Dave's Picks

Consumer SLR

and SLR-like digital cameras

Most Popular Consumer SLR Cameras

Camera Name Res Lens Avg. Price
Panasonic Lumix DMC-G5 digital camera image Panasonic Lumix DMC-G5 16.1 3.00x $633.15
Check Prices
Nikon D600 digital camera image Nikon D600 24.3 3.54x $2,448.38
Check Prices
Canon EOS 60D digital camera image Canon EOS 60D 18.0 7.50x $877.78
Check Prices
Canon EOS Rebel T3i (EOS 600D) digital camera image Canon EOS Rebel T3i (EOS 600D) 18.0 3.00x $658.79
Check Prices
Nikon D5100 digital camera image Nikon D5100 16.2 3.00x $570.89
Check Prices
Canon EOS Rebel T4i (EOS 650D) digital camera image Canon EOS Rebel T4i (EOS 650D) 18.0 7.50x $1,108.08
Check Prices
Canon EOS Rebel T3 (EOS 1100D) digital camera image Canon EOS Rebel T3 (EOS 1100D) 12.2 3.00x $466.54
Check Prices
Nikon D3100 digital camera image Nikon D3100 14.2 3.00x $455.90
Check Prices
Nikon D90 digital camera image Nikon D90 12.3 5.80x $1,041.08
Check Prices
Olympus OM-D E-M5 digital camera image Olympus OM-D E-M5 16.1 4.20x $1,066.10
Check Prices
Editor's Choice Res Lens Avg. Price
image of Canon EOS Rebel T3i (EOS 600D) digital camera Canon EOS Rebel T3i (EOS 600D) 18.0 3.00x $658.79
The flagship Rebel offers just about all you could wish for in a consumer SLR Truly easy to recommend, the versatile Canon T3i sets the standard at the top of the consumer SLR market. Especially if you're looking for a reasonably affordable SLR that lets you shoot from multiple angles, the Rebel T3i should be at or near the top of your list. With an 18-megapixel sensor, a high-res articulating LCD, an improved grip, and Full HD video recording, the Canon T3i has what it takes to get great shots in most conditions. Its bundled 18-55mm kit lens is improved over its predecessor, and the alternate 18-135mm kit lens is also good quality, covering a near-ideal range for most situations. Image quality is good enough for 20x30-inch prints from ISO 100 to 3,200, and ISO 12,800 shots make a good 8x10. It's quite a camera, to be sure. Click here for more on the Canon T3i! (minimize)

image of Olympus OM-D E-M5 digital camera Olympus OM-D E-M5 16.1 4.20x $1,066.10
Old and new come together in one high-quality digital camera Small and light, yet solid and weather-sealed, the Olympus OM-D E-M5 is a lot more capable than its size suggests. Image quality is noticeably improved from past Olympus offerings, rivaling that of APS-C SLRs, and its sensor-shift image stabilization system is the most advanced we've seen. Perhaps most importantly, though, the Olympus E-M5 is a whole lot of fun to use, and the ready availability of great glass adds to the party, making you want to get out and shoot. We also love the E-M5's nostalgic appearance, as well as how it feels and operates when we're out shooting. The whole experience is impressive. Click here for our Olympus E-M5 Review! (minimize)

image of Sony Alpha NEX-5N digital camera Sony Alpha NEX-5N 16.1 3.00x $584.01
Sony's NEX-5N might borrow the NEX-5's styling, but don't let that fool you; there's a whole new book under this cover Sony made quite a splash with its aggressively-styled NEX-5 system camera back in mid-2010, and while the succeeding Sony NEX-5N digital camera is no longer the company's flagship system camera, it builds upon its predecessor with quite a selection of upgrades and new features. There's a new image sensor and processor that bring a wider sensitivity range and support for an electronic first-curtain shutter, gifting the NEX-5N with startlingly good shutter lag and burst-shooting performance. Sony has also revisited its accessory terminal design to add support for a new high-res electronic viewfinder, added a touch-screen interface that makes AF-point selection a breeze, and brought videographers fully manual exposure control. Is it time for first-gen NEX owners to consider an upgrade? Click here to read our Sony NEX-5N review, and find out. (minimize)

