Digital Camera Product Reviews Blog

Dust spots on your D-SLR’s sensor appear as tiny black specks on the image. When photographers change lenses, dust can enter the camera and lodge on the filter or protective glass that covers the sensor. These dust spots can show up as dark blotches in subsequent shots. A camera with Dust Control Systems will prevent dust from settling on your camera’s sensor which is exposed to the elements every time you take the lens off. This technology is only found in interchangeable-lens DSLR cameras, such as Canon 450D, Canon 50D and so on, where it is a virtual necessity.

Olympus was the first camera manufacturer to install dust-reduction technology in its DSLR cameras, with a special Supersonic Wave Filter (SSWF) system that vibrates the filter in front of the sensor to dislodge dust. The dust collects in a tray below the sensor, which is cleaned when the camera is serviced. Other manufacturers have followed with similar systems - but they may only be included in one or two models.

Some manufacturers combine the vibrating filter with anti-static materials in the camera’s mirror box, while Canon adds a Dust Delete detection/removal system via software. Only Canon’s system deals effectively with dust that becomes ‘welded on’ when a camera with dust on its sensor is moved between low and high humidity.

Listed below are a part of the latest digital SLR cameras that include dust control systems.

Sony A350 and Nikon D60 released the same month. The prices of these two cameras are nearly the same, and Nikon D60 a little cheaper. To compare with them, I list the specifications of both cameras in the following form. So if you don’t know which one to go with, wish it will help.

Clearly, Sony A350 has advantages on Megapixels Resolution (14 VS 10). The A350 features a breakthrough Live View function that offers straightforward and easy-to-use image framing and auto-focusing with the rear LCD panel. What’s more, the display alternates so that you can get up high or down low without straining your neck or getting on the ground, the articulating LCD and Live View function work quite well together.  In fact, these features set the Sony A350 apart from other entry-level DSLRs, including the Nikon D60 and Canon Rebel XSi. The A350 also feels great in the hands.  It is bigger than Nikon’s D60. But the A350 is still a compact DSLR.  The rubberized grip is most welcomed and helps the A350 to feel secure in your hands.

But if you ask my choice, I would go with Nikon D60. Continuing the Nikon trend of small, compact and cost-effective cameras, the D60 offers some minor upgrades over the D40x. I think Nikon D60 to be the most reasonable priced for the features it has. Good image quality, good sensor size, a huge array of available lenses and a sturdy body design. It has not many hidden frills, but many nice clear options. The most attractive features are a dust control system that includes an airflow control to blow dust away from the sensor and improved autofocus. Nikon D60’s kit includes a vibration reduction (VR) lens for clearer photos in low-light conditions. What’s more, I would trust Sony on the point & shoot cameras, but for digital SLR cameras, I would suggest Nikon or Canon, as Canon and Nikon are the top camera companies and the choice of professionals. And Nikon has more available lenses and accessories. If you ever plan on going further with your photography Nikon will have the pro model cameras and lenses you will need.

The Pentax K200D shares a playing field with the Canon EOS 450D, Nikon D60 and Sony Alpha A200. Canon 450D, as a multi-function digital camera,of course has many competitors, including Pentax K200D. This post simply discusses the pros and cons of Canon 450D and Pentax K200D.

The Canon 450D / XSi with a stabilised kit lens costs roughly 30% more than the Pentax K200D kit. Of course, coming with the expensive price, Canon 450D also has more features: two extra Megapixels, a bigger 3in screen, faster 3.5fps continuous shooting with a bigger buffer, Live View facilities with contrast-based AF, 14-bit image processing, a bigger viewfinder, and PC remote control software which includes a live on-screen preview.

Canon 450D

The Pentax K200D boasts far superior weatherproof build quality (although is heavier), built-in Shake Reduction which works with any lens, a slightly more sophisticated 11-point AF system, an upper LCD information screen, a dedicated RAW button, support for Adobe’s open DNG format, and is powered by four AA batteries which are readily available almost anywhere in the World.

Pentax K200D

Conclusion

Canon XSI (450D) - best in class if not for the high price
• Pros: Lots of features; somewhat inconvenient live view but it’s there; light and compact; great autofocus; IS kit lens; can use lenses from many other manufacturers with adapter.
• Cons: No build-in IS; most expensive of the entry levels.

Pentax K200D - fully featured, cheap but big and heavy
• Pros: Weather and dust resistant ; good viewfinder; in-body SR; Best kit lens among competition; cheap.
• Cons: Heavy; biggish; slower auto focus.

The Nikon story actually starts in 1948, the year that the Nikon I, the company’s first camera was released. Among its famous products are Nikkor imaging lenses (for F-mount cameras, large format photography, photographic enlargers, and other applications), the Nikon F-series of 135 film SLR cameras, the Nikon D-series of digital SLR cameras, and the Nikonos series of underwater cameras. This post mainly focus on Nikon latest D-series and aims to help you make a better choice if you interested in Nikon D-series.
Nikon D40

The D40 is a wonderful choice for someone who wants to be able to take high-quality digital photographs and take advantage of the Nikon system of lenses and flashes, but does not want to spend the kind of money involved in the higher-end cameras.

