As an enthusiast photographer, I love learning about photography and follow Digital Photography School and their community pretty closely.
I learn a lot of things from this excellent site and gather some amazing information in the process. Recently, they polled their readers to get a list of top 10 digital SLR cameras and here is the result.
- Canon EOS Rebel T1i
I was so happy to know that I had just bought the best entry-level DSLR camera out there! It’s 15.1 MP DSLR with a 18-55mm f3.5/5.6 IS kit lens. It has a full HD video capture (1080p), face detection and a wide array of amazing features. I am so happy with the purchase. In fact, I found an amazing Canon Rebel T1i deal when I bought it. Check out our Canon Rebel T1i buying guide.
Canon T1i is a great entry level DSLR and a logical upgrade would be the 50D mentioned below. - Nikon D90 DX
At 12.3 MP and a 18-105mm f3.5-5.6 ED AF-S VR lens, 3-inch LCD, face detection, live view framing, video recording, Nikon D90 is an awesome camera choice for anyone wanting to get serious. It’s one of the best entry level DSLR’s although a bit pricier than the Canon. Also look out for an instant $250 off of Nikon 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G AF-S ED VR II Telephoto Zoom Lenswith the purchase of Nikon D90 to sweeten this deal even further.
- Canon EOS 50D
Here is another mid range/enthusiast camera that boats 15.1 MP image sensor, 3 inch LCD screen, Live View framing, DIGIC 4 processor and 6.3 frames per second. Having been in the market for over a year, this camera has been a huge success. It is available with a Canon EF-S 28-135mm kit lens or just the body only for . Also look out for an instant $200 off of Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM Lenswith the purchase of Canon 50D to sweeten this deal!
- Canon Rebel XSi
Predecessor to the Rebel T1i, Rebel XSi also shres most of the features in the T1i except for HD video recording. if you do not care about the HD video recording, then you can find some amazing Canon XSi deals. - Nikon D5000
Nikon’s entry level DSLR has a 12.3 MP sensor with 720p HD video capture, live view, face detection, 11 AF points and 4 frames per second shooting. D5000 is an excellent buy for someone wanting to become an enthusiast photographer. Also look out for an instant $100 off of Nikon 55-200mm f/4-5.6G ED IF AF-S DX VR Zoom Nikkor Lenswith the purchase of Nikon D90 to sweeten this deal even further.
- Nikon D3000
This 10.2 MP predecessor to the D5000 can also be had at some really good prices right now. It is one of the top selling DSLRs in Amazon. One of the major difference between the D5000 is the missing movie mode. Also look out for an instant $100 off of Nikon 55-200mm f/4-5.6G ED IF AF-S DX VR Zoom Nikkor Lens - Canon EOS 7D
The newest Canon DSLR camera has an astounding 18 MP camera is perfect for a serious enthusiast. Some of the features include dual DIGIC 4 processors, 100% viewfinder, 19 point AF system, 8 frames per second, 1080p HD video, 3.0 inch LCD and weather sealing. - Nikon D300S
Comparable to the Canon 7D, this Nikon’s DSLR in that range with a 12.1MP, 7 frames per second shooting, 3” LCD, 51 AF points, Live view and more. Also look out for an instant $250 off of Nikon 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G AF-S ED VR II Telephoto Zoom Lens - Pentax K-7
If you are getting sick of all the Canon or Nikon models in the list, here is a worthy contender in the Pentax K-7. A 14.6 MP sensor, 3 inch LCD screen, 5.2 frames per second, 720p movie mode and weather/dust/cold resistant body. - Olympus Evolt E520
Another alternative for en entry level DSLR shopper with 10MP sensor,face detection, Live view and more. This can be a great alternative for someone who likes the Olympus line of cameras.
Of course, the list is more a guide than a definitive list of popularity of these cameras. You should take into various factors that are important to you into consideration such as
- Your budget
- Camera menu that you find friendly
- How big are your prints going to be?
- Choice of lens available with the model
- Do you need weather resistance?
- What are your friends shooting with? You could share/borrow lens/tips/knowledge if you both use the same family.
As many wise photographers say, it is the not camera that make the photographs, it is the photographer behind the camera who creates great pictures!
If you found this guide useful, please share it with your photography loving friends. Did we miss a DSLR camera that you love dearly?
Share it with us in the comments.
[via Digital Photography School]
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