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5 Digital SLR Cameras I’d Tell You To Buy Right Now.

20 comments

Posted by Patrick on Aug 12, 2009 in Cameras, Uncategorized

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As a person who struggles to keep up with all the latest camera news, and as a consumer with a very cautious trigger finger, I can sympathize with those agonizing over what camera to buy and when to buy it. The good news is that right now we have a number of very good cameras available, that are both fresh in their product cycles, and bound to be competitive against other contenders in their respective markets. I’ve chosen what I consider to be the current best or best overall value as of right now, and yes I feel pretty confident about these picks. Also, I know this list won’t please everybody—so I’m really hoping some brave folks will leave their own lists in the comments. With all that said, here’s 5 cameras that you can feel pretty good about buying, right now.

Canon EOS 5D Mark II

21.1 megapixels
9 point AF
3 inch 920k LCD
ISO 50-25,600
1080p at 30fps high definition video recording with manual control and external microphone support

Controversial or the obvious choice? I know, I know, what about the Nikon D700? Look, the Nikon D700 is an excellent camera with a much superior AF system, and arguably better ISO performance. But the 5D Mark II is right there with the ISO, seriously we’re talking totally usable ISO 3200 and beyond even. $2700 gets you a 21 megapixel full frame camera with better image quality than the Canon flagship and simply gorgeous 1080p HD video with full, I said full, manual control. Yes, it’s a bit slower than the D700 (ok, much slower) and likely not as bulletproof, but the Canon EOS 5D Mark II is earlier in its product cycle, while the D700 looks to be getting a refresh, if the D300s is any indication. For the money, right now, the Canon EOS 5D Mark II is the best value.

The Canon EOS 5D Mark II is still hard to find in stock, but you can order one at Amazon ($2699.99) or at Adorama ($2699.00).

Nikon D300s

12.3 megapixels
51 point AF
3 inch 920K LCD
ISO 100-6400
720p at 24fps high definition video recording with continuous focus and external microphone support

The Nikon D300s is brand new, so new in fact you can’t have one yet. Still, based on the performance of the Nikon D300, a camera with a review track record that essentially screams “Highly Recommended” and probably includes a few “Camera of the Year” type awards as well, the Nikon D300s will be every bit as good, and just a wee bit better. It’s a little bit faster at 7 fps, features dual card capability, and tacks on high definition video recording at 720p with the ability to attach an external stereo microphone and auto focus while recording, though it’s unclear how effective or desirable this may end up being (given lens noise and speed issues). You can’t argue with its freshness or competence, and at $1800, the Nikon D300s is a pretty nice bargain, given you’re essentially getting the Nikon APS-C sized sensor flagship camera.

Pre-ordering festivities for the Nikon D300s have already begun:

Amazon: Nikon D300s Body Only for $1799.95

Amazon: Nikon D300s with 18-200mm VR II lens

B&H Photo: Nikon D300s Body Only $1799.95

B&H Photo: Nikon D300s with 18-200mm VR II lens

B&H Photo: Nikon D300s with 16-85mm VR lens

Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH1

12.1 megapixels
23 point AF
3 inch 460K LCD (articulating)
ISO 100-3200
1080i or 720p high definition video recording with continuous focus and stereo sound

For those looking for a smaller camera, but not willing to give up any of the capabilities of a full sized DSLR, look no further than the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH1. Panasonic hit a reviewer’s homerun with the G1, with pluses for interface, live view, size, and image quality. With the GH1 you get the added benefit of high definition video recording with stereo sound and continuous AF, which we imagine when used with the GH1’s large 3 inch flip and rotating LCD is a near ideal implementation of video recording in a DSLR-like camera. The biggest negative against the GH1 is price. At $1500 (with lens) the GH1 isn’t cheap, but it is well reviewed, very new, and essentially without an exact direct competitor. Oh, and it comes in colors!

Tracking down any Panasonic camera is hard work, and the GH1 is no exception. We recommend ordering from Adorama ($1499.95 with LUMIX G VARIO HD 14-140mm lens) and waiting patiently.

Canon EOS Rebel T1i (500D)

15.1 megapixels
9 point AF
3 inch 920K LCD
ISO 100-12,800
720p at 30fps or 1080p (not really) at 20fps high definition video recording

Another tough one, since the Nikon D5000 is also a very good camera. I give this race to the EOS Rebel T1i though, as I’m partial to the large high resolution LCD, but really either one of these makes a fine camera. Early reviews have been good, really if you’re looking for the best entry level camera, I think this is it. Great still image quality, 3.4 fps, 9 point AF, and high definition video recording, albeit not as robust as pricier cameras. Still, it is at least tied with any camera in it’s class, takes pictures as good as the EOS 50D and can be had for a little over $800 with lens (18-55 f/3.5-5.6 IS)!

You can get the Canon EOS Rebel T1i right now, and as we said the best steal is $809.95 with the 18-55 f/3.5-5.6 IS lens at B&H Photo or at Amazon, also for $809.95.

Pentax K2000

10.2 megapixels
5 point AF
2.7 inch 230K LCD
ISO 100-3200
No video

This is my wild card pick for folks looking for a very, very affordable DSLR camera that happens to take great pictures. The K2000 uses AA batteries, doesn’t have live view, and won’t shoot movies. Those points aside, the K2000 in nearly every review garners praise for taking excellent pictures while being easy enough for those brand new to DSLRs to step up to. There are a couple of issues to consider though. The first being that despite the fact that the K2000 features a 5 point AF system, the camera selects the point unless you lock the AF to the center point only. That’s not a big deal for beginners, or for those who focus and recompose. The second issue is sub-par JPEG images, but hey you should be shooting RAW anyway, even if you are beginner. But let me bring you back to why I’m suggesting the K2000. It’s small, light, easy to use, built in image stabilization, has excellent image quality, compatible with a whole slew of Pentax lenses, and happens to be dirt cheap. For under $500 you can get the K2000, an 18-55mm lens, and a AF-200FG external flash. To me, that’s a great way to get your feet wet in this addictive hobby of DSLR photography.

