Whether you’re a professional photographer or an amateur looking for an edge over point-and-shoot models, the Nikon D5100 is easily accessible, simple to maneuver directly out of the box, and lightweight enough for everyday, on-the-go shooting. With an easy-to-interpret mode dial that enables you to shoot automatically or manually, a three-inch high-resolution rotating LCD viewing monitor that switches from playback to live view with the flip of a switch, and the advanced vibration reduction feature of the Nikkor 18-55mm lens, the Nikon D5100 is among the most elegantly intuitive and creatively versatile DSLRs on the market today.
First-time photographers will be thrilled by its many picture-taking options, which are clearly highlighted on the mode dial. With little effort, users may make crucial decisions about obtaining the best possible images in varied situations, such as automatically pushing the camera’s shutter speeds to freeze motion, obtaining a more natural light balance between the main subject and the background for portraits taken in low-light, and even utilizing predictive focal tracking, which will continuously refocus the lens on a fast-moving subject. Playback is just as easy, with options that enable users to see continuous full-frame images (in which they may zoom in to ensure a clear focus was gained) four to nine thumbnails at a time, or even chronological options. Again, clearly labeled buttons make for easy, quick decisions between all choices, practically without ever reaching for the dreaded camera manual. Read the rest of this review »
The EOS Canon Rebel T2i 550D, the latest edition in its popular Rebel line, is sure to make continued fans of its devoted users. Now with an 18-megapixel CMOS digital image sensor, you can practically shoot in near complete darkness and still produce recognizable images of quality. In fact, it is precisely in those low-light situations where the Canon Rebel T2i shines best: colors are reproduced distinctively and accurately, light-filled areas burst with incredible detail, and long exposures are reproduced extremely well with very little noise. Both professional and amateur photographers will be especially impressed with the T2i’s increased range of nighttime shooting possibilities and how easy it is to exploit even the smallest amount of light in an otherwise darkened landscape. Canon’s Auto Lighting Optimizer and Highlight Tone also help ensure realistic skin tones so users may achieve more full-bodied and detailed shots even in harsh lighting conditions, such as under mid-day sun.
Another improvement in the Canon Rebel T2i is in its nine-point focusing area that enables users to determine exactly when and where images are clear. And while some photographers may find the blinking light determination difficult to follow (a dot inside the AF-point flashes briefly in red when accurate focus is achieved), a beeper sounds at the same time to keep you in step, which is handy when trying to shoot a series of quick action shots on the fly, up to 3.7 frames per second to be exact, which is slightly faster than in previous models. Read the rest of this review »
Both experienced photographers and first-time DSLR users will literally fall in love with the Nikon D3100 for its ease of use, portability, and great features like real-time graphical interface tutorials, quick transitions between still photography and HD video, and the ability to shoot RAW and JPEG images at once. And with ISO sensitivity that ranges from 100 to 6400 and a 14.2 mega-pixel image sensor, taking the camera into low light and other demanding shooting situations has never been easier or more productive. Picture quality, your ability to zoom in and crop and correct minor image problems right in the camera is also useful and a big step up from earlier DSLR models.
Another favorite feature is the camera’s switch on the body itself that enables photographers to choose single-image or continuous-image shooting in an instant. Rather than having to search through a stream of electronic in-camera menus that can easily throw you off your game, this speedy option enables users to switch from shooting single player portraits on the sidelines to capturing a series of shots of that all-important grand slam without missing all the action in between. Read the rest of this review »
Super lightweight, small in size, and easy to control, the new Canon Rebel T3 1100D is a good choice for those who want to upgrade from basic point-and-shoot cameras or from Canon’s new PowerShot models. Better still is the fact that this moderately priced consumer DSLR also shoots impressive high-definition video, offers a long battery life (750-800 shots without a flash), a full ISO range of 100 to 6400, and still provides enough versatility to encourage photographers to discover a world of image making beyond fully automated settings. The Canon Rebel T3 is basically a stripped down version of Canon’s much more complex professional models, such as its more multi-faceted 18-MP Rebel T3i, which was also released in 2011.
