Editors' top prosumer digital SLRs

Lori Grunin, Senior Editor and Philip Ryan, Senior Editor

Updated May 08, 2007

Avid photographers who want full creative control over their images should consider a digital SLR (single lens reflex) camera. These models offer the advanced features that experienced shooters need, and all of them are compatible with a wide range of interchangeable lenses and accessories. Of course, they're generally more expensive than point-and-shoot cameras, with prices starting at about $600 for the body only. The good news is that if you've already invested in a set of 35mm SLR lenses and accessories, there's a good chance that you'll be able to find a digital SLR body that's compatible with them.

Prosumer digital SLRs

Product	Editors' rating	Price	Summary
Nikon D80	8.0 Excellent Review date: 08/31/2006	$720-$878 from 9 stores	Nikon scores big with the D80, its new 10-megapixel, sub-$1,000 dSLR. Specs: SLR, 10.2 megapixels, 2.5 in LCD display

Canon EOS Digital Rebel XT with 18mm-to-55mm lens (silver)	8.0 Excellent Review date: 05/04/2005	$470-$600 from 6 stores	The Canon EOS Digital Rebel XT is an exceptionally small and lightweight camera designed for amateur digital SLR photographers, but it delivers the responsiveness and image quality you'd expect from a semipro model. Specs: SLR, 8 megapixels, 3 x, 1.8 in LCD display

Canon EOS Rebel XTi (body only, silver)	7.8 Very good Review date: 09/22/2006	$525-$700 from 8 stores	The Canon EOS Rebel XTi remains a very good first dSLR, but ultimately a disappointing followup to the XT, which cedes its lead to the Nikon D80. Specs: SLR, 10.1 megapixels, 2.5 in LCD display

Nikon D40x (Nikon AF-S DX 18-55mm and Nikon AF-S DX 55-200mm Lenses)	7.2 Very good Review date: 05/07/2007	$1899 from 1 store	The Nikon D40x makes a very nice first dSLR, though experienced SLR shooters looking for a Nikon should spend the extra cash for the D80. Specs: SLR, 10.2 megapixels, 3 x, 2.5 in LCD display

Pentax K10D (with 18mm-55mm lens)	7.7 Very good Review date: 03/01/2007	$950 from 1 store	A great feature set for the price, pro-level customization, and excellent photo quality make the Pentax K10D a bargain amateur dSLR. Only unremarkable performance holds it back from joining the pack leaders. Specs: SLR, 10.2 megapixels, 2.5 in LCD display

Pentax K110D (body with 18mm-55mm lens kit)	7.5 Very good Review date: 08/28/2006	$599 from 2 stores	With its built-in image stabilization and comfy mix of manual and automatic features, the Pentax K100D is one of the best dSLR bargains on the market. Specs: SLR, 6.1 megapixels, 2.5 in LCD display

Sony Alpha DSLR-A100K w/ 18-70mm F/3.5-5.6 Lens	7.3 Very good Review date: 07/20/2006	$468-$800 from 3 stores	Sony's Alpha DSLR-A100 deserves consideration whether you're looking for an alternative to Canon and Nikon, you already own a selection of Maxxum AF lenses, or you're looking for your first digital SLR. Specs: SLR, 10.2 megapixels, 3.9 x, 2.5 in LCD display

Evolt E-410 (with ED 14-42mm f3.5/5.6 and ED 40-150mm f4.0/5.6 lenses)	7.1 Very good Review date: 05/07/2007	$549-$650 from 9 stores	Olympus' compact dSLR for newbies, the Evolt E-410, is a decent choice if you're looking to save space in your bag, but issues with its automatic exposure and white balance make it an unsatisfactory option as a first dSLR. Specs: SLR, 10 megapixels, 3 x, 2.5 in LCD display

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