Pentax K2000 10.2MP Digital SLR Camera

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

At least Digital SLR 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 Digital SLR may capable for it.

Avid photographers who want full creative control over their images should consider a Digital (single-lens reflex) Camera. The Digital SLR 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: Digital SLR is a very good entry-level Digital Camera, the Digital SLR delivers excellent photo quality in a body that is streamlined for experienced photographers, but relatively for the less advanced.

At least Digital SLR 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 Digital SLR may capable for it.

Avid photographers who want full creative control over their images should consider a Digital (single-lens reflex) Camera. The Digital SLR 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: Digital SLR is a very good entry-level Digital Camera, the Digital SLR delivers excellent photo quality in a body that is streamlined for experienced photographers, but relatively for the less advanced.

At least Digital SLR 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 Digital SLR may capable for it.

Avid photographers who want full creative control over their images should consider a Digital (single-lens reflex) Camera. The Digital SLR 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: Digital SLR is a very good entry-level Digital Camera, the Digital SLR delivers excellent photo quality in a body that is streamlined for experienced photographers, but relatively for the less advanced.

At least Digital SLR 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 Digital SLR may capable for it.

Avid photographers who want full creative control over their images should consider a Digital (single-lens reflex) Camera. The Digital SLR 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: Digital SLR is a very good entry-level Digital Camera, the Digital SLR delivers excellent photo quality in a body that is streamlined for experienced photographers, but relatively for the less advanced.

At least Digital SLR 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 Digital SLR may capable for it.

Avid photographers who want full creative control over their images should consider a Digital (single-lens reflex) Camera. The Digital SLR 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: Digital SLR is a very good entry-level Digital Camera, the Digital SLR delivers excellent photo quality in a body that is streamlined for experienced photographers, but relatively for the less advanced.

At least Digital SLR 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 Digital SLR may capable for it.

Avid photographers who want full creative control over their images should consider a Digital (single-lens reflex) Camera. The Digital SLR 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: Digital SLR is a very good entry-level Digital Camera, the Digital SLR delivers excellent photo quality in a body that is streamlined for experienced photographers, but relatively for the less advanced.

At least Digital SLR 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 Digital SLR may capable for it.

Avid photographers who want full creative control over their images should consider a Digital (single-lens reflex) Camera. The Digital SLR 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: Digital SLR is a very good entry-level Digital Camera, the Digital SLR delivers excellent photo quality in a body that is streamlined for experienced photographers, but relatively for the less advanced.

At least Digital SLR 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 Digital SLR may capable for it.

Avid photographers who want full creative control over their images should consider a Digital (single-lens reflex) Camera. The Digital SLR 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: Digital SLR is a very good entry-level Digital Camera, the Digital SLR delivers excellent photo quality in a body that is streamlined for experienced photographers, but relatively for the less advanced.

At least Digital SLR 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 Digital SLR may capable for it.

Avid photographers who want full creative control over their images should consider a Digital (single-lens reflex) Camera. The Digital SLR 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: Digital SLR is a very good entry-level Digital Camera, the Digital SLR delivers excellent photo quality in a body that is streamlined for experienced photographers, but relatively for the less advanced.

At least Digital SLR 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 Digital SLR may capable for it.

Avid photographers who want full creative control over their images should consider a Digital (single-lens reflex) Camera. The Digital SLR 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)

Olympus E-10 4MP Digital Camera w/4x Optical Zoom

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

At least Digital SLR 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 Digital SLR may capable for it.

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

The Olympus E-10 is a digital single-lens reflex with a 4.0 megapixel CCD image sensor that was introduced in 2000. Unlike most digital SLRs the camera is not a system camera – its lens is fixed to the body. It has a TTL optical viewfinder, and a 4× optical zoom lens with lens aperture f/2–2.4.

Instead of a moving mirror a beam splitting prism is used to split the image between the optical viewfinder and CCD[1]. Thus it was possible to have a live view on the LCD-Display and in parallel see the image in the TTL viewfinder.

The E-10 has a strong metallic case that weighs in at approximately 37 oz. (1050 g). It was succeeded by the 5 megapixel Olympus E-20, announced in 2001. wikipedia.org

Olympus E-450 Digital SLR Camera Twin Kit

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

At least Digital SLR 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 Digital SLR may capable for it.

