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

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

By Mike Stensvold

Nikon D90
This new "sweet-spot" model offers an impressive array of features, including a new 12.3-megapixel CMOS sensor, quick 0.15-second startup, the same sensor-cleaning system as the D300, a 3-inch, high-res, 920,000-dot LCD monitor with Live-View capability, 4.5 fps shooting and lots more. The D90 is the first D-SLR to offer movie capability, capable of shooting up to five minutes of HD motion JPEG (AVI) at 720x1280 resolution and up to 20 minutes at lower resolution. Advanced Scene Modes, improved Picture Controls, a new Extra High Active D-Lighting setting and in-camera editing options provide lots of easy control over images.

Specs

Image Sensor: 12.3-megapixel CMOS
Focal-Length Factor: 1.5x (APS-C)
A/D Converter: 12-bit
LCD: 3 inches, 920,000-dot with Live View
AF System: 11-point
ISO Settings: 200-3200, plus 100 and 6400
Continuous Firing Mode: 4.5 fps
Metering: 420-segment 3D Color Matrix II, center-weighted, 2.5% spot
Storage Media: SD/SDHC
Power Source: EN-EL3e rechargeable lithium-ion battery
Dimensions: 5.2x4.1x3.0 inches
Weight: 22 ounces
Estimated Street Price: $999

Also Consider
Nikon D60 Image Sensor: 10.2-megapixel CCD Focal-Length Factor: 1.5x (APS-C) Estimated Street Price: $679 (with 18-55mm VR zoom)
Nikon D40 Image Sensor: 6.1-megapixel CCD Focal-Length Factor: 1.5x (APS-C) Estimated Street Price: $475

Olympus E-520
This entry-level model includes lots of goodies: 10-megapixel resolution; three-mode sensor-shift image stabilization that works with all lenses; SWF sensor-dust removal; and a Live-View LCD monitor with two AF modes (plus manual focusing). There are also plenty of features to help improve your image quality, like the Perfect Shot Preview of white-balance and exposure-compensation effects, Shadow Adjustment to open up shadow detail while maintaining detail in highlights, Face Detection (which automatically tracks and optimizes focus and exposure for up to eight faces in a scene), 20 simple Scene Select modes and more. An optional underwater housing good to 130-foot depths is available.

Specs

Also Consider
Olympus E-420 Image Sensor: 10-megapixel Live MOS Focal-Length Factor: 2x (Four Thirds) Estimated Street Price: $469

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

9 Comments

photographer makes this comment

Monday 2 March, 2024

I picked up a K2000 as a small DSLR for use with high quality primes. It is solid and does everything very well and fast. The other entry level cameras are not in the same league.
Teddy Pruett makes this comment

Monday 23 February, 2024

I have a contract to write a book about quilts, and I have to provide the photos. I need a simple DSLR that is capable of providing print-quality images for a 9X11" page. Trying to stay under $1,000. Will the Rebel Xsi fill these requirements? It has to be SIMPLE - I am a historian, not a techie!
Krys makes this comment

Friday 20 February, 2024

I need HELP! I have a Cannon Powershot S2 IS and am highly disappointed with it due to the noise it has on alot of my photos. I am not at all familiar with all the tech stuff of a SLR but can tell that this camera drives me crazy! I am looking for another camera like a Nikon D80 or maybe a Sony A350. What are your all opinions? I have two people that highly recommend both and am torn on what to do. I really love that I can do movies and sound record with my Cannon and these cameras don't have that. I have read numerous reviews of these two types. Can't decide. Thanks for any insight you may have.
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
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.
hmmm makes this comment

Monday 22 December, 2024

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