Nikon D5000 12.3 MP DX Digital SLR Camera

The D5000 is quite a unique camera.  While it is the spiritual successor of affordable, compact cameras in the Nikon line such as the D60, the D5000 manages to cost a little bit more, be a little bit larger, while offering quite a few more features than it's ancestors ever had.  One of the first features that sticks out when examining the D5000 is the swivel screen it offers.  This feature, when coupled with live view, comes in handy when trying to take shots in tight situations.

The sensor of the D5000 is also noteworthy.  It provides very high quality images at higher ISOs when compared with previous generation cameras.  Like other recent Nikon DSLRs, the D5000 has the ability to take high definition video.  The addition of the swivel screen makes this feature more useful than with other DSLRs, but I wouldn't buy the camera based on this fact.  What makes this camera stand out is the amazing image quality and features packed into a tiny, compact, travel worthy body.

Video Review:

eBay Auctions:

Nikon D5000 Digital SLR Camera Body 3 Lens 16GB MORE    US $717.00

D5000 Digital SLR Camera Body 2 Nikon Lens 2 MORE NEW    US $1,018.00

Nikon D5000 Digital SLR Camera Body 5 Lens LK INSIDE    US $949.99

NIKON D5000 DIGITAL SLR CAMERA 12mp 18 55mm VR 8GB    US $709.99

Nikon D5000 123 MP Digital SLR NEW IN BOX    US $713.03

Nikon D5000 Digital SLR Camera 7 Lens ULTRA LOADED KIT    US $1,414.00

Sony Alpha A230L 10.2 MP Digital SLR Camera with 18-55mm Lens
Canon and Nikon have been the big guns in the world of SLRs for ages, but Sony has gained market share fast, due to a very solid product offering. One of their unique selling points is the highly effective in body image stabilization system, which gives you a stabilized image with every lens.

The A230 is the current entry level model into the Sony line, and it offers some impressive features for its price. You get a 10 megapixel sensor, 9 point AF, eye start autofocus, and the normal in body stabilization. It comes in a very small and compact body, making it perfect for the travelers out there. Of course, there are a few caveats with Sony bodies, such as the proprietary flash system, but the A230 is such a solid camera at a great price that I would be willing to look past that issue. If you're looking for an entry level alternative to Nikon and Canon, the Alpha A230 is the camera to get.

Video Review of entry level Alpha series:

eBay Auctions:

NEW SONY Alpha DSLR A230 DIGITAL CAMERA 3 LENS KIT    US $539.95

650 2600mm Lens for Sony Alpha DSLR A230 A330 A380 A500    US $319.95

1600mm Mirror Lens for Sony Alpha DSLR A230 A330 A380    US $299.95

Sony Alpha DSLR A230 Digital Camera18 5555 200mm Lens    US $649.99

New Sony alpha DSLR a230 102MP SLR Camera w Lens Kit    US $385.00

Sony HVL F42AM Flash unit for Sony Alpha A230 A330 A380    US $239.00

Canon EOS Rebel T1i 15.1 MP CMOS Digital SLR Camera with 3-Inch LCD (Body Only)

The Canon Rebel T1i offers more features than have ever been seen at this price range before.  As a part of Canon's entry level "Rebel" series, one might be tempted to think of this camera as just a plain camera.  This would be a mistake.  The T1i offers a very high resolution sensor at 15 megapixels.  It can record full HD video at 1920 x 1080 resolution (albeit at only 20fps).  For 720p video, it can shoot at 30 frame per second.

In terms of basic usability, users will be thrilled with the very sharp, high resolution 3 inch screen.  If you're been using an older camera, you won't believe how sharp this screen looks.

All these features come in the typical small and compact form factor of the Rebel series.  If you demand these features, but don't want a heavier camera, than the T1i is for you.

Video Review:

eBay Auctions:

《 23PORT》CANON Kiss X3 500D Rebel T1i CAMERA BODY    US $779.00

NEW CANON REBEL T1i 500D SLR DIGITAL CAMERA BODY    US $739.95

CANON EOS Digital Rebel T1i SLR Camera Body 4 lens USA    US $1,049.99

CANON Digital Rebel T1i NEW SLR Camera Body 2 IS lens    US $1,199.99

Canon Rebel T1i Digital SLR Camera Body 5 lens ON SALE    US $1,188.00

CANON EOS Digital Rebel T1i 500D SLR Camera Body 4 lens    US $1,029.99

Canon Digital Rebel XSi 12.2 MP Digital SLR Camera with EF-S 18-55mm Kit Lens

For those looking to break into the Canon DSLR line, the Rebel XSi is one of the best entry level Canons yet.  Offering 12 megapixels and a slew of useful features, Canon really packs a lot into this guy.  You get features such as 9 point autofocus, live view, 14 bit RAW, and several other features normally associated with higher end cameras.

