The most affordable digital SLRs for absolute beginners
02.02.09
Many people who move from point and shoot cameras to the first digital SLR prefer affordable and light digital SLRs. The best and most affordable entry digital SLRs are as follows:
Canon EOS Rebel XS (EOS 1000D / kiss F) ($518 with Canon EF-S 18-55 IS)
- 10-megapixel basic SLR
- 2.5-inch live-view LCD
- 3 fps continuous shooting
- 1.6x 35mm equivalent magnification factor
- 7-point AF
Canon Rebel XS is a great entry level digital SLR which can give excellent images under default settings-which is just what beginners need. This camera came with a very good image-stabilized kit lens and has a sensor cleaning system. It is rated as “highly recommended” on dpreview.com. The major weakness of Canon XS is that it does not has a spot meter.
Nikon D40 ($410 with Nikkor 18-55mm)
- 6-megapixel basic SLR
- 2.5-inch LCD
- 2.5 fps continuous shooting
- 1.5x 35mm equivalent magnification factor.
Nikon D40 is Nikon’s compact and light weight entry level DSLR with excellent image quality. The kit lens is better than many others. It has an auto-focus assist lamp and extremely useful, customizable automatic ISO and in-camera retouching features including D-lighting and red-eye reduction. But it has only a three area auto focus system which is good but not great. The major issue with D40, however, is the lack of built-in AF motor which means non AF-S/AF-I lenses are manual focus only. This camera is two years old and does not have some new features found in other digital SLRs such as live view LCD and a sensor cleaning system.
Olympus EVOLT E-520 (with 14-42 mm lens only $499)
- 10-megapixel basic SLR from Olympus
- 2.7-inch live-view LCD
- 3.5 fps continuous shooting
- 2x 35mm equivalent magnification
Olympus E-520 is a great camera for the money with very good image quality. Just like many other Olympus cameras, this camera came with many features including body-based image stabilization, dust removal system and two spot meters ( one with a shadow and the other with highlight). The major weak point is that it only has three AF points.
Source: Netmark