Nikon D2Hs

Nikon’s recently-released D2Hs digital SLR replaces the D2H model that raised the performance stakes for DSLRs when it appeared in 2004. Like its predecessor, it’s targeted specifically at sports photographers and photojournalists who cover action of any kind. Unlike Nikon’s D2X model, which can only shoot at eight frames/ second in cropped mode (producing 6.8 megapixel images), the D2Hs supports continuous shooting at eight frames/second for up to 50 JPEG frames or 40 NEF-RAW frames.

Nikon D200

9 Rating

Professional picture quality, high-resolution, extensive accessory options and a competitive price tag make this camera a great choice for serious photographers.[ia] With a top resolution of 10.2 megapixels, Nikon’s latest DSLR, the D200, sits between the popular 6-megapixel D70/D70s model and the 12-megapixel D2X. Similar in size but slightly heavier than the D70s, the D200 is lighter and much less bulky than the D2X and much more comfortable to use. The new model has plenty to offer to professional photographers but its pricing will please serious enthusiasts with a suite of legacy Nikkor lenses.

Konica Minolta Dynax 5D

Konica Minolta’s new Dynax 5D rectifies some of the problems we found when its predecessor, the Dynax 7D was launched. Noticeably smaller and roughly 22% lighter than the 7D, it is very price-competitive in the current market. No compromise has been made on functionality and the 5D has as many controls as some professional cameras, while providing easy-to-use features more commonly found on compact digicams.

Canon EOS 5D

9.5 Rating

Top features and functionality in a relatively portable camera for professionals.Canon’s 12.8-megapixel EOS 5D is in a class by itself and likely to remain unique for some time. Combining the best features of the company’s EOS-1Ds Mark II and EOS 20D models, it has a compact magnesium alloy case, stainless steel internal chassis and a mirror box of high-strength engineering plastic. Its control layout is very similar to the EOS 20D but its body is slightly bulkier.

Canon EOS 30D

9.2 Rating

Plenty of worthwhile refinements to a popular semi-pro DSLR.While many observers expected a sensor upgrade when Canon announced this year’s first new DSLR, the new EOS 30D sticks with the EOS 20D’s 8.2-megapixel CMOS chip, while offering some noteworthy improvements over its predecessor. The camera body has been re-designed to accommodate the same 2.5-inch, 230,000-pixel rear LCD monitor as the EOS 5D and, although this makes the 30D slightly larger and heavier, it provides a bigger, better display with a much wider viewing angle.