DSLR Cameras - Top 5 Review

Canon EOS 7D 18 MP CMOS Digital SLR Camera with 3-inch LCD

This camera totally Rocks! Okay, that is not a technical term, but really it is awesome. I was a die hard Nikon fan forever, but now I am sorry but I have to defect. The Canon Digital EOS 7D is the most amazing camera. IF you can afford it, you will not be disappointed.

For years I have struggled with the fast action shots with my digital cameras (Nikons) I wanted to catch fast moving action (my horses and dogs playing) but by the time I pressed the button, and the shutter responded, the horse was halfway out of the frame. I have been so frustrated with this. Now I am happy to say, at 8 fps (frames per second) shooting speed, this is a worry of the past.

This 18-megapixel resolution DSLR rivals full-frame cameras.With superior still and video shooting at a reasonable price. Standout features include a speedy burst rate that approaches 8 shots per second, a sophisticated new autofocus system that works fast and includes a Zone mode for choosing screen sections, and a handsome 100%-coverage viewfinder. Color accuracy and image noise performance are strong, particularly in low lighting, image sharpness is very good, and dynamic range was exceptional. With its 24fps mode in full HD video and a very useful one-touch RAW+JPEG button, the Canon 7D is better and yet cheaper than it predecessor the Canon 5D Mark II.

The video below will teach you a lot about the basics of this camera, from what comes in the box, to getting started using all the features, as well as why it is such a revolution in the digital camera market.

Side By Side Tech Specs

Mega Pixels: 18
Shutter Speed: 1/8000
Movie Mode: Yes - 24p or 30p frame rates at a 1920 x 1080 (Full HD) resolution.
Length of Movie: 30 Mins
LCD Screen: 3-inch
Focusing Points: 19
Continuous Burst Speed: 8 fps (Blazing Fast)
ISO Sensativity: 100-6400, extended 12800
Built in Flash: Yes
Image Stabilization: Yes
Type of Memory Card: CF card
Image Format: JPEG, RAW,. RAW+JPEG

Average Customer Review on Amazon: 4.5 Stars (113 Customer Reviews)

Average Cost: $1,800.00 (with 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM Standard Zoom Lens) $1,500 Body Only

Of Special Note:
Amazing 8 fps continuous burst speed for catching fast action. Very good HD Movie Mode.

A bit of an investment, but the HD Movie Mode is very good and the 8 fps Burst Speed and Clarity of Pixels make the Canon EOS 7D worth the price tag, especially when you consider there are cameras not as good out there that cost even more.

Canon EOS Rebel T2i (EOS 550D) 18 MP CMOS APS-C Digital SLR Camera with 3.0-Inch LCD

The T2i is not a huge improvement from the T1i. The most significant differences, are the new 18-megapixel CMOS sensor (borrowed from the 7D). This change increased the sharpness quality, but the T2i still turns in only an average performance in noise, dynamic range, and long exposure.

Other improvements are the upgraded video recording performance. The T2i sports a new, higher-resolution LCD and some minor changes in the layout of its buttons, including a dedicated video record button in a very sensible location. There's also an external microphone input, which should help in capturing better audio to go with your video.

Side By Side Tech Specs

Mega Pixels: 18
Shutter Speed: 1/8000
Movie Mode: two 1080p record modes (24p or 30p frame rates), one 720p mode (60p frame rate), and two standard definition recording options.
Length of Movie: 30 Mins
LCD Screen: 3-inch
Focusing Points: 9 (center cross-type)
Continuous Burst Speed: 3.4 fps
ISO Sensativity: 100-3200
Built in Flash: Yes
Image Stabilization: Yes
Type of Memory Card: SD/SD/SDHC
Image Format: JPEG, RAW, RAW+JPEG

Average Customer Review on Amazon: 4.5 Stars (65 Reviews)

Average Cost: $1,050.00 (with EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Lens) $899.00 Body Only

Of Special Note:
Although less expensive than the 7D, it actually takes better photos in some instances (see video below). The video capabilities are quite impressive on this camera, better than most, although you will find the Canon 7D's video mode even better.

For the price, the Canon Rebel T2i is a very solid entry level DSLR camera!

