The Canon T3i (in Europe: 600D) DSLR Camera was announced almost 1 year after the announcement of the Canon T2i DSLR Camera. This is a easy to use camera that continues the Rebel tradition. With it’s compact design and extreme performance, this 18MP camera with full HD video even impresses the professionals. This camera is considered a upper entry-level DSLR. This camera when purchased as a kit includes the 18-55mm F3.5 – 5.6 IS II image stabilizing lens (3x zoom). It also has a swiveling LCD and an integrated speedlite transmitter (which previously only found in high level DSLR Cameras).  This camera has a smaller grip which is great for photographers with small to medium hands. Those with larger hands would be more comfortable with the Canon 60D.

Overview of features:

• 18.0 MP CMOS (APS-C) sensor with DIGIC 4 image processor
• ISO 100 – 6400
• Improved EOS full HD movie mode at 1920 x x1080 with frame rates of 30, 24 and 25 FPS
• vari-angle 3.0 inch clearview LCD monitor with over 1 million dots.
• 63 zone enhanced metering with 9 point AF system
• 3.7 frames per second continuous shooting (up to 34 JPG or 6 RAW)
• Built in Feature Guide of each function
• Compatible with SD/SDHC/SDXC memory cards
• Compatible with all Canon EF and EF-S lenses
• Canon EF lens mount
• Dust Deletion feature – Automatic Sensor Cleaning during power off and 5 second manual cleaning
• Depth of field preview mode button (Nice Feature)

Conclusion:

The Canon T3i DSLR camera is not much of an upgrade from the Canon T2i and has a few less features than the 60D. This camera also has the same image and processor as the 60D so if you want to save a few hundred bucks and have a smaller camera that is just a bit slower (3.7 fps vs. 5.3 fps on the 60D), then this camera is a great pick. That said, this camera is a great valued camera with fantastic features for the price. The HD video works extremely well and this camera is just the right size.

See the full line of Canon DSLR Cameras on our site

Link to Canon T3i with lens (kit)
Link to Canon T3i body only
Link to Canon T2i
Link to Canon 60D with lens (kit)
Link to Canon 60D Body Only

Canon released the EOS 60D mid level DSLR Camera which effectively replaces the Canon EOS 50D. This camera is a perfect mid level camera for the active photographer enthusiast. It has the powerful DIGIC 4 processor which supports in camera RAW image processing which allows the photographer to easily do in camera editing.  This camera also introduced the first (for Canon) 3 inch tilt and swiveling LCD with over 1 million dots. This LCD screen makes it easier to follow action when recording full HD video. The EOS 60D  shares the same image sensor as the 550D / Rebel T2i and the 7D so you will get the same outstanding image quality.

EOS 60D DSLR Camera Features

• 18 MP CMOS Sensor with DIGIC 4 Imaging Processor
• ISO 100 – 6400
• EOS HD Video mode with exposure control and external microphone
• 3 inch Clear View LCD monitor
• 5.3 fps continuous shooting up to 58 JPG and 16 RAW.
• 63 zone dual layer metering system and 9 point AG system
• In camera ability to convert RAW to JPEG
• Compatibility with SD/SDHC/SDXC
• Compatible with the full like of Canon EF and EF-S lenses

Conclusion

This camera is geared towards the prosumer “Professional Consumer” and includes some of best features from the existing Canon EOS line. We like this camera and it is a bit nicer than the EOS 50D. The one thing we didn’t like is that the body is not made of metal like the Canon 50D. Comparable to the 50D and Nikon D90, this camera is challenged by the Nikon D7000 for features and quality. For the price and features, you can’t go wrong with the Canon EOS 60D.

Canon Base Price (Body Only): $1099

DSLRCamera.com Price: Click here to check today’s Canon EOS 60D Price

Well, Oprah has picked the Nikon D3100 as one of her favorite things of 2010.  This years list of Oprah’s Favorite Things was dubbed the “Ultimate” because it is the final one in her annual series. As we all know, this will be Oprah’s final year and these products were selected carefully.

So, let’s take a look at the Nikon D3100 features. At a glance, the Nikon D3100 comes as a Nikon Kit package for only $699 and has 14mp DX sensor, full 1080p HD movie mode, includes a 18-55mm razor-sharp Nikkor lens with built in VR image stabilization. For the price and features, no wonder Oprah has chosen this camera as one of her favorite things.

Feature List:

• 14.2 Megapixel DX-format CMOS Image Sensor
• Full 1080p HD Cinematic Video with full-time autofocus and sound
• Nikon’s Guide Mode
• Fast 11-point Autofocus System
• 3-in. monitor with One-Touch Live View shooting and movie capture
• 6 Automatic Exposure Scene Modes
• Built-in pop-up flash
• Includes 3x 18-55mm Zoom-NIKKOR VR Image Stabilization Lens
• Split-second Shutter Response
• ISO sensitivity 100-3200
• Scene Auto Selector
• Automatic Image Sensor Cleaning
• In-camera Image Editing

Conclusion:

So, if you are one of Oprah’s favorite people and you were at her episode filming, you got one of these cameras for free! Well, as you know, you were not there.  Don’t despair, The Nikon D3100 is not expensive. As a matter of fact, this camera is a real steal at $699 and worth every penny.

