Pop Photo rates the top consumer DSLRs
By Marc Perton 
posted May 17th 2005 8:00AM
posted May 17th 2005 8:00AM
If you're getting ready to make the jump to a DSLR and don't know where to begin, you may want to check out Popular Photography's DSLR Shootout, in which the venerable magazine checks out 9 recent DSLRs ranging in price from about $700 the Canon Digital Rebel, pictured) to $2,500 (the Fuji FinePix S3 Pro). Cameras are ranked on a range of features including image quality, ease of use and extras like image stabilization and remote flash capabilities.
I gotta tell you guys, this story, as well as the one about digital overtaking film in resolution, was actually in *last* month's issue. Pop Photo posts stuff from the previous issue online.
I don't really know what my point is, except maybe just to explain for Pop Photo why they didn't include the Rebel XT in this roundup, and to explain to those who get Pop Photo in the mail why Engadget's posting something they read a month ago.
It's ashame they did not include the Rebel xt. Most people are trying to decide btw the xt and the D70s now. Neither of which are included.
On a blogging standpoint, why link to the blog that links to the story instead of linking to the story and giving a credit to the blog for raising the attention? Saves me a link, they still get credit, and if their site is slammed from traffic and goes down (happens a lot on these little blog links you do) I can still get to the real story.
Yup, it seems outdated. I am deciding between Rebel XT and D20. The old Rebel is old news!
**READ THIS**
The Rebel XT was not included because this test is actually a COUPLE of months old, and based on reviews that are much older than that in some cases. The reason Popular Photography even ran this "story" is because they knew the market and wanted to attract new readers by offering a solution to the "problem" of dSLR purchasing. Fortunately for them, it did not take much new effort on their part.
I do a great deal of photography on the side, and one VERY important aspect of SLR photography is the lens factor. For those of you who have never owned an SLR camera before, I hope that you do not just think that you're only going to spend that initial cost of the camera and the cheap, poor quality lens that comes with it. If you want to take good pictures, you're going to spend thousands of dollars on new, good quality lenses and equipment (which is why all these companies are so quick to release consumer-level dSLRs in the first place).
I purchased a Canon 20D last November. I then purchased a few prime lenses, a zoom lens, filters, a tripod, multiple cases, batteries, memory cards, etc... until I found my final price to be quite a bit higher than the initial $1400 investment. The cost of lenses is unreal if you're not ready for it -- I bought a Canon 24-70mm f/2.8L for $1150, Canon 70-200mm f/2.8L IS for $1800, and the list goes on and on. Plus, a "tiny" camera like the Rebel XT would be VERY awkward for most photographers when using the large and heave L-glass lenses, which are Canon's top-quality glass.
Do some reading and be prepared for all the numbers before jumping into the SLR bandwagon. It's not what most expect it to be.
heave = heavy.
:)
I decided to go with the D70, and havn't regretted it. It's a great camera with supurb picture quality and a decent price. Got myself an extra 70-300 zoom lens besides the kit lens version - very nice!
It's a large camera, but it takes great pictures and feels rock-solid. I found the original Canon digital rebel to feel too light and plastic-y.
N.