The detail you can achieve with the Rebel T3 CMOS 12.2-MP digital sensor will surpass most point-and-shoot consumer cameras (including edging out its own PowerShot models) and is more than enough resolution for beginners and avid amateurs. While you may not want to enlarge your prized images to poster sizes, you may still glean clear, crisp enlargements suitable for framing. That being said, the Rebel T3 is an excellent camera for quick, on the go shooting and great for those photographers who want quick and easy access to video in a semi-professional grade DSLR without the heavy price tag. And though beginners may not notice, the Rebel T3 offers ten different image capturing quality sizes, including RAW, each change affecting the number of possible shots. Unlike earlier Rebel models, the T3’s ability to shoot RAW data offers the best possible range of detail and post-production options. Read the rest of this review »
With more advancements than most photographers could ever dream of in a perfect multi-tasking DSLR, including the ability to shoot stunning HD video, its easy to see why the Canon EOS 7D is among the top choices preferred by image-making professionals. Not only will this camera provide you with more image control than you’ve ever had when making a photograph, its sturdy magnesium alloy body makes you totally confident to take on any documentary mission, near or far. Shooting both RAW and JPEG files instantaneously from one subject is a welcomed feature too, especially for pros who may require more fine-tuned results or greater options for in-camera and/or post-production editing. We also love the ability to customize picture styles too, such as enhancing sharpness, contrast, color saturation, and tone.
Because it’s a precision instrument wrapped in weather- and dust-resistant casing, you immediately know that the Canon 7D can withstand long days and nights of continuous shooting in less-than-optimal conditions. (Canon’s promise of at least 150,000 shutter actualizations also makes us rest easy knowing that we can shoot fearlessly and with wild abandon — approximately 1,000 flash-free shots per fully-charged battery.) And though it might feel a bit heavy, the camera body’s fine design and conveniently placed button arrangement makes learning settings and menus easier than ever. Effective grip material placed around the right-hand side also makes for steadier, more self-assured shooting, especially when combined with Canon’s no-nonsense image-stabilizing lenses. Read the rest of this review »
Whoever said that life couldn’t be captured in an instant surely didn’t possess an instrument as fine and responsive as Nikon’s D90 DSLR. Forget for a moment about megapixels. No matter what you’ve read or heard, 12 or more (million) is plenty for top quality images in nearly any situation—and this Nikon boasts 12.3 MP with the same quality CMOS image sensor that’s included in its fancier, much higher-priced models, such as the award-winning 300D.
While there are myriad reasons to invest in this fairly basic yet professional DSLR, overall versatility is first among them. From adjustable settings that affect everything from exposure and ISO to metering and white balance, the folks at Nikon have jammed everything you can think of into the little camera that could. And everything is customizable, which is an excellent way to address the learning curve that is needed to make really this baby sing. Read the rest of this review »
First-time users may not immediately notice the differences between Canon’s newest DSLR Rebel T3i 600D and its earlier T2i 550D, released in 2010, but they do include options worth mentioning. One improvement is T3i’s rotating flip-screen monitor, making video shooting easier and impossibly out-of-range shots a breeze. When choosing between the two models, the T3i is definitely the best choice. Unlike earlier cameras, it enables users to both shoot short-duration HD video and “stitch” video segments together for a seamless presentation. Another bonus is that you can exploit such features as part of Canon’s in-camera editing package.
Both the T2i and the newer T3i utilize the same reliable 18-megapixel CMOS digital image sensor, making nighttime and low-light shooting in places like dimly lit theaters and concert halls an attractive prospect, but the T3i also has menu options that reduce noise in shutter-priority exposures. Having tested both cameras while shooting in extremely low light, we wholeheartedly recommend the T3i for this one advancement alone. Canon’s Auto Lighting Optimizer and Highlight Tone also help ensure accurate skin tones even in harsh lighting conditions, such as under bright lights or full sun. Read the rest of this review »
If there was ever a reason for the five-star review, the Canon PowerShot S95 point and shoot is it. At around 6 ounces and about the size of a smart phone, this amazing little gem of a camera delivers gorgeous images and stunning HD video (in stereo sound no less!) without the burden of lugging around a much heavier and more cumbersome DSLR. What that means is that you’ll have all the power and versatility of Canon’s fancier digital models at about half the price. Better still, the incredibly tiny S95 is so unassuming that few will notice that you’ve just smuggled it inside the stadium for those coveted concert shots. And with its powerful 4.0X optical zoom lens, you’ll even get great photos from the risers. We love that we can make a quick switch to 28mm wide angle shots with an easy turn of the outer lens ring dial that also changes the exposure on a separate setting.
As with any camera this small, quality design is key and Canon delivers in spades. The S95 is as user-friendly as any PowerShot model that preceded it and then some. Despite the fact that the S95 has a variety of mode settings, playback features, and an awesome LCD viewing screen for reviewing your shots and shooting real-time video, there are few buttons to mange and most perform double duty, according to your settings. For instance, users can review images by tapping the circular wheel to go forward or reverse or by spinning it in a way that makes them seem as though they were “advancing”, as if on a continuous roll of film; how clever. The outer control ring may be utilized for a variety of functions depending on the over-riding mode, a feature that is both unique and intuitive. Read the rest of this review »