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DIGITAL SLR UNDER $1,000 |
| Olympus E-P1 | |
| The world’s smallest 12.3-megapixel interchangeable lens camera system is more than just a camera, it’s an ultra-portable multimedia capture device. The Olympus E-P1 combines the still image capture capabilities of a DSLR with high-definition video capture, a stereo Linear PCM audio recorder and Olympus’ In-Camera Creativity application, offering art filters for both still photography and video. The E-P1 works well as a pro pocket camera, great for those impromptu captures that help inspire your work. | |
| Price: $799.99 (includes 14-42mm lens).www.olympusamerica.com. | |
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Digital SLR $1,000 to $3,000 |
| Canon EOS 7D | |
| The Canon EOS 7D furthers the trend in multi-feature DSLRs. With an 18-megapixel APS-C-size CMOS sensor and dual DIGIC 4 Image Processors, the EOS 7D captures still images at ISO up to 12800, speed up to 8 fps, and high-def video as well. The EOS 7D has a new 19-point autofocus system with improved subject tracking. Its Intelligent Viewfinder provides 100 percent coverage, and displays autofocus mode, a spot metering circle and on-demand grid lines. The camera has new 63-zone, dual-layer iFCL metering that factors in both focus and color information to provide accurate exposure, even in difficult lighting. | |
| Price: $1,699. www.usa.canon.com | |
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Digital SLR Over $7,000 |
| Nikon D3X | |
| Announced at the tail end of 2008 but unavailable for our 2009 Hot One deadline, the Nikon D3X took the industry by storm in ’09. The D3X advances the speedy D3 with a full-frame FX-format CMOS sensor and significantly higher resolution (24.5 megapixels vs. the D3’s 12.1 megapixels), and a lower native ISO range (ISO 100-1600 vs. the D3’s 200-6400). The D3X uses Nikon Expeed image processing technology to increase image fidelity and reduce noise, even at high ISO. It can shoot at up to 5 fps at full resolution. Compatible with Type G or D AF Nikkor lenses and the full line of DX lenses (FX format not supported), the D3X has a state-of-the-art autofocus system with 3D focus tracking, as well as 3D Color Matrix Metering II. | |
| Price: $7,999.95. www.nikonusa.com | |
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Medium-Format Digital Camera System |
| Phase One P40+ | |
The P40+ fought a strong challenge from another Phase One product, the 645DF. The P40+ impressed the judges with its 1.8 fps capture rate and 50-3200 ISO range. Judges also liked the camera’s Sensor+ technology, which allows photographers to change the capture resolution from 40 to 10 megapixels for higher sensitivity and faster speed. The camera tops off these impressive credentials with a 12.5-stop dynamic range. |
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| Price: $19,990. www.phaseone.com |
