| Top picks for cameras, camcorders and related equipment
Mid-range: Olympus Evolt E-510 ($650). The 10 megapixel E-510 has image stabilization, a dust removal system and 19 scene modes. A big plus is Live View, which lets users compose shots using the LCD screen (most SLR digital cameras require using the eyepiece viewfinder for shooting to conserve battery life). Uses compact flash cards, micro drives or xD cards. Includes rechargeable lithium ion battery pack. Splurge: Nikon D300 ($1,700). The high-resolution 12.3 megapixel D300 is fast on the draw, with six frames per second, and has a self-cleaning dust sensor. Exceptionally accurate 51-point scene recognition metering system quickly tracks for automatic focus, exposure and white balance. Compose pictures with the eyepiece viewfinder or the 3-inch LCD screen, a first for Nikon digital SLRs.
Canon 40D Review
The test lab over at our review partner Digital Trends published a review of the Canon 40D Review SLR Camera. The Canon EOS 40D scored an Editor's Choice Award.
Quote from the review: "Late last year Canon released the EOS 40D, a 10-megapixel D-SLR targeted to serious photographers since it costs north of $1,000 USD for the body alone. Add a few lenses and accessories, the next thing you know youve hit $2K.
This camera is targeted for anyone looking at the older 10-megapixel Nikon D80 or the newer 12.2MP Sony alpha DSLR-A700, a camera I liked a great deal. In other words, its for those more than willing to go beyond Auto and make the most of a sophisticated imaging capture device (a.k.a camera)."
Read the full Canon 40D Review.
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A Look Back At The Future Of Electronics
I have a professional photographer friend who spent $25,000 for a digital camera back in the 90s. Now you can get great pro-sumer cameras for under $800. At CES, Sony debuted its $699 Alpha DSLR-A100. Like the Canon EOS Rebel XTi and the Nikon D40, this is a full featured camera with interchangeable lenses sold as a kit with a starter lens. The new Sony camera features a 10 megapixel sensor, the ability to take up to 3 frames per second and the support for ISOs ranging from 100 to 3,200. What that all adds up to is a camera that can perform well in a variety of lighting conditions. Also, like the competition, it has image stabilization which compensates for our shaky hands, especially when using a long zoom.
Casio introduced one of the most innovative cameras at show. It isnt an SLR, but the new Exilim Pro EX-F1 has a 12X optical zoom and what Casio says is the worlds fastest burst shooting performance.
Review: Nikon Coolpix P50 digital camera
Nikon's P50 high-end digital compact camera swims against the tide of wafer-thin devices. The camera's 3.6x zoom lens and the fast Expeed processor borrowed from Nikon’s SLRs are encased in a traditional-looking, relatively bulky, body. Clearly, then, this is a camera for those who look for good value and appearance, with online stores offering the P50 at around £150. Power comes courtesy of two regular AA batteries, providing 140 shots. Even with batteries and an SD memory card inserted the P50 feels lightweight, despite its looks. It does boast features such as a spongy, leather-look grip, and both an optical viewfinder and a 2.4in screen. A light sensitivity range from ISO50 to ISO2000 is broader than most in its class.
Sound Advice: Pentax K20D to supplant less expensive K10D camera
Q: I have been pretty happy with my Olympus E-10. The price was right and my old Pentax cameras were starting to really show their age (my favorite one is well over 40 years old.) Now it seems that my Olympus is developing problems, and the company says it can no longer repair it. I have read that Pentax digital SLRs would work with any Pentax lens, which intrigued me as I have about eight different screw mount lenses I would love to be able to use again. I'm tempted by the newer models for the speed, as my E-10 is just not up to catching action shots. Would you recommend I buy a Pentax K10D and a screw mount lens adapter? Or would I be better off just buying a kit with two new lenses and giving my old equipment to a museum?
JEFF PORT
State College A: Nikon digital SLRs as well as Pentax digital SLRs work with older manual focus lenses, so this advice applies to both Nikon and Pentax lens owners.
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