Beginning Photography Tips

This is a great article that I found at Tech Universe breaks down the top affordable DSLR’s in no particular order.

The Nikon D40 and D40x; these are the premiere cameras from Nikon, and apparently sales have been incredible. Not much of a difference between the two, aside from price and a few functions and features, including 6.1 megapixels (mp) in the D40 (around $549 USD) and 10.2 mp in the D40x (around $749 USD). I love the features in the camera, and I reviewed the D40x for Digital Media Net (DMN). It’s the best, most fun gadget I’ve used in years. Find out more at nikonusa.com, where you can see the other DSLRs Nikon has to offer. The 55-200mm zoom telephoto Nikkor lens (VR) runs around $250 USD.

The Pentak K100D Super; this newest model from Pentax features a 6.1 mp sensor, along with an incredible shake reduction feature. This camera is great for newbies and seasoned pros who are looking for a solid DSLR. Priced at around $600 USD, though I’ve seen some rebates that take that price down to $500! Find out more at pentaximaging.com.

The Canon Rebel XT and XTi, the original affordable, easy-to-use DSLR. The D40 and D40x are clearly modeled off these cameras, and there are some slight differences. The XT has a nice 8 mp sensor and goes for around $600 USD, while the XTi has 10.1 mp and runs around $800 USD. Both of these prices have recently dropped. I’ve had the pleasure of using an XT and found it to be a solid camera. Find out more at canonusa.com, where you can also see the other wide variety of mid-range to high-end cameras.

The Olympus EVOLT E-410 and E-510; both are 10 mp, and both come with 14-42mm lenses. There are some differences, namely in how the cameras handle in various situations (read a review of the E-510 here). The E-410 goes for around $700 USD, while the E-510 runs around $900 USD. For an extra $100, you can get a 40-150mm lens. Not too shabby! Visit olympusamerica.com for more.

The Panasonic DMC-L10K; this is considered an entry-level DSLR, with a pricey 14-50mm Leica lens (Leica is known to be incredible). It’s a 10 mp camera that retails for around $1300 USD, putting its price in the Nikon D200 and Canon 30D/40D range (minus lenses), but again, it’s considered a beginners-style camera. I’m impressed with Leica, so it may be worth it. I don’t believe Panasonic makes its own glass for these cameras. Find out more at panasonic.com.

The Sony DSLR-A100K; this camera comes with a nice 18-70mm Carl Zeiss lens (I love these lenses; they’re used on V1u and Z1u, among other, HDV cameras). It also features a 10.2 mp sensor, which seems to be the standard these days with the affordable DSLR line-up (time for Pentax to catch up). For around $700-800 USD, this is a pretty nice deal. Visit sonystyle.com for more.

Well, I think that about covers the entry-level, affordable range of digital SLR cameras. I’ll be back with some more suggestions (mid-range and high-end) for the pro and amateur photographer in your life. Hunt around for the best prices, because I’ve seen great ones at major retailers.