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10 Megapixels DSLR Cameras Comparison

10 Megapixels DSLR Cameras

Now that every DSLR maker has an affordable 10 megapixels DSLR, choosing one of them is an interesting dilemma. In choosing one, we are faced with a lengthy list of points for, or against, each model. There are now 6 DSLR cameras with 10 megapixels sensors. Although two have not shipped yet, they are expected shortly. The original 10 megapixels DSLR is the high-end Nikon D200, which remains in its high-spot thanks to a hefty price. All other such cameras are substantially less expensive, specially considering their similar feature set. Table 1 shows the contenders for this year's 10 megapixels DSLR roundup.

Table 1 - Model Prices
Brand Camera Recent Street Price
Sony Alpha A100 760 USD 1099 CDN
Nikon D80 959 USD 1139 CDN
Nikon D200 1549 USD 1992 CDN
Pentax K10D 899 USD 999 CDN
Canon Rebel XTi 729 USD 949 CDN

The good news is that these cameras are all very capable cameras with an extensive feature set. Price is also similar, except for the Nikon D200. Missing from the list above is the Olympus E-400 which is scheduled for being released, in Europe only, this November.

Among these, there is no truly wrong camera. Any choice among them is capable of producing excellent photographs of any photographic subject. Therefore, if one simply chooses the least expensive one, it would be certainly a wise choice. No need to read so many reviews, time is saved and money is saved. The money saved can be spent on better lenses. A simple choice with simple benefits.

There are quite a few similarities between all these cameras. Beginning with the sensor, it is interesting to know that, other than the Canon Rebel XTi, all these cameras use imaging sensors built by Sony. There are differences in how the image is read and processed, but data captured by the sensor cannot be so different. However, internal processing can trade noise for softness, which results in different looking images. For example, the Sony Alpha A100 produces comparatively noisy images at high-ISO while the Nikon D80 produces relatively soft images with the same sensor and under the same conditions. Their common features are listed in table 2.

Now that it is clear that these DSLR cameras have all the fundamental features we expect from such modern digital cameras, we examine their major differences on page 2. In deciding among one of these cameras, major differences relevant to your photographic needs should be considered first. Should no major differences affect your photographic needs, then it will come down do minor differences. Minor differences are described starting on page 3.

Table 2 - 10 Megapixels DSLR Cameras Common Features
10 Megapixels sensor Interchangeable lenses 1.5X or 1.6X crop factor PASMProgram, Aperture-Priority, Shutter-Priority, Manual modes with shift
9 to 11 autofocus points Single autofocus
Continuous autofocus
Manual focus
Automatic focus-point
Selected focus point
Center focus-point
ISO 100-1600
Auto ISO
EvaluativeBetween 16 and 40 segments. and center weighed metering Exposure compensation from -2 EV to +2 EV0.3 and 0.5 increments. AELAuto-Exposure-Lock and AFLAuto-Focus-Lock 3 FPS Continuous driveMinimum 23 JPEG or 6 RAW
Shutter-speeds 1/4000s-30s, Bulb mode Flash sync between 1/125 and 1/250 0.3 Stops aperture increments Exposure or white-balance bracketingMinimum 3 frames.
Auto, preset and custom white-balance Control over saturation, sharpness and contrastMinimum 3 levels. Pop-up flashGN between 11 and 13 @ ISO 100. and hot-shoe Short and long self-timersAll support 2-3s and 10-12s.
95% Viewfinder coverage 0.8X-0.95X Viewfinder magnification Optical Depth-of-field preview Lithium-ion battery
Auto-review with magnify and histogram 2.5" LCD, 210K-230K Pixels, 140-170 view-angle Camera status on top or rear LCD CF Type II or SDHC memory
RAW support Weight between 1.2 lbs556g and 2 lbs920g Volume between 46 and 74 cubic inches