The Best Digital SLR For You

April Newsletter - Canon 60D, Nikon D5100, Metering and More

I have recently published the April edition of the Digital SLR Guide Newsletter.

In this issue you can:

• Decide what level of photographer you want to be
• Learn about the Canon 60D
• Get more info on the new Nikon D5100
• Understand metering: area, center-weighted and spot
• Find out how to tweak the colors of your JPG photos in-camera

Several people have notified me that there is a display problem with the newsletter in Gmail. I am sorry about this and am working to fix the problem before the May issue is sent out.

For now, you can read the April issue online here: DSLR News - April 2011

Nikon D5100 Features

Say hello to the latest digital SLR from Nikon: the new D5100.

Slotted in between the D3100 and the D7000, the D5100 should appeal to both newcomers to digital SLR cameras as well as more experienced photographers.

Like its predecessor - the D5000 - the D5100 has a flexible LCD screen. Unlike the D5000, this screen is hinged to the side so that it flips out from the camera body and can be rotated to be viewed from just about any angle.

LCDs like this are great for odd-angle photography but are also immensely useful when you want to take video. And the D5100 does have a Full HD 1080p video mode.

Also new with the D5100 is an "Effects" mode that lets you apply artistic effects to your images.

Olympus E-5 Features

Recently posted: a run-down of the features of the substantial Olympus E-5.

The Olympus E-5 does have speed on its side, both in terms of autofocus performance as well as its ability to capture multiple consecutive shots.

But the real reason to own an E-5 is if you want to take lots of pictures in less-than-ideal weather.

The Olympus E-5 is fully sealed against the elements, which means that you can use it in rain or a dust storm with little worry. This sealing extends to the articulated LCD screen, which you can flip and twist in any direction for clearer viewing.

Pros and Cons of Telecoverters

For those not in the know, a teleconverter is a device that you attach in between your camera body and your lens. The point of this device is to extend the focal length of whatever lens you attach to the teleconverter.

Teleconverters come in different "strengths" depending on the level of magnification you desire.

For example, if I used a 2x teleconverter with a fixed 100mm lens, then I'd be able to grab shots as if I were using a 200mm lens. If I used a 1.5x teleconverter, then it would be similar to using a150mm lens.

The main purpose of teleconverters is to extend the reach of lenses that already have pretty long focal lengths to get close-up shots at sporting events and of wildlife in its natural habitat.

Since I've never personally used a teleconverter, I'll turn you over to the following link which does a great job of discussing the pros and cons of such devices.

Pros and Cons of Using Teleconverters on Your DSLR

Sony DSLR-A560 Features

Just posted: a summary of the Sony Alpha DSLR-A560 Features.

Here's the quick overview:

• 14.2 megapixels
• Full HD 1080i video recording
• 15 point autofocus
• ISO from 100 to 25600
• Flexible 3 inch LCD

The other key features of the A560 are its fast live view autofocus system, built-in image stabilization (works with all Sony lenses), sweep panorama mode and in-camera High Dynamic Range (HDR) mode.

Canon Rebel T3 1100D Features

Just published: the Canon Rebel T3 1100D features page.

http://www.digital-slr-guide.com/canon-1100d-features.html

If I had to describe the Canon Rebel T3i 1100D in one catch phrase, it would go like this: "chock full of beginner goodness".

The Rebel T3 1100D is really a point-and-shoot camera with delusions of grandeur.

To be more specific than that: you get the autofocus performance, speed and high image quality of an SLR camera without having to learn tons of photo jargon to use it.

NEW! The Nikon D90

The latest Nikon digital SLR camera - dubbed the D90 - breaks new ground in a variety of different ways.