Here are the pros and cons of the D40 in my opinion:

Pros:
1. Nice out of the camera result picture quality
2. Affordable price
3. Compact size and light weight
4. Large and bright 2.5 inch LCD
5. 2.5 frames per second
6. B/W, Sepia, several more in-camera editing features.
7. Instant power on, fast autofocus and no shutter lag
8. Noise is acceptable at high ISO settings. Auto ISO settings available.
9. Great 18-55mm II AF-S kit lens.
10. Great battery life (400+ on a single charge. 1000+ if flash is not used).
11. Auto (flash off) mode available
12. 1/500 flash sync

Cons:
1. No direct button to change QUAL, WB and ISO settings
2. Grip comfortably but might be a bit too small for some people
3. No top LCD and no front command dial
4. Autofocus will not work with non AF-S or non AF-I lenses (such as the 70-300m G and 50mm f/1.8D lens)
5. No AF/MF switch (have to use the switch on the lens)
6. Only 3 autofocus point
7. 6 Megapixel (More Megapixel needed to print larger than 12 X 18 at 300 dpi)
8. No night landscape mode in pre-programmed settings
9. No in camera image stabilization (like Sony and Pentax) but Nikon has lenses with it (VR).
10. No depth-of-field preview button

Release Date                        December 2006
Key Features                         6.1 megapixels, 2.5in. LCD, SD Memory
Uniqueness                          Helpful LCD,Great For Learning photography
Level                                    Beginner
Avg. Kit Price                       $460
Competitors                         Canon 350D, Pentax K110D, Samsung GX-1L

Nikon D60

The Nikon D60 may not be a world apart from its predecessor, but it remains a good, solid, 10 Megapixel entry-level DSLR. The big improvements are a dust control system that includes an airflow control to blow dust away from the sensor and improved autofocus.

Key Features              10.2 megapixels, dust  control,small and light
Uniqueness                Smallest Nikon SLR ,Great For Learning photography
Level                          Beginner
Avg. Kit Price             $630
Competitors               Canon Rebel XS, Pentax K200D, Olympus E-420

Nikon D80

Nikon D80 has been on the market for more than two years, but I still think it is a good camera. One of the key advances developed for the D80 is Nikon’s own high-resolution image processing engine that inherits best-of-breed technologies from Nikon’s latest professional digital SLR cameras, including color independent analog pre-conditioning and high-precision 12-bit digital image processing algorithms, which combine to produce natural-looking images that benefit from faithful color and tone reproduction.

Release Date                        August 2006
Key Features                        10 megapixels, fast response
Uniqueness                          Multiple exposures ,Great For Action
Level                                    Intermediate to advanced
Avg. Kit Price                       $854
Competitors                        Canon xTi, Olympus E-510, Pentax K10D, Sony A100

Nikon D90

The Nikon D90 is the world’s first DSLR camera that shoots High Definition video. As the world’s first D-SLR with movie function, this remarkable camera offers truly cinematic results, stunning image quality and innovative high-performance features inherited from Nikon’s new-generation DX-format flagship D300. The D90 will open new doors for photography enthusiasts of any level.

Release Date      September 2008
Key Features      12.3 megapixels, dust control, live view, face detection, movie mode
Great For Action, Family, Travel
Level         Intermediate to advanced
Avg. Kit Price        $1,300
Competitors          Canon XSi

Nikon D200

The D200 has been crafted to connect a range of newly developed Nikon technologies with advanced features inherited from the Nikon D2x, ensuring an ultimate shooting experience with exceptional and versatile imaging performance, high speed, and an instant response. The result is a blend of superb features, high-quality components, and fantastic results.
Release Date                          November 2005
Key Features                          10 megapixels, fast response
Uniqueness                            Speed, Great For Action
Level                                      Advanced to semi-professional
Avg. Price                               $1,290
Competitors                           Canon 30D

Nikon D300

The Nikon D300 has more features than the beginner photographer would ever need. It now also features Live View, which works like in most other DSLRs. Which is to say, it is not like what you are used to on your consumer point-and-shoot digicams. The D300 is not really for the P&S crowd looking to upgrade to a DSLR nor is it for the amateur photographer looking for a first entry-level DLSR.

Release Date                           November 2007
Key Features                           12.3 megapixels, 51-point autofocus, dust control, live view
Uniqueness                             Fastest consumer SLR, Great For Action
Level                                       Advanced to semi-professional
Avg. Price                                $1,800
Competitors                            Canon 40D, Sony DSLR-A700, Olympus E-3

Nikon D700

Nikon’s D700 is positioned between the ‘pro-sumer’ D300 and the professional D3 models and is the second Nikon DSLR with an FX-format (35mm sized) CMOS sensor.

Pros:
• Exceptional high ISO performance
• Great image quality
• Solid construction
• All-around high performance

Cons:
• Viewfinder only 95 percent
• Shorter shutter duty cycle
• AF times out a hair slower than the D3, but performs comparably in the real world

Release Date        July 2008
Key Features      12.1 megapixels, 51-point autofocus, dust control, live view
Uniqueness        Full frame sensor,Great For Action
Level                  Semi-pro to Professional
Avg. Price          $3,000 (no lens)
Competitors      Canon 5D

Canon Rebel XSi 450D

Advantages: Fantastic picture quality, low noise, superb resolution, good per-pixel sharpness, quite light weight for a digital SLR.

Limitations: Some people think it is a little pricy. But the price has dropped a lot these days. The only real limitation of the XSi is that it doesn’t have built-in image stabilization. While the camera does come packaged with an IS lens, if you ultimately want to buy OTHER lenses for it, you’ll have to pay a premium since stabilized lenses cost more than their non-IS counterparts.

Nikon D60

Advantages: The Nikon D60 offers a variety of ways to experience more fun and creativity when taking pictures. Users can easily capture dynamic images in different shooting situations with a simple turn of the mode dial. If you like the Nikon brand but don’t want a huge camera to lug around then the D60 is optimal - it’s the smallest and lightest Nikon digital SLR.

Limitations: The D60 - like the D40 and D40x b