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

The Olympus E-450 (or Olympus EVOLT E-450 in North America) is a 10 megapixel digital single-lens reflex (DSLR) camera made by Olympus and conforming to the Four Thirds System standard. E-450 was announced in March 2009, and shipping started in May the same year. E-450 is similar in size to its siblings in the E-4XX series, marketed as the smallest DSLRs in the world

The E-450 is a slightly upgraded version of the E-420. The cameras are very similar - in fact, when the E-450 was announced the upgrades were considered notably few by reviewers. The main new features in the E-450:

• Three Art Filters, where the camera processes the image to give it a new appearance. The filters available in E-450 are Pop Art, giving the image a very saturated look, Soft Focus making the images look "dreamy" similar to the effect of a diffusion filter on the lens, and Pin Hole, which gives a vignetting effect and makes the image look like it was taken by a pinhole camera.
• TruePic III+ processor, an upgrade from the E-420 TruePic III processor.
• Increased buffer for continuous shooting: the E-450 can buffer 8 RAW files compared to E-420's 6.
• Improved luminance on the LCD screen.

As with its predecessors E-400, E-410 and E-420 the E-450 is notable for its portability, especially when coupled with the Olympus 25 mm f2.8 pancake lens. Its small size is achieved by omitting the side hand grip, in-body stabilisation, and larger battery featured in other Olympus dSLRs. wikipedia.org

The E-450 uses Olympus' Supersonic Wave Filter to remove dust from the surface of the image sensor.

Olympus PEN E-P2 12.3 MP Micro Four Thirds Interchangeable Lens Digital Camera

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

At least Digital SLR 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 Digital SLR may capable for it.

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

Olympus PEN E-P2 12.3 MP Micro Four Thirds Interchangeable Lens Digital Camera with 17mm f/2.8 Lens (Electronic View Finder not included) really I love this camera. i graduated from a travel zoom point and shoot and have had loads of fun getting to know this camera.

Micro 4/3
If you are new to the micro 4/3 idea, do some research but I am completely satisfied with my decision to stay away from big dslr's and glad i moved up from point and shoots. these camera's can go with you in places that DSLRs cannot. Additional lenses for these cameras are expensive, but you can also by adapters to sort you out with all sorts of legacy glass.

Olympus vs Panasonic
Once again, do your research. THe GF2 is nice but expensive. Panasonic lenses have in-lens stabilization whereas olympus has it in the body, which i like and it means IS will work with any lens. Panasonic takes slightly better video.

Olympus EP-2
I would definitely get this camera over an epl-1 (and the new epl-2 for that matter). It's solid, with lots of steel. Everyone who has seen it loves its retro look. It has got tons of options that I will be able to use more as I become a more experienced photographer.

This deal (the one with 17mm f2.8 lens):
This deal is awesome! It is super compact with pancake kit lens. However, panasonic has a 20mm (without image stabilization) that people absolutely love. Therefore, a great way to go as well is the deal with the 14-42 lens and buy the panny 20mm. I personally love this deal. My next lens will be a better zoom than the 14-42 kit lens (although you can find great deals on those online), perhaps 14-200, or a wide angle. I will probably tag this review to the 14-42mm deal as well, as the other sections of the review (and somehwat this one) are relevant and the 17mm deal has one left.

Accessories needed:
also, buy a filter (spend about 80 dollars on a multi-layered uv filter so there wont be as much flare when shooting into the sun), an extra battery, and of course a data card!By Thayer

Olympus E-P2 12.3 MP Micro Four Thirds Interchangeable Lens Digital Camera

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

At least Digital SLR 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 Digital SLR may capable for it.

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

I've been an Olympus user since the mid-70's. This little beauty is reminiscent of the legendary OM-1, and at a glance (without the lens extended) it could be mistaken for it. I have always been happy with Olympus cameras due to their uncompromising quality, functionality, size, and razor sharp optics. As a Fine Art Photographer, I've often wondered why Olympus didn't come out with a 6x7 format 120 film camera, though I've been satisfied with my Pentax 6x7. This little Olympus suits me just fine. I'm impressed with the video sound quality as well. Once again, as expected, Olympus came through with a wonderful little gem. I enjoy the convenience and quality of the HD video..amazing, really.By R. Spicer

Sony Alpha A380L 14.2 MP Digital SLR Camera

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

At least Digital SLR 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 Digital SLR may capable for it.

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

So far it has behaved beautifully with good battery life, fast enough recording speeds and good image quality even on its lowest settings. The lens work good, but have had trouble trying to get long distance pictures (not enough optical zoom) but it was to be expected, and can easily be fixed by attaching adequate lenses for said purpose.