While having all of these features, the Rebel XSi still remains quite small and compact.  If you're a Canon shooter and need a camera for travel, this is an excellent value.  The kit lens with image stabilization (IS) is perfect for travel, since it is small, covers a versatile focus range, and the IS helps in situations where you might otherwise need a bulky tripod.  Even if you're not a traveler, these features still make for an excellent camera body.

Video Review:

eBay Auctions:

《 23PORT》CANON 450D Rebel XSi Kiss X2 CAMERA BODY    US $639.00

Canon Digital REBEL XSi 450D SLR Camera Body 5 Lens Kit    US $864.00

Canon EOS Rebel XSi 122 MP Silver Body Only Xtras    US $650.00

Canon EOS Rebel XSi Black Digital SLR Camera Body USA    US $315.00

Slightly Used Canon Rebel XSi Body 122 MP    US $350.00

Canon EOS Rebel XSi 450D Digital Camera Body 5 Lens NEW    US $894.95

Canon EOS 40D 10.1MP Digital SLR Camera (Body Only)

The Canon 40D is one of the best prosumer cameras of all time.  Well built, feature rich, and quite fast, the 40D is about as much camera as most people will ever need.  Even though it has been superseded by the 50D, the 40D remains on many store shelves, making it an excellent buy.

Offering a frame rate of 6.5 FPS, 9 point auto focus, 10.1 megapixels, and a nice, big 3 inch LCD screen, hobbyists and pros who demand a full range of features will be quite satisfied with the 40D.  I had the opportunity to use one myself on a wildlife safari in Africa, and was quite impressed with how well the camera performed in getting photos in split second conditions with running animals.  The photos were in focus, sharp, and overall very nice looking.  A testament to abilities of the 40D.

Video Review:

Ebay Auctions:

CANON EOS 40D DSLR CAMERA BODY CANON LENS 18 55mm    US $425.00

CANON 40D BODY TAMRON 18 200 f 35 63 XR Di II LD    US $899.00

Canon EOS 40D SLR Camera Body 101 Megapixel    US $510.00

Canon EOS 40D Digital SLR Camera body only    US $500.00

Canon 40D Body in Original Box with Extras Mint    US $460.00

Canon EOS 40D Body only 101 Megapixel Digital Camera    US $510.00

Buy the Canon EOS 5D Mark II from Amazon.com

This is the big kahuna.  The follow up to the much lauded 5D, the Canon 5D Mark II takes the affordable full frame action to the next level.  Offering a mind boggling 21.1 megapixels of resolution, the Mark II takes things even further by offering a 1080p HD movie made.  Capable of amazing image quality, this camera is sure to be a hit with all sort of photographers seeking to make the best image possible.

The 5D Mark II has caught on with photographers and budding cinematographers alike.  If you're looking for the best image quality possible in a more affordable body, this is the camera for you.  Click below to buy.

Video Review:

Buy from eBay

Canon EOS 5D Mark II Digital Camera with 24 105mm lens    US $3,352.53

Canon EOS 5D Mark II Digital SLR Camera 5 Lens NEW    US $2,588.00

NEW Canon EOS 5D Mark II Digital SLR Camera 6 Lens Kit    US $2,733.00

Canon EOS 5D Mark II Digital SLR Camera 5 Lens 32GB    US $2,633.00

NEW Canon EOS 5D Mark II Digital SLR Camera Body    US $2,599.00

Canon EOS 5D Mark II Digital SLR 6 Lens MUCH MORE NEW    US $2,755.00

Buy Canon EOS 50D 15.1MP Digital SLR Camera (Body Only) from Amazon.com

The Canon 50D is a marvel of consumer electronics technology.  Brutally fast and capable of producing amazingly high quality images, the 50D is quite the camera.  Offering high resolution, fast frame rates, live view, weather sealing, and a plethora of other features, the 50D is one of the best cropped sensor cameras on the market today.

There is something for every photographer to love.  The fast frame rate is great for sport shooters, while the high resolution makes it ideal for landscape photographers.  Those looking to do events and portraits will like the amazing array of high quality Canon prime lenses available for this camera. In short, if you are looking for one of the best "prosumer" DSLRs on the market today, the 50D might very well be for you.

