Editors' Top Cameras
updated June 5, 2006

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. -- Lori Grunin, senior editor

Editors' Top Cameras:

Prosumer digital SLRs

Prosumer digital SLRs

Cameras	Editors' rating	Price	Summary
Canon EOS Digital Rebel XT with 18mm-to-55mm lens (silver) Released: 03/15/2005	8.0 Excellent	$899	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

Konica Minolta Maxxum 7D (body) Released: 02/15/2005	8.0 Excellent	Email me when product is available	The well-designed Konica Minolta Maxxum 7D is a good all-around performer and a no-brainer for owners of Maxxum AF lenses. Specs: SLR , 6.1 megapixels, 2.5 in LCD display

Olympus Evolt E-330 (w/ Zuiko Digital 14-45mm f3.5/5.6 Zoom Lens)	7.0 Very good	Email me when product is available	The Olympus Evolt E-330 is a very good midrange dSLR with unique live scene viewing on its large LCD. Specs: SLR , 7.5 megapixels, 10 x, 2.5 in LCD display

Nikon D70s Released: 05/15/2005	7.6 Very good	$1729	Small improvements fine-tune one of the best digital SLRs in the sub-$1,000 class. Specs: SLR , 6.1 megapixels, 1.8 in LCD display , - CompactFlash Card

Nikon D50 w/18-55mm lens Released: 06/20/2005	7.6 Very good	$1195	Performance and features that rival those of more expensive digital SLR cameras make the 6-megapixel Nikon D50 one of the best entry-level options. Specs: SLR , 6.1 megapixels, 3 x, 2.0 in LCD display , 256 Byte - SD memory card

Olympus EVOLT E-500 with 14-45mm f/3.5-5.6 lens & 40-150mm f/3.5-4.5 lens Released: 10/15/2005	7.1 Very good	$999	The Olympus Evolt E-500 is a compact, easy-to-use digital SLR camera with a broad feature set for its class and very nice photo quality overall. Specs: 8 megapixels, 3.2 x, 2.5 in LCD display

Olympus Evolt E-300 Released: 01/01/2005	7.3 Very good	$699	This beauty-challenged Olympus offers unmatched build quality, snappy performance, and top resolution for its class, but low-light shooters and metering novices may prefer alternatives. Specs: SLR , 8 megapixels, 3.2 x, 1.8 in LCD display

Samsung GX-1S	7.1 Very good	$2	Beginners will applaud the Samsung GX-1S's automated features, but advanced shooters might wince at the menu-centric controls. Specs: SLR , 6.1 megapixels, 2.5 in LCD display , - SD Memory Card

*Pentax ist DL (with 18mm-to-55mm lens)** Released: 08/08/2005	7.2 Very good	$499	A great value per ounce, the Pentax ist DL is a logical choice for budget-minded enthusiasts looking to upgrade to a digital SLR, but it's not ideal for shooting action or running on full auto. Specs:* SLR , 6.1 megapixels, 3 x, 2.5 in LCD display