Digital Cameras Ratings

I had not used a digital SLR before purchasing the XSi.The camera has many good reviews in e.g. consumers reports – one of the best 100 products.I think my past experience with point-and-shoot Canon cameras helped me decide to buy this product because I was familiar with the Zoombrowser software and trusted the Canon name.At first, I was horrified to find that the primary shooting modes for the camera do not allow use of the LCD display to formulate shots.I own a 35mm SLR film camera and was not good at using it so having another SLR where I would have to make settings in most modes made me anticipate poor outcomes.But, after reading the manual and using the DVD’s that came with this package, I was more confident in composing shots and setting up the camera and have done very well in my first month of ownership.And, I discovered the live shooting mode that does allow the use of the LCD display. I would recommend this camera and the outfit to anyone moving up to a digital SLR because the camera gives you all the capability you can handle (for now) and the accessories and materials really move you into a new awareness of how to take great shots.I am quite happy with the camera and the package.I would recommend that anyone buying the camera also get the battery pack and an upgraded memory card (4 GB comes with the camera).

Product Description
The Canon EOS Rebel XSi Digital Camera incorporates improved autofocus sensor, enhanced 14-bit A/D conversion, an advanced Live View function, and the proprietary DIGIC III image processor which ensures that the fine details and natural colors of the images are optimally recorded, and also manages the camera’s efficient energy consumption and high-speed signal processing performance. Its newly designed 12.2 megapixel APS-C size CMOS sensor employs large micro-lenses over each pixel to reduce noise and enhance sensitivity up to ISO 1600, while the 14-bit Analog-to-Digital (A/D) conversion process means the Rebel XSi camera records up to 16,384 colors per channel and allows the camera to produce images with finer and more accurate gradations of tones and colors. The camera also incorporates the Highlight Tone Priority and High-ISO Noise Reduction functions (previously found only on Canon’s Professional Digital SLRs) and the camera is equipped with Canon’s Auto Lighting Optimizer technology, which corrects image brightness and contrast automatically to prevent underexposure with backlit scenes.
Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS SLR Lens: Canon’s latest optical Image Stabilizer (IS) technology provides up to 4-stop compensation for image blur caused by camera shake and slow shutter speeds. Photographers normally shooting handheld at 1/250 sec can switch on IS to obtain a similarly steady and blur-free result with a shutter speed of just 1/15 second. The inclusion of automatic panning detection makes it easier for photographers to track wildlife and other moving subjects.
Canon EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 III USM Telephoto Zoom Lens; Compact and lightweight 4x telephoto zoom lens ideal for shooting sports, portraits, and wildlife. The developed Micro USM makes auto focusing quicker and quieter. The improved zoom mechanism also makes zooming smoother.
++PLUS++8GB Deluxe Accessory Kit: Loaded with extremely useful accessories.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Canon Digital Rebel XSi 12MP Digital SLR Camera (Silver) with EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Lens & EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 III “USM” Telephoto Zoom Lens + 8GB Deluxe Accessory Kit

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Nikon D2Xs 12.4 Megapixel Digital SLR Camera

The Nikon D2Xs is truly the professional (or very serious amateur) photographer’s dream machine.My previous and current equipment includes Canon EOS 850 film (retired), Konica film (retired), Olympus C3030 (donated) and various other equipment over the years.I still own and use my Nikon D70s and find it to be a wonderful tool, but the D2Xs is the ulitmate machine.

I read many articles and reviews about professional level digital SLR cameras, and I was a little aprehensive about the D2Xs because I wasn’t sure I was ready for it, experience wise.That’s proven not to be the case, and I find this camera is actually easier to use than other equipment I’ve owned.There are no pre-programmed (i.e., landscape, portrait, night landscape, etc.) settings like on the D70s or the Canon.That kind of forces you to use the P (most automatic settings) or aperture/shutter preferred options.I find it pretty straight forward, since the pre-programmed settings can be a little confusing in their own right.

This camera is big but feels very steady to use.Ergonomics are supreme, and the menus (not used that often since every key setting is selectable with a button) are easy to read in bright sunlight.

This is a very well done product that takes pictures capable of being blown up to poster size without a problem or loss of quality.This is a beautiful piece of gear if you can afford it.I chose it between the Canon Mark’s and other options in the 12+MP range because I liked it best of all.

