These are very capable cameras with a good range of features. They are usable by a beginner but provide features that allow a lot of manual control and thus provide the ability to experiment and to take more advanced photos.
Best Entry-Level DSLR - Sony A560 Our pick for the best Entry-Level Camera is the Sony A560.
This is a similar situation to the Intermediate range where the Sony
wins a few categories but it is a very strong second in many other categories.
It provides 14 megapixel resolution; it has Full HD video, 24 fps capability
and the option for an external microphone;
it has the highest burst capability at 7 fps; and, it provides good picture
quality and good low-light capability.
You can review the comparison table below and read our
a560 Overview.
JQuery Tablify - Demo
Canon
T2i / 550D
Nikon
D5000
Sony
A560
Panasonic
DMC-G2
Olympus
E-PL1
Pentax
K-r
Price
$769
$629
$749
$547
$428
$650
Megapixels
18 mp
12.3 mp
14 mp
12 mp
12.2 mp
12.2 mp
ISO Max
(with boost)
12,800
6,400
25,600
6,400
6,400
25,600
Sensor
APS-C
22.3x14.9
CMOS
23.6x 15.8
APS-C
23.5x15.6
Four Thirds
17.3 x 13
Four Thirds
18.0x13.5mm
APS-C
23.6x15.8mm
Video Mode
(highest)
1920x1080
30 fps
Supports 24 frps
1280x720
24 fps
1920x1080
30 fps
Supports 24 frps
1280x720
30 fps
No 24 fps
1280x720
30 fps
No 24 fps
1280x720
25 fps
No 24 fps
Type
SLR
SLR
SLR
Mirrorless
Mirrorless
SLR
Standard
Lens
EF-S
18-55mm
Not USM
AF-S DX NIKKOR
18-55mm
18-55mm
f 3.5 - 5.6
14-42mm
f 3.5 - 5.6
Stabilized
14-42mm
f/4.5-5.6
focus motor
with focus motor
Lenses
Available
149
169
92
19
19
90
Sample lens
cost
70-300mm
f4-5.6
Stabilized
$512
70-200mm
f4.5 - 5.6
$499
75-300mm
f4.5 - 5.6
$235
100--300mm
(Panasonic)
f4 - 5.6
$539
100--300mm
(Panasonic)
f4 - 5.6
$539
55-300mm
F4-5.8
$430
Viewfinder
Pentamirror
.63x
Pentamirror
.51x
Pentamirror
.52x
Digital
1440K dots
None
Pentamirror
.56x
LCD
3"
1040K dots
Fixed
2.7"
230K dots
var angle
3"
922K dots
Flip-up
3"
Var angle
Touch Screen
2.7"
230K dots
Fixed
Touch Screen
3"
920K dots
Battery Life
50% Flash
CIPA Test
Lithium-ion
470 shots
Lithium Ion
510 shots
480 shots
360 shots
Li-Ion
370 shots
(AA can also be used for longer life)
External (stereo)
Mic Jack
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
(non-standard
2.5mm)
No?
No
Auto Focus
9 points
11 points
9 points
23 point
11 points
11 points
Image
Stabilization
In-Lens
In-Lens
In-Camera
In-Lens
In-Camera
In-Camera
Image Quality
(DXO Mark)
66
72
70
53
54
72
Low-Light
(DXO Mark)
784 ISO
868 ISO
817
493 ISO
487 ISO
755 ISO
Color Depth
22.1 bits
22.7 bits
22.5
21.2
21.5
22.9
Dynamic Range
11.5 EV
12.5 EV
12.3 EV
10.3 EV
10.1 EV
12.4
Shutter speed
(max)
1/4000
1/4000
1/4000
1/4000
1/2000
1/6000
Burst Mode
3.7 fps
34 JPEGs
4 fps
7 fps
3.2 fps
3 fps
6 fps
Weight
590 g
599 g /1.3 lbs
618 g
334 g / 2.95 lbs
598 g
Released
Feb 2010
Apr 2009
Oct 2010
Shipping early 2011
Mar 2010
Mar 2010
Sep 2010
Warranty
1 year
1 year
(2 yrs in Canada)
1 year
1 year
(except for CCD, battery and memory card)
1 year
(International
Warrany)
1 year
(two years in Canada)
Comment
Impressive combination of features. Top-selling camera. Only one of two in this category with full HD video. Th older T1i with slightly lower specs is still available for $649.
A solid performer with very good quality pictures but some specs (like 720 video) behind the newer models.
New model. Improves on A550 by adding Video and some improved specs. Has unique Panorama mode.
Pretty good specs but not as good as the best.
Small and light but specs are below the competition.
Good specs. Not quite as good as the best. Only 720 video.
Note: K-x is still available at $499 with similar specs
