Pentax K2000 10.2MP Digital SLR Camera

Introducing: is a very good entry-level Digital Camera, the delivers excellent photo quality in a body that is streamlined for experienced photographers, but relatively for the less advanced.

At least is a great choice for Digital Camera, and it's a solid choice for creative still shooters. But though the image quality and general shooting performance are top-notch, if you are upgrading to capture sports, kids, or pets, the may capable for it.

Avid photographers who want full creative control over their images should consider a Digital (single-lens reflex) Camera. The is a one of models offer the advanced features that experienced shooters need.

Pros:
High quality (sturdy feeling)
Well designed
Superb Image quality
No pattern noise at high ISOs (looks more like film grain)
In body image stabilization

Cons:
No image orientation sensor (if you hold portrait style have to manually rotate)
No red focus confirmation dot (still has green dot in viewfinder at bottom)

Who should buy the K2000? Anyone also considering entry level Nikon or Canon DSLRs. This is fully competitive, but offers in body image stabilization that works with any lens (old and new). Nice feature set at a great value.

The auto focus of this camera is improved, focusing more precisely in low light than previous Pentax models, and also works with the new SDM lenses. Auto white balance is also improved. It does much better under tungsten light than some previous Pentax cameras.

The shake reduction is highly effective, as much so as most in lens systems. About 3 f-stops for me. This is a handy feature because it works with ALL lenses. You don't have to keep buying the same feature for $100 to $500 every time you buy a lens for which you want stabilization. Not to mention, when a new body comes out you get an improved stabilizer. With an in lens system, you have to replace your lenses to get improved stabilizers.

Even though this is a no frills system, it is very capable for those advanced amateurs or pro's looking for a compact body to use with the Pentax Limited prime lenses (compact lenses offering outstanding image quality). The big two haven't invested many resources in prime lenses suitable for APS-C sensors (by far the best selling dSLRs), Pentax has bucked the industry trend with their superb DA Limited series lenses.

Pentax K-x 16202 Digital SLR Camera

Introducing: is a very good entry-level Digital Camera, the delivers excellent photo quality in a body that is streamlined for experienced photographers, but relatively for the less advanced.

At least is a great choice for Digital Camera, and it's a solid choice for creative still shooters. But though the image quality and general shooting performance are top-notch, if you are upgrading to capture sports, kids, or pets, the may capable for it.

Avid photographers who want full creative control over their images should consider a Digital (single-lens reflex) Camera. The is a one of models offer the advanced features that experienced shooters need.

Pentax K-x 16202 Digital SLR Camera with DA L 18-55 and 50-200mm Lenses (White) is good, the economies taken in production to meet the entry-level price point are generally well chosen, and if you are making the leap from a Pentax film camera to digital, you can use your old lenses (with varying functionality depending on the lens series.) The ability to use NiMH rechargeable AAs rather than expensive proprietary batteries is a nice plus. Only real quibble is that the readout in the viewfinder is a bit hard to see in bright light.

Control functions are systematic and easy to learn, a weak point on many digital cameras. Both the kit lenses are a little soft wide open, especially the 18-55, but crisp up nicely with even a little stopping down. Recommended, and not just because of its low price.

Pentax K20D 14.6MP Digital SLR Camera

Introducing: is a very good entry-level Digital Camera, the delivers excellent photo quality in a body that is streamlined for experienced photographers, but relatively for the less advanced.

At least is a great choice for Digital Camera, and it's a solid choice for creative still shooters. But though the image quality and general shooting performance are top-notch, if you are upgrading to capture sports, kids, or pets, the may capable for it.

Avid photographers who want full creative control over their images should consider a Digital (single-lens reflex) Camera. The is a one of models offer the advanced features that experienced shooters need.

If Pentax were a bit more serious about increasing the sales of their cameras to first-time Pentax buyers, they'd be making some changes to their marketing strategy. It's unfortunate that with most consumer/professional camera reviews, the Pentax products get dinged in relation to their competitors when they shouldn't have to be. You can see this in the Consumer Reports review of DSLRs and other reviews such as PopPhoto.

