|
 Canon EOS Rebel XT
($790) 8MP Power Player
The third Canon on the all-star team is also the smallest 8MP DSLR we've tested (the pint-size Olympus Evolt E-500 had just hit the market at press time). But its size is no indication of its image quality—excellent up to ISO 200—nor of the number of features it boasts. Weighing just 1.2 pounds and easy to hold, the XT body has a stainless-steel chassis that adds strength to the reinforced plastic body, along with fairly advanced exposure and metering controls that rival those on the EOS 20D.
But the XT isn't really a challenger to the EOS 20D. Besides its less-rugged body, its 7-point AF system isn't as fast or as sensitive, and it has a lower-capacity rechargeable battery (up to 400 shots based on CIPA ratings).
The XT doesn't hold down its noise levels at higher ISOs, though it beats the 8.3MP Olympus Evolt E-300. Like the 20D, the XT has an APS-sized CMOS sensor with a 1.6X 35mm lens factor, and it's compatible with Canon's less expensive EF-S lenses. The XT's burst capability of up to 50 fine-quality JPEG images at 3.5 fps is impressive for the price. But we'd sure like a larger LCD monitor than this 1.8-incher.
 Nikon D50
($650) Rookie Of The Year
Having claimed the Camera of the Year title for 2004 with its D70, Nikon's biggest challenge was to field a DSLR that would compete with lower-priced models. It does so with the D50. While it lacks the tougher build and all the extras of the more expensive D70, it offers several outstanding capabilities not found in its competitors.
The D50's image quality is slightly better than the D70's due to changes in the APS-sized 6.1MP (effective) CCD sensor and image processing. These reduce noise at higher ISO speeds up to 1600. Ambient-light shooters will marvel at its AF system, the best in its class, which can autofocus in very low light down to EV –1. And it has a high 1/500-sec flash sync speed for fill flash in bright daylight. The D50 also has advanced metering (including 3D Matrix) and exposure controls. Thanks to the 2-inch LCD, with a well-designed user interface, it's easy to get to the most useful settings. And the extended-life battery (with up to 2,000 shots per charge) should hold out despite increased LCD usage.
The D50's 2.5-fps burst mode is nothing to brag about, nor is its missing LCD-data panel light. But what a bang for the buck!
|
