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Buyer's Guide 2024: D-SLRs Under $1,000

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    • As technology advances, pro-level features are appearing at entry-level prices

    By Mike Stensvold

    This Article Features Photo Zoom





    For first-time D-SLR buyers, the sub-$1,000 category is often the best balance between performance and price. The entry-level segment of the market is highly competitive, with manufacturers vying to bring photographers into their systems. The result is that many of the newest models offer features that were previously reserved for far more expensive pro cameras. Though they can't do everything their more expensive siblings can do, you'll get a lot of value with these models.

    Canon EOS Rebel XS
    Canon's smallest and lightest D-SLR, the entry-level EOS Rebel XS nonetheless incorporates lots of popular features, including a self-cleaning sensor unit and Live-View operation with manual focusing and two AF modes: Quick, using the camera's quick 7-point phase-detection AF; and Live, using contrast-based AF right from the imaging sensor. The live image also can be sent to a computer via USB cable and the camera operated from the computer using supplied EOS Utility software-a pro-level feature that's a big bonus for an entry-level D-SLR.

    Specs

    Image Sensor: 10.1-megapixel CMOS
    Focal-Length Factor: 1.6x (APS-C)
    A/D Converter: 12-bit
    LCD: 2.5 inches with Live View
    AF System: 7-point
    ISO Settings: 100-1600
    Continuous Firing Mode: 3 fps
    Metering: 35-zone evaluative, 10% partial, center-weighted
    Storage Media: SD/SDHC
    Power Source: LP-E5 rechargeable lithium-ion battery
    Dimensions: 4.9x3.8x2.4 inches
    Weight: 15.9 ounces
    Estimated Street Price: $699 (with 18-55mm IS zoom)

    Also Consider
    Canon EOS Digital Rebel XTi

    Image Sensor:     10.1-megapixel CMOS
    Focal-Length Factor: 1.6x (APS-C)
    Estimated Street Price: $569
    Canon EOS Rebel XSi

    Image Sensor: 12.2-megapixel CMOS
    Focal-Length Factor: 1.6x (APS-C)
    Estimated Street Price: $749





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    Labels: Cameras, Still Cameras, DSLRs, Buyers Guide, Gear

    6 Comments

    1. William Powers makes this comment

      Monday 12 January, 2024

      Nikon stopped making the D80 recently (but not the the D40s, or the D60), and the D90 has a lot to do with it. I use a D80 and recommend it HIGHLY. The D90, with its video capability, goes beyond being a camera in a negative way. Bill Powers

    2. dan makes this comment

      Monday 5 January, 2024

      D40 is a very good starter camera. thats what i learned/am learning stil on. its great. i doubt anyone who is jsut moving from film to digital will want to go through the motions of learning digital on a D3. i've talked to a D90 owner and he said it was very much like his old D40. so maybe it is a good starter camera but in my opinion sumthin under $600 is a good thing to start off on. my D40 was my first camera ever and i honestly had a ton of fun learning how to use it.

    3. hmmm makes this comment

      Monday 22 December, 2024

      i am pretty sure that the olympus is not $999 someone might want to change that

    4. joebob makes this comment

      Sunday 21 December, 2024

      Who thinks a $1000 camera is "entry level?" What entry level SLR buyer has any idea what the real difference is between the $1K and $500 models? I'm in the market for a dSLR to replace my film SLR, and I'm having a tough time getting past even the lowest prices. I can buy a nice 35mm SLR and still have 300 bucks left over for film and processing, or stick with my current body, buy a fancy new lens, and still have hundreds left for film. An experienced 35mm SLR user might get extra value from the more expensive models, but are still probably better off with the lower end until they learn what digitals can or can't do. A Nikon D90 is anything but a first-time camera. If D3 is the Ferrari of Nikons, the D90 is a Porsche 911. Nobody buys a 911 as their first car. Nobody sane, that is. The D40 and Canon XTi are a Volvo by comparison; solid, manageable, well-featured, and a decent value. I'll probably be buying the D40, but I wish I could find a model that's more like a Camry.

    5. thefonz makes this comment

      Saturday 13 December, 2024

      Probably because the D80 is an older version of the D90. But the D80 is a great camera, I agree with you.

    6. Alberto makes this comment

      Wednesday 10 December, 2024

      I have been noticing that the Nikon D80 has not been talked about or even considered as one of the top DSLR cameras, is it because of the big hype of the D90? I also notice that the D60 is talked about alot, again more than the D80. Why is that? Would you consider the D60 a better camera than the D80?

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