The problem is that these reviews are performed with tested cameras at their default settings, and Pentax chooses to "compromise" the performance of their cameras by requiring custom adjustments to bring about the true potential of the product. The K10D took a hit with its lower-contrast, soft and dark pictures when in default mode. Change the settings and you have a camera every bit in step with its competition at the time. Now the K20D suffers the same fate with the decision to make Noise Reduction-OFF the default setting.

Pentax K-7 14.6 MP Digital SLR

Introducing: is a very good entry-level Digital Camera, the delivers excellent photo quality in a body that is streamlined for experienced photographers, but relatively for the less advanced.

At least is a great choice for Digital Camera, and it's a solid choice for creative still shooters. But though the image quality and general shooting performance are top-notch, if you are upgrading to capture sports, kids, or pets, the may capable for it.

Avid photographers who want full creative control over their images should consider a Digital (single-lens reflex) Camera. The is a one of models offer the advanced features that experienced shooters need.

Pentax K-7 14.6 MP Digital SLR with Shake Reduction and 720p HD Video (Body Only)

Pros:
Rugged, full weather seals. Rain, snow, or dust won't slow it down.
Compact Size with a magnesium alloy shell of stainless steel chassis.
Selection of lenses designed for the APS-C imaging sensor
Shake reduction with every lens
Ergonomics
External Mic in video mode
Very quiet shutter
Industry first Composition Adjustment and horizon level (separate features)

Cons:
Battery life in Live View/Video mode.
Not a beginners camera unless you have a strong desire to learn about photography
High ISO performance could be a bit better

What previous Pentax users will notice:
Refinement, refinement, refinement
Low light autofocus is fast and accurate (inline with the competition now)
AF-Continuous is fast, but not class leading.
Ergonomics different from previous K10d and K20d (maybe good, maybe bad depending on your position)
Insignificant change in image quality from K20d
Can disable long shutter noise reduction for shots 30 seconds or less
Excellent sensor dust removal

Olympus Evolt E330 7.5MP Digital SLR Camera

Introducing: is a very good entry-level Digital Camera, the delivers excellent photo quality in a body that is streamlined for experienced photographers, but relatively for the less advanced.

At least is a great choice for Digital Camera, and it's a solid choice for creative still shooters. But though the image quality and general shooting performance are top-notch, if you are upgrading to capture sports, kids, or pets, the may capable for it.

Avid photographers who want full creative control over their images should consider a Digital (single-lens reflex) Camera. The is a one of models offer the advanced features that experienced shooters need.

With about 30 years of picture taking experience and many pro shoots behind me I went shopping for a new DSLR. I wanted one to serve as an all-around pal and be loaded with pro features that I am accustomed to using. When this camera hit the market I knew I had to try one on for size...especially since no other DSLR has live LCD compositing of frames.

All I can say is this camera has put all of my other 6 cameras in the closet (three of them were film.) Sharp images, easy composition in a giant, bright 2 1/2 LCD screen and ease of use won me over. If you want a simple interface with outstanding pictures you can have it here. If you want the touch of manual adjustment and light handling, ditto.

It is the best camera, all around, that I have ever used or owned. And now the prices are coming down! So what's stopping you?By AJ Franklin "aj_franklin" (Houston, TX USA)

Olympus Evolt E-3 10.1MP Digital SLR Camera

Introducing: is a very good entry-level Digital Camera, the delivers excellent photo quality in a body that is streamlined for experienced photographers, but relatively for the less advanced.

At least is a great choice for Digital Camera, and it's a solid choice for creative still shooters. But though the image quality and general shooting performance are top-notch, if you are upgrading to capture sports, kids, or pets, the may capable for it.

Avid photographers who want full creative control over their images should consider a Digital (single-lens reflex) Camera. The is a one of models offer the advanced features that experienced shooters need.

