| Digital Cameras Reviews : Digital SLR Cameras |
 | Pentax K-x 12.4 MP Digital SLR with 2.7-inch LCD and 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 AL Lens (White)
Best Ever -- 2010-08-31
I have been really wanting a camera, and I am so glad I got this one. Shipping was right on time and everything was included that I needed!
A good beginner DSLR -- 2010-08-27
K-x is a good solid reliable camera. It is an entry level DSLR. I've compared my image quality to the more expensive Canon DSLRs. The K-x produces fuzzier images with a bit more noticeable chromatic aberration. That being said, you do have to look pretty closely to see the difference between the K-x to the results from a Canon's almost 3 times the price of the K-x. But if you do care about such things - yes, there is a difference and it is visible to the naked eye.
The K-x can work as a point and shoot which is great because the whole family can use it - Set it to "auto", turn on Live View,
and push the button to snap a picture. But the manual controls are easy to control and once you understand the way aperture, shutter speed, ISO, and exposure work together, taking photos with this camera becomes a rewarding and stimulating process.
The weak points of the K-x: The optical image stabilization feature in Video mode makes a loud noise like metal on metal clanking continuously. This is a noise that gets picked up by the microphone so you have to choose between shaky video (with image stabilization off) or loud audio in stable video... It's a known issue to this model. Unfortunately there is no way to use an external microphone to get around that.
The first generation of the onboard software misread the battery level when using rechargeable Lithium AA batteries. I use Eneloop rechargeable AAs. The 1.1v software patch helps but it's still very conservative - I get a handful of shots with the battery indicator in the green before it goes into "orange". It does stay orange for a long time so battery life is pretty decent.
I find the Noise Reduction in the camera produces blurry feathered edges. It's better to turn off all NR settings (it's in a couple of places and it's defaulted to "on") and reduce noise after the fact using photo editing software.
Small details - I wish the stock lens cap had a loop to attach a leash to it. I bought an aftermarket 52mm lens cap that can be leashed so I can drop the cap and take a shot quickly without having to fuss with storing the cap or worrying about losing the cap.
The overall design is user-friendly and comfortable to hold for a long time.
I found the digital filters to be pretty toy-like and mucked up the menu system.
Video mode is 720 HD maximum. No 1080 res. frame rate is locked at 24fps - which I actually like (it gives it a film-like feel) but would have been nice to have an option to set it to 30 fps too.
I've enjoyed learning on this camera and I may try another lens to see if I can get a better image quality but if it doesn't help, I'll eventually be trading up to a better DSLR.
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 | Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1 12.1MP Micro Four-Thirds Interchangeable Lens Digital Camera with 14-45mm Lens
Limitation for My Color mode -- 2010-08-30
It's mostly a great camera. I was surprised when I learned that the flash doesn't work in the My Color (Retro, Dynamic Art, etc.) mode. If you're expecting to be able to make a Retro photo of a darker indoor scene, you're out of luck.
Great for an Old Guy ! -- 2010-08-23
I am an 'old fart' and come from the now very old world of film cameras.
I grew up in 4x5 sheet film and still think 35mm format is a 'toy' .. But since I can no longer effectively use my old 120 roll film cameras like the Zeiss Super Ikonta and Hasses' what to do?
I am an amateur with my only requirement being to document my RV trips and the back-country 4WD adventures and the 'less than 5 mile' day hikes, so I may as well use one of these new fangled digital cameras.
I always thought my old Nikon F bodies were too heavy for the result they gave and now the new breed of 10 pound DSLRs are even worse yet. It's the same bad trade off today as it was in 1965, nothing has really changed. A ten pound mirror slapping monster with a one ounce result.
The GF1 is very much like my old M2 Leica rangefinder. It has all the benefits of the rangefinders, none of the SLR drawbacks. Faster than lightening to bring into play, very responsive, excellent fit and feel in the hand, and very well thought out in design and manufacture. A one pound camera with a ten pound result ! Rangefinder 35mm of this style and design are the ultimate 'candid' and street cameras, and they can not be beat on the trail unless you are hiking with a pack burro to help you along.
If you are looking for a modern camera that will do the job the old Leicas' did then this is the one for you. The lens and the sensor and the resultant image quality is excellent. You will have no problem up to 11x14 prints and perhaps beyond. I noticed in the excellent dpreview review of this camera that they have some minor moans and complaints about the JPEG engine in the camera. I do not agree with them on this point. If you set the 'my film' settings in the GF1 correctly you can get an almost indistinguishable color result against the RAW. Admittedly you loose some image information in the JPEG, and have to experiment a little with it, but once you develop a 'my film' profile for various standard shooting situations then you are good to go and save yourself the later workload of the RAW development.
