Olympus Evolt E500 8MP Digital SLR with 14-45mm f/3.5-5.6 & 40-150mm f/3.5-4.5 Zuiko Lenses

While searching for a camera with the best price/performance the film experience with Olympus cameras tipped the scales to Olympus as a next possible purchase for a digital camera. Having gone through all available reviews available at the time a DSLR purchase was considered above a P&S. This purchase has opened a whole new experience and learning on digital photography and photography with SLR in general. I have not been disappointed with this purchase and recommend this camera highly. The newer models have Live View and IS but that has not diminished the value of this camera for me. The tweener may be my next upgrade. But other then that faster glass would be my next purchase for this camera.Buy Olympus Evolt E500 8MP Digital SLR with 14-45mm f/3.5-5.6 & 40-150mm f/3.5-4.5 Zuiko Lenses!

Pentax K10D 10.2MP Digital SLR Camera with Shake Reduction (Body Only)

Pentax K10D 10.2MP Digital SLR Camera with Shake Reduction and 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 Lens

Last year, when on assignment in Switzerland, I used several models of digital still cameras. I carried along the K10D, carefully testing the
first "shake reduction" I was ever to try.

Usually, I am a stickler for steadiness. Since my first days as a working
professional, it was always a must to employ the use of a tripod - not
only for longer exposures - but also for general shooting. Humans holding
cameras can almost never be quite as steady as a tripod or other camera stand. Think about it, our heartbeat causing pulse and cafeine shake in
our hands is nonexistent in a tripod. People do not always stand steadily
and firm.

My tests included handheld images with the shake reduction, tripodded
images without the shake reduction, and even handheld images without the
shake reduction, all cases using manual exposure settings ranging from
1/60th to 1/1000th sec., making notes as the images were casted on the
23.5x15.7mm CCD.

There is not enough room here to detail the hundreds of exposures made
during the three-days testing. Therefore, it shall suffice to say that
the K10D with its CCD-shifting shake reduction system allowed me to make
sharper pistures with three different lenses. Comparing the images made
on the tripod with those handheld using shake reduction there is not any
notable difference at 16X. Of course, one 6MP camera I tested, which did not have image-stabilization was used solely on the tripod, and images from it were as sharp as the handheld 10MP camera (not deploying shake
reduction and in similar lighting with auto-exposure.)

Other characteristics observed: The AF points on the viewfinder are red
and illuminated for easy visibility. The LCD display is large and sharp
and visible from a wide viewing angle. The DUST REMOVAL syatem is quite
effective. It actually shakes the CCD for dust removal.

The menu is not difficult to understand. The controls are splash and dust resistant and the cabinet parts and retractable seem to be nicely fitted
together.

The K10D had a good feel in my hands. The dials and buttons are all just
about exactly where they should be for ergonomic placement.

In the final analysis, the camera, in my judgement deserves five stars.

Robert Caselnova, photographer and owner of Cas Photo Studio & Camera Shop



Buy Pentax K10D 10.2MP Digital SLR Camera with Shake Reduction (Body Only)!

Sony Alpha DSLRA300K 10.2MP Digital SLR Camera w/ DT 18-70mm f/3.5-5.6 Zoom Lens w/ Sony 75-300mm f/4.5-5.6 Compact Super Telephoto Zoom Lens + Sony ACC-AMFM11 Accessory Kit (Includes NP-FM500H Rechargeable Battery Pack and LCS-SC11 Case) + Impact 7-INCG TFT LCD Digital Photo Frame (7)" + 4GB Transcend Compact Flash Memory Card + Two (2) 55mm UV Filter

The camera and all of the extras are great. Straight out of the box it was easy to use, even for an amateur like myself. The picture quality is excellent and the steady shot feature is superb.Buy Sony Alpha DSLRA300K 10.2MP Digital SLR Camera w/ DT 18-70mm f/3.5-5.6 Zoom Lens w/ Sony 75-300mm f/4.5-5.6 Compact Super Telephoto Zoom Lens + Sony ACC-AMFM11 Accessory Kit (Includes NP-FM500H Rechargeable Battery Pack and LCS-SC11 Case) + Impact 7-INCG TFT LCD Digital Photo Frame (7)" + 4GB Transcend Compact Flash Memory Card + Two (2) 55mm UV Filter!

