Panasonic DMC-L1 7.5MP Digital SLR Camera with Leica 14-50mm Mega O.I.S. Lens

This is a great camera with a stunning tack-sharp lens. That said, many owners on the Leica forum have reported a problem with the 14-50 lens that comes on the camera. The lens sometime comes with, or later develops, the problem of binding of the zoom function, which after time locks up completely or at best restricts zoom movement. Also, several new owners have reported that they have received a camera with a lens whose front end is "loose" and can be wiggled back and forth. This is alarming, but does not seem to effect the camera focus, at least on my DMC-L1 with its case of front end wobbles. Alas, also my lens seem to be developing the dreading zoom restriction about mid zoom.

So, if you do purchase this camera, do carefully check out the 14-50mm lens for what appears to be, or have been, a widespread manufacturing defect. The lens should zoom in and out smoothly. If there is a slight restriction or a "catch" in the movement, you're likely in for downline trouble.

With a defect-free lens, this camera is superb, and well worth the potential hassle of returning the product for replacement if you find yourself with a lens whose zoom function fails and binds.

The DMC-L1 is considerably less expensive than the Leica branded version, and offers the feel and advantages of the range finder cameras like the Leica M3 or the Nikon SP, so loved by photojournalists of yesteryear. Ah, but if only the DMC-L1 was as petite as the old Leica M3.Buy Panasonic DMC-L1 7.5MP Digital SLR Camera with Leica 14-50mm Mega O.I.S. Lens!

Canon Digital Rebel XS 10.1MP Digital SLR Camera (Black) + Canon EF-S 18-55mm IS Lens + Spare LP-E5 Battery + 16GB Card + Gadget Bag

I waited and waited for this to be available again and ordered it immediately. I got it in THREE days and it was greater than I imagined. The last really nice camera I had was a Pentax film camera about 10 years ago. This reminded me of the excitement I felt when I got that camera. I can't stop playing with it, it's easy to use and takes great pictures. Don't let this deal get by you. There's not a better value out there. Normally just the camera body is $500 and this comes with everything but a tripod. Just a really amazing deal. Buy Canon Digital Rebel XS 10.1MP Digital SLR Camera (Black) + Canon EF-S 18-55mm IS Lens + Spare LP-E5 Battery + 16GB Card + Gadget Bag!

Nikon D70S 6.1MP Digital SLR Camera (Body Only)

I'm a serious amateur who has used the D70s for nearly three years for paid gigs and personal use. Focusing and frame rate are fast enough for nearly every event I've ever been to. Photojournalists will be pleased, but sport shooters may want to look for another option.

don't let the lower MP count scare you away from this little gem; prints enlarge just fine up to 11X14 (I don't usually print larger than that). Battery life on the D70s leaves nothing to be wanted. I've shot almost all day on one charge. if you bring a spare battery, you'll have no worries.

The LCD is on the smaller side, but its adequate for checking exposure, and you can also detect any camera shake. No complaints. The menu system is very straightforward and easy to use.

Controls on the camera body are placed within easy reach and you can change most settings without removing your eye from the viewfinder -- a big plus. Metering is usually very good, but sometimes I've had to use compensation to nail exposure. some people make this out to be a huge problem, but it really isn't. just know enough about your camera to make it do what you want it to do under any lighting conditions.

I gave the D70s a four instead of five because after a couple years of use, the built-in flash seems to be dying an early death. It doesn't fire all the time anymore. Not a huge problem if you use speedlights attached to the body, but it has become a problem in the nikon creative lighting system, which is one of the reasons I wanted the camera.

All in all, a wonderful camera to use. its well-built, allows for full creative control, keeps up at most events and allows for full use of nikon lenses. Buy Nikon D70S 6.1MP Digital SLR Camera (Body Only)!