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#5 Beginner DSLR Camera

Pentax 10.2 MP Digital SLR Camera with 18-55mm Lens – Black (K2000)

The Pentax K2000 offers many features that help make the transition to this entry level camera easier for the novice to DSLR photography. Its light and compact design is easy to hold, and in some situations can be used one handed. The many features are easy to find and easy to use, makaing the photography experience and enjoyable one.

Pentax K2000 Features-

10.2 megapixel CCD sensor: This will be more than enough pixels to produce outstanding photographs with superior quality and detail. Working in tandem with the sensor to give outstanding quality to your photographs. Autofocus capability is quick.

2.7 inch high-resolution LCD screen: the easy to read screen provides easy menu navigation, and decently sized previews.

PRIME (Pentax Real IMage Engine) Image Processing: This will maximize the image properties and can give custom adjustments of the other features, getting everything to work together. This lets color tone adjustment, picture size, speed, auto focus and scene modes to work to their best ability.

Auto Picture: With this feature you can expect the to get the right exposures with tthat goes with the settings you want to use at the time. What it does is automatically calculate the photographic settings to choose the best picture mode for any situation.

Ten scene modes: These are easy to select and will give you more options beyond what are found on a point ans shoot camera to get the best settings to take pictures in variety of light levels, distance and background.

Body-based Shake Reduction Technology: These sensors are placed internally and will help provide a lot more stability in your photography. This is particularly good while getting used to taking pictures with a heavier camera, and larger lens and frame than is found in a typical point and shoot camera.
 
In-body Help Button: This helpful feature gives beginners the ability for help and solutions that are found in the manual right on the LCD screen

Pentax K2000 Value and Satisfaction-

Value: The low price, compared to other similar models, and the many other features of this camera, make this entry-level DSLR Pentax K2000 camera a great investment for the novice to use as they delve into the world of high class photography.

Customer Satisfaction: For Pentax users who are upgrading to the K2000 they will find they really like the upgrades that have been added to this camera, and the fact they can use their old lenses. Most users seem to appreciate its solid construction and overall quality and performance levels.

Summary-
 
The Pentax K2000 is best described as the a perfect choice for an introduction into DSLR level photography. The beginner will find that it is a well-designed camera with features and tools that will improve overall image quality. With pricing that is based on value , you will find that the Pentax K2000 is a great entry level DSLR camera.

best beginner dslr cameras, equipment Pentax K2000 Review

#4 Beginner DSLR Camera

Olympus Evolt E410 10MP Digital SLR Camera with 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 Zuiko Lens

Olympus Evolt E-410 Features-

10 Megapixel Photo Resolution: Any amateur photographer will be happy with the superb image production they get from the 10 megapixels resolution the Olympus Evolt E-410 produces. More advanced and pro users will be happy as well.

Live View LCD Mode: Amateurs who have just transitioned to the DSLR entry level camera are happy to have a live view feature, letting you see the pictures in real time, that is so similar to what they have seen with a compact camera. The Olympus Evolt E-410 comes fully equipped with up to 1600 ISO, and JPEG shooting.

3.3 frames per second (fps) continual shooting speed: The Olympus Evolt E-410’s 3.3 frames per second continuous shooting mode is more than enough to catch in great detail fast paced sporting events and the non-stop activity of children playing. For everyday shooting, the Olympus Evolt E-410 snaps photos quickly with a response times range from 0.4 seconds outdoors to to .09 seconds doors.

Auto focus: There are a wide variety of auto focus modes, including some new ones like beach and fireworks. There will be a definite learning curve for first time users as they learn to understand when to use this feature. With this camera, most of the time the manual focus produces better quality images. As you learn the ins and outs of the camera, you might end up with some blurry and grainy photos when autofocus was used at the wrong times.

Anti-shock and Image Stabilization: This on board feature assures that the photos that are taken holding the camera by hand , without a tripod, will still come out crisp and blur free. The viewfinder, by the way, has a comfortable rubber eye rest.

Olympus Evolt E-410 Value and Satisfaction-

Value: The Olympus EVOLT E-410 is found among the lower priced cameras in the entry-level DSLR class camera.. A first-time DSLR　user is given quite a few options that will help build their comfort zone while transitioning from a point and shoot camera.

Customer Satisfaction: The intuitive menus, radial dial and compact style are some features that newcomers are most comfortable with. If you are used to another more bulky DSLR camera, the smaller size might take some getting used to The main downside is the difficulty in mastering the manual vs. auto focus settings.

