01.Introduction
Updated review of 67 DSLR, Micro Four Thirds, Four Thirds and other high-end digital cameras, priced from $449 to $2999
DSLRs may be much larger than their compact counterparts but once you've enjoyed their benefits, it's hard to settle for anything less. Four thirds and Micro Four Thirds set a new standards for camera design that's compact and has interchangeable lenses. All have had a steady increase in sales, together with a dramatic drop in price in recent times.
There are several makes to choose from, with camera and lens kits for well under $1000. You might also want to read our article on digital SLR zoom lenses. See also our brand reliability survey 2010 to see how our members rate the reliability of the key brands over time.
We've decided to include other digital cameras marketed to high end users, even though they may not have an exchangeable lens. The criteria for inclusion are:
• Manual override for focus and exposure controls.
• RAW format recording (to allow you more control over the image once it’s taken).
• Manual white balance control.
• Hot shoe for an external flash.
For more information on Digital cameras, see Cameras and camcorders.
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If you're torn between a compact camera or a digital SLR, let Chris Ruggles shed some light on your options.
Models tested:
• Canon EOS 60D + Canon EF-S 18-200mm IS
• Canon EOS 60D Kit + EF-S 18-55mm IS
• Canon EOS 60D Kit + EF-S 18-135mm IS
• Canon EOS 60D + Sigma 18-250mm DC OS HSM
• Canon EOS 600D Kit + EF-S 18-55mm IS II
• Canon EOS 60D + Tamron AF 18-270mm DiII VC PZD
• Canon EOS 1100D Kit + EF-S 18-55mm IS II
• Canon PowerShot G12
• Canon PowerShot S95
• Canon EOS 7D - EF-S 18-135mm IS
• Canon EOS 550D - EF-S 18-135mm IS
• Canon EOS 550D Kit - EF-S 18-55mm IS
• Canon EOS 500D - EF-S 18-55mm IS
• Canon PowerShot G11
• Fujifilm FinePix X100
• Fujifilm FinePix HS10
• Fujifilm FinePix HS20EXR
• Kodak Easyshare Max Z990
• Leica D-Lux-5
• Leica V-Lux-2
• Nikon D7000 + AF-S G 16-85 VR
• Nikon D7000 Kit + AF-S G 18-105 VR
• Nikon D3100 Kit + AF-S G 18-55 VR
• Nikon D5100 Kit + AF-S G 18-55 VR
• Nikon Coolpix P7000
• Nikon Coolpix P7100
• Nikon D300S Kit - AF-S G 16-85 VR
• Nikon D5000 Kit - AF-S G 18-55 VR
• Nikon D3000 Kit - AF-S G 18-55 VR
• Olympus E-5 + Zuiko 14-54 mm II
• Olympus Pen Lite E-PL3 Kit + 14-42 mm II R MSC
• Olympus Pen E-P3 Kit + 14-42 mm II R MSC
• Olympus Pen mini E-PM1 Kit + 14-42 mm II R MSC
• Olympus XZ-1
• Olympus Pen E-PL2 Kit + 14-42 mm II MSC
• Olympus Pen E-PL1 Kit + 14-42 mm ED
• Olympus Pen E-PL1 Kit + 14-150 mm ED
• Olympus Pen E-P2 Kit - 14-42 mm ED
• Olympus E-620 Kit - 14-42 mm ED + 40-150 ED
• Olympus E-450 Kit - 14-42 mm ED + 40-150 ED
• Olympus Pen E-P2 - 17 mm
• Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH2K Kit + G Vario 14-42mm
• Panasonic Lumix DMC-G3K Kit + G Vario 14-42 mm
• Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH2 + G Vario 14-140mm HD
• Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF2W Kit + G Vario 14-42mm
• Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF3K Kit + G Vario 14-42 mm
• Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ45 (FZ40)
• Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ100
• Panasonic Panasonic Lumix DMC-G2K Kit + G Vario 14-42mm
• Panasonic Lumix DMC-G10K Kit + G Vario 14-42mm
• Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH1K Kit - G Vario 14-140mm
• Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1K Kit - G Vario 14-45mm
• Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1C - G 20mm
• Pentax K-5 Kit + smc DA 18-55mm AL WR
• Pentax K-r Kit + smc DAL 18-55mm AL
• Pentax Q Kit + O1 Standard Prime 8.5 mm
• Pentax K-x Kit - smc DAL 18-55mm AL
• Pentax K-7 Kit - smc DA 18-55mm AL WR
• Ricoh GXR - S10 24-72 VC
• Ricoh GXR - GR A12 50Macro
• Samsung NX11 Kit - 18-55mm OIS
• Samsung NX5 Kit + 18-55mm OIS
• Samsung EX1
• Samsung NX100 Kit + 20-50mm
• Samsung WB2000
• Samsung WB5500
• Samsung NX10 - 30mm
• Samsung NX10 - 50-200mm OIS
• Samsung NX10 Kit - 18-55mm OIS
• Sigma SD15 + 18-50mm DC OS HSM
• Sony alpha 55V Kit + 18-55mm DT SAM SAL1855
• Sony alpha 33 Kit + 18-55mm DT SAM SAL1855
• Sony alpha 35 Kit + 18-55mm DT SAM SAL1855
• Sony NEX-5 + 18-200mm SEL 18-200
• Sony NEX-C3K Kit + 18-55mm SEL1855
• Sony NEX-3 Kit + 18-55mm SEL1855
• Sony NEX-5 Kit - 18-55mm SEL1855
• Sony NEX-5NK Kit + 18-55mm SEL1855
• Sony alpha 390 Kit + 55-200mm DT SAM SAL55200-2
• Sony NEX-5 + 16mm SEL16F28
• Sony alpha 390 Kit + 18-55mm DT SAM SAL1855
• Sony alpha 550 Kit - 18-55mm DT SAM SAL1855
• Sony alpha 330 Kit - 18-55mm DT SAM SAL1855
• Sony alpha 380 Kit - 18-55mm DT SAM SAL1855
• Sony alpha 500 Kit - 18-55mm DT SAM SAL1855
Which digital SLRs perform best
Our rigorous tests are carried out by professional labs in Europe, specialising in photographic testing. Cameras are awarded scores for each function including:
- Image quality
- Ease of use
- Versatility (features)
- Monitor
- Viewfinder
- Flash performance
- Movie performance
What else you'll get in this report
As well as the test results for 57 camera\lens combinations you'll also get:
- Specs, prices, features and functions for all models.
- Invaluable buying information: practical advice and tips. Read this before you buy!
- Sortable table including all cameras tested: you choose what's important. Select by brand, price, overall score, image quality, viewfinder, monitor, ease of use or versatility.
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