This year saw an unprecedented number of new digital SLR cameras entering the ever-growing SLR market. Amid all the competition, a handful of digital SLR cameras rose above the crowd in terms of quality and value. Here we have ranked what we believe to be the best 10 digital SLRs of 2006. There were many factors that we considered, including price, image quality, user satisfaction, durability, features, and more. Feel free to provide your own opinions and feedback at the end of this article.



10 Sony Alpha A100K

Who is it for?
Both SLR newbies and amateur photographers. You'll feel right at home with this camera if you are familiar with the Konika Minolta MAXXUM series.

How much does it cost?
For the body only, the camera retails for about $750 to $800. With the 18-70mm lens, about $800 to $900.

Important Stats
  • 10-megapixel CCD
  • In-camera image stabilization and anti-dust vibration systems
  • Eye-Start Autofocus system
  • 2.5-inch LCD display
  • 9-point autofocus system
  • 40-segment multi-pattern honeycomb metering
  • Carl Zeiss Lenses
  • Dynamic Range Optimizer - recover details in dark or bright areas of the picture
  • Bionz Image Processor
  • Accepts both CompactFlash Type I/II media and optional Memory Stick Duo media
Why a top 10?
This is Sony's first digital SLR camera. It borrows a good deal from Konika Minolta design and technology. Extra, but useful, features like the anti-dust vibration system, image stabilization, Eye-StartAutofocus system, and Dynamic Range Optimizer make this camera a serious Nikon/Canon competitor.
Read our Full Review


9 Canon EOS 1Ds Mark II

Who is it for?
Professional photographers with money to spend.

How much does it cost?
For the body only, the camera retails for about $6800 to $8000.

Important Stats
  • 16.7-megapixel full frame CMOS image sensor - 4992 x 3328 pixel images
  • DIGIC II image processor
  • Captures up to 32 consecutive shots at speeds up to 4 fps
  • 2.0-inch LCD screen w/ 1.5 to 10x playback zoom
  • Battery lasts for approximately 1200 shots
  • High-speed FireWire and video out interface
  • Shutter speeds from 1/8000 to 30 seconds
  • Shutter lag - 55 milliseconds
  • 45-point AF system
  • 21-zone metering sensor
  • 20 Custom Functions with 65 settings and 27 personal function settings
  • Compatible with 50 EF lens models
Why a top 10?
The Canon EOS 1Ds Mark II is simply one of the best digital SLR cameras money can buy. Excellent image quality, lightning fast response time, full frame sensor, and nearly every manual option a professional photographer could ask for. For the professional photographer with $7k or so to spend, this is a great choice.


8 Canon EOS 5D

Who is it for?
Professional photographers and advanced amateurs who want a lower-cost alternative to the EOS Mark II.

How much does it cost?
For the body only, the camera retails for about $2800 to $3500.

Important Stats
  • 12.8-megapixel full frame CCD - 4,368 x 2,912 pixels
  • DIGIC II processor
  • Second-generation on-chip noise reduction circuitry used on the Canon EOS 1Ds Mark II
  • 3.0 frames per second for up to 60 consecutive JPEG or 17 RAW
  • 2.5-inch LCD screen
  • 9-point auto focus with 6 invisible Assist AF points
  • 1/8000- to 30-second shutter speed
  • 100-1600 ISO speed range extendable to L:50 and H:3200
  • 21 custom functions with 57 user-definable settings
  • Captures images on CompactFlash Type I and Type II cards
  • Compatibility with all Canon EF lenses
Why a top 10?
The Canon EOS 5D was designed as a lower-price alternative to the expensive EOS 1D/ 1Ds Mark II. It contains many of the same essential components found on the Mark II, including the DIGIC II image processor and on-chip noise reduction circuitry. For those who travel a lot, the 5D's relatively small size - about 2/3 the weight of the Mark II - should be a big plus.
Learn More


7 Sigma SD14

Who is it for?
Amateur photographers, the "prosumer" crowd.

How much does it cost?
For the body only, the camera retails for about $1600.

Important Stats
  • 14-megapixel CCD Foveon X3 image sensor - 4608 x 3072 pixels
  • Image Sensor Dust Protector
  • 2.5-inch LCD monitor
  • Durable focal plane shutter
  • 5-point AF
  • Continuous shooting speed of 3 frames per second
  • Mirror lock-up mechanism raises the mirror thus preventing vibration when the shutter is released
  • Three types of metering mode: 8-segment Evaluative Metering, Center Area Metering, and Center Weighted Average Metering
  • Top LCD panel
Why a top 10?
Sigma's latest digital SLR is designed for demanding amateur photographers. The camera's new Foveon X3 direct image sensor is one of a kind, capturing "all primary RGB colors at each and every pixel arranged in three layers, insuring the capture of full and complete color."
Learn More