Only issue may be with the LCD screen, as it tends to get scratches on its surface ratter easily, so I'd suggest you get some sort of cover for it (I haven't been able to find it where I live - Colombia, Southamerica). Guess I'll have to buy it through Amazon too.

Can't really give much more advice as I am just a n00b at this stuff, but I can tell you this camera has opened a new door in my head and career I think won't be closed for the foreseeable future. By Justin Clemens "Halläathrad" (Los Angeles)
Excellent product if you're just learning, I'll let you know if it keeps up.

Sony a55 DSLR Camera

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

At least Digital SLR 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 Digital SLR may capable for it.

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

Sony a55 DSLR Camera makes easy to shoot great photos in very challenging lighting conditions. The Auto-HDR (digh dynamic range) takes 3 photos and combines them perfectly into one photo, so that very bright sky and darker landscape both are exposed properly in the final photo. The camera also uses a similar process for doing low light situations (where subject movement would cause a blur if no flash was used). These are in-camera processing features that only Sony is offering at this point.

The continuous auto-focus during video is also a first for inter-changeable lens cameras. Overall, it's a great photographic tool.

By the way, one reviewer compared the a55 to his Canon 7D. That's a $1,600 camera, body only, while this is $750 body only. In a way, it's a compliment that a camera costing so little has to be compared not to others in its price class, but to a camera double the price. By letsdesign (India)

Sony Alpha A200K 10.2MP Digital SLR Camera

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

At least Digital SLR 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 Digital SLR may capable for it.

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

Sony has really done it. This isn't gonna be a technical review, just what I feel are strong points and weak points of this camera.

This is a great camera for beginners of SLR's to learn on but ain't too bad for those of you who know what you are doing. I myself have had film SLR's for many years, this is my first DSLR and cost was a factor for me. I am in no way made of money so the low price really sold me (no pun intended). The features you expect from an SLR are all there, and you can go from full auto to full manual and every point in between in a just a flip of a switch and the pressing of a few buttons to set up your shot.

Built in Image Stabilization is a great feature to have, especially when some camera makers build it into the lens, which, in turn, makes your lens prices considerably higher.

Some people complain about no live view on the LCD, but I personally prefer no live view. It saves on some battery life and it makes it feel like more of a real camera and less of a point and shoot. If you want live view, wait for the A300K

The camera feels sturdy and isn't too big or small. I have very large hands and the camera feels good in my hands. It is mostly plastic, which in a way can feel a bit cheap but doesn't seem to be a problem at this time.
ISO setting is great. If you want to shoot in low light situations you have ISO settings up to 3200 with a supposed noise reduction but I haven't checked that out yet. I personally have it set on 100 and will keep it there for the least amount of noise.

Media options are GREAT!!! Sony MemorySticks are ridiculously priced. Especially when you need to have a high capacity one for these big pics (esp. shooting in RAW). Luckily this camera takes CompactFlash cards, which are some of the cheapest one you can get. (I got mine here on Amazon 4GB for $42).
The only thing I have a problem with on this camera is that you have to pay an extra $12 for an LCD protector (small plastic cover for LCD screen). Some camera makers include this with their SLR's. Sony should have included this as well.

Just don't forget the accessories. It will be nice to get the 70mm-300mm lens (which I got for $229) for those far away and macro shots. Screen protector is $12. Memory will vary by the amount you get. I also bought a nice tripod/monopod for $40.

So that's it. With this camera you will be taking very nice pictures, at high resolutions and at a reasonable price. There are very few downfalls in the design, and a lot of extremely nice features. Hope this helps with your decision. By Reza K. (Emeryville, CA United States)

Sony Alpha A900 24.6MP Digital SLR Camera

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

At least Digital SLR 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 Digital SLR may capable for it.

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

Sony Alpha A900 24.6MP Digital SLR Camera is well built with plenty of buttons to control its functions. It is easy to use and produces stunning picture quality when used with high end Zeiss, Sony or Minolta lenses. When used in continuous shooting mode, the camera captures 5 RAW images per second for 3 seconds, for a total of 15 images, before its image buffer fills and the image capture rate becomes limited by the speed of the Compact Flash card.