Nikon D40 6.1MP Digital SLR Camera + Nikon 18-55mm AF-S Lens + Nikon SLR Gadget Bag + Transcend 4GB SDHC SecureDigital Card + USB Card Reader

This is a great camera, it takes amazing pictures. Makes me feel like a professional. I did not know what to expect, been using point and shoot cameras for a while and got used to their quality. Now i realise that i was getting crap!. It night versus day. The first picture i took i realised the quality and the display is incredible.Wow! The flash does what it is supposed to, not like the ones on the point and shoot cameras. It really lights up the room and brings warmth to the photos.
I have large hands and it fits well and is super light.

The only problem i had was getting the strap in, but who cares!!.

The camera bag is spacious and is made of quality materials(waterproof). This is a great package. Thanks to Ken Rockwell & Cameta!!

(February 2009)Shooting in manual mode now, manipulating apperture and shutter speeds. It is amazing the type of photos one can get without using flash. The manual mode gives alot of flexibility and variation to photographs.

The battery lasts very long (over 1000 shots) even when using flash.

A good start for anyone moving up to DSLR's, for professional jobs go with the D300 and above.

[...]Buy Nikon D40 6.1MP Digital SLR Camera + Nikon 18-55mm AF-S Lens + Nikon SLR Gadget Bag + Transcend 4GB SDHC SecureDigital Card + USB Card Reader!

Sony Alpha A200W 10.2MP Digital SLR Camera Kit with Super SteadyShot Image Stabilization with 18-70mm f/3.5-5.6 and 75-300mm f/4.5-5.6 Lenses

I have two Sony a200 and a Sony a300. In addition I have a Nikon D40, D40x, D50 and D300. The Sony a200 and a300 have the same sensor as the Nikon D40x/D60 however they seem to focus a little slower. Here are some strengths and weaknesses about the camera.

Strengths
- Image stabilization (SteadyShot)
- Kit lens is 18-70mm versus 18-55mm like Nikon and Canon
- Solid feel/construction
- Easy to use
- Uses older Minolta Alpha Mount lenses which can be found at a reasonable price on Amazon, eBay, Craigslist....
- Kiy lenses arepretty decent, heard otherwise about Canon (I am also a Nikon guy)

Weaknesses
- Sony (rather than Nikon or Canon), people won't mistake you for a pro
= Focus is a little slow
= Compact Flash cards rather than SD which are less expensive
- No affordable Prime lenses (e.g. 50mm)
- Harder to locate accessories
Buy Sony Alpha A200W 10.2MP Digital SLR Camera Kit with Super SteadyShot Image Stabilization with 18-70mm f/3.5-5.6 and 75-300mm f/4.5-5.6 Lenses!

Sony Alpha DSLRA300K 10.2MP Digital SLR Camera with Super SteadyShot Image Stabilization with DT 18-70mm f/3.5-5.6 Zoom Lens

This is a great DSLR camera. I've been completely satisfied with it. I originally decided on Sony because the ability to re-use my old Minolta Maxxum lenses (which is a huge plus). The Live View was a big selling point for choosing the A300 over the A100 or A200 (as well as over Canon and Nikon), it's definitely worth it for the LCD tilt and taking pictures like you do with point and shoot. My kids and wife exclusively takes pictures that way.

The stabilizer also is very good and helps alot - as I mentioned, even my son (7 yrs) can take very good pictures.

My only complaint is the popup flash, I wish it was a little higher and possibly a little more powerful. I do see some pictures have a shadow from the front of the lense cover (or overhang - not sure that its called).

Overall, a great DSLR camera for the beginner, you will not be disappointed. I would definitely recommend purchasing the LCD cover to protect it from scratches.Buy Sony Alpha DSLRA300K 10.2MP Digital SLR Camera with Super SteadyShot Image Stabilization with DT 18-70mm f/3.5-5.6 Zoom Lens!