Source: Tom's Guide | Keywords: camera, DSLR, canon | Themes: Digital Cameras
- 1. DSLRs are Finally Affordable
- 2. Four Models In Detail
- 3. Which DSLR is Easiest to Use?
- 4. Live View: SLRs Shoot Like Compact Cameras
- 5. Dust Removal
- 6. Dynamic Photos
- 7. Little “Pluses" From Nikon, Sony and Pentax
- 8. Sharper, Better-Lit Shots?
- 9. Quickest on the Draw
- 10. Image Quality and Megapixels
- 11. Lenses
- 12. Stabilization and Software
- 13. Conclusion
- 14. More on this topic
8. Sharper, Better-Lit Shots?
Exposure
Almost all entry-level SLR cameras have three metering modes: evaluative (or matrix, depending on the make), center-weighted and selective (absent on the D60). The 450D and the D60 set themselves apart from their competitors by also offering true spot metering, which is a tricky mode reserved for experts and professionals. It’s more precise than selective metering and is designed for the same type of user. That’s why selective mode is absent on the D60.
Whereas the K200D and the α350 are set to underexpose slightly (to avoid "blowing" or clipping highlights), the 450D again takes advantage of the dynamic range of its CMOS sensor. So, it’s correctly adjusted and consistently makes correct exposures. True to the brand’s reputation, the Nikon D60’s 3D II metering is also precise and consistent.
Autofocus Here again, you can trust bloodlines. The D60 may have only three autofocus sensors, but its system is by far the most responsive and precise of any of the four cameras we tested. In low light, the Nikon has the most effective automatic focusing, by a wide margin.
The 450D’s 9-point autofocus is also well constructed. While not on a par with the D60, the newest Canon has a quick, precise system, even though it does sometimes have trouble finding its target in low light with a lens that lacks brightness. But fitted with an f/2.8 or better lens, its center-cross sensor (a technology generally found only in a higher price range) is much more effective.
The α350 also has a nine-point AF system with good sensitivity. It’s precise even in low light, and focusing is surprisingly fast for a system without a lens AF motor. Though it may not be as good as the Canon with a good USM, or the Nikon, it’s a pleasant surprise.
The K200D’s 11-point AF system, finally, falls a little short of the others. While not actually bad, it performed less attractively than any of the other three cameras tested. The speed was good, but the sensitivity was only adequate and greatly handicapped responsiveness (especially in low light).
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The Nikon D60 and Canon EOS 450D/Digital Rebel XSi are two different cameras.
I think my employer is bad for forcing me to double check and proofread my work. Dr. Tom doesn’t even require you to care about your job.
BTW, for camera review, I’d go to dpreview.com and not Tom’s.
This should be "...The Nikon D60, Canon EOS Rebel XSi/450D, Pentax K200D and Sony α350.
Technically, the XTi(400D) was the first to implement the eos integrated cleaning system; the newer 40D uses the same system.
I fail to see why anyone would want/need a physical button for changing between RAW and JPEG shooting modes.
I don't know if the other software has this, but Canon's Digital Photo Professional also has good aberration correction features (distortion, CA, light falloff, etc.)
If you shoot with Canon, another good review site is http://the-digital-picture.com/
Technically, the XTi(400D) was the first to implement the eos integrated cleaning system; the newer 40D uses the same system.
Only Olympus Dslr's have the most effective dust removal system and they were the first that designed it and implemented it
The first model that had this feature was the Olympus E-1 back in the late 2003
aside from above comment on the dusk cleaning system is pioneered by olympus, the "New" DSLR in this guide are hardly new.. all of them are announced back in Jan(and as we ALL know, 1/2 yr is a long time for tech).. there are new budgeted DSLR released recently such as canon 1000d, olympus 420/520.
40D, e200, a430, 500r, g650, l,m,n,o,p,q...
I don't know about anybody else, but it would have made the article a lot easier to follow if they just referred to the cameras by their manufacturer name (after initially identifying the models). When the last reference to (or photo of) a camera by it's manufacturer is 2 pages back, it's a pain to figure out which camera they are talking about. Unless you're a serious hobbyist or professional, it's hard to follow the reviews when they switch between modes of reference. We all knnow the names Sony, Pentax, Nikon, and Canon; stick with them for clarity.
40D, e200, a430, 500r, g650, l,m,n,o,p,q...
I don't know about anybody else, but it would have made the article a lot easier to follow if they just referred to the cameras by their manufacturer name (after initially identifying the models). When the last reference to (or photo of) a camera by it's manufacturer is 2 pages back, it's a pain to figure out which camera they are talking about. Unless you're a serious hobbyist or professional, it's hard to follow the reviews when they switch between modes of reference. We all knnow the names Sony, Pentax, Nikon, and Canon; stick with them for clarity.
40D, e200, a430, 500r, g650, l,m,n,o,p,q...
I don't know about anybody else, but it would have made the article a lot easier to follow if they just referred to the cameras by their manufacturer name (after initially identifying the models). When the last reference to (or photo of) a camera by it's manufacturer is 2 pages back, it's a pain to figure out which camera they are talking about. Unless you're a serious hobbyist or professional, it's hard to follow the reviews when they switch between modes of reference. We all knnow the names Sony, Pentax, Nikon, and Canon; stick with them for clarity.
I'm surpirsed that Olympus was not included in this review. They have some of the lightest bodies that are cost effective. For those interested in getting into photography - Camera bodies are not as important as Lenses and Olympus makes the best lenses in the market.
Unknown
Yes, lens with no camera is great.