Product Description
With a new color calibrated 2.5″ LCD and wide viewing angle, increased battery life per charge, and new menu system the D2Xs continues from where the D2X left off!Compatible Lenses -AF Nikkor (including AF-S, DX, VR and D-/G-type) -All functions possible; D-type Manual-Focus Nikkor -All functions except autofocus and some exposure modes available; AF Nikkor other than D-/G-type -All functions except 3D Color Matrix Metering II and 3D Multi-Sensor Balanced Fill-Flash possible; AI-P Nikkor -All functions except 3D Color Matrix Metering II, 3D Multi-Sensor Balanced Fill-Flash and AF possible; Non-CPU AI Nikkor -Usable in [A] or [M] mode with Matrix-Metering, Center-Weighted and Spot metering available Improved 3D Color Matrix Metering II with more refined exposure evaluation algorithms and larger database for difficult-to-meter scenes Multi-CAM 2000 Autofocus system provides 11-area autofocus system with group dynamic AF, close-subject priority dynamic AF, close subject in a group priority dynamic AF and Lock-OnFlash -Nikon Creative Lighting System support for Nikon Speedlights SB-800, SB-600 for full i-TTL flash control with Nikon Advanced Wireless Lighting, color control, FP High-Speed Sync, Modeling flash and more Compatible with the The Coolwalker Digital Storage Photo Viewer -Store up to 10,000 digital photos on the 30GB hard drive and view them on the high-quality 2.5 inch TFT color monitor. Stores JPEG, TIFF and other major image file formats, including NEF files Power Requirements -Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL4a (11.1V DC), Quick Charger MH-21, AC Adapter EH-6 (optional) Unit Weight (without batteries) -2.4 lbs

Click Here to see more reviews about: Nikon D2Xs 12.4 Megapixel Digital SLR Camera

No matter how you slice it, this is a great camera.

If you’re considering this camera you likely to be in one of two camps:A Nikon person trying to determine whether or not to buy the N50, N70 or the D200; or you already know you want something more on the pro end of the pro-amateur spectrum and are trying to choose between a Nikon and a Canon.If you’re in the latter camp then you can’t go wrong with either the D200 or any of Canon’s offerings.They both make excellent cameras. If you’re already a Nikon person, get the Nikon; if you’re already a Canon person, get the Canon.

That said, I’m a Nikon person, and after 5 years of having fun with my film-based N80 I wanted to make the leap into real digital photography.I say real, because I’ve had a Canon Sureshot for 4 years and it’s great for snapshots, but when it comes to landscapes or dealing with any kind of lighting issues, it just doesn’t measure up.Since I’m a Nikon person (all my lenses work with the new digital SLRs) I looked at the N50, N70 and D200.There are plenty of sites out there that compare these three cameras (against each other and the competition) to death, so I won’t bother with all the details.

We buy cameras to take a variety of different pictures and my choice was driven by my needs, so my review is going to be colored by the kinds of pictures I tend to take.My favorite pastime is landscape photography.For this, any of the three cameras will take great pictures.The 6 mega pixels on the N50 and N70 are more than enough to take great pictures – I’ve got a 20×30 poster of Yosemite’s Half Dome taken with a friend’s N70 that is as crisp as anything I’ve seen.Having 10mps gives me more room to play with when it comes time for cropping, though, and that’s always nice, but hardly a reason to shell out an extra grand.

My next favorite photography subject is my yellow lab, Happy.If he’s standing or sitting still, then all three of these cameras take excellent portrait shots.But when he’s moving, such as launching himself off the end of a pier to fetch a toy in the lake, the D200 really shines.Its 5fps burst mode takes perfect pictures.It focuses each shot and with its rich 25 picture buffer built into the camera, I’ve yet to fill it up.What this means is that it doesn’t matter what speed your memory card is.The camera takes its pictures and puts them into its buffer.Then a separate set of processors moves the picture from the buffer to your memory card.I would have to hold the button down for over 8 seconds before the burst mode would slow down (it would simply slow down to the speed of your memory card here – it wouldn’t stop taking pictures).This clarity of the pictures in burst mode is what made me choose the D200, and with the 18-70mm DX kit lens you’ll get some brilliant photos.

While all three cameras let you take great picture, the D200 makes it very easy to change the most often used settings.Picture quality (e.g. resolution and depth), White Balance and ISO can be changed by holding down a single button with your left hand and rotating the command dials with your right.This means you don’t have to take your eyes off of what you’re looking at through the viewfinder in order to change these settings, and I find myself changing at least one of these on almost every picture I take.To be sure, you can change them on the N50 and N70 as well, but just not as quickly or easily.

