ConsumerReports Reviews Digital SLR cameras

DigiCam News posted a notice that ConsumerReports.org recently reviewed seven digital SLR cameras:

All seven SLRs we tested are fine performers, with features that film camera users have come to expect from digital SLRs. We'll soon be posting full Ratings of all seven: Sigma SD10, Nikon D 70, Canon EOS 20D, Canon EOS Digital Rebel XT, Konica Minolta Maxxum 7D, Olympus E 300, and Pentax *ist DS.

In the meantime, there's a clear top choice in the group: the Canon EOS Digital Rebel XT. A few of the other cameras produced slightly better images with certain kinds of shots, but none performed as consistently well overall. At about 27 ounces, the Rebel was one of the lightest of the SLRs. It was also among the easiest to use, because of such attributes as a shutter that made it especially easy to prefocus on a subject. At about $1,000, the Rebel was also among the least expensive models tested. (Some in this group cost $1,500 or more.)

These reviews are available to read in full to Consumer Reports subscribers only.  However, Digital Photography Review also provides reviews of these cameras:

• Olympus E 300
• Canon EOS 20D
• Canon EOS Digital Rebel XT
• Pentax *ist DS
• Konica Minolta Maxxum 7D
• Nikon D70
• Sigma SD10