First, let's cover what the camera has in common with its competition:

• 12.3 megapixel sensor - this number of megapixels is matched only by the Nikon D300 (a semi-pro camera) and the Canon EOS Rebel XSi.
• Dust control - like many modern digital SLRs, the D90 repels dust from the sensor for cleaner images
• Live view - you can compose photos with the D90 using either the viewfinder or the large 3 inch LCD (live view is available on many other digital SLRs)

And now, what sets this camera apart and will - at the time of its release - make it unique:

• Continuous capture at 4.5 photos per second - this speed is unmatched by any other consumer-level digital SLR (only semi-pro models like the Canon 40D, Nikon D300, Olympus E-3 and Sony A700 are faster)
• Low noise up to ISO 3200 - incredibly low noise even at very high ISO settings provides an immense amount of flexibility when taking photos in low light
• 11 autofocus points - the most of any other competing camera model in the same class
• D-movie - the Nikon D90 will be the very first SLR that will capture High Definition (HD) video in addition to still images

When you tack on the fact that the D90 will ship with a brand new 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6 Vibration Reduction (VR) lens, then you have a camera that does it all.

I always tell people to figure out what sorts of photos they want to take before they go looking for a camera to suit their needs, because most cameras have limitations and don't excel at all types of photography.

Only time will tell, but it sounds like the new Nikon D90 might cover every type of photography style there is - and throws in something for the budding videographers as well.

The Nikon D90 will be available in September for an estimated selling price of $1,300 with the 18-105mm kit lens.

• Nikon D90 Press release
• Video of the Nikon D90 (pre-release testing)
• Photos of the Nikon D90
• Pre-order the Nikon D90

 

The Canon EOS 50D

Even though the Canon EOS 40D is barely a year old (originally released in September of 2007) today Canon has announced the upcoming release of the new EOS 50D (release date: October 2008).

The features that the 50D shares with its predecessor are its build quality, dust control system, and compatibility with all Canon EF and EF-S lenses (in addition to hundreds of third party lenses).

What does the new 50D have to offer that's not available on the 40D? Quite a lot actually:

• 15.1 megapixels instead of 10.1 (which will give it the most megapixels of any consumer-level SLR at the time of release)
• An improved image processor (DIGIC 4) to quickly save the large 15 megapixel files to a memory card even when captured at the camera's top speed of 6.5 photos per second
• Increased ISO range from 100 to 12800 with multiple levels of applied noise reduction
• Increased buffer size, allowing the continuous capture of up to 90 JPG images or 16 RAW
• The Auto Lighting Optimizer helps to increase brightness under lighting conditions where digital SLRs often under expose
• An improved LCD with 4x the pixel count (920,000) than the one on the 40D for a clearer, more colorful display
• The addition of a new "Face Detection" setting when using the live view mode
• Two small RAW (sRAW) formats - the 40D only has one

The estimated selling price of the EOS 50D body only is $1,400 while a kit that includes the 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM is expected to retail for $1,600.

Read the Canon EOS 50D Press Release.

2008 Digital Camera Satisfaction

JD Power recently announced the results of their 2008 Digital Camera Usage and Satisfaction Study.

Some interesting findings:

• Canon and Nikon digital SLR cameras are tied in terms of customer satisfaction, although Canon received better marks in terms of image quality while Nikons were easier to use
• The most desired new feature for future digital SLR cameras: waterproofing
• Digital SLR owners take the most photos per month (especially if you photograph your subject from every angle as I often recommend)
• The most frequently used resource used to shop for a digital camera is - you guessed it - Internet product and review sites (just like the Digital SLR Guide)

Read more results from the 2008 JD Power Digital Camera Study

Canon EOS Rebel XSi for Sale

For anyone interested in the new Canon EOS Rebel XSi - I have one for sale with the 18-55mm kit lens on eBay.

Here's a very quick summary of the features of the Rebel XSi (more information can be found in the complete Rebel XSi guide):

• 12.2 megapixel sensor
• 3.5 photo per second continuous speed
• Fast, accurate 9-point autofocus system
• ISO range from 100 to 1600
• 3 inch live view LCD
• Dust Control System
• Evaluative 35 zone metering system
• Picture Styles (custom color control)

The Rebel XSi is also extremely compact and light, making it a nice camera to carry with you on the go.

It's easy to access all the primary camera controls with one-touch buttons, including ISO, white balance, metering mode, autofocus mode and drive mode (check out the following video to see how easy it is to change settings).

Average Retail Price: $820

Starting Bid Price: $680

Auction Ends: Tuesday, July 15 Bid Now