The Best Digital SLR For You

NEW! The Nikon D90

2008-08-29T07:47:00-07:00

The latest Nikon digital SLR camera - dubbed the D90 - breaks new ground in a variety of different ways.

First, let's cover what the camera has in common with its competition:

12.3 megapixel sensor - this number of megapixels is matched only by the Nikon D300 (a semi-pro camera) and the Canon EOS Rebel XSi.
Dust control - like many modern digital SLRs, the D90 repels dust from the sensor for cleaner images
Live view - you can compose photos with the D90 using either the viewfinder or the large 3 inch LCD (live view is available on many other digital SLRs)

And now, what sets this camera apart and will - at the time of its release - make it unique:

Continuous capture at 4.5 photos per second - this speed is unmatched by any other consumer-level digital SLR (only semi-pro models like the Canon 40D, Nikon D300, Olympus E-3 and Sony A700 are faster)
Low noise up to ISO 3200 - incredibly low noise even at very high ISO settings provides an immense amount of flexibility when taking photos in low light
11 autofocus points - the most of any other competing camera model in the same class
D-movie - the Nikon D90 will be the very first SLR that will capture High Definition (HD) video in addition to still images

When you tack on the fact that the D90 will ship with a brand new 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6 Vibration Reduction (VR) lens, then you have a camera that does it all.

I always tell people to figure out what sorts of photos they want to take before they go looking for a camera to suit their needs, because most cameras have limitations and don't excel at all types of photography.

Only time will tell, but it sounds like the new Nikon D90 might cover every type of photography style there is - and throws in something for the budding videographers as well.

The Nikon D90 will be available in September for an estimated selling price of $1,300 with the 18-105mm kit lens.

Nikon D90 Press release
Video of the Nikon D90 (pre-release testing)
Photos of the Nikon D90
Pre-order the Nikon D90

The Canon EOS 50D

2008-08-26T08:55:08-07:00

Even though the Canon EOS 40D is barely a year old (originally released in September of 2007) today Canon has announced the upcoming release of the new EOS 50D (release date: October 2008).

The features that the 50D shares with its predecessor are its build quality, dust control system, and compatibility with all Canon EF and EF-S lenses (in addition to hundreds of third party lenses).

What does the new 50D have to offer that's not available on the 40D? Quite a lot actually:

15.1 megapixels instead of 10.1 (which will give it the most megapixels of any consumer-level SLR at the time of release)
An improved image processor (DIGIC 4) to quickly save the large 15 megapixel files to a memory card even when captured at the camera's top speed of 6.5 photos per second
Increased ISO range from 100 to 12800 with multiple levels of applied noise reduction
Increased buffer size, allowing the continuous capture of up to 90 JPG images or 16 RAW
The Auto Lighting Optimizer helps to increase brightness under lighting conditions where digital SLRs often under expose
An improved LCD with 4x the pixel count (920,000) than the one on the 40D for a clearer, more colorful display
The addition of a new "Face Detection" setting when using the live view mode
Two small RAW (sRAW) formats - the 40D only has one

The estimated selling price of the EOS 50D body only is $1,400 while a kit that includes the 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM is expected to retail for $1,600.

Read the Canon EOS 50D Press Release.

2008 Digital Camera Satisfaction

2008-08-06T09:17:04-07:00

JD Power recently announced the results of their 2008 Digital Camera Usage and Satisfaction Study.

Some interesting findings:

Canon and Nikon digital SLR cameras are tied in terms of customer satisfaction, although Canon received better marks in terms of image quality while Nikons were easier to use
The most desired new feature for future digital SLR cameras: waterproofing
Digital SLR owners take the most photos per month (especially if you photograph your subject from every angle as I often recommend)
The most frequently used resource used to shop for a digital camera is - you guessed it - Internet product and review sites (just like the Digital SLR Guide)

Read more results from the 2008 JD Power Digital Camera Study

Canon EOS Rebel XSi for Sale

2008-07-11T08:49:18-07:00

For anyone interested in the new Canon EOS Rebel XSi - I have one for sale with the 18-55mm kit lens on eBay.

Here's a very quick summary of the features of the Rebel XSi (more information can be found in the complete Rebel XSi guide):

12.2 megapixel sensor
3.5 photo per second continuous speed
Fast, accurate 9-point autofocus system
ISO range from 100 to 1600
3 inch live view LCD
Dust Control System
Evaluative 35 zone metering system
Picture Styles (custom color control)

The Rebel XSi is also extremely compact and light, making it a nice camera to carry with you on the go.

It's easy to access all the primary camera controls with one-touch buttons, including ISO, white balance, metering mode, autofocus mode and drive mode (check out the following video to see how easy it is to change settings).

Average Retail Price: $820

Starting Bid Price: $680

Auction Ends: Tuesday, July 15 Bid Now

Canon Rebels Compared

2008-07-10T13:48:33-07:00

Feeling perplexed by the latest announcement from Canon about the upcoming Rebel XS?

