Entry Level

The latest entry-level DSLR camera from Olympus boasts an affordable price tag and provides above-average image quality.Announced at the end of March, the Olympus E-450 follows hot on the heels of the E-620 and replaces the E-420 at the entry level of the company’s DSLR line-up. Its specifications are almost identical to the E-420, but the E-450 adds three of the Art Filters that were introduced last year with the E-30 and boasts an upgraded image processor. Sensibly, sensor resolution has been kept at 10-megapixels and the top sensitivity setting is ISO 1600.

An update to the popular D5000 with an improved monitor plus Full HD video support and seven built-in special effects.Nikon’s D5100 DSLR arrives just a year after the release of the D5000 it replaces, offering higher resolution, improved video performance and a more adjustable LCD monitor. Slightly smaller and lighter than its predecessor, it’s the first Nikon DSLR with built-in special effects. Full HD (1080p) movie recording is also supported.

A user-friendly entry-level DSLR that is compact, lightweight and available in three colours.The EOS 1100D steps into Canon’s DSLR line-up between the EOS 1000D and EOS 550D and features a 12.2 megapixel CMOS sensor. Offered for the first time in three colours – Black, Metallic Grey and a limited edition Red – the EOS 1100D supports 720p HD video recording and introduces a new Feature Guide function that provides simple explanations of shooting modes and functions.

A compact, feature-rich DLSR camera that comes in white, bright red and dark navy as well as basic black.Ever the innovator, Pentax is the first company to offer a DSLR camera in colours other than black and grey. The 12.4 megapixel K-x model will be available in a choice of white or black, as well as bright red and dark navy. Its small body makes the K-x one of the most compact, lightweight models in its class. However, this camera also provides heaps of in-camera adjustments plus the ability to record HD video clips.

A compact, entry-level DSLR with straightforward controls and plenty of novel features to satisfy more adventurous photographers.Pentax has used many features from last year’s K200D as the basis of its new K-m DSLR. The sensors, viewfinders and LCD screens in both cameras are the same. However, the K-m is pitched more at first-time DSLR owners. It’s as easy to use as an advanced digicam and offers some novel functions – including a swag of digital filters. But some features have been downgraded from its predecessor.

A versatile DSLR that family photographers can learn and grow with.Just over six months after launching the D90 – the first DSLR to offer video capture – Nikon has released a second video-enabled model, the D5000. Positioned between the D60 and D90 models, this new DSLR combines features of them both. It’s priced $200 below the D90 and has the same 12.3-megapixel (effective) resolution but lacks many of the refinements of the higher-priced model.

Nikon’s latest entry-level DSLR adds an intuitive Guide mode to provide hassle-free photography for novice users.The D3000 slots into Nikon’s DLSR line-up below the D5000, replacing the D60 and D40x at the entry level position. Although not the smallest in its class, the D3000 is nonetheless compact as befits its target market. Offering 10.2 megapixels of effective resolution, it provides lots of features that will appeal to first-time DSLR buyers. However, it doesn’t support live view shooting or video recording.

A competitively-priced entry-level DSLR that provides a good price/performance ratio for first-DSLR buyers.Replacing the popular EOS 400D at the entry level of Canon’s DSLR range, the EOS 1000D brings yet another level to Canon’s DSLR nomenclature, reflecting the days of film, when Canon’s lowest-priced SLR cameras had four-figure model names. The 1000D has been designed for photographers who want to upgrade from a digicam to a more capable, better performing DSLR. It boasts the same 10.1-megapixel imager as the 400D but is smaller and lighter and supports Live View shooting.