Nikon D300s 12.3 MP CMOS Digital SLR Camera

Nikon makes great Digital cameras, no doubt about it. But at the same price as the Canon 7D, it could have been a lot better. Loyal Nikon fans won't be disappointed by this camera, though, it still offers an amazing collection of lenses and a very tough and weather-sealed body. You can drop this camera a lot and it keeps on ticking. It is solid, heavy, well balanced and comfortable to hold.

The D300S has Nikon's typically outstanding color and noise performance. The autofocus system is still great, as with other Nikons. One major improvement is the new 7fps burst, and the addition of dual memory card slots. The camera is worth the price if you're a pro with a budget or an amateur who really wants those extra features.

Side By Side Tech Specs

Mega Pixels: 12.3
Shutter Speed: 1/8000
Movie Mode: 1280x720 24fps - D-Movie - records HD movie clips
Length of Movie: 5 Min HD Mode (20 Min SD Mode)
LCD Screen: 3-inch
Focusing Points: 51
Continuous Burst Speed: 7 fps
ISO Sensativity: 200-3200
Built in Flash: Yes
Image Stabilization: Yes
Type of Memory Card: Dual Card Slots (CF and SD card slots)
Image Format: JEPG, RAW

Average Customer Review on Amazon: 4.5 Stars (59 Reviews)

Average Cost: $2,150.00 (with AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR II Lens) $1,499.00 Body Only

Of Special Note:
Dual Card Slots, for taking saving a back-up of each image, or taking one RAW one JPEG, or just using as an overflow.
Not the best at video.

A bit too much for my budget, but the Nikon D300s is a great camera!

Nikon D5000 12.3 MP DX Digital SLR Camera

This is a great camera for the price. All the other cameras though, are a bit better, in my personal opinion, but also cost a lot more. Improvements on this camera are most notable in Burst Speed/FPS and Movie Mode FPS. This camera takes as good, and even better still images as some of the cameras here that cost hundreds more. As an amateur photographer that really likes crisp, bright images, with lots of flexibility, but who is on a bit of a budget, this camera is a great buy. Also, with the technology changing so fast, and newer better cameras out ever 6-12 months, I just don't want to invest more than $700 on just the camera body. Remember, there are still all those extras to buy, more lenses, filters, camera bag, SD Cards, extra batteries.... yikes! This is not a hobby for the faint of wallet.

Side By Side Tech Specs

Mega Pixels: 12.3
Shutter Speed: 1/8000
Movie Mode: D-Movie Mode with sound - 720p HD movie clips (24fps D-Movie)
Length of Movie: Approx. Five Minute Max
LCD Screen: Variable Angle 2.7-inch
Continuous Burst Speed: 4 fps
ISO Range: 100 to 640
Built in Flash: Yes
Image Stabilization: Yes
Type of Memory Card: SD/SDHC
Image Format: JEPG, RAW

Average Customer Review on Amazon: 4.5 Stars (144 Reviews)

Average Cost: $699.00 (with 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR Lens) $630.00 Body Only

Of Special Note:
The Movable LCD screen allows for much easier Movie Mode and you can fold it face into the body f the camera when not using to protect it from scratching. In side by side test with the Nikon 7D images on the D5000 are actually sharper, although Movie mode is much better with the 7D.

For the price, the Nikon D5000 is a great camera!

Pentax K-7 14.6 MP Digital SLR with Shake Reduction and 720p HD Video

The long past due over haul for Pentax's Digital SLR is finally here. The Pentax K-7 comes with a 14.6 megapixels CMOS sensor in a durable, lightweight magnesium-steel alloy housing. This camera has been sealed in over 70 places to make it extremely weather and dust resistant, and capable of functioning in some pretty extreme temperatures. With a continuous burst speed for high action shooting at 5.2 fps the Pentax K-7 is a serious rival to the more expensive leaders in the DSLR field.

The new DR (Dust Removal) mechanism is a new upgrade, effectively minimize annoying dust spots on images, even after changing lenses in dusty outdoor places. Also included in the upgrades, is a mechanism for improved shake-reduction. The HD video recording capability in 720p at 30fps is fine, but not quite as good as some of the rivals. An improvement in the metering system has greatly improved the cameras light-metering accuracy though, for better shots in low and high lighting conditions.

The PENTAX K-7 offers a rugged, yet compact body design. The 14.6 megapixel CMOS sensor, having been re-built from the ground up, the inclusion of HD movie mode, 100% field of view, 5.2 fps burst speed and a 3" LCD screen with live view takes this camera a great leap into the pack of front runners. This K-7 model is also still compatible with every PENTAX lens ever made. A great camera with lots of flexibility for a super low price in its field.

