The Top 10 Digital SLRs of 2006
http://www.slrtoday.com/articles/143/1/The-Top-10-Digital-SLRs-of-2006/Page1.html
By SLR Today
Published on 11/24/2006
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.
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
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
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
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
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
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. The Top 10 Digital SLRs of 2006 (10 - 7)
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
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
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
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
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
The Top 10 Digital SLRs of 2006 (6 - 4)
6 Pentax K10D
Who is it for?
Almost anyone looking for a weather-resistant DSLR in the sub-$1000 price range.
How much does it cost?
For the body only, the camera retails for about $900 to $1000.
Important Stats
The Pentax 10D simply has almost everything an aspiring photographer could want, and for under $1000. The weather-resistant body, 11-point AF, and the PRIME are all good reasons to consider this camera.
Learn More
5 Olympus EVOLT E500
Who is it for?
Anyone looking for a true DSLR bargain.
How much does it cost?
For the body only, the camera retails for about $500, with the standard 14-45mm f/3.5-5.6 lens, about $600.
Important Stats
This is perhaps the best digital SLR you can buy for $500 (body only). The 8-megapixel CCD provides plenty resolution for most users, and the number of custom settings is impressive for a SLR camera in this low price range. Best of all, overall user satisfaction is quite high.
Learn More
4 Canon EOS 30D
Who is it for?
Advanced amateur photographers and professionals on a tight budget.
How much does it cost?
For the body only, the camera retails for about $1100, with the standard 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 Lens, about $1200.
Important Stats
The Canon 30D is a camera designed to please almost anybody. It comfortably bridges the gap between the amateur (think Nikon D50, Canon Digital Rebel XT), and the fully professional (Canon 5D, 1Ds Mark II).
Learn More
Who is it for?Almost anyone looking for a weather-resistant DSLR in the sub-$1000 price range.
How much does it cost?
For the body only, the camera retails for about $900 to $1000.
Important Stats
- 10.2-megapixel 23.5mm x 15.7mm CCD
- In-camera Shake Reduction (SR) and Dust Reduction (DR) systems
- Dust-proof, weather-resistant body featuring 72 seals throughout the camera
- Continuous shooting at 3 fps
- Pentax Real IMage Engine (PRIME) - produces well-balanced, true-to-life images
- Sensitivity up to ISO 1600
- 11-point wide-frame AF
- 16-segment multi-pattern metering, center-weighted metering, and spot metering
- 32 custom functions to personalize camera operations
- Simultaneous recording of RAW and JPEG images
The Pentax 10D simply has almost everything an aspiring photographer could want, and for under $1000. The weather-resistant body, 11-point AF, and the PRIME are all good reasons to consider this camera.
Learn More
5 Olympus EVOLT E500
Who is it for?Anyone looking for a true DSLR bargain.
How much does it cost?
For the body only, the camera retails for about $500, with the standard 14-45mm f/3.5-5.6 lens, about $600.
Important Stats
- 8-megapixel Full Frame Transfer Kodak KAF-8300CE CCD
- TruePic Turbo Image Processor
- 2.5-inch HyperCrystal LCD display
- 5 metering modes and built-in filters
- 3 Color Modes: Vivid/Natural/Muted
- 9 Black and White Modes
- Simultaneous RAW and JPEG Image Recording
- 25 Exposure Modes (Easy, Basic, and Creative)
- Supersonic Wave Filter (SWF) to loosen and remove any dust
This is perhaps the best digital SLR you can buy for $500 (body only). The 8-megapixel CCD provides plenty resolution for most users, and the number of custom settings is impressive for a SLR camera in this low price range. Best of all, overall user satisfaction is quite high.
Learn More
4 Canon EOS 30D
Who is it for?Advanced amateur photographers and professionals on a tight budget.
How much does it cost?
For the body only, the camera retails for about $1100, with the standard 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 Lens, about $1200.
Important Stats
- 8.2-megapixel CMOS sensor
- 2.5-inch LCD
- High- and low-speed consecutive shooting (5 frames and 3 frames per second, respectively). Captures up to 30 JPEG and 11 RAW (or 9 RAW + JPEG) files in one burst.
- DIGIC II image processor
- 9-point wide area AF
- Six pre-set picture styles
The Canon 30D is a camera designed to please almost anybody. It comfortably bridges the gap between the amateur (think Nikon D50, Canon Digital Rebel XT), and the fully professional (Canon 5D, 1Ds Mark II).
Learn More
The Top 10 Digital SLRs of 2006 (3 - 2)
3 Nikon D200
Who is it for?
This is Nikon's answer to both the Canon 5D and 30D. It's ideal for Nikon fans who want a similar prosumer/professional camera.
How much does it cost?
$1300 for the body only, and $1800 with the standard 18-70mm AF-S DX f/3.5-4.5G lens.
Important Stats
We have seen everyone from DSLR beginners to veteran professionals use and enjoy this camera. Like the Canon 30D, the Nikon D200 bridges the gap between the company's entry-level DSLRs (D50, D70, D80), and their fully professional cameras (D2X and D2Xs). Many people purchase the D200 when looking into photography as a hobby. It is a camera that almost anyone can enjoy, regardless of skill level. Like the new NikonD80, the D200 has mass appeal.
