DIGITAL SLR CAMERAS
Nikon D70s
With the D70s, you get high-end D-SLR performance at a relatively affordable price. This camera is fast (operation is virtually instant-on, and you can shoot up to 3 frames per second up to 144 consecutive shots in a row), rugged (black metal case), and versatile. You can shoot in a variety of preprogrammed modes, as well as aperture priority, shutter priority, or manual mode; you can also override the auto focus just by touching the manual focus ring on the lens. The D70s delivers shutter speeds from 30 to 1/8000 seconds, and flash-synchronized shutter speeds up to 1/500 seconds. Image-wise, the D70s's performance is exemplary. Images are sharp and clean, with a remarkable depth of field. (Resolution is 6.1 megapixels.) Of course, some of that depends on which lens you use, and the D70s works with any Nikkor lens even those you use with your 35mm camera. You can buy the D70s body-only or in a package with an 18 70mm zoom lens; I recommend the package, which is surprisingly affordable. Digital SLRs offer more versatility than a standard digital camera, and not just in lens choice. For example, the D70s gives you three types of auto focus: single area AF, dynamic area AF, and closest subject priority dynamic area AF. It shoots in either JPEG or RAW (NEF) format, with ISO settings of 200 1600. Buy a big CompactFlash card (I or II) to hold all those big images! One nice improvement of the D70s over the original D70 is the improved autofocus system. The D70s uses a new five-area AF with a cross-type sensor in the center and broad frame coverage; refinements to the original system provide more consistent subject acquisition and improved focus tracking. I'll admit, wonky autofocus was one of the few drawbacks to the original unit; improving the AF system fixes the only thing I griped about.
Nikon D50Nikon's D50 is the kid brother to the bigger D70s; this camera is just a little smaller and lighter than the D70s, and a tad bit easier to use. While the image quality is nearly identical between the two cameras, there are a few fewer adjustments to make, which the average photographer probably won't notice. Like the D70s, the D50 can use any Nikkor lens; the basic package includes an 18 55mm zoom lens (a tad shorter than the D70s' 18 70mm package lens). All-in-all, you get a ton of camera for about $300 less than the D70s (in kit form) what's not to like?
Canon EOS Digital Rebel XTNikon's chief competitor in the D-SLR market is Canon, which actually beat Nikon to market with the original EOS Digital Rebel. Now Canon ups the ante with the replacement EOS Digital Rebel XT, which delivers improved performance in a slightly smaller, slightly lighter body. The big news here is the 8 megapixel sensor; it's a nice addition to a very popular performer. Like the original, the Digital Rebel XT is compatible with more than 50 of Canon's EF lenses.
Olympus EVOLT E-300Olympus joins the D-SLR fray with one of the first Four Thirds System cameras, which uses a 4/3-size CCD and more compact lenses than competing D-SLRs. Unique to the E-300 is the Supersonic Wave Filter, which "shakes" dust off the CCD sensor, which has long been a problem with removable-lens cameras. It's a very good performer (with 8 megapixel resolution), and the sensor-cleaning thing is a very nice feature. Definitely worth your consideration.
Pentax *ist DSAs long as I don't have to pronounce "*ist" (I have no idea…), I'll put this camera on my list of favorite D-SLRs. I've always been a Pentax fan, primarily because of their lenses, and this camera doesn't disappoint; you can use it with just about any Pentax K-mount lens. This is one of the smallest and lightest D-SLRs available and it's quite easy to operate both of which make it an ideal pro-level camera for anyone upgrading from the point-and-shoot world.
|
EAN: 2147483647
Pages: 126