What is the best digital SLR camera?

Question

I'm looking to buy one. If you know the price range, all the better!

Answer 1

Like Dr. Sam, I also shoot a Nikon D200 and I can vouch for the tip to pick any Nikon or Canon from MPV's list. Note that the Nikon D70s is due for replacement, so if you're interested in that particular model, you might want to wait for Nikon's announcement on August 9th.
MPV's price brackets are pretty broad. The spectrum actually ranges from $550 for the Nikon D50 to $6,900 for the Canon 1Ds Mk2. None of the Nikons and Canons compete with each other head on however; there are big price differences between all of the models with improvements in features and build quality to justify those price differences. It's up to you to decide which features you need (or can afford).
Also note that those prices are just for the body plus battery. Lenses, memory cards, flashes, tripods, etc. are all sold separately. Most of the bodies CAN be bought as a kit with one or two lenses at a slightly reduced price, but if you do get a kit, make sure it comes with the lenses you really want! For example, the 18-55mm lens that often comes with the Nikon D50 is cheap - and it shows. The Nikon D70s is packaged with a much better 18-70mm lens. Since the image quality comes from your lenses and not from the body, it's usually best to spend on glass and save on the body! As a guideline for zoom lenses, anything under $200 is bargain basement, $300 to $400 is mid range, and anything over $800 should be good enough for a pro. Third parties like Sigma, Tokina, and Tamron also sell all kinds of lenses for Canon and Nikon. If you're like most people, a zoom lens that has a range of about 20-70mm should cover 80% of your shots on a digital SLR. Most people add a second lens with a range of say, 70-200mm later on.
Then add $100 for a fast memory card and you're set.
You can get all sorts of other stuff later on, as the need arises.

Answer 2

http://www.steves-digicams.com/best_cameras.html

Digital SLR (over $2000)
Canon EOS 1Ds Mark II
Nikon D2X
Canon EOS 5D

Digital SLR ($1000-2000)
Nikon D200
Canon EOS 30D
Fujifilm S3 Pro
Olympus E-330
Konica Minolta Maxxum 7D

Digital SLR (under $1,000)
Nikon D70s
Canon Digital Rebel XT/350D
Pentax *ist DS2
Olympus E-500 Evolt
Nikon D50
Konica Minolta Maxxum 5D

Answer 3

"Best" depends on what you want to do and how much you want to spend. I am absolutely loving my Nikon D200 and I predict that it will be Popular Photography's "Camera of the Year," because it deserves it.

MPV has given you a great list, though. Very comprehensive. Chose a Nikon or Canon from his list. You will never run out of available lenses if you do.

Answer 4

I shoot Pentax DSLR (*ist D) and am looking forward to the new K10D due out later this year.

My wife shoots Olympus E300 (replaced by E500) and I must say that one produces some very nice images with minimal editing too.

Eric

Answer 5

You cannot go wrong with one of the Olympus E series..they are expensive , but worth the $$$$. You get a wide assortment of accessories to pick from to go with the camera..it is a complete, professional system.