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Digital SLR Guide
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4. Manufacturer differences
Camera manufacturers have different design philosophies and
camera features that set them apart. Don't get too fixed on
a specific camera or feature. Make sure to compare the manufacturers
and their systems, too. You may decide that buying into a system,
instead of buying a particular camera, is a better long-term
strategy.
- Canon: Canon currently has three sensor sizes,
including two models with full-frame sensors. They use the
standard APS-sized sensors on the EOS 20D and the Digital
Rebel XT. The EOS 1D series uses a larger sensor with a
1.3x digital crop factor. The EOS 5D and the EOS 1Ds Mark
II both have "full-frame," 24x36mm sensors.
- Fujifilm: Fuji's FinePix S3 Pro uses Nikon's SLR
lenses and is distinguished by the Fujifilm Super CCD SR's
ability to capture a wider range of tones than other digital
SLR sensors. This makes it ideal for portrait, wedding,
and studio photographers where subtle highlight and shadow
details are critical.
- Konica Minolta: The Maxxum 7D and 5D feature Konica
Minolta's exclusive Anti Shake CCD sensor to eliminate motion
blur from camera shake. Since the Anti Shake technology
is applied at the sensor level no special lenses are needed.
The camera compensates for camera shake all the time.
- Nikon: All of Nikon's digital SLRs use an APS-sized
sensor with a 1.5x digital crop factor. Nikon offers a huge
selection of high quality lenses including lenses developed
specifically for their digital SLRs. The Nikon D2X sets
itself apart from other pro-level digital SLRs with a two-resolution
sensor that can capture full resolution, 12.4-megapixel
images at 5 frames per second, or 6.8-megapixel images at
8 frames per second. This is truly revolutionary and offers
photographers the ultimate in digital SLR flexibility.
- Olympus: Olympus has three digital SLRs, the E-1,
E300, and E500. They are distinguished by their small size
and the Four Thirds sensor format. The Four Thirds format
uses a 3:4 aspect ratio instead of the standard 2:3. The
compact Four Thirds format allows Olympus to design smaller
digital SLRs and lenses. The Olympus Zuiko Digital lenses
are smaller, faster, and offer more reach than anything
the competition has to offer.
- Pentax: Pentax's digital SLRs are very compact
and work well for women and other people with small hands.
Pentax SLRs - 35mm film and digital - are the only SLR cameras
that are 100% backwards compatible. You can use any Pentax
35mm SLR lens on any of the Pentax * ist D- series digital
SLR bodies. Even if you have a 20 year old manual focus
lens it will work with the Pentax *ist D2. Of course, it
won't have all the features the camera body offers. But
you'll be able to shoot with it.
- Sigma: The Sigma SD10 digital SLR uses a completely
different type of sensor than the other manufacturers. The
Foveon X3 sensor uses three (red, green, and blue) transparent
sensor layers to capture an RGB image file with less noise
and artifacting than found in traditional sensors.
Conclusion
Buying your first digital SLR is a big step. It's a large financial
investment and an increased commitment to the craft of photography.
If you're a serious photographer you won't regret it. A digital
SLR can open creative doors as well as offering better image
quality. It's an investment that goes a long way.
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