Other Top Choices Res Lens Avg. Price
image of Canon EOS 60D digital camera Canon EOS 60D 18.0 7.50x $877.78
18 megapixels of high-ISO power and Full HD video in a capable digital SLR design
More clearly aimed at the consumer market, the Canon 60D represents something of a sea change for this formerly enthusiast camera line. With the 7D now tasked to meet the intermediate to professional photographer's needs, Canon has retooled the 60D to better serve as a step-up model for Rebel owners who want a little more, rather than as the lower-priced competition to the 7D. The Canon 60D is more clearly aimed at the Nikon D7000, with both now capable of capturing full 1080p video. Its 18-megapixel sensor is roughly equivalent in ability to the T2i and 7D's sensors, which means the EOS 60D does extremely well even at high ISO settings. Its redesigned body and interface make the Canon 60D a pleasure to use, and the versatile 18-135mm kit lens is a capable companion. We enjoyed our time with the Canon EOS 60D. Click here for more on the Canon EOS 60D digital SLR camera. (minimize)

image of Canon EOS Rebel T2i (EOS 550D) digital camera Canon EOS Rebel T2i (EOS 550D) 18.0 3.00x $720.39
Whether you're shooting stills or videos, the Canon T2i is an excellent choice
Canon ignored the rest of the digital camera industry when they limited resolution over the last few years, putting an 18-megapixel sensor in their consumer flagship Rebel T2i, and as a result the camera stands head and shoulders above any other offering under $1,000. Where you'd expect more noise from this 18-megapixel digital camera, the Canon T2i actually delivers less than its predecessor, while increasing the quality of detail at all ISO settings. Also upgraded on the Canon T2i is 1080p video at 24, 25, and 30fps, and video editing tools are built right into the camera. Still shooting mode also gets a frame-rate increase to 3.7 frames per second, up just a tad from 3.4 fps. Both still and video quality from the Canon T2i are very impressive. Click here to check out our comprehensive Full Review of the Canon Rebel T2i. (minimize)

image of Canon EOS Rebel T3 (EOS 1100D) digital camera Canon EOS Rebel T3 (EOS 1100D) 12.2 3.00x $466.54
Canon's new entry-level Rebel adds the latest must-have features, yet still manages an even lower pricetag
A little under three years ago, we reviewed Canon's Rebel XS SLR, and while we found some quirks that might lead enthusiasts to look elsewhere, we felt it to be a pretty well-rounded design, when the entry-level pricetag was factored into the equation. Although the Rebel XS is still available at a discount until the remaining stock is sold through, the Canon T3 is essentially a replacement for that camera, and as such marks the new entry-level point to the company's SLR lineup. On paper, it's an interesting design, with a mixture of significant upgrades in some areas, and features that have been pared back in others. Based around a newer 12-megapixel image sensor and DIGIC 4 image processor, the Canon EOS Rebel T3 offers up a very worthwhile expansion in its upper sensitivity limit, which now tops out at a useful ISO 6,400 equivalent. It also adds two more focus points, and switches to Canon's clever dual-layer iFCL metering chip, which takes account of color information when determining exposure variables. Canon has also slightly increased the T3's LCD display size, added high definition video capture capability, and updated the kit lens to provide an even more effective stabilization system. With a pricetag some $100 below that of its predecessor at launch, though, something had to give. While the Canon T3 has a new optical viewfinder, it actually has just slightly lower magnification and a significantly tighter dioptric correction range than that of its predecessor. Burst shooting speed is also towards the lower end of the range, compared to its main competitors--and that's in JPEG mode. Switch to RAW or RAW+JPEG shooting, and the burst speed and depth is low indeed. In addition, Canon has removed the mechanical portion of its EOS Integrated Cleaning System, leaving the T3 reliant solely on antistatic coatings and software mapping to combat the adverse effects of dust on image quality. To find out whether one hand gave more than the other took away--and whether the Rebel T3's aggressive pricing makes it easy to overlook the occasional shortcoming--you'll want to read our Canon T3 review. (minimize)

