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Top 10 Digital SLR Cameras

Single-lens reflex cameras offer powerful features and the flexibility of interchangeable lenses, so you can shoot like the pros. Ratings and rankings can change due to pricing and technology changes, so check back frequently for the latest info.

Edited by Melissa J. Perenson

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PCW Rating: 88.0PCW Rating: 88.0PCW Rating: 88.0

Last Rated: December 24, 2008

1. Nikon D90

Max. Megapixels: 12.3Megapixels, Optical Zoom: 6X Zoom, Zoom Range Min. (mm): 18, Zoom Range Max. (mm): 105, Weight (ounces): 40.5, Media Slots: SD Card,

Bottom Line: Nikon scores high for offering great image quality and terrific design--including rudimentary video recording, a DSLR first.

Full Review • Test Report 		Price When Reviewed: $1250 Check Latest Prices

PCW Rating: 86.8PCW Rating: 86.8PCW Rating: 86.8

Last Rated: December 24, 2008

2. Canon EOS 50D

Max. Megapixels: 15.1Megapixels, Optical Zoom: 11X Zoom, Zoom Range Min. (mm): 18, Zoom Range Max. (mm): 200, Weight (ounces): 50.6, Media Slots: CompactFlash,

Bottom Line: Though this is not a must-buy upgrade over the 40D, it does have some new and friendly features and shooting modes.

Full Review • Test Report 		Price When Reviewed: $1600 Check Latest Prices

PCW Rating: 85.9PCW Rating: 85.9PCW Rating: 85.9

Last Rated: December 24, 2008

3. Canon EOS Digital Rebel Xsi

Max. Megapixels: 12.2Megapixels, Optical Zoom: 3X Zoom, Zoom Range Min. (mm): 18, Zoom Range Max. (mm): 55, Weight (ounces): 25.8, Media Slots: SD Card,

Bottom Line: The Rebel Xsi provides a strong range of capabilities, but it may cost more money than entry-level buyers want to spend

Full Review • Test Report • Check latest prices 		Price When Reviewed: $799 Check Latest Prices

PCW Rating: 85.2PCW Rating: 85.2PCW Rating: 85.2

Last Rated: December 24, 2008

4. Canon EOS 40D

Max. Megapixels: 10.1Megapixels, Optical Zoom: 4.8X Zoom, Zoom Range Min. (mm): 28, Zoom Range Max. (mm): 135, Weight (ounces): 48.8, Media Slots: CompactFlash,

Bottom Line: Feature-packed camera produces great images, too; will appeal to enthusiasts and pros alike.

Full Review • Test Report • Check latest prices 		Price When Reviewed: $1299 Check Latest Prices

PCW Rating: 85.2PCW Rating: 85.2PCW Rating: 85.2

Last Rated: December 24, 2008

5. Sony DSLR-A300K

Max. Megapixels: 10.2Megapixels, Optical Zoom: 3.8X Zoom, Zoom Range Min. (mm): 18, Zoom Range Max. (mm): 70, Weight (ounces): 32.8, Media Slots: CompactFlash, Memory Stick,

Bottom Line: Tiltable LCD and real-time, fast live view previews; camera is very well designed, in both ease of use and ergonomics

Full Review • Test Report • Check latest prices 		Price When Reviewed: $550 Check Latest Prices

PCW Rating: 85.0PCW Rating: 85.0PCW Rating: 85.0

Last Rated: December 24, 2008

6. Olympus EVolt E-510

Max. Megapixels: 10Megapixels, Optical Zoom: 3X Zoom, Zoom Range Min. (mm): 28, Zoom Range Max. (mm): 84, Weight (ounces): 26.7, Media Slots: CompactFlash, xD-Picture Card,

Bottom Line: This SLR offers many advanced features for the price, though some sophisticated functions can be difficult to access.

Full Review • Test Report • Check latest prices 		Price When Reviewed: $600 Check Latest Prices

PCW Rating: 83.7PCW Rating: 83.7PCW Rating: 83.7

Last Rated: December 24, 2008

7. Olympus E3

Max. Megapixels: 10.1Megapixels, Optical Zoom: 5X Zoom, Zoom Range Min. (mm): 24, Zoom Range Max. (mm): 120, Weight (ounces): 52.6, Media Slots: CompactFlash, xD-Picture Card,

Bottom Line: This big, heavy, rugged camera has extensive advanced controls, fast burst-shooting speed, and can autofocus very quickly.

Full Review • Test Report • Check latest prices 		Price When Reviewed: $2700 Check Latest Prices

PCW Rating: 82.6PCW Rating: 82.6PCW Rating: 82.6

Last Rated: December 24, 2008

8. Canon EOS Rebel XS

Max. Megapixels: 10.1Megapixels, Optical Zoom: 3X Zoom, Zoom Range Min. (mm): 18, Zoom Range Max. (mm): 55, Weight (ounces): 28, Media Slots: SD Card,

Bottom Line: An excellent entry-level SLR, but its more full-featured brother, the Rebel Xsi, outperformed this model in our tests.

Full Review • Test Report • Check latest prices 		Price When Reviewed: $700 Check Latest Prices

PCW Rating: 82.6PCW Rating: 82.6PCW Rating: 82.6

Last Rated: December 24, 2008

9. Pentax K20D

Max. Megapixels: 14.6Megapixels, Optical Zoom: 3X Zoom, Zoom Range Min. (mm): 18, Zoom Range Max. (mm): 55, Weight (ounces): 36.5, Media Slots: SD Card,

Bottom Line: Although the K20 does some things well, its slow autofocus frustrates.

Full Review • Test Report 		Price When Reviewed: $1000 Check Latest Prices

PCW Rating: 82.6PCW Rating: 82.6PCW Rating: 82.6

Last Rated: December 24, 2008

10. Nikon D60

Max. Megapixels: 10.2Megapixels, Optical Zoom: 3X Zoom, Zoom Range Min. (mm): 18, Zoom Range Max. (mm): 55, Weight (ounces): 28.8, Media Slots: SD Card,

Bottom Line: This camera produces pleasing pictures, but it offers minimal improvements over the D40x for lots more cashola.

Full Review • Test Report • Check latest prices 		Price When Reviewed: $650 Check Latest Prices
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