Digital Photo Resources
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Which Cheap DSLR Camera is the Absolute Best?Is it the Canon Rebel XSi, Nikon D3000 or Pentax K-x?
We are not talking "dirt cheap" DSLR Camera here, because, after all these are just about semi-professional cameras. (Many pro photographers keep one of these in their bag as a backup.) But when you consider the professional end of the spectrum, these are much less money. And you can get one of these without trading in your first-born child. In fact, we are talking UNDER $600! I'm making the assumption that those who are reading this article for serious decision making content have already decided that you want to upgrade from a point and shoot camera to a Digital Single Lens Reflex camera (DSLR). So now you are thinking of getting a cheap DSLR camera because, either.. A - you are on a budget, or.. B - you are not quite sure if DSLR is for you. Good News - You have made a great decision! You will not regret it, even if you opt for the cheapest of the cheap DSLR cameras. Empower Yourself With Your Very First (or upgraded) DSLR cameraHaving gotten to this point in your camera research, you know that there is a major difference between Compact and DSLR - right? You buy a compact digital camera and you have everything you need to be a photographer already in or on the camera. But when you buy a DSLR, you are committing to a serious hobby that involves other equipment, including, but not limited to:
And, even though cameras are becoming more and more intuitive (user friendly), there are many things you can do with a DSLR that you just cannot do with a point and shoot camera, with respect to camera settings, lenses, filters, and the like. Now, don't get the wrong idea. You CAN buy one of the cheap DSLR cameras with the Kit Lens and be set, not having to make all those other purchases. And you WILL be totally happy with the results, because a Digital SLR is just plain better than a point and shoot, even if you just "point and shoot" with your DSLR. If you don't even consider any thing else, think about being able to press the shutter release button and the camera takes the picture you thought you were going to get. NO SHUTTER LAG! That one benefit would seal the deal for many frustrated photographers.
There is a feeling of empowerment when you are able to slap on your 100mm macro lens and get a shot of a jumping spider, some ice crystals, or a new hairy caterpillar (see photo - that caterpillar was about 1 inch long) that photo is hard to get with a point and shoot camera. Here are the winners in the Cheap DSLR Camera category:
Canon Digital Rebel XSi
Canon introduced the Digital Rebel series of cameras in 2003 with the Digital Rebel 300D. There has been a new release about every 2 years. That is until this year. There have been 2 releases in 2 years, the first being the 450D, followed closely by the 500D and now the 550D. All 3 of these cameras (XSi=450D, T1i=500D, and T2i=550D) are worthy of ownership. However, we are looking at inexpensive (OK - CHEAP DSLR CAMERA). and the newer T1i and T2i are more expensive because of a few upgrades, mainly the introduction of HD Video which in not available in the Canon XSi. News Flash: Canon has announced that they will be discontinuing the production of the Rebel XSi. That does NOT mean it is an inferior camera, it just means you can save even more money on your Cheap DSLR Camera. How awesome is that? If Video is what you want, please see the recommendations for Entry Level DSLRs. (and let me just say here - if you are really into the techy side of reading specs and such, please check out some of the camera review sites. My favorites are www.imaging-resource.com and www.dpreview.com.) Here are the features of interest for the Digital Rebel 450D:
The two items that do not match up to Canon's high-end cameras are the sensor type (1.6 image crop - a techy term that simply means you get a better picture if you pay the extra money for the better camera) and burst speed (how many pictures per second you can snap off - in this case about 3fps). In my humble opinion, overall, the Canon Digital Rebel 450D matches up to ALL cameras in its class. If you have ever visited the KenRockwell.com website you will know that he speaks very highly of the Nikon D40. Even though Nikon's very first entry-level DSLR is no longer being produced, you can still get it on Amazon and other camera stores, and it is still a fantastic camera. News Flash: Nikon has discontinued the Nikon D40. You can still get one, but they will be disappearing from Online and Brick 'n Mortar stores. The newest inexpensive (OK - cheap) Nikon DSLR is the Nikon D3000. Nikon has done a great job of including all the same features of the D40 and D60 while keeping the price VERY reasonable. The D40 has experienced an almost Guiness Record 4.69 out of 5 user rating at Amazon and 4.61 out of 5 at DPReview.com. However, now that the D40 is harder to get, there is a new kid on the block, ready to take over the entry level DSLR "most popular camera" spot. The D3000 has all the best features of the D40, and then some.
Here is a comparison of the D40 and the D3000:
A word about Megapixels and the Nikon D40. Despite the hype about megapixels, a 6.0 Megapixel camera is capable of printing extremely large prints - easily at 8x10 or even larger. I have printed 24 x 20 inch prints with my 6 megapixel Rebel without any visible image quality problems. And until the shelves are clear, you can still get the D40 - it's still a great camera! Here is part of the Pentax product description:
Camera Features:
Benefits:
User Ratings for the Pentax K-x are extremely high. At Amazon there is a rating of 4.8 out of 5, and at DPReview, the rating is almost as good at 4.61 out of 5. Not-so-good:
The Bottom Line As an entry level DSLR camera buyer, I would not hesitate for a nano-second to purchase either the Canon Rebel XSi or the Nikon D3000. Which side of the Canon/Nikon debate you come down on is not going to disappoint you at all. The quality of the images is pretty much identical. I will say that there are those who insist that Canon is the better Landscape camera while Nikon excels in sports photography. However, I'm not convinced. Just look at all the Canon lenses lined up in the end zone or side line of any sporting event. No sir, if you want the newest Nikon camera on the market, Nikon's D3000 is for you, but that's about the only difference. Now... after all the Canon/Nikon dust has settled, there sits that RED Pentax K-x. It has some very cool benefits that the other two do not, such as Video Mode. And DPReveiw has given this Cheap DSLR Camera its highest rating, due to its super features and high image quality. I even like the idea of a Red or Blue DSLR.
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But the whole point of buying a DSLR is the flexibility it gives you to change out the lens, or choose a manual setting to get that shot you just couldn't get with your old compact point and shoot model.
The Pentax K-x offers high-end features including Live View, HD video and photographic performance that challenges higher class models. Since there’s no rule that SLR cameras must come in one color, try the K-x in a choice of white or black, as well as special, limited edition red and navy. With a one-handed shooting design that is extremely compact, lightweight, and easy-to-use, the very affordable K-x is perfect for users stepping up from a point-and-shoot digital camera to their first digital SLR.