Read our Full Review
2 Canon Digital Rebel XTi
Who is it for?
Those who are new to DSLR photography or anyone who doesn't require a more professional camera.
How much does it cost?
$750 for the body only, and $900 with the standard 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 Lens.
Important Stats
The Canon Digital Rebel XTi, the famous successor to the Digital Rebel XT, is currently the best selling digital SLR camera in the US. Why? It offers the simplicity most consumers are looking for, and represents a slightly lower-cost alternative to the NikonD80. It is also responsive and relatively lightweight, which makes it an ideal camera for sports events and travel photography.
Read our Full Review
Who is it for?This is Nikon's answer to both the Canon 5D and 30D. It's ideal for Nikon fans who want a similar prosumer/professional camera.
How much does it cost?
$1300 for the body only, and $1800 with the standard 18-70mm AF-S DX f/3.5-4.5G lens.
Important Stats
- 10.2-megapixel Nikon DX Format CCD image sensor
- 2.5-inch LCD
- 11-area AF system
- 3D Colour Matrix Metering II (AE) as used in the D2x
- Image optimization modes
- Multiple exposure enables up to 10 separate images to be used to create a single composite image.
- Connection to a GPS unit via an optionally available GPS Adapter Cord MC-35
- Framing rate of up to 5 frames per second
- ISO range from 100 to 1600, rising to 3200 in Hi-1
- 50 ms shutter lag time
We have seen everyone from DSLR beginners to veteran professionals use and enjoy this camera. Like the Canon 30D, the Nikon D200 bridges the gap between the company's entry-level DSLRs (D50, D70, D80), and their fully professional cameras (D2X and D2Xs). Many people purchase the D200 when looking into photography as a hobby. It is a camera that almost anyone can enjoy, regardless of skill level. Like the new NikonD80, the D200 has mass appeal.
Read our Full Review
2 Canon Digital Rebel XTi
Who is it for?Those who are new to DSLR photography or anyone who doesn't require a more professional camera.
How much does it cost?
$750 for the body only, and $900 with the standard 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 Lens.
Important Stats
- 10.1-megapixel CCD APS-C size sensor (22.2 x 14.8mm)
- 2.5-inch LCD display
- Self-cleaning dust function, plus Dust Delete Data Detection in included software
- DIGIC II Image Processor
- Continuous shooting up to 3 frames per second (fps) for 27 consecutive shots.
- 9-Point AF
- Six preset Picture Styles (Standard, Portrait, Landscape, Neutral, Faithful, and Monochrome)
The Canon Digital Rebel XTi, the famous successor to the Digital Rebel XT, is currently the best selling digital SLR camera in the US. Why? It offers the simplicity most consumers are looking for, and represents a slightly lower-cost alternative to the NikonD80. It is also responsive and relatively lightweight, which makes it an ideal camera for sports events and travel photography.
Read our Full Review
The Top 10 Digital SLRs of 2006 (1)
1 Nikon D80
Who is it for?
Beginners, photo enthusiasts, and anyone looking for a slightly more "substantial" alternative to the Canon Digital Rebel XT/ XTi.
How much does it cost?
$1000 for the body only, and $1300 with the standard 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 Lens.
Important Stats
The Nikon D80 is the highest quality DSLR camera we have come across in the (barely) sub-$1000 range. It offers a more substantial, professional feel than the Digital Rebel XTi, while still remaining relatively compact and lightweight. Many would describe the Nikon D80 as the Nikon D200's closest competitor. The Nikon D80 does offer many of the same features you will find on the D200 (not to mention a few new ones), but for at least couple hundred dollars less. If your price range is right at $1000, we couldn't recommend a better all-around DSLR than the Nikon D80.
Read our Full Review
Who is it for?Beginners, photo enthusiasts, and anyone looking for a slightly more "substantial" alternative to the Canon Digital Rebel XT/ XTi.
How much does it cost?
$1000 for the body only, and $1300 with the standard 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 Lens.
Important Stats
- 10.2-megapixel CCD
- 2.5-inch LCD display - images can be easily previewed at up to 25 times magnification
- RAW and JPEG capture
- Image optimization functions and in-camera image retouching
- 3D-Color Matrix Metering II
- 11-area AF system
- Advanced Auto White Balance (AWB)
- Three available color modes
- 80 ms shutter lag
- Shutter speeds from 30 to 1/4,000 seconds
- 7 Digital Vari-Programs
- i-TTL flash control
The Nikon D80 is the highest quality DSLR camera we have come across in the (barely) sub-$1000 range. It offers a more substantial, professional feel than the Digital Rebel XTi, while still remaining relatively compact and lightweight. Many would describe the Nikon D80 as the Nikon D200's closest competitor. The Nikon D80 does offer many of the same features you will find on the D200 (not to mention a few new ones), but for at least couple hundred dollars less. If your price range is right at $1000, we couldn't recommend a better all-around DSLR than the Nikon D80.
Read our Full Review