image of Canon EOS Rebel T4i (EOS 650D) digital camera Canon EOS Rebel T4i (EOS 650D) 18.0 7.50x $1,108.08
The latest Rebel remains a top choice among consumer SLRs
It's no surprise that the latest flagship Canon Rebel T4i remains easy to recommend. New features like its new 5-frames-per-second frame rate, multi-shot modes -- including HDR -- and Full HD video with stereo recording, are real improvements worth noticing. We weren't as impressed as we expected with the on-sensor phase-detect autofocus, so add a grain of salt to Canon's claims in that area, but it's still a little faster than past offerings, and quieter as well. Add all that to the Canon T4i's excellent 18-megapixel image quality and it's once again easy to recommend the Canon T4i. (minimize)

image of Nikon D3100 digital camera Nikon D3100 14.2 3.00x $455.90
Nikon's smallest digital SLR to support Full HD video serves up good image quality
Small and easy to bring along, the Nikon D3100 is a superb upgrade for anyone interested in digital SLR quality photographs. Its 14.2-megapixel sensor gives the Nikon D3100 a little more resolution than most other Nikon digital SLR cameras, and image quality is excellent, even as light levels drop and ISO is forced to rise. Though still low in price, the Nikon D3100 also captures 1080p Full HD video, while a good many digital cameras are still limited to 720p HD. Furthermore, the Nikon D3100 is one of the first digital SLRs able to focus while recording a video, which can come in handy. For novice users, the Nikon D3100 also includes a Guide mode to help users capture better images and learn a bit about photography on the way. It's a great digital camera for the money, with excellent image quality. Click here for more on the Nikon D3100 digital SLR! (minimize)

image of Nikon D3200 digital camera Nikon D3200 24.2 3.00x $583.07
Another great family SLR from Nikon
Affordable and easy to use, the Nikon D3200 really doesn't disappoint, providing a small body, improved controls, and a remarkably high-resolution 24.2-megapixel APS-C sensor. We found it capable and pleasantly quiet to shoot, and it's still easy to recommend to novice or advanced amateur alike. We wish the lens stood up a little better to the high-resolution sensor, but we think most family photographers will be quite happy with both camera and lens. Click here for our review of the Nikon D3200! (minimize)

image of Nikon D5100 digital camera Nikon D5100 16.2 3.00x $570.89
Nikon's latest consumer SLR combines great image quality and a versatile side-mounted tilt/swivel display
Back in 2009, we reviewed Nikon's D5000 consumer SLR, the company's first SLR to include an articulated LCD display. While we loved its image quality and much of its feature set, the bottom-mounted tilt/swivel mechanism seemed like something of a missed opportunity. The followup Nikon D5100 switches to a more versatile side-mounted mechanism that's useful not only for framing shots over your head or low to the ground, but also for self-portraits with the camera on a tripod or convenient level surface--something of an important use case for a consumer camera. Nikon has also brought the D5100's imaging pipeline up to date, and that's good news, because it's based around the same 16.2 megapixel image sensor and image processing algorithms used in the popular D7000 prosumer SLR, bringing much the same image quality to a significantly more affordable camera. The D5100 also brings in-camera high dynamic range imaging to a Nikon SLR for the first time, and expands upon Nikon's selection of in-camera filter effects, applicable either pre- or post-capture. Of these, perhaps the most interesting is a Night Vision mode that allows sensitivity to a maximum of ISO 102,400 equivalent, so long as you're willing to forgo shooting in color. Otherwise, the D5100 provides ISO sensitivities to 25,600 equivalent. Other notable features include a maximum shutter speed of 1/4,000 second, with a rated shutter life of 100,000 cycles, Nikon's 3D Color Matrix Metering and 11-point Multi-CAM 1000 autofocus sensors, and Full HD (1,080p) movie capture capability. For more on this interesting consumer camera, read our Nikon D5100 review. (minimize)