Other things I liked about the D200 are:
oBuild.It’s made of metal and has a very nice heft to it.The D50 and D70, much like my N80, are made of a very good plastic, and I’ve never had any problems with the N80, but the D200 just feels good
oLCD.The 2.5 inch LCD makes it easy to determine whether or not you’re happy with a picture in the field.
oColor.The auto white balance for the D200 is awesome and the colors are brilliant.
o4 settings banks.You can preprogram four settings (ISO, WB, Picture Quality, etc) so you can get to it quickly.

One last point – the D200 is very difficult to get a hold of these days, but it’s slightly easier to get in kit form (which comes with a lens).The 18-55mm lens is nice, but I prefer the 18-70mm (remember, with digitals you have to multiply the focal length by 1.5 to compare it with their film counterparts, so the 18-70 for digital is more like a 28-105 for film).The 18-70mm kit will run you about $300 more than the body itself, and it’s worth it.

If you don’t already have a big zoom lens then the new 18-200mm Nikon VR lens is awesome (equivalent to 28-300 for film).It takes stunning pictures and has all the zoom you’re likely to need.It runs between $700 and $800 and is even harder to get than the D200 (which is why I don’t have one yet .

In summary, you can’t go wrong with any of these Nikons.The D200, however, is definitely the king of the hill.Happy picture takine!

Product Description
Breathtaking image quality assured by a high-performance 10.2 megapixel DX Format CCD sensor coupled with Nikon’s image processing engine and the world’s most sophisticated light metering system, the Nikon D200 digital SLR has a framing rate of up to 5 frames per second and minimized (50 ms) shutter lag provide ultra-fast handling characteristics, allowing high sequential image speed for sports, wildlife, fashion and event photography. The Nikon D200 is uniquely enabled to perform to a standard once reserved for cameras costing far more.Image Sensor -RGB CCD, 23.6 x 15.8mm Image Size -Up to 3,872 x 2,592 Maximum Storage Media -CompactFlash (CF) Card Type I and II and Microdrive Sensitivity -100 to 1600 (ISO equivalent) in steps of 1/3, 1/2 or 1 EV with additional settings up to 1 EV over 1600 File System -Exif 2.21, Compliant DCF 2.0 and DPOF Interface -NTSC or PAL White Balance -Auto (TTL white balance with 1,005-pixel RGB sensor), six manual modes with fine-tuning, color temperature setting, preset white balance, white balance bracketing possible (2 to 9 frames in increments of 1, 2 or 3) Picture Angle -35mm format is approx. 1.5 times lens focal length LCD Monitor -2.5-inch, 230,000-dot, TFT LCD with brightness adjustment Self-timer -Electronically controlled timer with 2 to 20 seconds duration Compatible Lenses -All AF-DX, AF-D, AF-G, AF-I, AF-S, and AF VR Nikkor lenses provide full AF & metering operation Dimensions -Width 147 x Height 113 x Depth 74mm / Weight -830 grams

Click Here to see more reviews about: Nikon D200 10.2MP Digital SLR Camera with 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED-IF AF-S VR DX Nikkor Zoom Lens

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Well if you are looking at this fine piece of Photographic equipment odds are you have been to the Canon website and read the specs.I will touch on a few of the items I have noticed since I purchased mine and have been using it.

1st.The feel, just like the 1D M3, this beast is solid.Not too heavy, but solid in the hand.And here in Alaska, I do put the weather sealing to a test, and just like my trusty 1D M3, the 1Ds passes with flying colors.

2nd.Yes its 21.1 MP, but that should not be your main consideration to buy it. Yah 18×12 @ 300Dpi out of the Camera is nice, but nost people dont print over 16×20, and I have sold a lot of prints from my old 20D at that size or even upto 20×30, as long as you shoot it right in the first place.But this is also a drawback as well.Because of the large file size, esp in Raw, and most, if not all, buyers of this body will/should be shooting in raw, be aware that you will need larger CF cards for it.At least 8gig, I use 12Gig for mine, extreme 3’s and they work great!Also be aware if you use the internal high iso noise processing, it slows down the buffering a lot!!!

3rd.Full Frame, just like the earlier 1Ds models its a ful frame sensor.That means 2 things, not only does a 17mm or 14mm lens again be a true wide angle lens, but also with the larger sensor the pixels are more refined and this gives better color and less grain.

4th.The colors of the images in the files.WOWAgain the 14bit processors are great!!!Esp for raw, where you can import it in as 16bit for the finer details.One draw back is if you use Photoshop, you will need CS3 to do the raw Conversions, unless you use the Canon program.