And a quote from Oprah.com:

“It’s the device Oprah calls “the ultimate camera from the ultimate camera-makers.” The Nikon D3100 has all the bells and whistles a camera pro would want—including hi-def video—but it can also be a simple point-and-shoot. “May I say,” Oprah says, “it is one sexy camera.” – Oprah

Nikon has released a their latest DSLR Camera that bridges the gap between the Nikon D90 and the Nikon D300s. The D7000 has a high resolution 16MP DX CMOS sensor that allows you to make very large prints and/or allows you to do some very tight cropping while still maintaining some unbelievable resolution. It is capable of shooting 6 frames per second for up to 100 shots. It’s sensor delivers accurate control with 2,016 pixel RGB 3D color matrix sensor. This camera has up to 6400 ISO that allows for very low light shots with extreme control.

The Nikon D7000 has amazing breathtaking Full 1080P HD Movie with realtime autofocus. The full time autofucus really is a feature that makes this camera stand out. While recording, you can switch from subject to subject at any distance and the camera quickly focus and stays focuses on the subject. If you’ve used other Digital Cameras for HD video, you will really like how the 1080P HD video features function and how well the videos turn out.

This fantastic camera has even more features that have been missing from Nikon DSLR cameras for years. Finally catching up with Canon in regards to custom modes. These custom modes are U1 and U2 (located on the mode dial). They are user programmable modes that you can save and recall quickly. Now, there is no fumbling around in the field. Simply set your favorite or most used settings and you can quickly switch over to them with a flick of your thumb.

A full list of the features that are worth noting are listed below:

• High Resolution 16.2 MP DX format CMOS sensor
• High Speed 6 FPS up to 100 shots
• 2,016-pixel RGB sensor
• Large Glass Pentaprism Optical Viewfinder
• Full 1080p HD Movies
• Twin SD Card Slots
• Built-in Speedlight flash
• Two User Definable Settings
• ISO range from 100 to 6400 (expandable to 25,600)
• 39 point AF System
• 3 Inch, 921,000-dot Super-Density LCD Monitor
• Fast Start-Up time of 0.13 sec
• Built-in HDMI Connection

Conclusion:

Even better than the D90 and the D300S and bridges the gap between cheap and expensive DSLR Cameras, this camera is perfect for the consumer that wants everything in one package. From fantastic 1080p video to large and vibrant photographs, this camera will easily make your photography experience excellent. Give this camera a try. We offer it here on DSLR Camera

Nikon has bridged the gap in their line of DSLR Cameras by introducing the Nikon D5000 consumer level Digital SLR Camera. This camera fits nicely between the D60 and the D90 as their mid-range camera. This camera brings the latest HD video technology at an affordable price. It also offers a stunning level of image quality in their 12.3 mega pixel still images as well.  The D5000 offers a vari-angle LCD screen that is a nice feature that I’ve been missing since I gave up my Sony point and shoot almost 8 years ago. The rotating screen flips down and also rotates as well. This feature allows you to hold the camera up in the air (above your head) or directly at yourself while still giving you a full view of the LCD screen. This camera is a very close competitor to the Canon EOS 500D and also comes in around $100 US cheaper than the Canon. The Nikon D5000 MSRP is $629.95 for the D5000 Outfit kit (includes Nikon D5000 Camera Body and 18-55mm F/3.5-5.6G VR Lens)

Nikon D5000 Features:

• 12.3 mega pixel Nikon CMOS sensor
• D-Movie mode which records 720p HD movie clips
• Vari-angle color LCD monitor (Screen) which is 2.7″ in size
• 19 auto-exposure scene modes
• One button live view
• Continuous shooting at up to 4 frames per second
• ISO Sensitivity from 200 to 3200 which is exceptional for low lighting
• Built in sensor cleaning using a 4 frequency ultrasonic cleaning system
• 11 point auto-focus with 3D focus tracking
• Auto active D-lighting
• Durable high precision shutter which is good for around 100,000 cycles
• GPS geo-tagging (optional) which allows you to geo-tag your photos
• Storage media: SD SDHC card slot
• File formats: JPEG, NEF(Raw) JPEG+RAW and AVI (Video) at 24 fps.

Conclusion:

The Nikon D5000 has some impressive abilities and the really cool vari-angle LCD screen is impressive and will does come in handy often. This camera does stack up against some tough competition but it does stand on it’s own. This new model comes at a great street price compared to some of it’s other family members (D90) simply because it is a newer model and you get more value with current camera models today. If you’re looking to step outside of the point and shoot world and looking to expand your photography skills, this camera is fantastic for the intermediate level photographer that wants a DSLR Camera.

Sony DSLR-A500 is a new 12.3 megapixel Exmor CMOS sensor camera with the BIONZ image processor which improves the shooting and image quality. They also offer the new High Dynamic Range feature which brings out the features that are typically lost in shadows and back lit subjects like portraits with sunsets in the background. Their liveview is also improved with two sensors to maintain focus and speed. This camera also has face detection with “phase detection” auto focus. They have also introduced a smile detection technology to the camera will detect when your subject is smiling. As usual, this camera uses Sony’s Memory Stick Pro Duo and it also accepts SD and SDHC cards as well.