The Japanese software that is supplied as a freebie with the camera is excellent, and very sophisticated. You will not have to buy $300 worth of junk from Adobe unless you want to. Once you get over the 'translation chuckles' of the various menu items in the software you will have a powerful tool in your hands. Admittedly there is a learning curve with any software of this complexity, but it is doable and is a significant value added bonus to the price of the camera.
When even the GF1 is too heavy for me to take on the trail, I pocket my Cannon S90. There is no comparison between the image quality of the Micro 4/3s and the little chip in the Cannon. It is the difference between night and day, apples and oranges. If you are one of those that are tired of the 'almost' image quality of your little pocket digital camera but do not want all the same old - same old SLR negatives, then I don't think you could do better than the GF1. Of course this Micro 4/3 world is just in it infancy and and you will probably watch the world pass you by a little as new cameras of this class are released over the next few years, but you will be taking great shots with it now, and having great fun as well.
If you are one that used to use, appreciated, and understood rangefinders like the old Leicas, and now watch, with disbelief, the endless profusion of so-called "pro grade DSLRs " pour out of Japan then you need to have a close look at the GF1. Only thing it is missing is the wind-lever under your thumb, but hey, you can't have everything.
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 | Canon EOS Rebel T1i 15.1 MP CMOS Digital SLR Camera with EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Lens & EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 III Telephoto Zoom Lens + 8GB Deluxe Accessory Kit
Nice toy! -- 2010-09-05
This is a good deal for people who are getting started in more profesional potography, since it come with lots of usefull stuf that you otherwise would not get, like the tripod, the extra battery, etc.
The camera is really good to start learning real potography, it takes great pictures and full HD videos.
The only thing that is not so good is the extra lense, but you get what you paid for. Good lenses are extremely expensive.
Camera Kit -- 2010-08-29
I really now understand that i should have only bought the camera and the lens. The other items (Card reader, tripod, the case, etc.) are not as good as the camera. Buy these items seperately and carefully!!!
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 | Nikon D3S 12.1 MP CMOS Digital SLR Camera with 3-Inch LCD and 24fps 720p HD Video Capability (Body Only)
lost details -- 2010-09-05
I have own a lot of professional cameras bodies. I do portraits and photojournalism. There are many good things about this camera which have been said. What I don't like about it is that some low contrast details are lost on RAW files. The low noise ability of this camera comes with suppression of high frequency details compared to high resolution cameras in the same category. I am talking about unprocessed RAW images. Another issue is that colors in the red and orange are not exact and have this Matisse/neon coloration. Some people will like this but i like a neutral camera not one that gives artificially colors. My other camera is a Canon MkIII the one that supposedly has AF issue. Well i have zero issues with it and I am much happier with its rendition of colors and details than top of the line Nikon who is supposed to trample it but does not even come close. Except for low light which is much overrated these days. I am in the process of selling it.
Great camera -- 2010-08-03
I don't think I need to write much about performance and options this camera has. If your already looking at it then you probably have an idea what this camera is capable of doing. This is a professional camera no doubt about that. And even though its 12 mega pixels it is a top performer. The speed and low light capabilities will amaze you, this camera is FAST.
One note about the video feature its only 720p, but if your like me I didn't buy the camera as a video recorder. I bought it as a still camera. The video is just a bonus, and if I was serious about shooting a movie then I would use a real video camera that has a lot more options for shooting video.
One thing to consider picking up for this camera is a better camera strap. The strap it comes with is the standard type of Nikon strap and works fine and is strong enough for the camera, but the comfort isn't there. I have found that the Black Rapid straps to be of very good comfort and it places the camera in a more convenient location.
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 | Canon EOS 50D 15.1MP Digital SLR Camera (Body Only)
excellent choice -- 2010-09-07
i used 450d for about 2 years. I am glad that i got 50d. you wouldn't be disappointed.
Wonderful Camera -- 2010-09-05
Im not going to get into "over doing" my review of this camera. Ive been into photography sense I was about 5 years old. My father got me into it at that time and my first camera was a little guy with those flash bulbs. Wow, that dated me. I love the "feeling" i get when Im shooting and this camera gives me that excited and happy feeling. Yes there are some things that you need to study up on but even a first time user could figure out the basics. It takes fabulous pictures. Sharp and beautiful. I highly recommend getting the book "Canon EOS 50D by David Busch". He really breaks it down for you. He talks to you through this book. It doesnt feel mechanical. I cant imagine why someone wouldnt be happy with the 50D.