The Pentax K2000 is widely available, but definitely start at B&H Photo where they’re offering the K2000 with 18-55mm lens and the AF-200FG external flash for $494.95!

Conclusion

Well, that’s my five. As I said, I know some are going to disagree so please leave your “5″ in the comments.

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20 Responses to “5 Digital SLR Cameras I’d Tell You To Buy Right Now.”

Eolake Stobblehouse says:
August 15, 2009 at 6:16 am

The problem is they are all so f***ing these days.

Three big hinges: how big are you willing to carry?
How much can you pay?
And: purpose. See:
http://eolake.blogspot.com/2009/08/safari-photos.html
or
http://tr.im/wrIe

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- Patrick says:
  August 18, 2009 at 2:18 pm
  
  yeah they are all good, it’s true, but some are in better positions of new-ness, unique-ness, etc. In other words, now may not be the right time to buy a D700, it’s a great camera, really great, but you might have some buyer’s remorse in a couple of months…
  
  reply
Eolake Stobblehouse says:
August 15, 2009 at 6:17 am

Oops, I meant:
“The problem is they are all so f***ing *good* these days.”

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- Patrick says:
  August 18, 2009 at 2:14 pm
  
  Yeah, I had got that.
  
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Nate says:
August 15, 2009 at 11:14 am

hey, I first started reading your site when the e-p1 came out but I’ve been coming back and I really like your content and layout, great work.

My 5 cameras are:
Canon 5D MkII
Nikon D300s
Pentax K7 (well worth consideration even against the D300s I think)
Olympus E-P1
Olympus E-620 (vs. the Pentax K2000 I think having in-body stabilization, a good kit lens, small size, articulated LCD and relatively low price make it my choice)

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- Patrick says:
  August 18, 2009 at 2:09 pm
  
  Nate,
  thanks and that’s a good list too…I excluded the e-p1 since I expect panasonic will shortly out do it, which would be a bummer I think to new e-p1 owners, and the E-620 is a very good camera, if you can afford it rather than the dirt cheap K2000 by all means.
  
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Eolake Stobblehouse says:
August 15, 2009 at 11:25 am

I think the D300 is a bit of a specialist tool for fast moving subjects. Except for that extra speed, the D90 has it all, and is much lighter and cheaper.

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- Patrick says:
  August 18, 2009 at 2:04 pm
  
  I agree, if you’re budget is $900 U.S. just stop what you’re doing and get the D90.
  
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Venugopal Kesavan says:
December 1, 2009 at 7:20 am

As on Dec 01, 2009 here are my top 5 DSLRs

Entry Level Cameras:
Nikon D90
Canon 50D
Nikon D5000
Canon T1i
Olympus E620

Advanced Level Cameras:
Nikon D700
Canon 5D MK II
Nikon D300
Canon 7D
Olympus E30

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- Patrick says:
  December 6, 2009 at 12:47 am
  
  Good lists for sure, cameras are so good in general these days, it aint easy picking one (most of the time)
  
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Eolake Stobblehouse says:
December 6, 2009 at 6:46 am

Yes, very good list, both yours and Venugopal’s.

It gets interesting when you consider, for example: why buy the Panasonic GF1, especially with the 20mm compact lens which is not stabilised? If you just look at features, you get much better value-for-money with any of the entry level DSLRs. *And* you’d get stabilisation and better high-ISO performance, both of which I consider important. With the money save you could easily get a great Canon pocket camera also.
The GF1 is a odd compromise between those two worlds, and yet it’s selling like hotcakes, and I love it too. Odd state of affairs, and hard to pin down.

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- Patrick says:
  December 6, 2009 at 11:28 am
  
  I tend to get more emotionally attached to the “compromised” cameras. I’m reviewing the E-P1, and though it has some AF issues, I really love this thing, the same with Sigma’s DP2–meanwhile I have a 5D2, and while it is an awesome camera, I see it more as a tool for getting the job done…Don’t know why that is.
  
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Eolake Stobblehouse says:
December 6, 2009 at 5:21 pm

Yeah, you may be onto something there.

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Patrick says:
December 7, 2009 at 2:07 pm

Oh, I’m onto something alright! But seriously, my favorite camera of the year, with all the cool things I’ve gotten access to this year, is the DP2. I just loved that camera, specifically the images– and we all know it’s much discussed shortcomings. The S90 or 5D2 or GF1 could do similar shot easily, but I wouldn’t like them as much for some reason…

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Ted Cui says:
December 16, 2009 at 3:07 am

Always following new cameras, but now have stopped. I’ll just content myself with my Nikon D300 and D80, now and for a long time. Nikon’s 18-200 got me great pics at least inconvenience in ‘08 & ‘09 in Europe and in Maui. The 12-24 and 50/ f1.8 now suffice.

I do enjoy the photos submitted by many and have been enthused to get the better lenses, but reality enters in terms of cost and lens weights. Besides my target is simply the beautiful. I’m not a professional photography. Even the many books on photography in my library is now enough.

Thanks for listening. Keep shooting and testing. I’ll read them.

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- Patrick says:
  December 16, 2009 at 9:25 am
  
  Ted,
  Well I think it’ll be easy to be content with a Nikon D300, what more do you want? Maybe eventually you could pick up a few more lenses, but you’ve got one of the best cameras made right now!
  
  reply