The Olympus E-3 was until 2011 Olympus Corporation's previous flagship camera, positioned as a professional DSLR camera. It is the successor to the Olympus E-1, which was launched in November 2003. The E-3, originally codenamed Olympus E-P1, was announced on 17 October 2007. The E-3, like the other cameras in the Olympus E-series, conforms to the Four Thirds System. It was succeeded in 2011 by the Olympus E-5 professional DSLR flagship camera.

The E-3 has several novel features, including a live preview full articulating screen, autofocus in live view mode, the ability to capture a scene with wide dynamic range using an image processing method called shadow adjustment technology and the ability to control up to three wireless flash groups without external transmitters. The camera is also fully weatherproof even with the popup flash in the "up" position.

The camera, with the new SWD (ultrasonic motor) lenses, is expected to appeal to professional users that want a rugged, portable and lightweight camera body with quality lenses and class leading autofocus.

Additional features include:

• Fast autofocus (Olympus claims that this was the world's fastest autofocus at the time the camera was released (when used with the Zuiko Digital ED 12–60mm 1:2.8–4 SWD lens @ 60mm, as of October 2007).
• 100% viewfinder with ×1.15 magnification with a 50 mm lens (as 25 mm is the "standard" lens on the 4/3 format, this is equivalent to ×0.57 in 35 mm format)
• External white balance sensor
• 5 frames per second (frame/s) capture speed
• 11 point biaxial cross AF sensor that works at −2 EV at ISO 100
• In-body image stabilization achieved by moving the sensor (thus, it works with any lens)
• Environmentally sealed magnesium alloy camera body
• Dust reduction system (Supersonic Wave Filter)
• Shutter tested to 150,000 cycles
• Internal Viewfinder shutter
• 'X' sync and External remote ports

The camera is compatible with existing BLM-1 batteries used in the E-1, E-300, E-330, E-500 and E-510.

The camera was reviewed by Digital Photography Review in February 2008 by Simon Joinson.
The E-3 is equipped with a better sensor than other DSLRs marketed by Olympus at the time of its release, allowing the user to operate at higher ISO settings without producing as much noise.

Along with other Olympus 4/3rds bodies, the E-3 has a very 'maintenance free' approach due to it having on-demand pixel mapping, the SSWF 'dust shaker', vignetting and distortion correction either in-camera or during editing with Olympus software. Olympus have also implemented on-demand firmware updates for all their bodies, lens and flash units. wikipedia.org

Olympus PEN E-P1 12.3 MP Micro Four Thirds Interchangeable Lens Digital Camera

Introducing: is a very good entry-level Digital Camera, the delivers excellent photo quality in a body that is streamlined for experienced photographers, but relatively for the less advanced.

At least is a great choice for Digital Camera, and it's a solid choice for creative still shooters. But though the image quality and general shooting performance are top-notch, if you are upgrading to capture sports, kids, or pets, the may capable for it.

Avid photographers who want full creative control over their images should consider a Digital (single-lens reflex) Camera. The is a one of models offer the advanced features that experienced shooters need.

Olympus PEN E-P1 has been a very pleasant surprise for me. The low light capability is extraordinary and as for framing pictures in bright sunlight I am very glad I got the optional optical viewfinder that fits in the hotshoe. But the picture sharpness and color quality are breathtaking.

There is a learning curve on the menus but once you get used to it there are many in-camera scene types to fool with, such as old-fashioned grainy black and white. Most importantly, it is ultra-portable and unobtrusive in a good-looking way. I am thrilled with it!By C. E. Fougerousse, Jr. "cefoug" (State College, PA USA)

Olympus Evolt E500 8MP Digital SLR

Introducing: is a very good entry-level Digital Camera, the delivers excellent photo quality in a body that is streamlined for experienced photographers, but relatively for the less advanced.

At least is a great choice for Digital Camera, and it's a solid choice for creative still shooters. But though the image quality and general shooting performance are top-notch, if you are upgrading to capture sports, kids, or pets, the may capable for it.

Avid photographers who want full creative control over their images should consider a Digital (single-lens reflex) Camera. The is a one of models offer the advanced features that experienced shooters need.