Video Review:

Buy from eBay:

Canon EOS 50D Pro Digital SLR Camera Body NEW 16GB KIT    US $1,030.88

《 23PORT》CANON EOS 50D DIGITAL CAMERA BODY NEW    US $1,149.00

《 23PORT》CANON 50D CAMERA BODYEF S 17 85mm IS USM Lens    US $1,579.00

《 23PORT》CANON 50D CAMERA BODY EF S 18 200mm IS Lens    US $1,729.00

NEW Canon EOS 50D Digital SLR Camera Body 3 Lens 16GB    US $1,144.00

Canon EOS 50DEF S 18 200mm ISUVCPL8GB CFEx Battery    US $1,611.97

Buy Nikon D60 from Amazon.com

The Nikon D60 is the followup to the D40x. It is a light, small, consumer grade body that stills manages to take great photos. The D60 is excellent for those looking for a beginners DSLR that will help them get into the Nikon photo system at a reasonable price. The D60 might not win any awards for speed, but it provides all the basics in a very easy to use package. The kit lens that it comes with is now equipped with VR (Vibration Reduction) technology, which helps make it perform better in low light.

The compactness makes this a great choice for travelers, and the simple features work well for first time DSLR users.  In fact, I would venture to say that most people out there don't need much more camera than this. This body is a winner for sure, and should last the user for many years of great pictures.

Video Review:

eBay Auctions:

Nikon D60 Digital SLR Camera 2 Nikon Lens 18 55 55 200    US $707.00

Nikon D60 Digital SLR Camera 5 Lens 18 55 70 300 MORE    US $799.99

Nikon D60 Digital SLR Camera Body 6 Lens 18 55 70 300    US $969.99

Nikon D60 Digital SLR Camera Body 5 Lens 2 VR 16GB    US $899.99

Nikon D60 SLR Camera    US $550.00

Nikon D60 Digital SLR Camera Body 2 VR Lens 16GB MORE    US $759.99

Nikon D60 Digital SLR Camera 18 55 VR 3 Lens Kit USA    US $679.95

Nikon USA D60 Digital SLR Camera Body 3 Lens Huge Kit    US $659.95

Buy Nikon D90 DX 12.3MP Digital SLR Camera from Amazon.com

The D90 is the latest body in Nikon's series of prosumer bodies.  The followup to the D80, the D90 offers a superior CMOS sensor for lower noise at high ISOs, live view, and the much lauded movie feature, among many others.  This is a very worthy upgrade from the D80, and a very competent consumer camera for those not ready to step up to the full power that something like the D300 offers.  This camera is a tribute to just how far consumer level DSLRs have come over the years.  Here at Discount DSLRs, we show you the best prices on this great camera body.

If you're a fairly serious hobbyist looking for some higher end features such as wireless flash control, faster frame rates, and a built in auto-focus motor, the D90 is a worthy upgrade from the cheap D60.  In fact, you can almost think of it as a lighter, slower, and very much cheaper version of the D300.  It's just that good of a camera.

Video Review:

Or, if you prefer eBay:

Nikon D90 Digital SLR Camera Body 6 Lens CHECK IT OUT    US $1,444.00

Nikon D90 Digital SLR Camera Body VR Lens 16GB SALE    US $1,009.99

Nikon D90 Digital SLR Camera Body 5 Lens 18 105 VR USA    US $1,488.00

NEW Nikon D90 Digital SLR Camera Body 6 LENS KIT 32GB    US $1,333.00

Nikon D90 Digital SLR Camera Body 18 55 VR 16GB USA    US $1,088.00

Nikon D90 Digital SLR Camera Body 4 LENS KIT MORE    US $1,122.00

Nikon D90 Digital SLR Camera Body 5 Lens Kit 16GB NEW    US $1,298.00

USA Nikon D90 Digital SLR Camera Body 7 Lens ULTRA KIT    US $1,699.99

When choosing a DSLR, don't forget your media either. Compact flash or SD cards are the way to go as they are used in practically every camera, there are multiple ways to move the data from them to a computer, and they are easily obtained.

Consider your style when choosing a DSLR. How long will the shoot take? Where are you going? Do you need a fast lens? What is your lighting like and how well can that be controlled? Make sure you get something with a sturdy body. Remember though, choosing your other necessities, such as batteries and lenses is just as important as choosing the camera. Lenses can be expensive, but consider quality as well as the purpose. Batteries are rechargable; choose one with a decent life if you travel a lot, and always have a spare.

Pixels - the building blocks of our art. You can only enhance what is there to begin with. Megapixels are an important consideration when choosing a DSLR. The higher your initial resolution, the more you can enlarge your photos without losing smooth edges, as you would with a lower resolution camera.

Ultimately, your camera is a tool, an extension of yourself, used to capture your vision. So choose one that compliments your shooting style, and best suits you.  Here at Cheap Digital SLRs, we offer you a broad range of cameras to choose from.  One of them is certain to be perfect for you.