Digital SLR cameras has become more affordable for consumers this year. There are 4 cameras in the market that price below $500 right now. You can even get it 400 or under if you don’t mind buying a used camera. Those four cameras are Canon XS / 1000D, Nikon D40, Pentax KM/K2000 and Olympus E-520. After examining camera features and specification, especially image quality, lens compatibility, price, and auto focus. Olympus E-520 is the best value camera under $500.
Olympus E-520
Offered with kit lens at $450, Olympus E-520 is a nice bargain.
E-520 is a 10 megapixel camera which has built-in image stabilization. Olympus kit lenses are able to produce relatively better image quality. The camera body and lenses are slightly smaller in form because Olympus has smaller sensor (four third system) and have a crop factor of 2. Unlike some beginner DSLR, E-520 has live view mode. If you add $100, you will get Olympus telephoto 40-150mm Zuiko lens as well.
The bad side of this camera is the small viewfinder, only 3 auto focus points, and noise control in high ISO is not as good as competitors. Olympus lens collection is also not as wide as Canon and Nikon.
Canon XS / 1000D
Canon XS is a well-rounded entry level camera. It handles noise in high ISO better than other cameras in this post. It has Live View mode, compatible with extensive Canon EOS EF or EF-S lenses, and it comes with image stabilized18-55mm lens. This camera will serve entry level digital slr user well and also provide room to expansion and upgrade through Canon extensive accessories and lens collection.
Pentax K2000 / KM
Pentax k2000 has the smallest form factor comparing to other cameras. The buttons are placed in the right side of the camera so that you can operate the camera with just with your right hand. It has built-in image stabilization. Although Pentax digital lens collection is not as wide as Canon and Nikon, Pentax has many small pancake lenses that fit the KM size well. There is an option to get a Pentax flash in discounted price as well.
Nikon D40
Nikon D40 is famous for its 1/500 flash sync. This flash sync enable you to overpower environment light easier than other DSLR cameras. But D40 has plenty of disadvantages compared to other cameras. It has only 6 megapixel, bundled with non VR (Vibration Reduction) lens, 3 Auto focus points. It can’t auto focus when you use some Nikon lenses as well. Despite all of that, Nikon D40 has a good, solid built quality and it is the most inexpensive cameras out there.
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{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
Are the prices on ur site in USD?
yes, it is in USD
Thx for replyin, & ur site is really useful for figuring out the vast no. of cam avail.
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