Summary-

For an entry level DSLR camera the Olympus Evolt E-410 is a perfectly acceptable choice for your first camera in semiprofessional grade photography. Its versatility in manual point and shoot situation as well as the automatic features make this camera easy to use and a good way to learn more about this class of camera.

best beginner dslr cameras, equipment Olympus EVOLT E-410 Review

#3 Beginner DSLR Camera

Canon Rebel XS 10.1MP Digital SLR Camera with EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Lens (Black)

The Canon Rebel XS is the newest in a long line of high quality Canon brand cameras. This model has feels and acts so much like the high end point and shoot camera that you will hardly notice that you have made the transition to an entry level DSLR camera, that is until you see the quality of your photographs! Its light body, comfortable grip, compact style make it feel quite comfortable from the very first time you pick it up. When compared to other DSLR camera, it feels much lighter. Some additional things that make the Rebel XS easy to use are the Live View finder, six automatic shooting modes and easy to remove lenses.

Canon Rebel XS Features:

10.1 Megapixel Image Sensor: DIGIC III image processor: CMOS sensor: The combination of these three features, working together help assure the amateur photographer to capture some brilliant photographs with outstanding color and details. As the pictures are enlarged there will be no grainy look and sharp details stay intact, as long as the ISO settings were low.

2.5 inch LCD monitor: This size of a LCD monitor is a perfect size to make viewing the images and messages easy. It includes an anti-glare coating so that the images can be viewed in daylight just as well as indoors. The menu is organized logically and once you learn the Canon system is easy to navigate. For those who upgraded from another Canon, this will be simple. All are read through the live view option.

Live View Option: With the live view shooting option, you have the same option as on the compact digital camera of seeing the view without looking through the lens. This makes it easier in certain situations to see what the picture will be. In general it is better and more accurate to use the actual view finder.

Lenses: Ths Canon Rebel XS camera has a lens kit that include an 18-55 mm lens. Most lenses from other Canon cameras are compatible with this camera. In addition, if you were to upgrade to a higher level Canon camera, you will be able to take your lens with you. The lenses are easy to remove, ehich is also nice.

Shutter Speed: The Rebel XS is designed to take up to 3 frames per second of continuous shooting it can capture plenty of action. If you hold the easty to reach shutter release down you can capture multiple images. This feature works best on manual focus, auto focus might slow it down. So for the situations where you need to take many quick action shots, it is best to use manual mode.

7 Point Auto Focus: These options help get the best settings, particularly for the quick unexpected shots. The timing for auto focus to lock in on the target and then get in focus was quick.

Manual Mode: As you use the camera, you will gradually recognize and memorize the best settings for situations you use a lot and be able to set them yourself. These setting are found on a selector dial just behind the shutter release button.

Canon Rebel XS Value and Satisfaction

Value: The Canon Rebel XS should be considered a middle of the pack when it comes to comparing its price to other entry-level DSLR cameras. The style and features it offers still make it a bargain for anyone who is looking to purchase their first DSLR camera.

Customer Satisfaction: One thing that stands out when rating satisfaction level of the Canon Rebel XS entry level camera is the flexibility, compact size and light weight that made it easy to hold and easy to use. It feels like a point and shoot camera. The details of the color reproduction and overall quality of the images are simply outstanding.

Summary:

This entry level Canon Rebel XS DSLR camera really performs on par with the more expensive cameras in this class or even in the professional class camera. Its great features, combined with relative low cost, makes this camera one that all amateurs should seriously consider when making the transition from the digital compact, point and shoot camera.

best beginner dslr cameras, equipment Canon Rebel XS Review

#2 Beginner DSLR Camera

Sony Alpha DSLRA300K 10.2MP Digital SLR Camera with Super SteadyShot Image Stabilization with DT 18-70mm f/3.5-5.6 Zoom Lens

Sony DSLR Alpha 300 Features

A 10.2 megapixel image sensor: This is really more than enough pixels for any amateur photographer to use, and even enough to satisfy the more advanced photographer’s needs. The biggest advantage for entry level photography is the ability to blow up the pictures without becoming distorted or grainy.

Built In Image Stabilizer: Like with the A200 series, a stabilizer built into the camera itself instead of the lenses allows pictures to come out with clear sharp images not matter which lenses are being used. One thing the stabilizer will do is eliminates the blur that comes when the camera is moved or jiggled when shooting a picture.

Flip up,3 inch LCD Screen: this feature makes it easy to read the options on the LCD screen both outdoors and inside. The flip up feature protects athe screen when not is use, keeping it out of harms way.

Live View Function: This option, when turned on,lets you basically use this A300 camera just like a point and shoot camera. Add to that a movable screen that can be tilted to help take pictures from well above your head, to those lower to the ground with ease.

View Finder: When using the view finder manually you can shoot up to 3 frames per second which makes for some great action shots. The buffer can store 6 images in RAW mode, so you do not have to wait between shots. That I one of the more annoying features of the point and shoot cameras.

