Digital SLR Superguide: Choosing a dSLR
The legacy issue
When it comes to buying a dSLR, present or previous users of film SLR systems face an additional concern: Legacy issues. By this we mean that they would tend to own a collection of equipment (lenses and the like) that has been designed with the manufacturer’s cameras in mind.
Accessories and lenses are proprietary to each system (so, for example, a lens for a Canon camera will not fit a Nikon dSLR, and so on), and switching systems means taking a substantial hit to the wallet. Before making a decision, check up on the compatibility of each system and make an assessment of what you can continue using. If you’ve already invested heavily on lenses, it makes practical sense to continue using the same camera system, no matter how tempting a rival brand’s new model may be. Newer and better models are constantly being introduced, so patience is a virtue here.
While most legacy SLR equipment will retain a reasonable resale value and can be sold to fund the new dSLR purchase, this issue is not just related to owning lenses and accessories. It is also a matter of experience and usage. For example, Canon’s zoom lenses rotate in the opposite direction from Nikon’s, so those who opt to switch systems will probably find some difficulty adjusting. Canon uses a single command dial as well, while Nikon uses two, which can be confusing for some.
While these are obstacles, which can be overcome in time, the issue of legacy experience and equipment is well worth giving thought to before your purchase.
What's available now?
After you've taken a frank look at your budget, needs and other factors, let's look at some of the dSLR models available in the market and what they can do for you. You might also want to check out our list of top five entry-level dSLRs.
Click here for a feature comparison table.
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Olympus E-500
 
CNET Asia rating: 8.3 out of 10
The good: Lightweight body; easy-to-understand button layout; full-frame transfer CCD; Supersonic Wave Filter; 15 scene modes; excellent performance in its class; battery lasts over 300 shots; usable pictures up to ISO 800.
The bad: Small optical viewfinder; boring menus layout; no status LCD; over-exposed pictures may exhibit hard clip properties; USB 1.1 connection.
The bottom line: The Olympus E-500 dSLR is an excellent all-rounder for photography enthusiasts who wish to step up to the digital SLR arena and budding professionals. While it may not be the best in its class, it's definitely scoring lots of value points.
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Nikon D80
CNET Asia rating: 8.3 out of 10
The good: Good build quality; top LCD screen to display settings; in-camera editing functions; intuitive user interface; multiple exposure mode; supports SD high-capacity memory cards; snappy performance; good image quality with noise showing up at only ISO 1,600 and beyond.
The bad: Slower top shutter and flash-sync speed compared with D70s; bundled software does only basic RAW conversion; slight barrel distortion at the wide end of kit lens.
The bottom line: The Nikon D80 hits the sweet spot between the entry-level and midrange dSLR market and will appeal to photographers looking for an all-rounder with a range of useful features.
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3. |
Canon EOS 30D
CNET Asia rating: 8.5 out of 10
The good: Larger 2.5-inch LCD monitor; 3.5 percent spot meter; selectable 5fps/3fps continuous shooting modes; numerous dedicated buttons; excellent low-light images at high ISO.
The bad: No anti-reflection coating on LCD; 1.6x crop factor; camera turns off when memory card compartment is opened; top LCD panel doesn't display current ISO setting.
The bottom line: The Canon EOS 30D is an excellent midrange digital SLR for enthusiasts and first-time photographers looking for a professional shooter.
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Nikon D200
CNET Asia rating: 8.3 out of 10
The good: Plentiful controls and accessories; strong performance; excellent image quality; rugged body.
The bad: JPEG artifacts crimp image quality; no TIFF mode.
The bottom line: Aggressively priced and stuffed with pro-quality features, the rugged Nikon D200 digital SLR offers the best of the D2X at about one-third the price.
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5. |
Canon EOS 5D
CNET Asia rating: 7.9 out of 10
The good: Top-notch, high-resolution images; 35mm-size sensor obviates focal-length conversions; big 2.5-inch LCD; unmatched low-noise images at ISO 1,600 and 3,200.
The bad: Overall build quality and performance typical of much cheaper cameras; no constant ISO display; images show occasional red fringing around highlight transitions; automatic white balance occasionally inconsistent.
The bottom line: A decent midrange digital SLR camera built around a superb sensor, the Canon EOS 5D delivers great images and the familiar 35mm-film-format shooting experience for a comparatively low (though still hefty) price.
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Choosing a dSLR
