17. Conclusions

Digital Single Lens Reflex cameras are ubiquitous. This article covers 26 DSLRs either on the market or soon to come to market. Yes a few of those are Samsung rebranded Pentax DSLRs, but there’s still quite a field of DSLRs ranging in retail price from as low as $600 to more than $7,000.

If you’re in the market for a pro quality DSLR, don’t forget to check out cameras from Panasonic and Leica, excluded here due to the press of deadlines. The two brands share one DSLR in common, the 7.5 megapixel Leica Digilux 3 ($2,500 retail with a 14-55mm Leica lens) and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-L1 ($1,650 retail with the same lens). This camera uses 4/3 lenses and, like Olympus 4/3 mount DSLRs has an angle of view magnification factor of 2x. This is a bit off-subject, Leica has released the first digital version of its M-line of rangefinder (not SLR) cameras, the 10.3 megapixel Leica M8, $4,795 retail body only. It uses Leica M bayonet mount lenses and has an angle of view magnification factor of 1.3x like Canon’s 1D Mark II and III. Pro photographers who love those Leica M rangerfinders and have deep pockets can now have a digital version.

Is there anything you should wait for? Unless you’re a pro photographer who craves a full 35mm frame sensor and has lots of 35mm-based Nikon, as opposed to Canon lenses, you’ll have to wait. However, if you’ve come to grips with smaller DSLR sensors and you’re looking for a professional, prosumer or entry level DSLR, you should be in hog heaven. The choices are excellent and prices are not bad, at least at the prosumer and entry level.

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