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These cameras were all considered when I was deciding which DSLR to purchase. Almost any of them would have made a great choice. I'm leaving this data here so that anyone can browse through these few models and maybe get some ideas. NOTE: Any links in this section may be stale or dead, and prices are listed as they were in May of '08.
Canon Section
Canon Rebel XTi
Canon Digital Rebel XTi 10.1MP Digital SLR Camera with EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 Lens (Black)
Price: $639.95 on 080507
Pros:
- 9-point AF system
- Good auto performance.
- Small and light
- Lots of lenses available
Cons:
- No stabilization.
- Overpriced accesories.
- Wants CF cards, may not use SD. This may need confirmation.
- Near end of product life.
Finding: This camera just didn't tell me why I should want to buy it at this late date in its life.
Nikon Section
Nikon D80
Nikon D80 10.2MP Digital SLR Camera Kit with 18-55mm ED II AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor Lens
Price: $849.94 on 080507
Pros:
- 11-point AF system
- SDHC cards
- Small and light
- Lots of lenses available
Cons:
- Plastic lens mount.
- Expensive!
- Serious flaws in matrix exposure metering. See http://tinyurl.com/5rrf8u
Finding: No doubt a wonderful camera but didn't quite feel right for me. Expense was an issue.
Nikon D70
Nikon D70S 6.1MP Digital SLR Camera Kit with 18-70mm Nikkor Lens
Price: $749.99 on 080509
Pros:
- High burst rate means good for sporting events and live action.
- CF cards
- Small and light
- Lots of lenses available
- Loved by most who own it, very highly rated.
Cons:
- Low pixel count means cropping will be limited: frame carefully!
- 2 inch LCD was great in early 2007 but small by todays standards.
Finding: Approaching obsolescence. A great camera but I skipped it.
Olympus Section
Olympus Evolt E510
Olympus Evolt E510 10MP Digital SLR Camera with 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 and 40-150mm f/4.0-5.6 Zuiko Lenses
Price: $652.42 on 080507
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Good glass
- Price, notice this is priced -with- a zoom lens.
- People love it, very highly reviewed.
Cons:
- Horrible auto-burst flash mode when trying to focus in the dark.
- Motorized auto-focus
- A tad elderly at this point.
Finding: A respectable entry, but consider carefully because of its age.
Sony Section
Sony Alpha DSLRA300k
Sony Alpha DSLRA300k 10.2-megapixel digital SLR camera with 18-70mm and 55-200mm lenses
Price: $699.99 on 080506
Pros:
- Price
- Price
- Price
- The price is really pretty good.
Cons:
- Watch this space!
- Some say Sony needs to try harder.
Finding: This was a close contender in my shopping process, but fell slightly short.