Side By Side Tech Specs
More weather resistant than other SLR's. Smaller and more compact than other competitors and priced better. Better selection of lenses.

Mega Pixels: 14.6
Shutter Speed: 1/8000
Movie Mode: Yes. HD 720p video at 30 FPS
Length of Movie: Approx. 100 min
LCD Screen: 3-inch
Continuous Burst Speed: 5.2
ISO Range: 100-3200
Built in Flash: Yes
Image Stabilization: Yes
Type of Memory Card: SD, SDHC
Image Format: RAW, JPEG, DCF 2.0 (design rule for camera file system), DPOF, Print Image Matching III

Average Customer Review on Amazon: 5 Stars (25 Reviews)

Average Cost: $970.00 (with DA 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 AL Weather Resistant Lens) $795.00 Body Only

Of Special Note:
Great low light shooting. Respectable video capabilities. Great price point compared to its competitors. Very rugged and weather resistant body, more so than its competitors, you won't have to run for shelter when it starts to rain like the Canon and Nikon owners. Also offers great dust reduction system, and better choice of lenses than other camera makers.

The Pentax K-7 Digital SLR stands up well among these others and is priced a bit more reasonably.

Although not a true DSLR, these new hybrid SLR cameras are very cool. For a lighter, more compact camera with most of the capabilities of the bigger, more expensive, heavier DSLR's these cameras are filling a much needed niche for consumers.

When I travel abroad, I often struggle with the decision of which camera to take on a day to day basis. As I prepare to leave the hotel, I have to choose... will it be the light weight, easy to whip-out Digital Compact with lower quality and less controls, or the big, bulky, my shoulder is going to snap off after a long day, but takes awesome photos and videos DSLR? Now, it really depends on what I am going to use the photos for in the end, but the new Micro Four Thirds offers consumers a third option. A DSLR with changeable lenses and tons of manual control options, HD Video (although not the best) AND a lighter, more compact design. The best of both worlds you say? Well, for those who want to travel lighter, but still get some pretty awesome results, YES.

Now these cameras are just getting started, so expect some serious headway to be made in this field in the next few years. Doesn't everything seems to start out big and bulky and then progress to smaller and smaller designs? Take cell phones for example. If you are old enough to remember the first ones on the market (unfortunately I am) you will know what I mean.

Here are some of the differences between the DSLR's and the Micro Four Thirds:
To make the camera smaller, lighter and more compact the Micro Four Thirds have gotten rid of the mirror setup for the viewfinder, so you only get a view screen (although you can add a digital viewfinder as an extra (shown attached in photo above), this is the main thing that makes DSRL's need to be so large. There are less buttons and dials, on the Micro Four Thirds, so changing settings takes more button pushing and menu digging than the bigger DSLR's. You also sacrifice some shutter speed, from the typical 1/8000 of the DSLR's to about 1/2000 or 1/4000 on the Four Thirds, as well as the tougher body construction of the DSLR's. But you can't have all the DSLR greatness and a compact, light weight camera too, at least not yet.

Side By Side Tech Specs

Mega Pixels: 12.3
Movie Mode: Yes, up to 720p
Length of Movie: 7 minutes in HD mode, 14 minutes in SD mode
LCD Screen: 2.7-inch
Continuous Burst Speed: 3 fps
ISO Range: 100-3200
Built in Flash: Yes
Image Stabilization: Yes
Type of Memory Card: SD/SDHC
Image Format: JPEG, RAW

Average Customer Review on Amazon: 4.5 Stars (56 Reviews)

Average Cost: $549.00 (includes 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 Zuiko Digital Zoom Lens)

Of Special Note:
Smaller and lighter than the typical DSLR's, but you do lose some of the flexibility. Picture clarity is very good for the price. Burst rate a bit slow. This camera is for the Point & Shoot enthusiasts that want a bit more flexibility with lenses and controls, but it is not comparable to a true DSLR's, but then it is also not as expensive either. It does have a bit slower auto focus, which is a bit frustrating. It does have exceptionally strong image sharpness and the camera also comes with some pretty cool art filter affects.

For what it is, the Olympus PEN E-PL1 is a great option for those looking to get more than a point and shoot, but don't want the bulk (or cost) of a full DSLR model.