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Bargains in Digital SLRs by Jason Schneider You can now acquire a great new DSLR for as little as 480 bucks — and it’s a buyer’s market! Article rating: 8.53

Canon made a big splash only a few years back when they launched the EOS Rebel D, the first digital SLR priced under $1,000. Its phenomenal success generated a wave of competitive entry-level consumer DSLRs by other major makers, all retailing at just under $1000 with standard short zoom lenses. Nowadays one grand will get you a lot more than that, namely a full-featured, 10-megapixel, enthusiast aimed model like the Nikon D80, Canon EOS XTi, Sony Alpha 100, Pentax K10D or Samsung GX10. The big news is that picture-takers looking to upgrade from a point-and-shoot to a DSLR, or serious shooters in search of a second compatible DSLR body, now have an enticing choice of fine-performing 6-to-8 MP models in the $480 - $580 (street price) range!

Happily, this exciting new class of broad-spectrum, entry-level DSLRs does  not consist of stripped down “step up” models designed to lure you into buying a higher-priced model. These mostly 6-megapixel beauties offer a surprising amount of sophistication for the money, with burst rates of 2.5 frames-per-sec, a full range of metering, focusing, exposure, and white balance control modes, TTL flash, ISO settings to 1600, 2-1/2-inch LCDs and more. True, members of the lowest priced tier of DSLRs feature lighter body construction and lack some cutting-edge performance features found in advanced and pro models, but even this has a plus side for many users, especially women, for whom compactness, light weight, and ease-of- use are the top priorities.  

The newest kid on the block in sub-$600 DSLRs is the Nikon D40, a gorgeous looking entry-level compact with a street price of about $560 that’s been a hot seller from the moment it was introduced. With 6.1MP capture (good enough for a pro quality 10x15 or 11x14-inch print), excellent ergonomics, and a body that measures 3.7x5.0x2.5 inches and weighs only 17 ounces (without the 18-55mm f/3/5-5.6 G AF-S DX Zoom Nikkor lens or 7.4-volt Li-ion battery), the D40 is a harbinger of things to come as the DLSR becomes a true mass market consumer item.

While a certain percentage of D40 buyers will eventually step up to more sophisticated models like the Nikon D80, the D200, and their successors, most D40 buyers will be more than content to stick with a camera that offers a 2.5 fps framing rate, 3D Color Matrix Metering II (with type G and D lenses), i-TTL flash, full exposure and metering modes, a basic selection of scene modes, a built-in flash that gets out to 59 feet--and of course, that most compelling feature of all DSLRs, instant responsiveness with virtually no shutter lag. We’ve even talked to a few pros that plan to pack a couple of D40s in their bags to supplement their Nikon D2Xs’s and other top-tier models—a testament to its convenience, excellent ergonomics, and outstanding performance.

Another luscious contender in the DSLR “cheapstakes” is the Pentax K110D which, at about $510 street with Pentax SMCP-DA18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 lens is the least expensive Pentax DSLR on the market. While promoted as an entry-level model, this solid, well-made 6.1 MP DSLR offers such advanced features as 11-point AF, 16-segment multi-pattern metering, a high magnification (0.85X) penta-mirror finder, 2.8 fps burst rate, 2.5-inch LCD, ISOs to 3200, 8 scene modes, and 19 custom functions. Its ability to accept older Pentax K-mount lenses is a big plus for many 35mm Pentax SLR fans migrating to digital.

For about $590 street (an additional $80 or so) you can can opt for the upgraded Pentax K100D which has all of the above and more (such as the ability to shoot longer bursts) plus the very popular and useful Pentax SR (shake reduction) system that moves the sensor to ensure blur-free images at slower shutter speeds or when using long lenses. This system works with all lenses and provides an effective two-stop advantage when shooting pictures handheld. Both the Pentax K110D and K100D are ergonomic, compact, and lightweight, measuring 3.7x5.1x2.8 inches without lens, and weighing in at 19.8 ounces sans battery.

Yikes! A DSLR for under 500 bucks?

At this point in time, lowest price DSLR laurels go to the Samsung Digimax GX-1L, which is available at an astounding street price of $480 with Schneider D-Xenon 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 zoom lens! A close cousin of the Pentax K110D, this 6MP beauty features attractive cosmetics including a specially finished grip, 5-point wide-zone AF, ISOs TO 3200, 7 scene modes, auto-bracketing, a 2.8 fps burst rate, and conveniently placed controls. For 100 bucks more ($499.95 street), consumers can opt for the Samsung Digimax GX-1S, which adds a bright 0.95 X pentaprism finder, 11-point AF, and the ability to shoot longer burst at 2.8 fps. Like the Pentax models they’re based on, the Samsung DSLRs are commendably compact, lightweight, and user friendly.

The Olympus answer to the sub-$600 DSLR is the Evolt E-500 that, like all Olympus DSLRs is based on the Four Thirds sensor and lens mount system that’s also compatible with Panasonic and Leica DSLRs and lenses. Providing an impressive 8MP capture, the compact, stylish E-500 carries a street price of about $580 with Zuiko14-55mm (28-90mm equivalent) f/3.5-5.6 lens, features the Supersonic Wave dust reduction system that shakes the sensor at 35,000 Hz to remove dust, a 2.5-inch LCD, easy, basic, and creative shooting modes including 15 scene modes, 5 metering modes, 5-point AF, and 2.5 fps burst capability up to 4 frames. One of the lightest and smallest of all DSLRs, the E-500 measures 3.7x5.1x2.6 inches and weighs only 15.3 ounces (body only).

What about Canon, the 800-pound gorilla of the DSLR domain? So far, the company has chosen to focus on features and performance rather than contesting the sub-$600 class and nobody can claim that this approach hasn’t paid off handsomely--Canon DSLRs are top sellers in every price tier they’ve entered. However, photo enthusiasts looking for a bargain who are prepared to spend about $100 more would do well to consider the Canon Digital Rebel XTi. This formidable 10.1MP camera is currently offered at street prices in the $700 range with Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 lens. The XTi, which features, 9-point AF with zone readouts in the finder and AF-assist beam, E-TTL-II flash, 3fps framing rate, and a 2.5-inch LCD, The XTi been a top seller since its introduction and is obviously a very attractive proposition in terms of performance and features per dollar.

Where does all this leave today’s DSLR buyer? In a very enviable position indeed, because we’re in the midst of a burgeoning buyer’s market. The rapid expansion of the consumer DSLR sector is great news for everybody, from first-time DSLR purchasers to serious enthusiasts and pros, because it provides a far greater range of excellent choices at all levels than ever before. And as someone once said, “Competition improves the breed.” Whatever else you may say about the digital paradigm and its frenzied pace of technological development, it has just yielded an enticing new crop of amazingly affordable DSLRs whose overall performance is as good or better than that of the high-end prosumer models of only a few years ago. So, whether you’re one of the many who’ve been sitting  on the fence waiting for DSLR prices to come down to “reasonable” levels, or a photo enthusiast looking for more DSLR bang for the buck, now is as good a time as any to take the plunge.

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	I wasn't aware of the entry-level DSLR cameras on the market other than the Canon XTi. The article gave a great summary of products available on the market for this level. Thanks for the information. Posted by: Dave Feb 14, 2007 @ 1:30 PM EST
	Bravo! Your DSLR article provided a stable ride through the whitewater of DSLR pricing and performance features, a guy or girl, can take these remarks and make a well informed purchase! Posted by: donhall/bearcreekresearch Apr 6, 2007 @ 9:43 AM EST

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