2. Four Models In Detail

The main thing cameras in this market segment have in common is a highly-calculated price. But they also have similar bodies. The manufacturers have decided to use robust plastic shells on their camera bodies, but there are differences in construction among the models we tested.

Pentax K200D Pentax’ made a bold decision to give its K200D a “tropicalized” finish. Like the K10D (a “prosumer” model from the preceding line), it has O-ring seals that help to protect the body against humidity and dust.

This feature does, however, increase the camera’s weight (to approximately 1050 grams – 37 oz. – with the 18-55 mm lens and batteries) – which is not necessarily bad news, since it makes for better stability. The contoured handgrip is robust and has an effective non-slip coating, which combines with a thumb grip to add up to very good prehension. The viewfinder, with a magnification of 0.85x, covers 96% of the final image and is fairly comfortable, though it could stand to be a little brighter. The rear LCD display has been slightly enlarged to 2.7”, but it can’t be used as a live monitor (as on compact cameras). The design and overall finish give the camera’s looks a certain austerity, but the result is quite comfortable and gives a strong impression of robustness.

Canon EOS 450D/Digital Rebel XSi Canon’s engineers have (finally!) decided to focus their efforts on user comfort, especially in key areas that influence final image quality. Since Canon has halted its movement toward miniaturization of its entry-level cameras, the change mostly concerns the shape of the body. The new handgrip is thinner than on the preceding model (the EOS 400D), and with the addition of a thumb depression on the rear, it provides for better handling. Those who had stability problems with the 400D because their fingers had trouble getting around the previous model will appreciate the changes. The non-slip coating used is also nicer to touch and more effective.

Also, the viewfinder – which like the competitors’ covers 95% of the image – is undeniably more comfortable than the ones on the other cameras we tested. With a magnification of 0.87x, it’s also brighter than the competitors’ (more light enters the viewfinder). Finally, the 450D has a large, 3” rear display that can be used for live view.

Despite the 450D’s reduced size and weight — 25.6 oz. (725 grams) with the battery and lens — it’s particularly pleasant to handle. It’s clear that everything has been done to increase user comfort – with the possible exception of the change in the type of memory card to the more compact SD. That means that owners of earlier Canon bodies won’t be able to use their supply of compact flash cards.

Nikon D60 Due to its cheap price, the D60 has modest ambitions, but all the essential features are here. Its shell, with a thumb depression and handgrip, provides good prehension; its weight ensures stability —29.1 oz. (825 grams) with the battery and 18-55 mm lens. It’s true that you can criticize the quality of the non-slip coating, the absence of a specific thumb space, the small size of the display (2.5”) and the rusticity of the viewfinder (magnification 0.80x, coverage 95%). But those are all sacrifices that were necessary to achieve the D60’s very aggressive price positioning.

Sony α350 Much closer to the Canon and Pentax in size and price, the Sony α350 is fairly pleasant to handle. Its handgrip is comfortable and makes for good stability. One fault is the absence of a thumb space on the rear of the body. But a more serious shortcoming is the viewfinder’ magnification – which is only 0.74x, making the Sony’s optical viewfinder the least precise of all the models in this test. But it does have good brightness, and the lower magnification can be explained by a new live view system, which we’ll talk about in detail later. The display is large enough (2.7”) for the system to be worthwhile. It’s also mounted on a support that lets it tilt vertically, meaning that it can be used to take low-level shots without too much discomfort.

Of the four bodies we tested, two stand out: the K200D, for its all-weather finish, and the 450D, for the effort (all too rare) put into the viewfinder and handling comfort.