BEST FOR STILLS AND VIDEO
Nikon D90
This is the world’s first digital SLR stills camera that’s also capable of recording high-definition video. The D90 is trickier to use than a camcorder, though, as it must be manually focused in video mode, will shoot just a few minutes of HD footage at a time, and records sound only in mono. Still images, however, are of the highest quality — the 12.3Mp resolution is more than enough to make high-quality A3-sized prints, the light-metering system is almost infallible, and the standard lens is capable of both wide-angle and telephoto shots. But the autofocus is slow compared with others on test here.
Verdict: A classy — and expensive — stills camera with passable HD video.
BEST FOR COMPACT SIZE
Olympus E-520
The 10Mp E-520 is a very neat, nicely designed package with a particularly compact lens system, making it the ideal choice as a holiday camera. Rather than relying on the on-screen menu, the Olympus has a number of buttons on its body, which allow fast access to its many features, including an integral image stabiliser. This makes it a little intimidating at first glance, although the camera is in fact pretty easy to use. Picture quality is very good, but if you’re shooting at fast speeds, unwanted digital “noise” in your images can become something of a problem.
Verdict: A solid choice if overall size is a key factor for you.
BEST FOR EASE OF USE
Pentax K-M
This 10Mp SLR camera is one of the smallest and cheapest on the market, and yet it still has a really solid feel to it, and is particularly easy and comfortable to hold thanks to its thick handgrip. The controls have been simplified to just a few buttons situated on the rear, but it’s certainly not short of features— you just have to use the on-screen menus to get to them. This makes the K-m a very easy camera to use. With the same built-in shake reduction facility and anti-dust function (for self-cleaning after changing the lens) found on more expensive rivals, it turns in a very respectable performance indeed.
Verdict: A budget bargain that also happens to be a cinch to us
BEST FOR MAXIMUM IMAGE RESOLUTION
Sony Alpha 350
Sony is comparatively new to the world of digital SLR cameras, but its Alpha range has already established a reputation for innovation and value. The Alpha 350 offers a truly class-leading 14.2Mp resolution, so you’re able to make larger prints from it (up to 18in x 24in) while still retaining plenty of sharp detail. It’s also packed with features that will appeal to the more creative amateur photographer. The autofocus function works brilliantly, built-in image stabilisation is included, and the LCD monitor is on a pullout mount, so you can take shots from unusual angles.
Verdict: A feature-packed digital SLR that also happens to represent superb value for money.
BEST FOR HUGE RANGE OF LENSES
Canon EOS 1000D
Canon’s smallest and lightest digital SLR feels reassuringly solid in the hand, and is ready to shoot the instant you flick the on/off switch. The autofocus is fast and accurate, the 10Mp image is of very high quality, and the camera is compatible with Canon’s enormous range of lenses, which numbered 62 at the last count. The set-up of the controls is intuitive, so even beginners will feel at home with this camera within mere minutes. However, spend a little more on a higher-specification EOS model, and you’ll end up with a lot more features to play around with.
Verdict: A brilliant digital SLR, but rather lacking in personality.
-Daniel Lezano, Timesonline
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