Put to the test: DSLR cameras
Libarary image
Thursday August 06 2009
DSLR stands for 'digital single lens reflex' and in a DSLR camera when the shutter button is pressed a mirror flips upwards, allowing the light to pass onto the sensor which records the image. It's a step up from your average camera, and they come at a price.
This week Smart Consumer looks at entry-level DSLR cameras. You can also get advanced versions but these can cost as much as €2,500 and are really for a serious photographer. Nine entry-level cameras were tested in a laboratory for the Consumers Association of Ireland. Image quality accounted for 40pc of overall marks and includes resolution, colour reproduction and low light performance. They also scored on sharpness, the viewfinder or monitor, flash and ease of use.
Sony Alpha 200 Price: €400
Verdict: Although this camera is quite large and bulky it scored highest of the nine cameras tested. Testers found the camera's performance impressive when taking portraits in a living room under bulb lighting and overall scores for image quality was very high. Testers thought the image stabiliser was also impressive. They say the only down side to this particular model was its poor resolution or clarity in pictures taken in low light.
Score: 69%
Canon EOS 1000d Price: €500
Verdict: Another big camera but this one isn't heavy. Testers felt this camera could cater for semi-professional demands and that it has hardly any weaknesses. It scored well on image quality, including low-light performance and also did particularly well on the sharpness of the image. The only problems related to the colour saturation in the photos.
Score: 67%
Nikon D60 Price: €450
Verdict: This camera came in sixth place out of the nine tested but still scored a respectable 66pc, given the highest score was 69pc. The Nikon D60 was easiest to use of all those tested and testers say that the many manual functions means this camera could be good for creative shots. This model produced good shots of moving objects in low light, and indoor shots were also high quality. Image stabilisation is only available, however, with special lenses. Score: 66%
Olympus E-420 Price: €400
Verdict: This camera came second last and while it was easy to use and resolution and colour reproduction scored highly, other areas did not do so well. The camera lost out on low-light performance and sharpness and did particularly badly on image stabilisation.
Score: 61%
Sony Alpha 350 Price: €550
Verdict: Still an expensive camera but this one came last in CAI tests. Interestingly, the stabiliser on this one was excellent as was the resolution, but other areas let the camera down. Colour reproduction and low-light performance scored poorly, as did the accuracy of the viewfinder.
Score: 54%