Built In Flash: Perfect for the novice DSLR camera user, the flash will pop up automatically if needed. It not only helps get the best shots, but the user will gradually learn how to tell when the flash is needed and when natural light is enough.

Anti Dust Mechanism: Most DSLRs have a feature that helps keep the dust off the CCD sensor. This way when lenses are changed there is less chance of dust entering. It also will save lots of time when using the photography enhancement software. Not having to touch up photos to get rid of specs of dust is a true time saver.

Sony Alpha DSLR A300 Value and Satisfaction

Value:

When looking at value, it is important to consider the cost of a camera of this caliber, in relation to the quality of the features With the Sony A300 model, it is the adjustable screen, the 10.2 megapixel resolution and the automatic flash that set this camera apart from other models and can justify the higher cost. These will give an entry level DSLR camera user added ways to explore the art of photography and help increase the comfort zone when making the transition to this type of photography.

Customer Satisfaction:

There are two features that stick out when looking a the satisfaction level of customers. On is the the convenience of being able to use old their Konica Minolta lenses and the other is the benefits gained from having a LCD screen that can be tilted to make taking pictures from awkward angles easier. Add these to the picture quality and you have satisfied customers.

Summary:

All in all, the Sony Alpha A300 model of Sony’s entry level camera would be a good option for any one making the transition to DSLR level of photography. It includes all the features found in the newly updated Sony A200 series along with some more advanced features that will make the photography experience even better. Its compatibility with the Konica Minolta lenses make this an attractive option for quite a few budding photographers.

best beginner dslr cameras, equipment Sony DSLR Alpha A300

#1 Beginner DSLR Camera

Sony Alpha A200K 10.2MP Digital SLR Camera Kit with Super SteadyShot Image Stabilization with 18-70mm f/3.5-5.6 Lens

When an amateur photographer is ready to put aside their basic point-and-shoot digital camera and graduate to the big leagues, they need to find an entry level DSLR camera designed to make this transition an easy one. The Sony Alpha DSLR A200 series ( which replaces the A100) fits that requirement perfectly. Although this camera will cost a couple hundred dollars more than you are used to, you will find that it has higher quality photos than you ever would find with your old point-and-shoot digital camera. Its design has created a nice balance between some striking new professional camera features while keeping the ease of use level high with familiar looking and easy to see buttons on the front and back of the camera.

Sony Alpha DSLR A200 FEATURES – gives you higher resolution and crisp clear photos.

In-body Image Stabilization: This feature is ideal for the amateur who is getting used to this new type of camera and how to use different lenses. What it does is limit the shake and will take out some of the blur from your pictures that comes when the camera moves while taking a picture. In the Sony DSLR camera, this image stabilization is no longer dependent on the lens; it is now found in the body of the camera. This way you get the feature all the time, not just with the more expensive lenses.

10.2 Megapixels: This is a CCD image sensor ( not a CMOS sensor) that eliminates the grainy look when blowing up your pictures. You will get a more true, clear digital image all the time.

3 Fames Per Second (fps) continuous shooting speed: No waiting between shots, which will obviously improve your chances of getting that perfect shot everyone dreams of.

The 2.7 inch LCD Screen: This screen has resolution that makes it easy to read the information you need, whether you are inside or out, without straining the battery.

Weighs 1.2 lbs: Other entry level DSLR cameras might be lighter than the A200. That is mainly because of some of the extra features it includes that helps make the transition to learning how to use this type of camera easier.

8 Automatic Shooting Modes: The A200 allows a beginner to chose a mode and start shooting without having to deal with any manual adjustments of the settings. Eventually you will learn about the different shutter speeds and which ones work best in different situations. In the meantime, ease in using these automatic features helps smooth over the transition from a point and shoot camera.

Sony DSLR A200 Value and Satisfaction

Value: The A200 is considered among the mid-level prices of all the entry level cameras. It is definitely a few hundred dollars more expensive than a point and shoot digital camera, but that is to be expected. What makes this a good value for the amateur are the added features designed to make the transition smooth. These are not common in all entry level cameras. Buying a camera like this is really an investment and will be worth it when you see the improvement in the quality of the pictures you take.

Customer Satisfaction: Most users of this camera say they would recommend it to others. The particularly like the quality of the images, and that the design makes it easy to learn how to use the features not found on a point and shoot camera. One thing users were not thrilled with was the USB cable since it was not a standard size.

Summary:

For any amateur looking to make the transition into this DSLR world of photography, the Sony Alpha DSLR-A200 gives them the ease of transition that is needed. Many of these features are not standard in entry level cameras, so the extra cost is worth it when you realize how much frustration you are avoiding. The built-in image stabilization technology assures clear pictures from the get go. The automatic shoot modes not only sets this camera apart from other entry level cameras, but is a true life saver by allowing you to learn as you go, while still being able to take high quality photographs.

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