image of Nikon D600 digital camera Nikon D600 24.3 3.54x $2,448.38
Smaller and lighter full-frame digital SLR is a kick to use
Nikon leads the way again, with the first "affordable" full-frame digital SLR. Fun to shoot, the Nikon D600 offers as little or as much control as you want, perfect for both amateurs and more advanced photographers; even pros will feel right at home. Its 24.3-megapixel sensor offers excellent detail, and performs well in low light. In addition to stills, the Nikon D600 captures Full HD video at a greater range of frame rates, and includes not only great audio controls and an external mic jack, but a headphone jack to monitor what you're recording. There is a bit of a dust issue with the Nikon D600, which seems to be worse in the first few thousand frames, so users should learn to clean their sensors. Still, the Nikon D600 is an excellent digital SLR with impressive image quality. We have no trouble recommending it highly. Click here for our Nikon D600 review, or click the link to shop now! (minimize)

image of Nikon D7000 digital camera Nikon D7000 16.2 5.80x $1,184.72
A superb digital SLR, excellent for anyone serious about photography
The Nikon D7000 is a refinement of the already superb D90, a redesign that maintains a small, nimble body while improving nearly every major internal aspect. Its 16.2-megapixel sensor and Expeed 2 processor conspire to output quality images at all ISO settings, from 100 to 25,600, cranking those images out at up to six frames per second. The Nikon D7000's 3-inch LCD sports 921,000 dots, a great place to compose images in Live View mode, as well as check focus. The Nikon D7000's high-res LCD is also excellent for shooting and playing the 1,080p videos that this digital camera captures, and menus are razor sharp. Dual memory card slots, 39 autofocus points, a new color-sensitive meter, a near-100% viewfinder, and in-camera editing round out just a few of the extra features found in the Nikon D7000. Nikon's top enthusiast digital SLR camera is as easy to recommend as a cold glass of lemonade on a hot Summer day, and at least as satisfying. Click here to check out our Nikon D7000 Review! (minimize)

image of Nikon D90 digital camera Nikon D90 12.3 5.80x $1,041.08
Nikon's flagship prosumer SLR model is the first SLR capable of video recording, but that's just one of its many exceptional features!
Nikon rocked the DSLR world when they introduced their D90 SLR early this Fall, the first SLR that can record movies. Its video capabilities won't replace dedicated camcorders, but will provide welcome relief for photographers tired of carrying along a pocket digicam just for taking "video snapshots". Its movie recording is only one of the many exceptional features the Nikon D90 has to offer. It also incorporates the chromatic aberration correction capability first introduced in the D3 and D300 high-end models. This feature works regardless of the brand lens you're using, so the D90 promises to improve the quality of most any lens you use it with. Speaking of lenses, the Nikon D90 ships with one of the nicest kit lenses we've seen yet, a 18-105mm VR (vibration reduction, Nikon's name for Image Stabilization) model that delivers very good sharpness, and (thanks to the aforementioned CA-reduction capability of the camera) very little chromatic aberration. The Nikon D90 brings much, much more to the table, though, far more than we can go into here. If you're in the market for a high-end prosumer digital SLR camera, the Nikon D90 deserves to be near the top of your list for consideration. Read our Nikon D90 review for all the details! (minimize)

image of Nikon J1 digital camera Nikon J1 10.1 3.00x $391.71
Nikon's J1 answers the demand for a truly compact system camera, and does it with style
Nikon bided its time before entering the compact system camera market, and when it finally did so, wasn't afraid to take a path untrodden. The Nikon J1 adopts a rather smaller sensor than its main rivals, but in doing so also offers a worthwhile savings in weight and size--not only for the camera body, but perhaps more importantly for its lenses. That's not the only attention-grabbing feature, either. An unusual hybrid AF system and a speedy new EXPEED processor make the J1 swift even by SLR standards, and all this in a body that looks less camera than fashion accessory. Inquiring minds must know, though: how does that smaller sensor fare against its system camera rivals, and does it offer enough advantage over enthusiast compacts? To find out, click here and read our Nikon J1 review. (minimize)

