Compare Digital SLR Cameras - XSi, D60, K200D and E-520

These are four marvelous mid-level cameras that consumers should consider buying if they’re semi-pro or are training to become pro. Below we outline the basic features of each model to help you compare digital SLR cameras:

Canon EOS Rebel XSi

The XSi has better control layout and grip compared to the Xti. It has a 3-inch LCD screen with live view, but the AF selection and setup are not immediately accessible. It would be awesome if it had a second command dial or “nose wheel” on the back. The XSi has 3.5 fps shooting speed, true spotmeter, and the first SLR model to have 14-bit A/D conversion and DIGIC III processor. Other features include software dust deletion, self-cleaning sensor, browser, RAW converter/editor, panorama stitcher, and remote operation.

Nikon D60

The D60 scores points for its built-in camera conversion feature for RAW files which lets you customize contrast, color balance, sharpness, and hue before you save the images as JPEGs. Other tweaks in the conversion include red-eye removal, dynamic range adjustment, filter effects, and Quick Touchup. The D60 has fast autofocusing, speedy startup, ISO 100-1600, minimal shutter lag, and 2.5-inch LCD screen with no live view. The downside is that it only has three autofocus points and will only autofocus when used with AF-S lenses.

The D60 can be bought with a bundled 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR AF-S DX Nikkor zoom lens.

Pentax K200D

The K200D feels like a bump-up from the K10D; it has a lot of the controls and the sensor found in the late camera. The K200D is also easy to use, with the function button granting fast access to most of the settings commonly used. It also has an in-camera editing feature for RAW files which you can use to tweak sharpness, white balance, saturation, etc. and convert these files to JPEG. Other features include 11-point autofocus, 2.7-inch LCD, Expanded Dynamic Range, Dust Alert, and auto-cleaning sensor.

Olympus E-520

The E-520 is one of the most affordable DSLRs that have image stabilization and live view with three autofocus options. The 2.7-inch LCD functions as the control panel which you scroll around to access different settings. It also has 3.5fps, ISO 100-1600, good weather sealing, and in-camera RAW to JPEG file conversion. The camera comes bundled with an image-editing software which you can use for correcting lens distortion. Another nice feature is that in live view, you can see the control panel over the picture, making it easy to make necessary custom changes.

Getting the perfect SLR camera, is never an easy thing, especially with way digital technology is constantly changing. Fortunately, there are plenty of helpful websites online, that can narrow down your search and help you find the DSLR camera with all the features important to you.