This year's DSLR stars
Optical profusions
2010: it's a wrap
This year, HD video on a DSLR wasn’t just something that would be nice to have, it was pretty much de rigeur. Shop around and it seems high definition video features on just about anything with a lens on it. However, there’s HD video and there’s HD video, or to put it another way, there’s full HD video 1080p (1920 x 1080) and there’s the other one: 720p (1280 x 720).
The purists were undoubtedly irked at video dominating discussion on the features and innovations that appeared to enhance still cameras. Yet, there was no escaping the fact that HD video on DSLR cameras was here to stay and if you need any convincing, just take a look at what’s been on offer this year.
Canon EOS 550D
Canon’s EOS 550D appeared at a time when those who couldn’t quite afford the EOS 7D were looking rather woeful. While no substitute in terms of build quality – the EOS 7D has a magnesium alloy body – for around half the price, the EOS 550D’s steel and plastic construction was easily overlooked given what else was on offer. Certainly video attracted the attention of those seeking to achieve a filmic look, given the array of lenses available from Canon. Indeed, this camera not only delivered 1080p video resolution, but at useful frame rates for PAL and NTSC, including 24p.
With an 18.1Mp CMOS sensor married to Canon’s Digic 4 processor, the EOS 550D captured low noise images allowing users to shoot with confidence at high ISO ratings. Fully customisable, with Live View and a rear screen that showed 100 per cent of the image, there was little for the Canon faithful to complain about here, apart from the new LP-E8 battery type, incompatible with previous EOS cameras.
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COMMENTS
what's this???
where are nikon d3100, nikon d7000, canon 60D?? those are 2010 cameras
Thanks
Good article. Any chance of further "best of 2010s" in the following categories- (1) cameras incorporating voice phones (!), (2) LCD monitors
Not much of a review
"The purists were undoubtedly irked at video dominating discussion on the features"
Not just the pursists, you don't buy a camcorder because it takes nice photos.
These reviews are based on how many features, Mp and ISO count, ignoring the end result - the photo. We are constantly being advertised 10Mp+ and gimmicks when what DSLRs are about is control and quality.
Pentax K-5?
Released in September, maybe too close to count for such reviews? Why call it 2010 cameras, then?
In many sensor tests (look up "DxOMark review for the Pentax K5"), its APS-C sensor matches and in some cases beats full frame sensors like the one for the D3x, and wipes the floor with the Sony Alpha 55 and Canon D7 ones. But not good enough to keep up with a D700 or a 5D MkII, though. But for a small fraction of the price, I guess very few non-pros would see too much of a difference in the final results.
Of course the sensor is only one of the factors. But the K-5 has been getting rave reviews for its performance matching that of much more expensive cameras. I really want to see a full fledged DPreview review of that camera...
So the best DSLR of the year was...
...the most expensive one.
Well, that's incisive analysis.