image of Nikon V1 digital camera Nikon V1 10.1 3.00x $525.48
Despite its smaller sensor, the Nikon V1 is part of a unique and capable photographic system
Choosing a smaller sensor, the Nikon V1 didn't earn a lot to praise from the spec hounds at its introduction, but Nikon was aiming at a smaller system overall, including lenses. They certainly achieved that, while maintaining excellent image quality and including impressively fast autofocus speed. Though many were disappointed with the smaller sensor, our test results show the Nikon V1's image quality to be quite good for a 10-megapixel sensor, and optical quality is impressive too. Overall, the Nikon V1 makes a great compact system camera that stands up well against the premium pocket cameras it was designed to challenge. Click here for our Nikon V1 Review! (minimize)

image of Olympus PEN E-P3 digital camera Olympus PEN E-P3 12.3 3.00x $831.27
'FAST' isn't just an acronym, when it comes to the Olympus P3's autofocus system
Although it looks very similar to its previous PEN-series flagships externally, the Olympus PEN E-P3 includes several significant changes. Key among these is a new brand-new autofocus system, branded 'Frequency Acceleration Sensor Technology', or FAST for short. Olympus showed supreme confidence in choosing the name, and it wasn't misplaced: the E-P3's AF performance actually rivals that of many SLRs. The P3 also includes a new touchscreen interface, and a built-in popup flash that addresses one of the main concerns with its predecessor. Tweaks in its imaging pipeline are more subtle, however; the sensor design seems little-changed from that used by its predecessor two years earlier. Are the improvements in other areas enough to compete in today's mirrorless camera market, given how competitive it's become? Read our Olympus PEN E-P3 review, and find out! (minimize)

image of Olympus PEN E-PL2 digital camera Olympus PEN E-PL2 12.3 3.00x $374.33
Olympus refines the Pen series with a faster, simpler design
Equipped with an improved lens and a more ergonomic body style, the Olympus Pen E-PL2 addresses several shortcomings of the previous model and refines the company's low-cost compact system camera design. The Olympus E-PL2's new lens design is smaller, lighter, and a little longer, with a more stable lens design and fast, silent autofocus. It even accepts accessory lenses. The E-PL2's 3-inch LCD is also higher resolution than any of the Pen predecessors, and the new Accessory Port 2 is compatible with more new gadgetry, including a bluetooth module that sends your pictures directly to a camera phone. Its 12-megapixel sensor still captures great images, and the Olympus E-PL2 tests faster than its predecessors. Click here for more on the Olympus Pen E-PL2! (minimize)

image of Olympus PEN E-PM1 digital camera Olympus PEN E-PM1 12.3 3.00x $402.26
A great little compact system camera with surprisingly good performance
Though it lacks a mode dial for the more sophisticated shooter, that's about all that's missing from the Olympus E-PM1, a great little compact system camera, and its targeted audience won't miss the mode dial at all because they'll be too busy appreciating all the gorgeous images they're getting with the E-PM1's excellent 12.3-megapixel sensor, complete with sensor-shift image stabilization. The bundled 14-42mm lens is also worth more than meets the eye, with good optical quality and super-silent autofocus. With its tiny body and retractable lens, we think the Olympus E-PM1 is the sleeper digital camera of the last year, and is an easy impulse buy when found for under $400. (minimize)

