Dslr Cameras

It’s over a year since we last reviewed a Nikon DSLR camera and almost two years since we saw a professional model, which makes the new D2X particularly interesting. The D2X’s core capabilities are almost the same as those of the D2H, which we reviewed in Photo Review October/November 2003 issue and both cameras look similar, which suggests similar handling characteristics. Despite its size and weight, the D2X has a comfortable grip in its standard horizontal configuration and is almost as good with the vertical grip. However, the underlying technologies in the new camera are quite different.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Unlike the EOS 300D, Canon’s new EOS 350D is in no way firmware-disabled. The company has thereby addressed many of the issues that made its predecessor, the EOS 300D recipient of almost universal criticism and brought to market a DSLR that is in most respects, as function-rich and capable as the more expensive EOS 20D. Plastic body notwithstanding, the new model is better built yet 25% smaller and 15% lighter than the 300D, thanks largely to a smaller battery. It also starts almost instantaneously and flash output is now adjustable across +/- 2 stops in 0.3 stop increments. Initially released in the same ‘silver’ colour as its predecessor, by the time this review is published a black version will also be available for the same price.

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.

The first under-$2000 DSLR on the market is still a landmark camera and continues to attract buyers. Its plastic body is sturdy – but reasonably light, thanks to the use of a pentamirror instead of a glass pentaprism.

Canon’s 8-megapixel replacement for the ESO 10D has a solid feel and many of the features of the professional EOS-1D.

Although it has the same sensor, lens and ‘Anti-Shake’ image stabilisation as the DiMAGE A2, Konica Minolta’s new DiMAGE A200 is smaller and lighter, and its price is substantially less. Its build is also different, with a full vari-angle monitor replacing the A2’s hinged LCD, a fixed, diopter-adjustable EVF with no eye sensor and a redesigned pop-up flash.