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 | Nikon D3000 10MP Digital SLR Camera with
Love IT! -- 2010-08-21
Don't know anything about cameras, but wanted something better than one you stick in your pocket. Went to Sanibel Island for a vacation used it there and was very very happy. Only scary thing was after 240 pic's the camera said the 8GB Card was not working thought I had lost the pictures after going to a CVS Pharmacy to down load them and it not working. The lady said I should try my lap top and I got every picture onto my computer. Bought a couple 4GB Cards formatted one and I'm back in business. Will try to figure out what I did wrong on the first card with someone who knows cameras. By the way the kit is a good deal and was mailed to me very quickly, Get the kit with Nikon 3000 for Dummies it's only a few bucks more and cheaper than ordering the book separately.
Great Value and Great Product -- 2010-07-28
We purchased this set for our 16 year old daughter for Photography Class in High School. She has had so much fun with it and has taken some truely amazing photos which will be hanging in our house in the very near future. We look forward to what else she learns to do with this camera. The bag is the perfect size. Now she wants to start getting more gadgets for her camera. This was the best deal we found, and we searched for several weeks at a lot of different sites and stores.
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 | Canon EOS 50D 15.1MP Digital SLR Camera with EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM Standard Zoom Lens
excellent choice -- 2010-09-07
i used 450d for about 2 years. I am glad that i got 50d. you wouldn't be disappointed.
Wonderful Camera -- 2010-09-05
Im not going to get into "over doing" my review of this camera. Ive been into photography sense I was about 5 years old. My father got me into it at that time and my first camera was a little guy with those flash bulbs. Wow, that dated me. I love the "feeling" i get when Im shooting and this camera gives me that excited and happy feeling. Yes there are some things that you need to study up on but even a first time user could figure out the basics. It takes fabulous pictures. Sharp and beautiful. I highly recommend getting the book "Canon EOS 50D by David Busch". He really breaks it down for you. He talks to you through this book. It doesnt feel mechanical. I cant imagine why someone wouldnt be happy with the 50D.
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 | Canon EOS Rebel T1i (500D) Digital SLR Kit w/EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Lens & Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS Autofocus Lens
Seleted Shipper -- 2010-08-11
To whom it may concern:
I'm writing this review not because I've received my product quickly or with out problems. The star rating i gave this Item is because the Item, Amazon and even the Seller whom i bought the item from have done what i feel is a good job as far as the purchase is concerned.
however, The choice of shipper is the problem,The item will be delivered in the range of dates that amazon gave me but thats not the issue. The issue is that the Fedex driver had my item at my front door with me in the house with another person and a dog who barks at any noise she hears and left a "Door Tag" that read "Sorry We Missed You". In plain sight of the door he was standing at is my 56" flat panel that was on at a normal volume and me sitting right in front of it. If you can tell someone is home why not make sure you get their attention? I dont mean kick the door in, But make enough of an effort to do your job you get paid to do! The item will return tomorrow i'm sure maybe even with the same delivery driver, but here's the problem i wont be there to sign for it and niether will anyone else for the rest of the week. I took a day off work to be sure to be there and i get struck with a Fedex guy who cant KNOCK ON A DOOR.
So in regaurds to the sellers choice of services they use to deliver you valued goods, Please be sure ask for a reliable service like UPS or at the very least USPS.
I understand that this was an isolated case of laziness, however the shipping services used by sellers on Amazon.Com will shift due to issues like this. Shipping serivices that dont take pride in meeting or beating the dateline set by the Huge on-line market will fade away to a service who isn't to lazy to do their absolute best instead of being to affraid to Knock alil harder..
Perfect Choice! -- 2010-07-26
I've been an aspiring photographer for most of my adult life and always striving to get that better shot.I'll never be a pro, but always striving for a better photo. I used to have a nice 35mm outfit with multiple lenses, but then the digital age came into play. I've had a few digital cameras, but nothing with the capabilities of a true SLR. Finally, with much thanks to my Wife, I have a new Canon Eos Rebel t1i and couldn't be happier and am very impressed with the image quality of this camera. If you want simple, just run in full auto mode. After that, the capabilities with the various modes are as flexible as your imagination. I'm just getting started (had it for 3 weeks now), but each time I use it, I'm more impressed. Definitely a great camera for the money. I purchased with the standard 18-55 mm Kit lens and also the 75-250mm zoom. I would recommend doing the same, or at least plan on adding lenses down the road. These two lenses give me a very good range and I'm finding the zoom is great for candid photos and wildlife shots. Time will tell, but so far, I think I made the right choice.