Billed as the camera that "puts easy-to-use professional features into the hands of emerging photographers" the immediate question that emerges is: how does this thing compare to the other TWO digital Rebel cameras that are currently available (the xTi and XSi).

The confusion is not surprising - all three cameras have a lot of overlap when it comes to features and telling one from the other can be a tricky business.

But fear not - if you've made up your mind that Canon is going to be your brand of digital SLR but just can't decide between the xTi, XS and XSi, then my latest head-to-head (to head) article should be of use.

The article compares the three Canon digital Rebels, providing a quick overview of each one's specifications and then going into a more detailed analysis about how each camera is slightly different...hopefully providing you with some small measure of comfort that the camera you choose will fulfill all your photographic needs.

Canon Rebel XSi Guide

2008-07-09T08:25:34-07:00

After a great deal of toying, tinkering and - of course - taking pictures, I've finally released my Canon EOS Rebel XSi Guide.

Overall impression: this small, lightweight digital SLR is a great travel companion and its ultra-fast response time makes it great for spontaneous spur-of-the-moment photography.

The new Image Stabilized (IS) kit lens is a huge improvement over the kit lens packaged with the Rebel xTi (which left a lot to be desired) and the stabilization will help you take sharp photos of non-moving subjects even with very slow shutter speeds.

When you pair the IS lens with exceptionally low noise at high ISO settings (all the way up to 1600) the Canon XSi excels at low-light photography, no tripod required.

Read the complete Canon Rebel XSi Guide

April Newsletter - How to Avoid Image Blur

2008-04-29T08:34:03-07:00

The April issue of the Digital SLR Guide newsletter has just been posted.

Included in this month's newsletter you'll find out:

Important advice for new camera buyers
Why some cameras cost more than others
How to prevent image blur
Do you NEED a live view LCD?
What are "Long Portraits"?

Read the April 2008 issue of the Digital SLR Guide newsletter.

Lowepro All Weather Camera Bag for Sale

2008-04-01T08:22:10-07:00

The Lowepro Magnum AW has plenty of room for two SLR cameras with attached lenses, 4-5 additional lenses, external flash units and other camera accessories.

The bag measures a substantial 16.9 x 12.6 x 10 inches (width x depth x height) and includes a main central compartment that can be configured to fit all of your equipment.

In addition, the bag has two detachable side pockets and a small removable pack for film or memory cards.

The Magnum AW is made of water-resistant ballistic nylon and can be carried comfortably by either the padded leather handle or the wide padded shoulder strap.

A weather cover pulls out from a rear zipper and can completely cover the bag in wet or dusty environments.

Retail Price: $180
Starting Bid Price: $100

($20 shipping and handling within the U.S.)

This auction ends on Thursday, April 3.

Bid on the Lowepro Magnum All Weather camera bag

Pentax K20D With 18-55mm Lens For Sale

2008-04-01T08:08:06-07:00

I've got a like-new Pentax K20D digital SLR camera and lens up for grabs on eBay. The camera has been used delicately for the past two weeks so that I could write up a guide.

The K20D features the highest megapixel count of any digital SLR in this price range (14.6) and has a rugged, weatherproofed body which keeps out moisture and grit.

It's compatible with every Pentax lens ever made (some may require an adaptor) and the best part: its built-in image stabilization will work, even with older Pentax lenses.

The camera includes a slew of features including: dust control, a live view LCD, 3 frame per second continuous capture mode and 21 frame per second burst mode, 11 autofocus points, multiple exposures, interval timer, custom color controls and more.

Having used the camera steadily for the past two weeks I can say this about it: it's a great choice for anyone with old Pentax film SLR lenses who wants to upgrade to the best camera Pentax currently offers. While you do need to have some experience with SLR cameras to leverage the full benefit of this camera, it provides a lot of features that you can grow into.

For new camera buyers, the Pentax K20D is ideally suited for portrait photography. Its controls, feature set and the clarity of the images it captures make it a superb option for those who enjoy capturing faces, and want to be able to make large-scale prints of the final images.

Retail Price: $1,380
Starting Bid Price: $1,200

($18 shipping and handling within the U.S. includes insurance coverage)

This auction ends Thursday April 3.

Bid on the K20D digital SLR camera and lens

New Digital SLR Cameras for 2008

2008-02-11T09:18:52-08:00

There's been a recent surge of announcements about new digital SLR cameras that will soon be released in 2008, thanks in part the recent PMA trade show in Las Vegas.

The new cameras announced include the Canon Rebel XSi, Nikon D60, Pentax K200D, Pentax K20D, Sony DSLR-A300 and Sony DSLR-A350.

I originally thought of posting information about each one here on this weblog, but quickly realized that there was just too much to summarize in a short post.

Plus, I also wanted to cover ALL of the following topics:

What new cameras have been announced?
What is the release date for each camera?
How do these new cameras of 2008 compare to last year's models?
How do they compare to each other?
Are the features available on these new SLRs worth the wait?

Get the answers to all these questions, plus specifications, package pricing and much more with my complete introduction to the new digital SLR cameras of 2008.