image of Panasonic Lumix DMC-G3 digital camera Panasonic Lumix DMC-G3 16.0 3.00x $524.49
A new benchmark in compact system cameras
Panasonic has updated their G-series line of compact system cameras, and the new G3 looks like a real winner. We've had hands-on with a beta sample of the new model, and it's impressed us greatly with its handling and image quality. In fact, image noise seems very much on par with that from the larger APS-C size sensors used in full-size DSLRs. The new G3 is noticeably more compact than the G2 that it replaces, and Panasonic also appears to have further improved shutter lag: In field tests, everyone remarked on how fast its shutter response was. The design incorporates a new 16-megapixel image sensor, and the same high-speed Venus Engine FHD image processor as previously featured in the more expensive GH2 model. Other improvements since the earlier camera include a picture-in-picture Manual Focus Assist function, pinpoint focus mode, Full HD (1,920 x 1,080 pixel) movie capture, and two separate Intelligent Auto operating modes that offer varying degrees of user control. Read our Panasonic G3 review for all the details! (minimize)

image of Panasonic Lumix DMC-G5 digital camera Panasonic Lumix DMC-G5 16.1 3.00x $633.15
There's nothing micro about the performance of this compact, lightweight digital camera
The Panasonic Lumix G5 takes the highlights from Panasonic's well-regarded G-series of Micro Four Thirds digital cameras and rolls them all into one package. The Lumix G5 feels better thought out than many entry-level DSLRs, including a touchscreen LCD monitor and speedy autofocus, at roughly the same price. Boasting better ergonomics and handling than the previous-model G3, the Panasonic G5 also boosts its video performance by adding Full HD recording at 60p, and a full-range of frame rates that make it perfect for serious photographers and videographers alike. If you want a compact, lightweight, easy-to-operate interchangeable lens camera with a 14-42mm lens that captures high-quality images at an imminently affordable price, then the 16-megapixel Panasonic G5 should place high on your short list. (minimize)

image of Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF3 digital camera Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF3 12.1 1.00x $463.44
A very small compact system camera that can slip into a medium-size pocket.
Hailing from a camera line aimed squarely at enthusiasts, the Panasonic GF3 seems to be angling for consumers, a move that may alienate enthusiast fans. Its 12-megapixel sensor, 3-inch LCD, and touchscreen controls all fit into digicam-size space, yet it first ships with a non-zooming 14mm kit lens, so most consumers will want to wait for the zoom to ship later this month. Its pop-up flash takes the space where a hot shoe would live, and modes are changed via the touchscreen, rather than a physical dial. We found the Panasonic GF3 fun to use and a competent, comfortable companion whether moving about town or packing for a trip. Click here for more on the Panasonic GF3 digital camera! (minimize)

image of Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF5 digital camera Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF5 12.1 3.00x $499.00
Really fast autofocus in a compact body you won't leave at home
Back in mid-2011, Panasonic launched its tiny Lumix GF3, nicely demonstrating the size advantage of mirrorless over SLR cameras. This year's Panasonic GF5 takes that design and swaps in an improved sensor, faster image processor, higher-resolution touch screen display, and a raft of other tweaks. Key among the changes for us has to be the Panasonic GF5's improved autofocus performance: the GF3 was already fairly fast by mirrorless camera standards, but the Panasonic Lumix GF5 goes a step further, besting many consumer DSLRs. Panasonic has also updated its touchscreen user interface, finally allowing almost overlay-free image framing and reducing distraction. Do these and other changes take a good consumer camera and make it great? And are the advantages of the GF5 enough for more experienced photographers to overlook the lack of a viewfinder and flash connectivity? Read our Panasonic GF5 review, and find out! (minimize)

image of Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX1 digital camera Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX1 16.0 3.00x $634.15
One step back, two steps forward: the Panasonic GX1 will please enthusiast photographers
As a digital camera made expressly for enthusiasts, the Panasonic GX1 is a little larger than the smallest compact system cameras, but is still small enough to bring along easily. While the GX1 is in some ways a return to an older design, it still includes improvements in resolution and image quality. Its new touchscreen interface also manages to add a bit of utility as well; and an expanding list of compatible lenses make the Panasonic GX1 an appealing digital camera. Click here for more on the Panasonic GX1! (minimize)

