XSi has more megapixels at 12.2MP while the XS is 10.1MP.
* The XSi can continuously shoot at 3.5 fps while the XS can do 3.0 fps.
* The LCD monitor of the XSi measures 3.0 inches while the XS has a smaller screen at 2.5 inches.
* The XSi has a 9-point AF system while the XS has only a 7-point.
* The XSi has Spot metering while the XS does not. Both have Evaluative, Partial, and Center-weighted metering, however.
* XSi's RAW is 14-bit while the XS RAW is 12-bit.
* XSi has Highlight Tone Priority while the XS does not.
* The viewfinder of the XSi provides 0.87x magnification while the XS provides 0.81x.
* The XSi can utilize the RC-1 or the RC-5 wireless remote shutter release, but the XS is not compatible with either so you won't be able to use a wireless remote release.

The Canon EOS Rebel XSi clearly is the better choice and if you are buying your very first digital SLR camera, the XSi is a top model for entry-level compared to others currently out on the market. With the XSi and the XS being sold at the same price, why would you go for something that has less to offer?

* August 19, 2008 UPDATE: Amazon.com has lowered the price of the XS, which makes it somewhat cheaper than the XSi as of this update, but I still strongly feel that the XSi is a better value. Do know that the price of the XSi has dropped significantly throughout Summer 2008, so I'll bet that the XSi and the XS models will have a price war as time goes on.

Editorial Review:

Ideal for a wide range of photographers from first-time digital SLR users to veteran photo enthusiasts, the new Canon EOS Rebel XS camera is designed to embody what you have come to expect from the EOS Rebel series -- a fast, non-intimidating, lightweight, easy-to-use camera that produces excellent images and starts emerging photographers off on the right foot. Immediately, photographers will take notice of the camera's Optical Image Stabilized kit lens for crisp focus, compensating for camera shake from unsteady hands or a moving vehicle. The new Rebel model also incorporates Canon's DIGIC III image processor, 10.1 megapixel CMOS sensor, Live View, Auto Lighting Optimizer, 7-point wide-area autofocus (AF) sensor and 3.0 frames per second continuous JPEG burst rate where the number of consecutive shots in a burst is only limited by the capacity of the flash memory card in the camera.

Canon EOS 40D DSLR with 17-85mm lens

Amazon Price: List Price: By: Canon - Model: 40D Amazon Marketplace: 7 new & used starting at $1,289.00

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Features:

• Superb image quality: 10.1 Megapixel CMOS Sensor, extensive noise reduction technology, and 14-bit conversion for outstanding color tones and gradations
• Outstanding performance: 6.5 fps, burst rate up to 75 consecutive JPEGs or 17 RAW images and DIGIC III Image Processor
• Strong, rugged build quality: magnesium-alloy exterior, shutter durability-tested to 100,000 cycles, top speed 1/8000, top x-sync speed 1/250
• New AF system with 9 cross-type sensors, and world's first diagonal high-precision cross-type AF at center point with f/2.8 and faster lenses
• EOS Integrated Cleaning System, Picture Style settings, Spot metering, and Highlight Tone Priority for advanced in-camera image control

Editorial Review:

Welcome to the next generation of digital SLR photography - the Canon EOS 40D. The EOS 40D combines Canon's tremendous know-how in both the digital and photographic worlds, creating a camera that not only does everything one would expect of a traditional digital SLR, but one that incorporates staggering leaps forward in technological innovation. With new features like Canon's EOS Integrated Cleaning System, Live View Function, a more powerful DIGIC III Image Processor, plus a 10.1-megapixel CMOS sensor, a 3.0-inch LCD monitor and more, the EOS 40D elevates digital photography to new heights, enhancing the shooting experience, and delivering images one could only expect from a Canon.

Olympus Evolt E420 10MP Digital SLR Camera with 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 Zuiko Lens

Amazon Price: Too low to display List Price: $599.99 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Olympus - Model: 262081 Amazon Marketplace: 38 new & used starting at $617.51

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Features:

• 10-megapixel CMOS sensor captures enough detail for photo-quality 18 x 24-inch prints
• 2.7-inch Live View HyperCrystal II LCD screen
• TruePic III for superior image quality in all lighting situations; exclusive dust-free technology for spot-free photos
• Lightweight ergonomic design; kit includes 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 Zuiko lens
• Stores images on CF, Micro Drive, or xD Picture Cards (not included)

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 7 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

Editorial Review:

The E-420 is small enough to fit into a purse or a jacket pocket and light enough to shoot with comfortably all day. Measuring 5.1 inches by 3.6 inches by 2.1 inches (excluding protrusions), it is the world's smallest digital SLR. And at a featherweight 13.4 ounces. The innovative and unique Olympus Autofocus Live View function allows you to frame and focus your photos using the large 2.7-inch LCD as a viewfinder. The E-420's Scene Select Modes make you an instant expert -- or switch to manual mode to expand your creative control. This feature-rich digital SLR also sports Shadow Adjustment Technology and Face Detection, both viewable in real time on the Live View LCD. Dust Reduction System produces spot-free photos with the exclusive Supersonic Wave Filter Digital Image Stabilization, activated as a Scene Select Mode, allows high ISO sensitivity and faster shutter speeds so you can freeze the action to capture sharp, blur-free images even if you or your subject is moving Accepts CompactFlash Type I & II, Microdrives, and xD-Picture Cards Perfect Shot Preview enables you to view and select your favorite effect right on the LCD Compatible with the Olympus FL-50R and FL-36R wireless electronic flashes that are designed exclusively for multiflash digital photography Unit Dimensions 5.1 in. W x 3.6 in.H x 2.1 in. D / 129.5 mm (W) x 91 mm (H) x 53 mm (D) (excluding protrusions) E-420 body, 14-42mm lens, Li-ion battery BLS-1, Li-ion battery charger BCS-1, USB cable, Video cable, Shoulder strap, OLYMPUS Master 2 CD, Instruction manual, Warranty

