• Print
  • Email

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

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



    This Article Features Photo Zoom


    Panasonic Lumix DMC-G1
    The first of the new Micro Four Thirds System D-SLRs is here in the form of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-G1. The smallest and lightest digital interchangeable-lens camera, the G1 features an electronic Live View finder, doing away with the space-consuming traditional SLR mirror structure. It also features a tilting, swiveling, 3-inch Live-View LCD monitor, a 12.1-megapixel Live MOS image sensor, a Supersonic Wave Filter dust-reduction system and compact-digicam-style contrast-detection AF. The G1 is available in black, blue and red models, and can use all new supercompact Micro Four Thirds lenses and (with adapter) standard Four Thirds System lenses.


    Specs

    Image Sensor: 12.1-megapixel Live MOS
    Focal-Length Factor: 2x (Four Thirds)
    A/D Converter: 12-bit
    LCD: 3 inches with Live View
    AF System: 23-point contrast-detect
    ISO Settings: 100-3200
    Continuous Firing Mode: 3 fps
    Metering: 144-zone, center-weighted, spot
    Storage Media: SD, SDHC
    Power Source: Rechargeable lithium-ion battery
    Dimensions: 4.9x3.3x1.8 inches
    Weight: 13.6 ounces
    Estimated Street Price: TBA



    Pentax K2000

    Aimed at consumers moving up from a compact digital camera, the new K2000 comes in a kit with an 18-55mm zoom lens and AF200FG electronic flash unit (the camera also has a built-in flash). Simple to use and very compact, the K2000 incorporates Pentax's sensor-shift Shake Reduction system that works with all lenses and a comprehensive sensor dust-removal system. A new dedicated (and reprogrammable) Help button explains camera modes and button functions. A host of Picture, Auto Picture and Scene modes set the camera optimally for shooting most popular photo subjects and situations.

    Specs

    Image Sensor: 10.2-megapixel CCD
    Focal-Length Factor:
    1.5x (APS-C)
    A/D Converter:
    12-bit
    LCD:
    2.7 inches
    AF System:
    5-point
    ISO Settings:
    100-3200
    Continuous Firing Mode:
    3.2 fps
    Metering:
    16-segment, center-weighted, spot
    Storage Media:
    SD/SDHC
    Power Source:
    4 AA batteries
    Dimensions:
    4.8x3.6x2.7 inches
    Weight:
    20.8 ounces
    Estimated Street Price:
    $699 (with 18-55mm zoom)





    9 Comments

    1. 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.
    2. 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!
    3. 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.
    4. 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
    5. 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.
    6. i am pretty sure that the olympus is not $999 someone might want to change that
    7. 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.
    8. Probably because the D80 is an older version of the D90. But the D80 is a great camera, I agree with you.
    9. 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?

    Add Comment

     

    PCPhoto Special Offer







    International residents, click here.
    Check out our other photo sites:
    outdoor photographerdigital photo pro