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 | Nikon D5000 12.3 MP DX Digital SLR Camera with 2.7-inch Vari-angle LCD (Body Only)
Nikon D5000 is HOT!!! -- 2010-08-19
I have had the camera in my hands for five days. It does so much more than my old Nikon FN. The Tamron lens that I matched with the camera is a great combination 18-250.
I have super light sensitive shots of friends and objects. Nature provides nice light contrast as well!
The user manual is full of examples and cross-references to get you going. I really like the heft and placement of the controls of this camera. I have had photography classes and darkroom experiences. I am Adobe Photoshop experienced, as well. This is going to be an exciting adventure in photography. Give Nikon a try. The few extra bucks for the name is part of the end result. The lens you buy makes a difference as well.
Best camera in its class!!! -- 2010-07-27
Its a great camera and specially if you are a beginner then this is the camera to start with. Awesome features and performance. Great value for money.
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 | Panasonic Lumix DMC-G2 12.1 MP Live MOS Interchangeable Lens Camera with 3-Inch Touch Screen LCD and 14-42mm Lumix G VARIO f/3.5-5.6 MEGA OIS Lens (Black)
Kit lens unsuitable for video recordings -- 2010-08-19
I am returning my second replacement of Panasonic Lumix G2. Although I love the camera, I am extremely disappointed with the quality of the provided kit lens. I had hoped that the replacement cameras would come with the lens from possibly another production butch and would perform better. As it turned out the second and third lens was equally bad as the first one. As much as I am satisfied with the camera's performance for still photography, the kit lens is totally unusable for video recording because of the noise generated while zooming, which is clearly detectible in the audio of the recording. In my case the noise was not generated by the focus motor, as some people seem to have experienced, but it appears to be caused by mechanical internal rubbing of the lens body tubes and it is much louder than the focus motor noise. Adding to the problem is the jerkiness of the lens operation when zooming, especially after 32mm, which results in uneven video recordings and makes them look worse then amateurish. I am very disappointed that Panasonic chose to insist to sell an otherwise superior camera with such an inferior lens. My hours of phone consultation with Panasonic customer service did not offer any solution whatever. I wish it was possible to purchase the camera body only and then obtain a better lens separately. My recommendation is if you intend to use the camera also for video recording, be prepared to dish out some more money for a better lens.
Great for a beginner like me! -- 2010-07-16
This is my first system camera, I've owned it for about two months. I'm a young mom with a young baby, and a point and shoot doesn't do it for me anymore, especially while taking photos of my little one who likes to run around and hide in dark spaces. This camera is just the ticket. It's lighter and smaller than my hubby's Olympus DSLR, so I am able to lug it around with a diaper bag and a toddler in tow. I love tweaking the manual settings, and this camera is packed with it. The touch screen (and the dedicated quick menu button) is awesome. Very useful for making quick adjustments, and with a subject that doesn't stay still, this comes in pretty handy. And I'm really loving the swivel screen, perfect for self portraits and odd angle photography. And when the camera isn't being used, just turn the screen inward so it's protected from scratches. The dedicated iA and movie buttons are really helpful too (although I never use iA myself, the rest of my family don't know how to use this camera and that's where the iA button comes in). I'm very satisfied with the images this camera produces. I've just recently learned to tweak it enough to produce sharp, crisp, bright and vibrant images that sometimes I hardly need to do any post processing.
I don't mind it not having an in-camera stabilization.. aside from the kit lens, the only other lens I use it with is the Panasonic LUMIX G 20mm f/1.7 Aspherical Pancake Lens for Micro Four Thirds Interchangeable Lens Cameras that lacks image stabilization, but I hardly get any blurred photos because that particular lens is very fast. I'm not so sure how this camera performs with other lenses.
Two things that I think may be improved:
1. The lens mount does feel plasticky, compared to other DSLRs I've borrowed, but it seems pretty sturdy.
2. Above ISO 800, I see a lot of noise.
If you are a mom like me looking to take great pictures of your kids, and like to mess around with manual settings (because this camera is complicated -- at least from a beginner's perspective), I'm pretty sure this camera will suit your needs, and I highly recommend it.
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