SLRs

For the many photographers with their eyes on Nikon's full-frame D3, but who would prefer less bulk and expense, Nikon has introduced the D700. The new D-SLR shares many of the top-of-the-line D3's fine features, but in a smaller, lighter (yet still rugged) body and at a much lower price. The D700 even adds a few features not present in the D3, like a pop-up Speedlight flash unit and a sensor-dust reduction system.

It was just five years ago that Canon introduced the original EOS Digital Rebel, which became the first digital SLR to sell for less than $1,000. That was a big breakthrough, and today there are more than a dozen models selling for less than that, including some models selling for half the price.

Whether you're content to shoot from shoreline or want to dive in to snorkeling or scuba, with the right accessories, your camera also can come along, without fear of damage. Underwater housings protect your gear from the elements—even the salty seaside air can wreak havoc, and sand is no friend either. So before you hit the beach, get your photo gear a swimsuit, too.

At the heart of every digital camera is an image sensor, a silicon chip that contains millions of tiny light-sensitive photodiodes. Each photodiode produces a pixel of the captured image, and the number of pixels (resolution) is the horsepower spec that gets the most attention. However, the quality of the final image isn't determined by the number of pixels alone. When comparing cameras and their sensor specs, you need to do more than merely count megapixels—there's a lot more about sensors that you'll want to consider.

We all know that top-of-the-line pro digital SLRs cost a lot more than entry-level models. There often are huge differences in quality and performance between the two, but not always. Entry-level models are becoming increasingly sophisticated and capable of image quality that's even better than pro cameras produced just a few years ago. Some entry-level cameras even share some of the same components and features as the latest pro models within the same brand.

"Sweet-spot" D-SLRs are those between the entry-level models and the often much pricier, larger and heavier pro models. They're in the sweet spot because, though they're much closer to the entry-level models in price, they share a lot of features with pro models. That makes them great choices for many photographers, including pros on a budget and enthusiasts alike.

Buying a D-SLR is a little different than buying most other high-tech devices. You're also selecting a complete photo system, from lenses and flash to accessories and software. The "right" camera for your needs, present and future, depends a lot on what you expect from your system.

Before Sony and Konica Minolta announced a partnership to develop Sony's first D-SLR in July 2005, Sony's previous contribution to the digital camera market had been limited to compacts and super-zoom advanced compacts. Then in March 2006, Konica Minolta announced it was leaving the photography business and transferring its camera technologies to Sony.

Panasonic's first D-SLR, the Lumix DMC-L1, was a 7.5-megapixel model similar in form and function to the Olympus EVOLT E-330, the first D-SLR to offer a live-view LCD monitor. Now Panasonic has introduced its second D-SLR, the 10.1-megapixel Lumix DMC-L10, with a more conventional appearance and a live-view monitor that tilts and rotates. The new camera is geared toward the compact digital camera user who wants such SLR advantages as interchangeable lenses and better image quality and autofocusing performance.

Olympus has released the successor to its E-1 flagship D-SLR model, the 10.1-megapixel E-3. Designed to be the fastest autofocus D-SLR in the world, the E-3 has an articulated Live View LCD, internal image stabilization, TruePic III image processing, ISO sensitivity up to 3200 and a wide selection of other advanced features.