The entry-level market is heating up with new cameras from Canon, Pentax, and Sony.
Entry level DSLR cameras just keep getting better. While the megapixels and burst rates might be down a tad on top-end DSLRs, we’re now seeing better lowlight ability in the form of higher ISO numbers, better detail thanks to improved dynamic range, and features like Live Preview and anti-dust protection are increasingly common.
Now is looking like a good time to step up to DSLR photography, with new entry level models from Nikon, Sony, Canon and Pentax arriving soon.
If you’re after a cheap, to mid-range DSLR, Sony’s A200 should definitely be on your list of contenders. Sony’s a relative newcomer to the DSLR market, and we liked their first effort, the A100. The camera was responsive and we liked the anti-shake, and importantly it was good bang for buck verse Canon’s 350D.
The A200 improves on the formula, bringing the same 10.2 megapixels (CCD), but with improved focus times thanks to a different lens drive motor, and ISO 3200 sensitivity. Sony claims this is the highest ISO rating in the entry-level market, though Pentax’s K20D goes up to 6400 in custom mode. We’ll also be interested to see if Sony’s “D-Range Optimser” has anything like the dynamic range effect of the HDR feature in Pentax’s K20D. The camera is priced at $1,399 with a twin lens kit.
As is becoming the norm, the A200 gives you image stabilisation and anti-dust. The LCD size has increased form 2.5inches to 2.7inches, and the weight has dropped from 545grams to 532grams. You only get 3 frames per second, but that’s acceptable at this level.
Not yet announced in Australia, but on the way (according to our sources), are two more alpha series models, the A350 and A300. In a nutshell, they’re similar cameras to the A200, but with the addition of 14.2 megapixels in the A350, and Live View in both cameras (lets you view the image on the LCD, instead of the viewfinder, while you’re taking the photo). Not everyone needs Live View, but if you’re taking complicated shots that make using the viewfinder difficult, then it could be useful.
Meanwhile, we’re waiting with baited breath for pricing on the just revealed Nikon D60. Another entry-level camera, the D60 doesn’t exactly set our pulses racing, but if the price is right it could be a contender for new-to DSLR enthusiasts. In short, you get 10.2 megapixel, dust reduction, anti-shake, some dynamic range processing. Missing is Live View, and the LCD is slightly smaller than the competition at 2.5inches, but we’re not holding that against it. Burst rate of 3 frames per second is a tad behind the Canon 350D (3.5fps), and well behind the 400D.
The current camera to beat in the entry-level space is the 10.1 Megapixel Canon EOS 400D – our reigning A-List pick for its great value and features – so the pressure is on for Canon to impress. Their latest effort is the 450D which ups the ante to 12.2 megapixels, while max resolution increases to 4,272 x 2,848 (verse 3888 x 2592 for the 400D). The 3 inch LCD also beats Sony’s 2.7inch screens, and the addition of SDHC means high-resolution buffs can pack loads of onboard capacity. It’s worth noting the burst rate (3.5fps) and shutter speed (1/4000) can’t compete with the 40D. The 450D will arrive in Australia in April, and though pricing is yet to be announced, we’re expecting it to sit somewhere between the 400D ($1,199 with lens), and the 40D ($1,999 for body).
The Pentax camera that will shape up to compete with all the above is the K200D, which is tentatively priced at $1,199 for 10.2 Megapixels. Highlights include an 11 point focus system (verse 9 for Sony’s A200 and Canon’s 450D), and Pentax says this is the only digital SLR powered by replaceable AA batteries.
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| Sony's A200: 10.2 Megapixels with a new lense drive motor and ISO 3200. |
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| Nikon D60: 10.2 Megapixels, but like the A200 there's no Live View. |
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| Canon 450D: ups the pixel count to 12.2 megapixels. |
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| Pentax K200D: 10.2 megapixels, 11 point focussing, and takes AA lithium batteries |