5th.You are approaching the image quality of a Dig MF camera, with the portability of a Dslr!Not to mention you can use all the Canon EF lenses, and this camera really should only be used with L series lenses when possible, except for the fisheye as its not made in an L series but the quality is very good anyways.As the Quality of the optics is what affects the quality of the image the most, other than settings in the camera, ie shutterspeed and AV, ISO, etc…

6th.Wonderful Accesories for the camera.I love my wft-e2a.I use it on my 1D M3 a lot and it works great on the 1ds as well.Its a great way to control your camera remotely or to send your files to a remote computer for processing and such while you are still shooting.

This Camera is great.I have used the new nikon d3, and its a much improved camera over the past models, but it does not compare to the top of the line Canon!!!!This camera will not let you down.The noise if shot right is not even noticed until iso 1600 and then you still got to look.ISO 3200 is still great (about the same noise/grain my buddy had on his d200 at iso 400!!!!!)!If you are a Pro and need a camera that can perform the best and give wonderful results, this is it.It kicks butt compared to anything else in the DSLR market!!!

Product Description
The Canon EOS-1Ds Mark III is an engineering tour de force which, true to the EOS-1 legacy, redefines the state of the art in no uncertain terms. An entirely new 21.1-megapixel full-frame Canon CMOS sensor delivers astounding image quality and creates new photographic possibilities. Dual “DIGIC III” Image Processors work in tandem to speed up data handling and camera operation, while further refining imaging performance. Tough, high-durability body and shutter designs, combined with the unique EOS Integrated Cleaning System, set new standards for professional dependability. Cutting-edge features-such as a large 3.0-inch LCD monitor with Live View Function, and a fast, precise 45-point AF system-make the EOS-1Ds Mark III powerful and versatile. And, of course, the EOS-1Ds Mark III is part of the unparalleled EOS System, which, with more than 50 EF lenses, 15 interchangeable focusing screens, and extensive wireless, remote control and lighting accessories, is the most advanced and powerful digital photography system in the world. The EOS-1Ds Mark III incorporates Canon’s newest CMOS sensor, which delivers approximately 21.1 effective megapixels (5,632 x 3,750 pixels). The recording area of the sensor is 36 x 24mm, which is equivalent to the full-frame size of the 35mm film format. The tremendous pixel count delivers high-resolution images of exacting precision, with Photoshop file sizes over 60MB for outstanding quality at large print sizes and post-processing cropping flexibility. Despite the higher pixel density, Canon CMOS sensor technology ensures exceptionally low noise and the widest usable ISO range (from 50 to 3200, using ISO range extension).Auto and Manual Focus Dimensions (W x H x D) – 6.1 x 6.3 x 3.1 in./156 x 159.6 x 79.9mm

Click Here to see more reviews about: Canon EOS 1Ds Mark III 21.1MP Digital SLR Camera (Body Only)

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I wanted to wait until I used the Camera before writing the review.The main reason I bought this camera is as a “step up” from my point-and-shoot Panasonic that always performed well for me and I will continue to use for some photos, but I wanted to be able to use different lenses and also have access to the RAW photo format.RAW images can be worked over with Photoshop (which I haven’t bought yet) and are very large files holding much more data about the image than the point-and-shoot jpeg photo image files.You cannot edit jpeg images (that I know of). I attended a seminar given by Rick Sammon, a professional photographer, and was in awe of the things he can do with an image (correct all colors so the sky is not washed out to nothing, for example- Google his web page or YouTube for photography instruction).I am working my way toward richly colored images, and away from the kind of pictures we all take on vacation where the skies are not as wonderful as we remembered, the trees are not as green, you know….

I mainly photograph outdoor scenes, landscapes, wildflowers, nature scenes and also people-story images.I wanted a camera with different lenses for wide angle landscapes and also a telephone lens for animal and people close ups (without being close up).The package I bought from Cameta Camera through Amazon came with an 18-55mm lens and also a 75-300 lens.The lenses just screw on and off.Now then, the GOODIE BAG that came with this package from Cameta included a really nice camera “gadget”bag that holds the camera, lenses, extra cords, batteries, and there is room to spare.The bag I got is well made (I read some reviews about a cheap bag, mine is wonderful).ALSO I GOT an 8 gig card to use in the camera, I can take photos till the cows come home and not run out of room, even in the RAW giant sized photo image file.ALSO I received two camera batteries with a recharger, so I will never run out of power in the middle of the day.I ALSO received a card reader which makes it very easy to remove the card from the camera, plug it in the reader and then directly into my computer USB port, I never even had to install any software on my MAC, just plug in and download the images.This is the kind of little stuff that really adds up after you have decided to buy a camera and sort of deflates your concept of getting a good deal.I recommend buying the “outfit” as it is more painless way to commit to your purchase, plus you will need this stuff anyway and save some $$.