Canon Digital Rebel XT 8MP Digital SLR Camera with EF-S 18-55mm f3.5-5.6 Lens (Silver)

Amazon Price: List Price: $599.99 By: Canon - Model: Digital Rebel XT Amazon Marketplace: 11 new & used starting at $456.37

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Features:

• 8.0-megapixel CMOS sensor captures enough detail for photo-quality 16 x 22-inch prints
• Includes Canon's EF-S 18-55mm, f3.5-5.6 zoom lens
• DIGIC II Image Processor provides fast, accurate image processing; captures images at a rate of up to 3 frames per second
• Fast start-up time--.2 seconds
• Powered by rechargeable Lithium-ion battery (included, with charger)

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 495 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Canon has made another excellent camera 5 out of 5 stars.
2 of 2 people found this review helpful.

The Rebel XT is an excellent base digital SLR. It is easy enough for a beginner photographer to use, but it allows more advanced users the freedom to express themselves with manual controls. It takes great photos and the battery lasts a long time. I've taken over 500 photos (without the flash) on a single charge. An excellent camera.

Canon repair, Hope you don't need it!! 2 out of 5 stars.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

When I received this camera I took a lot of test shots, they were quite impressive. I didn't use the camera for about a week and found it didn't work because of a dead battery, even though it had been fully charged.

I bought a spare battery thinking it may have been defective, same thing even though I made sure the battery was fully charged and the camera was off.

I then searched the online forums and found that this was a fairly common problem. When I called Canon support they first tried to blame it on something I had done. I told them that there were numerous people with the same problem and canon should be aware of it and asked if they had a download that could fix it.

Their reply was to remove the battery except when I was using the camera. I said: "That is was not acceptable as too often once in a lifetime shots would be missed while fumbling to install a battery."
It was agreed that I should RMA the camera and although it was still under warranty it cost $$ to insure and ship it.

When it was finally returned (I missed all the holiday pics) they claimed to have re-soldered a circuit board and replaced the tripod socket.

I don't believe they did anything and now the little latch that holds the battery in place is worn out and I use a rubber band to hold the battery in. It still takes good pictures though.

Editorial Review:

For convenience, ease of use and no-compromise SLR performance, look no further than the EOS Digital Rebel XT. Featuring Canon's Digital Trinity - an 8.0 Megapixel CMOS sensor, Canon's own DIGIC II Image Processor and compatibility with over 50 EF Lenses-the new Digital Rebel XT has an all new lightweight and compact body, improved performance across the board and the easiest operation in its class, simplifying complex tasks and ensuring the perfect shot every time. With intuitive simplicity, powerful performance and unprecedented affordability, the Rebel XT is the EOS digital camera for everyone.

Canon Digital Rebel XTi 10.1MP Digital SLR Camera (Black Body Only)

Amazon Price: List Price: $599.99 By: Canon - Model: XTI Body Amazon Marketplace: 11 new & used starting at $495.00

Buy at Amazon.com

Features:

• 10.1-megapixel CCD captures enough detail for photo-quality 18 x 24-inch prints
• Large 2.5-inch LCD display; body only (no lens included)
• New self-cleaning dust function, plus Dust Delete Data Detection in included software
• DIGIC II Image Processor provides fast, accurate image processing; Picture Style settings for added creative control
• Stores images on Compact Flash (CF) memory cards; powered by battery pack NB-2LH

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 604 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Editorial Review:

Enjoy a high performance SLR digital-camera with pro-style features you can handle. The Canon EOS Digital Rebel XTi offers an unbeatable combination of performance, ease-of-use and value. It has a newly designed 10.1 Megapixel Canon CMOS sensor plus a host of new features including a 2.5-inch LCD screen, exclusive EOS Integrated Cleaning System featuring a Self Cleaning Sensor and Canon's Picture Style technology, all in a lightweight, ergonomic body. DIGIC II Image Processor enhances every aspect of image capture. Rebel XTi compatible with all Canon lenses in the EF lineup, ranging from ultra-wide angle to super telephoto lenses, and including Canon's EF-S series lenses, manufactured specifically for Canon's APS-C sized digital sensor. This particular model is a Body only. It does not include a lens. Picture Style technology EOS Digital Rebel XTi, lets you recreate characteristics of your favorite film types. Adjust color, saturation, sharpness and contrast settings to customize your saved image. 3 - 2 Aspect Ratio Recording Format - JPEG, RAW, and RAW+JPEG simultaneous recording provided USB 2.0 Hi-Speed Interface, mini-B port, NTSC/PAL for video output Viewfinder Type - Eye-level SLR with pentamirror Shutter Speeds - 1/4000 to 30 seconds Pop-up electronic-flash with shoe for adding optional Canon Speedlite flashes Self-timer - 10 seconds delay, 2 seconds delay Continuous Shooting Speed - Up to 3 frames per second (at shutter speed of 1/250 sec. or faster) Compatible Printers - CP and SELPHY Compact Photo Printers, PIXMA Photo Printers and PictBridge compatible printers (via USB Interface Cable IFC-400PCU) Automatic folder creation; up to 9,999 images per folder Select Auto/Manual TTL Focus and Exposure modes Power Source - One Battery Pack NB-2LH (included) / AC Charger included Dimensions - Width 4.98 x Height 3.71 x Depth 2.56 inch, 126.5 x 94.2 x 65mm / Weight - 18 ou