However, the A900's high resolution sensor is somewhat susceptible to noise. Packing 24 megapixels into this full frame sensor means that each pixel collects less light per unit time than does each pixel of a 12 megapixel full frame sensor. In consequence, the 24 megapixel full frame sensor is less immune to noise than the 12 megapixel full frame sensors of the Canon 5D or Nikon D700 cameras. When no in-camera noise reduction is applied by the A900, noise becomes apparent at ISO 800 and objectionable at ISO 1600. However, it is possible to extend the usable ISO range to 1600 or 3200 through the use of at least these three RAW converters: (1) Image Data Converter SR version 3 that Sony has released for free download, (2) DxO Optics Pro Elite version 5.3.6, 5.3.7 or 6, or (3) Adobe Lightroom 3. To my eye, the Sony Image Data Converter SR version 3 achieves slightly better noise suppression than the other two options.

The A900 places large demands on the computer where images are stored and post processed. The best image quality is obtained from RAW mode which consumes 36 megabytes per image file and stores 12 bits per pixel. And opening one of these 36 megabyte RAW image files using Adobe Photoshop can be time consuming. I have upgraded my 1.5GHz PowerPC G4 Mac mini to a 2.0GHz Intel Core 2 Duo Mac mini in order to decrease the time required to open a RAW image file to a reasonable delay.

The high resolution of the 24 megapixel sensor is achievable only with high end lenses such as the Zeiss 24mm f/2, 85mm f1.4, 135mm f1.8, 24-70mm f2.8 and 16-35mm f2.8 lenses, as well as the Sony G and Minolta G lenses. My own measurements with the Imatest lens test software reveal that many of the lower quality, non-G Minolta lenses (and presumably also the equivalent Sony lenses) are not sharp enough to exploit the high resolution sensor. Exceptions to this statement include the Minolta 28mm f2, 35mm f2, 50mm f1.4, 100mm f2.8 macro, 100mm f2.8 soft focus and 70-210mm f4 lenses, which are not G lenses but approach G in quality. Nevertheless, be prepared to purchase an expensive set of lenses if you want to get the most out of the A900. And be certain to perform autofocus microadjustment on all of your lenses using the LensAlign focus calibration system if you want to get the most out of each lens.

Sony A77 24.3 MP Translucent Mirror Digital

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

At least Digital SLR 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 Digital SLR may capable for it.

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

This viewfinder will change the way you use your camera. It'll change it for the better because it gives you greater control over the camera than you've ever had before.

Because the viewfinder is an OLED video screen in the eyepiece instead of being a typical piece of glass, you're seeing something entirely different. Something more useful.

An optical viewfinder shows you what the lens is seeing. An electronic viewfinder shows you what the sensor is doing. Think about that for a moment. Let's say you own a Nikon D7000 and you boost exposure compensation. Do you see any change in the viewfinder? Of course not. You'll see that change in the photo you take. That's how SLRs have always worked, even back in the days before digital. Ah, but with the electronic viewfinder in a Sony a77, when you boost exposure compensation, you'll see the image in the viewfinder become brighter, just as the shot you take will be brighter.

An even simpler example: Look through the viewfinder of a DSLR and choose an exposure point. Pick a dark spot. Nothing changes in your viewfinder, right? Pick a bright spot. Do you see any change in the viewfinder? Of course not. But, in the a77 viewfinder, you see the exposure change because the viewfinder is showing you what the camera is doing rather than only showing you what the lens is seeing.

Here's how most of us probably used our DSLRs: You pick the camera up to your eye. You look through the viewfinder to frame your shot, etc. You take the shot and then pull the camera away from your eye so you can review the shot you just took, using the LCD screen on the back of your camera "Ah, shoot. Blown highlights." You lower exposure compensation, put the camera viewfinder to your eye, frame up the shot again and take it again. Then check it again on the LCD screen on the back of the camera.

In other words, it's a game of switching from viewfinder to LCD, LCD to viewfinder, etc etc etc. Back and forth.

With the electronic viewfinder in the Sony a77, you don't have to do that anymore. You can literally see the changes you're making in the viewfinder. And, better still, you can set up your viewfinder to review the shot you just took for 2 seconds (or 5, though I find 2 to be enough). So, you take the shot and immediately see the shot you just took without moving the camera. By Rob (Portland, OR)

Sony Alpha DSLRA500L 12.3MP Digital SLR Camera

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

At least Digital SLR 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 Digital SLR may capable for it.

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

A costumer said that Sony Alpha DSLRA500L 12.3MP Digital SLR Camera is an excellent camera thus far. Previously, I've had an A300, Canon XTi, and Nikon D5000, all of which were very good cameras too. However, this is quickly becoming my favorite camera of the bunch. The build quality seems very good and the picture quality is awesome. Its heft and size feels nicely in my hand too; the other ones are smaller and lighter by comparison. That is all. I don't need to go into the technical specs because they are already listed everywhere.