Consumer Reports: Super SLR digital cameras

If you're looking for the perfect present for a serious photographer, you may want to consider a digital SLR, or single-lens reflex camera. Up until now, digital SLRs have been pricey, but now there are new ones that are much less expensive.

Consumer Reports just tested four new digital SLR cameras that cost $800 to $900. They're from Nikon, Konica Minolta, Canon, and Pentax and take great pictures. Testers found the images are better than even the most advanced point-and-shoot digital cameras.

The cameras use interchangeable lenses, and Consumer Reports says you may be able to improve on the ones that come with the cameras without spending a dime. If you already own high-quality lenses from a film SLR, you may be able to use them in a digital camera of the same brand, get high-quality pictures, and also save yourself some money.

Consumer Reports recommends any of the following SLR cameras: The $900 Canon is the smallest and lightest, and has the highest resolution. The $800 Pentax and the $900 Konica Minolta have the largest LCD displays. And the $800 Nikon does the best at capturing highlights and shadows.

If you're in the market for a new digital camera and don't know where to start, Consumer Reports can help. Go to ConsumerReports.org/CRTV/DigitalCameras and check out the Digital Cameras & Photography Decision Guide from December 5th to January 9th. It'll help you narrow down your choices depending on your priorities, like the size of the camera you want, battery life, or zoom range.

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