Everything said above still holds true, and I must say Olympus Evolt E500 8MP Digital SLR is one of the few purchases that almost 6 months later Im still VERY happy with and use it frequently. Through no advertising or sales pitch I have created 3 new customers for Olympus's E500 kit up to date.

My brother has over $4000 now invested in his camera and he still finds it amusing that my little old $700 kit gets as much attention from all our friends as it does. He recently upgraded to the 580EX flash and a new Wide angel L series lens, and I must admit VERY VERY amazing hardware bursting 3 or 4 pictures WITH flash is very cool.

But we recently went to India to tour Agra, see the Taj Mahal, Sikhanders tomb, and other such sites on the way. At the end of the trip without PP during the day my pictures looked better (we both agreed) and thats all I cared about (mainly talking about color saturation and not detail, just over all presentation). I will admit though in a couple action shots from our speeding bus his camera did perform better, and in the evening some of mine didnt focus properly while his did on the same subject, but Im not a pro, I just enjoy the hobby.By Jamshed J. Khan "Jimmy Khan" (Herndon, VA United States)

Olympus Evolt E510 10MP Digital SLR Camera

Introducing: is a very good entry-level Digital Camera, the delivers excellent photo quality in a body that is streamlined for experienced photographers, but relatively for the less advanced.

At least is a great choice for Digital Camera, and it's a solid choice for creative still shooters. But though the image quality and general shooting performance are top-notch, if you are upgrading to capture sports, kids, or pets, the may capable for it.

Avid photographers who want full creative control over their images should consider a Digital (single-lens reflex) Camera. The is a one of models offer the advanced features that experienced shooters need.

As a professional photographer I have used Cannon and Nikon cameras. I purchased an Olympus E-500 two years ago and was impressed with the sharpness, color capture, and other features. Needing a second camera I tested several Cannon and Nikon pro-level cameras.

I found the Olympus E-510 equal or superior to each in edge-to-edge sharpness and color capture using color charts and sharpness charts. Additionally, the ease of use of the E-510 was a contributing factor. I am also impressed with the four-thirds system lenses produced by Olympus; they weigh less then their equivalent lenses in the Cannon or Nikor lines and I feel give better edge-to-edge sharpness. The only negative is the narrow line of pro-level lens in the Olympus line.

I recommended the E-500 to my photography students and now I'll recommend the E-510 as the cost factor is important to students. If you are looking for a solid D-SLR I highly recommend the E-510. I suggest that consideration be given to purchasing the Olympus "high-grade" lenses rather then the kit lens for the advanced photographer. The kit lenses are fine for the consumer.

Olympus Evolt E410 10MP Digital SLR Camera

Introducing: is a very good entry-level Digital Camera, the delivers excellent photo quality in a body that is streamlined for experienced photographers, but relatively for the less advanced.

At least is a great choice for Digital Camera, and it's a solid choice for creative still shooters. But though the image quality and general shooting performance are top-notch, if you are upgrading to capture sports, kids, or pets, the may capable for it.

Avid photographers who want full creative control over their images should consider a Digital (single-lens reflex) Camera. The is a one of models offer the advanced features that experienced shooters need.

I am appreciating this camera more every day. Last weekend I took it to a wedding, and in fact I had the smallest SLR at the entire party. It made it easy for me to carry it and take shots the entire day. Also the battery performance was very good (I took more than 150 pictures and the battery was still far from empty).

I bought this camera for traveling, size and weight was an important consideration and I really like the camera for this. I take it everywhere.

It has all the advantages of an SLR (manual controls, seeing through the lens, interchangeable lenses), with the portability of a compact camera. Your hands should not be too big, if they are you would probably be better off with the e-510.

The 40-150 lens included in the kit is very light and portable and produces some excellent quality shots.
I like the performance of the camera, it has fast startup and excellent shutter performance.

The live view mode as advertised is not that useful, mainly because of the latency when pressing the shutter button. I hardly use the feature.

My previous camera was a compact camera (Canon Powershot S50). It took me some time to get used to the e-410 (being a SLR camera) and to learn how to use all its features.By Remco (Den Haag, the Netherlands)