Ian Grayson | November 11, 2008
WHEN digital single lens reflex cameras first appeared on the market in the 1990s, their hefty cost kept them out of the hands of all but the most well-heeled photographers.
The nifty flip-out LCD screen makes the Sony A300 a stand out
The Nikon D60 has a solid build and good image quality
Canon's EOS 1000D has a seven point focusing system
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However, advances in technology and stiff competition between manufacturers have brought prices down, putting high-quality imaging gear within reach of almost everyone.
Digital SLRs have some big benefits over their more basic point-and-shoot cousins.
Firstly, because you're looking through the lens, what you see is exactly what you'll get in the photo.
Secondly, you aren't stuck with a single lens, as you can swap from wide angle to telephoto as shooting needs change.
DSLRs also tend to have larger image sensors, resulting in better quality photos.
The total number of megapixels is one thing, but the area over which they are spread is also important. Cramming too many together on a small sensor can result in interference and digital noise in photos.
The fact that the business outlook may be a little grim doesn't mean you have to forgo a planned upgrade to the DSLR league.
Exec Tech put three sub-$1000 digital SLRs through their paces to see how they performed.
Nikon D60 with 18-55mm lens
NIKON made its reputation producing top-end photographic gear, and that experience has enabled it to develop low-cost models that still pack some pixel punch. The D60 has a 10.2 megapixel sensor and comes equipped with an 18-55mm zoom lens. Nikon has shoehorned all the D60's features into a smallish, light body that is easy to hold and no burden to carry around. Packing one in your carry-on luggage won't be a problem.
A 2.5in LCD screen on the back of the camera displays each shot as well as providing access to most functions. The screen is good enough to be seen in sunlight, although you'll struggle on particularly bright days.
The D60 has a three-point focusing system which, while not as impressive as more expensive models, does a pretty good job when used for most everyday photographic tasks. The autofocus system is quick and accurate.
Nikon has included a range of in-camera tweaking that allow you to deal with things such as high contrast between light and dark areas in an image as well as the dreaded red-eye effect. These are accessed by the LCD panel controls. To capture fast-moving or changing scenes, the D60 can shoot three frames a second and an in-built flash will shed light on the dimly lit subjects.
The D60 may not have all the bells and whistles of the more expensive models in the Nikon DSLR line-up, but its solid build and good image quality make it worthy of consideration for anyone looking for sub-$1000 camera.
SPECIFICATIONS
Features: Light, compact body, easily accessible menu structure, in-camera editing functions
Price: $999
More at: www.nikon.com.au
Rating: 7/10
Canon EOS 1000D with 18-55mm lens
AT first sight, the EOS 1000D might appear a little too plastic to be a serious DSLR, but its outer case conceals some impressive features.
The camera is built around a 10-megapixel sensor and has a seven-point focusing system, which puts it ahead of the Nikon in this round-up.
It feels solid to hold and all button controls are located within easy finger reach.
Its 2.7in LCD monitor is sharp and usable and, as well as displaying shots taken, shows key image settings and provides access to the electronic function menu. It can be turned off to conserve battery power.
The menu can be customised so the functions you use most often are easily found. Dubbed My Menu, it provides a quick list of the functions you nominate, removing the need to search multiple layers of options.
On the left of the camera body, behind a folding cover, are connection points for video out, USB and a remote control unit.
Settings such as program modes, ISO and focus points are controlled by a single dial on the top right.
The 1000D feels solid in the hand and produces good-quality images. Beginners are likely to appreciate the fully automatic settings, while those with a little more knowledge of photo basics can take control of functions such as shutter speed and aperture.
The camera comes with an 18mm-to-55mm lens and has a small inbuilt flash. If you're looking for a reliable DSLR that produces good-quality, crisp images reliably, this one is worth closer inspection.
SPECIFICATIONS
Features: Customisable menu structure, large LCD display, accurate focusing system
Price: $999
More at: www.canon.com.au
Rating: 7.5/10
Sony A300 with 18-70mm lens
AS soon as you take it out of the box, the A300 demands to be held. Its sleek body design and streamlined buttons make it an attractive camera to look at and use. This camera is very similar to its siblings, the A200 and A350, but its feature mix and sub-$1000 price make it possibly the most enticing of the brood.
The chief feature that helps the A300 stand out from many other DSLRs in the price category is its nifty flip-out LCD screen. As well as being a novelty, it comes in handy when trying to take photos either above your head or around a corner. Once you get used to having it, it's hard to let go.
The A300 also takes an innovative approach to the live view feature, so you can look at your subject on the LCD screen (rather than through the viewfinder) before pressing the button. The camera has a separate sensor for live view, which means it delivers an image even when the internal camera mirror is down.
This reduces lag when taking photos using live view, as other cameras require lifting the mirror to get live view, drop it again to check focus and exposure, and then raising it to take the image. The Sony design overcomes this problem.
The A300's main sensor is 10.2 megapixels and, together with a responsive autofocus system and accurate exposure meter, produces impressive images in both strong sunlight and lower light conditions.
Sony has also opted to build its image stabilisation technology into the camera body rather than the lens, as is the case with other manufacturers. This means you can overcome shake regardless of the lens you are using.
SPECIFICATIONS
Features: Tilting LCD screen, streamlined body design, in-body image stabilisation technology
Price: $999
More at: www.sony.com.au
Rating: 8/10
Conclusion
IF you've looking for a digital SLR for about $1000, you won't be disappointed with any of the three cameras in this round-up.
All produce quality images and work fully automatically or can be tweaked in manual mode.
Nikon's in-camera image editing features are a plus, as is the light body. The Canon's bright viewfinder makes checking images easy and its customisable menu is a bonus.
But due to its flip-out LCD screen and clever live-view feature, Sony comes out on top by a nose in this review.