Features:

• 12.3 megapixel with Sony’s new Exmor CMOS image sensor
• BIONZ image processor
• Built in anti-dust system which shakes dust off of the sensor for dust free photographs
• Shoots at 3:2 or 16:9 aspect ratios
• Super SteadyShot anti-shake system
• 9 point autofocus with three area selections (Wide, Spot and Local)
• Unlimited and continuous 5 frames per second using JPEG and up to 6 with RAW and 3 if you want both JPEG and RAW
• Shutter speeds from 30 seconds all the way down to 1/4,000 of a second
• ISO Range of 200-12800
• Built in TTL pop-up flash
• Video out with NTSC or PAL
• HDMI output via C mini jack
• Sony Sync technology BRAVIA which syncs the camera with a BRAVIA HDTV
• 3 inch tilting LCD screen

This camera is available as a body only (DSLR-A500 MSRP $749.99) or as a kit with a lens (DSLR-A500L MSRP $849.99).

Conclusion:

The Sony DSLR-A500 feels very nice in your hands and has a comfortable body. It performs great and has fast auto-focus and burst rate. Image quality is very good and this is a great DSLR for the Sony lovers. The camera does lack a depth of field preview and does not have a video capture feature so you can’t take HD videos.  This camera has all the features for a more experienced photographer or a great camera for a first time DSLR Camera owner but if you want HD video… Look elsewhere.

The Nikon D3000 is an incredibly easy DSLR Camera to use. This is a perfect camera for a consumer that wants to move from the point and shoot type of cameras to their first DSLR. It has a 10.2 Megapixel DX format sensor. 10.2 MP is more than enough for any photographer to have photographs enlarged and zoomed in witho0ut losing quality once developed. The D3000 kit includes a 18-55mm Nikkor VR stabilization lens. This lens is quick and fast with accurate autofocus and provides vivid color and contrast with crisp details. The VR image stabilization assures you of a sharp image even while zoomed into your subject. One frustration most photographers have is what’s called “Shutter Delay”. The Nikon D3000 has split-second shutter response that eliminates delay so you can capture the moment you intended. This is far superior than other entry level DSLR’s.

Nikon D3000 Features:

• 10.2 Megapixel DX format image sensor (allows you to make prints up to 20×30 inches)
• Includes a 3x (18-55mm) Nikkor VR Zoom images stabilization lens
• Small compatct design
• Split second shutter response
• Up to 3 frames per second (fps) for quick action shots
• 6 exposure scene modes: Portrait, Landscape, Child, Sports, Close-up, Night Portrait
• 3 inch color LCD monitor with great wide angle viewing
• Editing in camera provides retouching options for 13 functions including Trim, Red Eye correction and filtering
• 11 point autofocus for quick and accurate focusing
• ISO from 100 -  1600 for excellent indoor and outdoor exposures

Conclusion:

For $549 Nikon retail price, Nikon D3000 camera (which includes the VR Lens) is a fantastic value which comes with all the quality of a Nikon. It’s amazing that Nikon can release the D3000 at this price. A few years ago, a Nikon VR lens of this quality was priced around $400 so if you include the camera at this price, this is a top pick for your first DSLR camera.

The EOS line has been very successful for Canon and they’ve recently released the T2i which is the same as the EOS 550D (In Europe). This camera’s release date was scheduled for March 2010 but is available now. This camera is a very nice hybrid between the entry level and the professional photographer. It has a new 18 megapixel sensor and improved ISO control and metering. It also has the ability to shoot full HD moves in 1080P at either 30, 25 or 24 fps. It offers an external stereo microphone so you can get the sound from the subject in the video you’re shooting. This camera is compatible with Canon’s EX-series speedlights, EF and EF-s lenses and increases the storage options by offering SDXC memory card support.

Features:

• 18.0-megapixel CMOS (APS-C) sensor; DIGIC 4 image processor for high image quality and speed
• Kit includes 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS lens
• ISO 100-6400 (expandable to 12800) for shooting from bright to dim light; enhanced 63-zone, Dual-layer metering system
• Improved EOS Movie mode with manual exposure control and expanded recording 1920 x 1080 (Full HD)
• Wide 3.0-inch Clear View LCD monitor; dedicated Live View/Movie shooting button
• New compatibility with SDXC memory cards, plus new menu status indicator for Eye-Fi support
• Compatible with the full line of anon EF and EF-S lenses
• 3.7 fps continuous shooting up to approximately 34 JPEG’s or approx 6 RAQ photographs

Conclusion:

All in all, the Canon EOS Rebel T2i is a perfect camera for the photographer that knows a bit about photography and doesn’t want to get an entry level camera. If you’re looking for a camera that shoots great and has advanced controls along with great HD movie capabilities, then this is the one for you. The less than $1000 price tag gives this camera top scores for the price.