The camera was ready to use out of the box – just insert card and battery and that’s all.There is a dial with pre-set functions to take landscapes, macro, portrait shots, shutter priority or aperature priority, but if you want to you can also manually adjust whatever you want to, the ISO, etc.I am still learning about how to choose these options but am not shanghaied until I finish my education.I opened the box in the evening, put the battery in the camera, screwed on the telephoto lens and took a photo of a painting in the next room, pretty much in the dark, and was amazed that the focus was so clear, and the flash just right.Amazed.This is not something you can do with a point-and-shoot.

One thing I have noticed is that the focus you see in the view finder is ACCURATE.There are red lights showing the EXACT area the lens is focused on, and if you move the camera and therefore the focus, you might not get the shot you want.For instance, I was out in a duck blind with the telephoto lens on, the camera was set to take photos continuously, and I was capturing images of ducks coming in to land on the lake water.Since the ducks were moving, and I was following them with the camera the red dots in the viewfinder were not always squarely on the flying ducks, so I was not always focusing directly on the duck.If you are not taking images of moving things, no problem.Just a head’s up, you need to be accurate with your pointing of the lens, the camera will do it’s job as you instruct it.I took 535 images over a couple of hours and the card and battery were no where near capacity. Later I was taking photos of some little kids driving wildly around in the yard in a mule, they were larger and easier to get the focus dots pegged on, and they came out perfectly in focus.

All in all, this camera, lenses, and goodies package was money well spent for me.I would recommend shopping with Cameta? Camata? Camera through Amazon (they must have set up a “package deal” between themselves). Shipping was fast, everything received was as expected.If you want to go beyond the point-and-shoot type photo but are boggled with all the brands and choices like I was, and don’t want to spend too much money on the wrong thing like I didn’t want to, look for a package deal such as this one. Also, check out Rick Sammon, he is giving away a lot of info on his website on how to use this sort of entry level SLR camera to get the most out of the equipment.You can check right here at Amazon for his books as well.

Product Description

Kit includes:
♦1) Canon Digital Rebel XS
♦2) Canon 18-55mm Lens
♦3) Canon 75-300mm Lens
♦4) Transcend 8GB SDHC Memory Card
♦5) Precision Design 1000 Deluxe SLR Pro Carrying Case
♦6) Spare LP-E5 Battery
♦7) Precision Design USB 2.0 High Speed SecureDigital (SD/SDHC) Card Reader
♦8) Image Recall Digital Image Recovery Software
♦9) Precision Design Memory Card Storage Wallet
♦10) Cameta Microfiber Cleaning Cloth

The Canon EOS Rebel XS Digital Camera incorporates a 10.1 megapixel CMOS sensor; enhanced sensitivity up to ISO 1600; High-ISO Noise Reduction; Auto Image Optimization technology; and a precise 7-point autofocus system. The large, 2.5-inch LCD monitor makes it a pleasure to review images and scroll through menus. The Live View feature allows you to frame shots using the LCD screen rather than the viewfinder. Canon’s Integrated Self Cleaning System removes dust automatically from the sensor using ultrasonic vibration.

The Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Zoom Lens is designed with Canon’s Optical Image Stabilizer technology to allow sharp hand-held shots at shutter speeds up to four stops slower than otherwise possible.

The Canon EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 III Zoom Lens is a compact and lightweight 4x telephoto zoom lens ideal for shooting sports, portraits, and wildlife. The improved zoom mechanism makes zooming smoother than ever. The front part of the zoom ring now sports a silver ring for a luxury touch.

The Transcend 8GB SDHC Memory Card is large enough to hold hundreds and hundreds – a whole vacation’s worth – of pictures.

Made from durable nylon, and outfitted with a leather reinforced handle, this multi-compartment case will easily hold your camera, lenses, flash, and accessories.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Canon Digital Rebel XS 10.1MP Digital SLR Camera (Black) + Canon EF-S 18-55mm IS Lens + Canon EF 75-300mm III Lens + Spare LP-E5 Battery + 8GB Card + Gadget Bag