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- The Top 10 Digital SLRs of 2006
The Top 10 Digital SLRs of 2006
- By SLR Today
- Published 11/24/2006
- Buyer's Guide
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.
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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.
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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).
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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).
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