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SLRs: More Choices at Less Cost

Some less-expensive digital SLR cameras offer many of the same professional-grade features as pricier models.

Eric Butterfield

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EOS 20D Digital Camera PCW Rating: 78.0PCW Rating: 78.0PCW Rating: 78.0

Last Rated: November 02, 2004

1. Canon EOS 20D Digital Camera

8.2 megapixels, Aperture-priority, shutter-priority, and manual modes, 1.8-inch LCD display, Price when ranked: $1499

Bottom Line: This fast, powerful SLR will appeal to pros and advanced amateurs alike; its extensive controls are well designed.

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EOS Digital Rebel XT SLR Digital Camera w/Canon 18-55mm AF Lens - Black (8.0MP, 3456x2304) PCW Rating: 85.0PCW Rating: 85.0PCW Rating: 85.0

Last Rated: June 09, 2004

2. Canon EOS Digital Rebel XT SLR Digital Camera w/Canon 18-55mm AF Lens - Black (8.0MP, 3456x2304)

8.0 megapixels, Five scene modes; aperture-priority, shutter-priority, and manual modes, 1.8-inch LCD display, Price when ranked: $899

Bottom Line: Speed, compact size, and great imaging quality make this unit an excellent choice among inexpensive SLRs.

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EVOLT E300 Digital SLR Camera w/14-45mm Lens Kit (8.0MP, 3264x2448) PCW Rating: 86.0PCW Rating: 86.0PCW Rating: 86.0

Last Rated: July 30, 2005

3. Olympus EVOLT E300 Digital SLR Camera w/14-45mm Lens Kit (8.0MP, 3264x2448)

8.2 megapixels, Fourteen scene modes; aperture-priority, shutter-priority, and manual modes, 1.8-inch LCD display, Price when ranked: $800

Bottom Line: This rugged, fast SLR shoots longer bursts than the others reviewed here and sports a dust-reduction filter.

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D70s SLR Digital Camera Kit w/ 18-70mm Lens (6.1MP, 3008x2000, 4x Opt) PCW Rating: 79.0PCW Rating: 79.0PCW Rating: 79.0

Last Rated: August 01, 2005

4. Nikon D70s SLR Digital Camera Kit w/ 18-70mm Lens (6.1MP, 3008x2000, 4x Opt)

6.1 megapixels, Seven scene modes; aperture-priority, shutter-priority, and manual modes, 2-inch LCD display, Price when ranked: $899

Bottom Line: Quick power-up, snappy autofocus, and an extensive burst mode are the highlights of this simple-to-use SLR.

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*ist DS Digital Camera with Pentax DA 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 AL Digital SLR Lens (6.1MP, 3008x2008) PCW Rating: 77.8PCW Rating: 77.8PCW Rating: 77.8

Last Rated: August 01, 2005

5. Pentax *ist DS Digital Camera with Pentax DA 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 AL Digital SLR Lens (6.1MP, 3008x2008)

6.1 megapixels, Seven scene modes; aperture-priority, shutter-priority, and manual modes, 2-inch LCD display, Price when ranked: $800

Bottom Line: Small and light SLR can go up to ISO 3200 and run on four AA batteries, but image quality wasn't tops.

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Maxxum 7D Digital SLR Camera Kit w/ 28-100mm Lens (6.3MP, 3008x2000, 3.6x Opt) PCW Rating: PCW Rating: PCW Rating:

Last Rated: August 01, 2005

6. Konica Minolta Maxxum 7D Digital SLR Camera Kit w/ 28-100mm Lens (6.3MP, 3008x2000, 3.6x Opt)

6.1 megapixels, Aperture-priority, shutter-priority, and manual modes, 2.5-inch LCD display, Price when ranked: $1499

Bottom Line: Has ISO 3200, a roomy 2.5-inch LCD, and built-in antishake technology. Image quality was subpar, however.

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Finepix S2 Pro (6.17MP, 4256 x 2848) PCW Rating: PCW Rating: PCW Rating:

Last Rated: August 01, 2005

7. Fuji Finepix S2 Pro (6.17MP, 4256 x 2848)

6.2 megapixels, Aperture-priority, shutter-priority, and manual modes, 1.8-inch LCD display, Price when ranked: $1599

Bottom Line: Easy-to-use SLR is bulky but comes with two battery compartments, two card slots, and a FireWire port.

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