An Entry Level DSLR is a digital camera that has almost all the features of a top of the line DSLR at a lower more affordable price ($600 - $800). Most come with a lens (that way you don’t have to pick through the many, many lens choices at first). These cameras usually shoot at or below 3 FPS (Frames per Second) where the more advanced shoot at 5-8 FPS, if sports or action shoots are what you what to shoot a camera that shoots at 5+ FPS is helpful (3 FPS will seem very fast compared to the 1.5 FPS of a Point-n-Shoot, but not fast enough for action sports). The Entry DSLRs also don’t buffer as many photos as the higher level DSLRs (buffering allows for continuous shots to be stored in the camera before they are downloaded onto the memory card, which eliminates waiting for the camera to download the photo before your next shot). Good idea to feel and test each camera before you purchase it. Sometimes you might already have old lens of a specific type (Nikon, Canon, Pentax, Olympus, Minolta, etc.), test the lenses with the camera body to make sure they will work with that camera.

 

Here are some of the new Entry Level DSLRs:

Canon EOS Rebel XSI-450D which is a replacement for the Rebel XST400D but a little costly for an entry DSLR. The Canon EOS Rebel XS-1000D (more of an entry level price +/- $700 with lens) was created to be more affordable then the XSI ($800 body only or $900 with lens) with a few less features. The Rebel XS will be in stores in August, and the Rebel XSI is in stores now. For more information on these cameras go to: http://www.dpreview.com/previews/canon_1000d/ and http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/canoneos450d/ . 

Nikon D60 which replaces the D40. The D60 corrected some short comings of the D40, and will take most of the Nikon lenses (D40 was limited on the Nikon lenses that would work with it). The price for the D60 is $630 camera body only and $750 with lens. For more information: http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/nikond60/ .

 

Sony A350 ($700 Body only and $800 w/ lens) which replaces the Sony A100. The A350 does not have “Live View” as does the above DSLRs (Live View allows for you to view your shot from the back screen on your camera like a Point-n-Shoot), if that is important to you move up to the A300 ($800 w/Lens). Sony cameras feature image stabilization built into the camera body. Thus, giving you image stabilization with all your lenses (Nikon and Canon have image stabilization on some of their lenses, but not all). Sony DSLRs are based off the Minolta system so most Minolta lenses work on the Sony DSLRs. For more information:  http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/sonydslra350/ .

 

These are just a few of the DSLRs out there right now. People just moving into the DSLR cameras are lucky because what they are getting for around $700-$800 would have cost $4,000-5,000 a few years ago.

 

A few things to remember when purchasing a DSLR:

1) You are not only purchasing a camera but part of a system (lenses, flashes, accessories, customer service departments, etc.), and once you invest in lenses and flashes it is hard to change camera brands and possibly have to get all new accessories to work with the different system. So look at all that is offered in the Camera line you are interested in purchasing and make sure it covers what you are interested in shooting now and in the future.

2) Test the camera before you purchase, in fact test the competing Entry DSLRs at the same time. See if you like the feel, if it is easy to operate, and you are comfortable using the camera.

3) A camera is only as good as the lens that is on that camera. Better to have fewer features (Bells and Whistles) on a camera to reduce the price and put the saved money towards a good lens. Sometimes you can get a better lens then the one that comes in the camera kit (body and lens) for just a little more money. I was once told by a photojournalist “Duane buy Glass (lenses), don’t be as concerned with the camera body”. In my eight years experience I have found that to be very sound advice.   

4) Go to web sites like www.dpreview.com or www.cnet.com to compare the various cameras. You can compare many cameras all on one page (side by side).

You might wonder if stepping up to a DSLR is worth the cost and time to learn a new system, but in my opinion it is a cost and time well spent. If you wish to just take snap shots and put on the web or have a 4x6 printed then a Point-n-Shoot will work for you. If you are interested in being creative with your photography and wish large high quality prints than a DSLR is for you. And now the price is no longer an issue.

Happy Shooting

Duane  www.duanebrovan.com