image of Pentax K-30 digital camera Pentax K-30 16.3 7.50x $1,199.00
Great images and enthusiast features at a price the rest of us can afford
Among digital SLRs, there are two kinds of "good". There's the good that makes you think it's time to trade your old SLR in for a newer model, and there's the good that has you seriously considering selling your existing lenses and accessories, and jumping ship to a different lens mount. On paper at least, the Pentax K-30 manages the latter. It takes the imaging pipeline of the well-received K-01 mirrorless camera, and places it in a body that includes several features simply unheard of at its price point. There's a near-100% pentaprism viewfinder, well-considered ergonomics with control dials front and rear, and comprehensive weather sealing throughout. Even if you're not a Pentaxian, the K-30 is a camera that likely has you sitting up and paying attention, and it comes with a pricetag you won't struggle to justify. But does the K-30 live up to all that on-paper promise? Read our Pentax K-30 review, and find out! (minimize)

image of Pentax K-r digital camera Pentax K-r 12.4 3.00x $849.95
Pentax's latest consumer SLR keeps its predecessor's great noise performance, while correcting its biggest bugbears
When we reviewed Pentax's K-x consumer SLR last year, we were wowed by its rich feature set and impressive noise performance, but questioned the wisdom of several design choices likely made in the interests of achieving its affordable price tag. With the debut of its followup Pentax K-r, the company has shown that it was listening by answering our biggest criticisms of the earlier model. Key among the changes are the addition of autofocus point indicators in the viewfinder, and a redesigned body with pleasingly retro styling that accommodates a larger, significantly higher resolution LCD panel. A handy increase in burst shooting performance to almost six frames per second ensures that Pentax retains the title of fastest entry-level digital SLR. There's also an interesting new dual power-source design that follows popular demand with a proprietary lithium-ion pack, but--unlike every other SLR manufacturer--still caters to those who prefer AA batteries without a bulky external grip, courtesy of an in-body adapter. Although there are numerous more subtle changes throughout, the 12.4 megapixel K-r is largely similar to its predecessor in other respects, with in-body image stabilization, an 11-point autofocus system, 1/6,000 second top shutter speed, and high-definition 720p video capture capability. A generous selection of creative features such as in-camera HDR, a cross-processing function, numerous pre- and post-capture digital filters, and the ability to develop raw files in-camera combine to make the Pentax K-r particularly well-suited to right-brain types who don't want to spend time fiddling around with post-processing on a computer. Were all this offered at the same pricetag as its predecessor, the Pentax K-r would've been a sure thing, but therein lies the rub: Pentax has also increased its pricing by almost a quarter over that of the K-x. Having specifically called for many of its added features, we went into our review of the Pentax K-r with a certain feeling of having made a rod for our own back. To find out if we stayed resolute in our desire for the changes--added cost notwithstanding--read our full review of Pentax's latest consumer SLR. (minimize)

image of Samsung NX100 digital camera Samsung NX100 14.6 2.50x $390.65
Another competent camera in the compact system space
With its unique curved slab shape, the Samsung NX100 really stands out. Smaller than past Samsung compact system cameras, the NX100's retractable kit lens helps keep it small. Its 14.6-megapixel CMOS sensor is APS-C sized, and its 3-inch display is a 640x480 AMOLED. Unlike its larger predecessor, the Samsung NX100 has no flash and no electronic viewfinder, but it does have a hot shoe for attaching an electronic viewfinder or an external flash. We found its interface endearing and innovative, and enjoyed our time with the Samsung NX100, but had a little trouble with noise suppression in the JPEG files and wobbly videos. Our investigation led us to the RAW files to decide whether the Samsung NX100 was only for consumers, or whether it would also work for enthusiasts. Overall we were impressed with the Samsung NX100's speed, style, and image quality, especially in the RAW files. Click here to see all the details in our Samsung NX100 review. (minimize)

