If you shoot in very low light you will be searching a camera with the best possible high ISO performance and possibly in-body image stabilization, if you do many studio, macro or portrait work you may well decide that a ‘live view’ function is a high priority.

Finally there are practical considerations; do you need a particularly rugged (or weatherproof) body? Does the size and weight of the camera play an important role in your choice? Do you’ve a particular application in mind that requires a specialist lens or other accessory? Not all camera systems offer the same range of lenses and not all cameras are compatible with the more specialized add-ons. And do not forget that most DSLRs are compatible with many of the lenses and accessories originally designed for film SLR cameras (from the same manufacturer), so if you’re already heavily invested in a film system you may would like to stick to the same system when you move to digital.

Armed with some answers to these questions you will be able to use the information on the rest of this page to produce a shortlist of cameras that match your needs perfectly.

Nikon D3S Key Features

1. Newly redesigned 12.1 megapixel Full-Frame (36 x 24 mm) sensor
2. ISO 200 – 12,800 (ISO 100 – 102,400 including extension settings)
3. 720p / 24 fps HD movie mode
4. Eleven frames per second in continuous and DX mode
5. Larger buffer for more than 30 RAW frames in one burst
6. Multi-CAM3500FX Auto Focus sensor (51-point, 15 cross-type, more vertical coverage), fine-tuned for improved acquisition and tracking
7. In-camera RAW processing
8. Also supports DX lenses, viewfinder automatically masks (5.1 megapixels with DX lens)
9. 14-bit A/D conversion, 12 channel readout
10. Nikon EXPEED image processor
11. Super fast operation (power-up 12 ms, shutter lag 41 ms, black-out 74 ms)
12. Kevlar / carbon fibre composite shutter with 300,000 exposure durability
13. Auto-focus tracking by color (using information from 1005-pixel AE sensor)
14. Auto-focus calibration (fine-tuning) available (fixed body or up to 20 separate lens settings)
15. Scene Recognition System (uses AE sensor, AF sensor)
16. Dual Compact Flash card slots (overflow, back-up, RAW on 1 / JPEG on 2, Stills on 1 / Movies on 2, copy)
17. Compact Flash UDMA support
18. 3.0″ 922,000 pixel LCD monitor
19. Live View with either phase detect (mirror up/down) or improved (30% faster) contrast detect Auto Focus
20. Virtual horizon indicates if camera is level, available on the LCD during video capture
21. HDMI HD video output
22. ‘Active D-Lighting’ ‘Extra High’ setting (adjusts metering as well as applying D-Lighting curve)
23. Detailed ‘Control Panel’ type display on LCD monitor, changes in dark conditions
24. Buttons sealed against moisture
25. Dual battery charger as standard

Lumix DMC-GF1 Sakura : Panasonic is pleased to announce a new special edition of the world-acclaimed DMC-GF1 – “SAKURA” pink. This delicate color takes its inspiration from the beautiful petals of cherry blossom which sparkle during Japanese springtime.

The DMC-GF1 debuted as the world’s smallest and lightest system cameras with a built-in flash*, distinguished by an artistic flat body that is both compact and elegant. Featuring AVCHD Lite high quality HD movie recording, a palette of creative possibilities and user-friendly functions including LUMIX’s renowned iA (Intelligent Auto) Mode, thanks to all these features the DMC-GF1 has gained great popularity worldwide with both photo enthusiasts and new users (including females) looking for improve their photographic skills while using a compact and lightweight camera.

By adding the new pink to the conventional color variation of black, white, silver and red, the DMC-GF1 further enhances its reputation of bringing pleasure and excitement to owning a high quality camera in the digital era.

*For a system camera with a built-in flash as of September 2, 2009

Click here to download firmware v1.01 for Nikon D3S(Windows)

Click here to download firmware v1.01 for Nikon D3S (Mac)

Nikon D90 Key Features

1. 12.9 megapixel DX-format CMOS sensor (effective pixels: 12.3 million)
2. 3.0-inch 920,000 pixel (VGA x 3 colors) TFT-LCD (same as D3 and D300)
3. Live View with contrast-detect AF, face detection
4. Image sensor cleaning (sensor shake)
5. Illuminated focus points
6. Movie capture at up to 1280 x 720 (720p) 24 fps with mono sound
7. IS0 200-3200 range (100-6400 expanded)
8. 4.5 frames per second continuous shooting (buffer: 7 RAW, 25 JPEG fine, 100 JPEG Normal)
9. Expeed image processing engine
10. 3D tracking AF (11 point)
11. Short startup time, viewfinder blackout and shutter lag
12. Slightly improved viewfinder (96% frame coverage)
13. Extensive in-camera retouching including raw development and straightening
14. Improved user interface
15. New optional compact GPS unit (fits on hot shoe)
16. Same battery and vertical grip as D80
17. Vignetting control in-camera
18. 72 thumbnail and calendar view in playback