image of Samsung NX1000 digital camera Samsung NX1000 20.3 2.50x $546.07
This entry-level mirrorless is heavy on the features, not on the wallet
Affordable is good: money saved on your next mirrorless camera means money to burn on lenses and accessories. The Samsung NX1000 compact system camera sets a new benchmark for NX-series affordability, but unlike some rivals, it's not been pared down to the bare minimum to achieve its $700 pricetag including kit lens. On the contrary, the Samsung NX1000 sports some features that aren't so common at this price point: built-in WiFi Direct wireless networking connectivity, i-Function control over camera settings from the lens, a dual-axis level gauge, and an external flash hot shoe. Not to mention Full HD high-definition video capture capability, complete with support for an optional external microphone -- and incredibly, you can plug your headphones into the mic to monitor audio levels! The Samsung NX1000, then, is a camera that offers a lot more than you'd expect for the price. If that's not worth a Dave's Pick, we don't know what is! Click here for more on the Samsung NX1000, or click this link to shop! (minimize)

image of Samsung NX20 digital camera Samsung NX20 20.3 3.06x $1,099.99
Takes great shots and delivers them to social media too, straight from the camera
With an SLR-like appearance and smooth styling, the 20.3-megapixel Samsung NX20 takes up the flagship position in the company's mirrorless lineup, offering interchangeable lenses and an electronic viewfinder. The new camera offers new possibilities with the inclusion of WiFi, complete with backup options, connectivity with smartphones, PCs and tablets, as well as direct hooks into popular social media websites. Image quality is quite good, but the camera has a little trouble with JPEG images at ISO 1,600 or above. We enjoyed shooting with it, as well as shooting via remote control from a tablet, so click here to see what we thought of the Samsung NX20! (minimize)

image of Samsung NX200 digital camera Samsung NX200 20.3 3.06x $899.99
Samsung's NX200 makes some serious strides, improving both performance and image quality
With a whole new look on the outside, the Samsung NX200 gets quite a few internal upgrades compared to its predecessor, not the least of which is its 20-megapixel sensor. Combined with a new lens design and a slick menu system, we found the Samsung NX200 a kick to use. We were most impressed with the improved image quality and faster autofocus, and a few of the special Smart Filters were interesting as well. Click here for our Samsung NX200 review! (minimize)

image of Sony Alpha NEX-6 digital camera Sony Alpha NEX-6 16.1 3.10x $999.99
NEX features and image quality, with a user interface designed to seduce SLR-owners
Sony's NEX cameras have earned a solid reputation for image quality, while at the same time delivering unique and truly useful features like Handheld Twilight and Sweep Panorama modes. The one obstacle for many enthusiast users has been the NEX series user interface. While the Tri-Navi interface on the NEX-7 is one of the best we've used, it's still different from those on most SLRs, and the novice-oriented interface on the lower-end models is just awkward. Deliberately designed to woo SLR users, the Sony NEX-6 offers a much more conventional UI design, with a traditional mode dial with a surrounding function dial, plus a combination 4-way/rotary control dial on the back and four other control buttons plus a dedicated movie button. The result is indeed a camera that will be more immediately familiar to SLR shooters, while maintaining the excellent image quality and unique features that have made the NEX line such a hit. If you've been considering a move to mirrorless, the Sony NEX-6 deserves to be on your (very) short list. (minimize)

image of Sony Alpha NEX-F3 digital camera Sony Alpha NEX-F3 16.1 3.00x $498.66
Sony's entry-level mirrorless camera frees you from behind-the-camera drudgery
Are you the designated photographer for your family? If so, there's a good chance something is missing from your photo albums: you. Fulfilling the duties of family record-keeper means you spend almost all your time behind the lens, making an occasional appearance only for posed, tripod-mounted shots. The Sony NEX-F3 aims to solve the problem with an updated, tilting LCD panel that can now be seen from in front of the camera, putting you back into the family album. And that's not the only worthwhile update over Sony's previous entry-level mirrorless model. There's also a built-in popup flash that saves you from carrying an external strobe, and a restyled body with a much more prominent handgrip. As you'd expect of a NEX-series camera, the Sony F3 offers great image quality, despite a pricetag even the family photographer can justify. So... is it high time you upgraded your camera for a new NEX? Read our Sony NEX-F3 review, and find out! (minimize)

 
Thomas Distributing sells batteries for Digital Cameras