10 Megapixel Digital SLR Cameras |
Page updated: October 2009
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A year ago, this page warned about the file size created by 10 megapixel digital SLR cameras, and urged you to consider 8 and even 6 megapixel alternatives. Like so many other things around us, digital SLR technology moves constantly forward and upward and the release of new cameras has been mirrored by an ever-increasing number of megapixels. With the recent and upcoming release of many new 12 megapixel and 14 megapixel cameras, 10 is now at the low end of the megapixel scale for consumer-level digital SLRs. Check back again in a year - by then, this page might no longer exist if all of the 10 megapixel cameras are considered obsolete. |
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Latest 10 MP SLR Guide
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Do I Need More Than 10 Megapixels?
No, you really don't — not unless there is ANOTHER feature of a camera with a higher megapixel count that you just can't live without.
Example: the Canon T1i captures a whopping 15.1 megapixels in every shot.
Canon also offers another camera - the xTi - with a "mere" 10 megapixels.
Which one to choose?
- If you want to capture both video and stills then the T1i is the clear choice - the xTi has no video mode
- If you just want to capture still images, then the xTi is perfectly capable
My point is this: first, find the digital SLR camera that has all the FEATURES you want, and don't be overly concerned about its megapixel count.
All of the 10 megapixel digital SLR cameras listed below will capture exceptional photos.
There is nothing in the number of megapixels that improves the quality of the photos you take - it just helps you make giant-size prints.
Latest 10MP Camera Models
Since 10 megapixels is such a popular number for digital SLR cameras, there's a wide range of options - and prices - to choose from.
There are two levels of cameras that you can get with 10 megapixel sensors:
- Cameras for consumers - these cameras have less features (and cost less) but are better suited for beginning photographers and people just making the switch from compact to digital SLR
- Cameras for advanced amateurs - these full-featured digital SLRs require more advanced photographic knowledge which justifies their higher price tags
10 MP Consumer Level Cameras
| CAMERA | RELEASED | DESCRIPTION | PRICE |
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Canon Rebel xTi (400D)
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October 2006 |
The first Digital Rebel with a dust control system, the xTi is a small, lightweight camera that is both easy to carry and easy to use.
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Only Used
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Canon Rebel XS (1000D)
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August 2008 | The Rebel XS fits in between the xTi (400D) and the higher-end XSi (450D). |
$520 USD
COMPARE AT:
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| CAMERA | RELEASED | DESCRIPTION | PRICE |
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Nikon D60
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March 2008 |
A simple camera for simple needs, the D60 is lightweight yet versatile and it features an LCD that explains photo terminology.
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$600 USD
COMPARE AT:
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Nikon D3000
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September 2009 | The D3000 is merely an update to the D60, maintaining the small size and ease-of-use of its predecessor. A new "guide" mode is designed to help beginning photographers understand their camera. |
$550 USD
COMPARE AT:
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| CAMERA | RELEASED | DESCRIPTION | PRICE |
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Olympus E-510
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July 2007 | The E-510 was the first digital SLR camera to include built-in image stabilization, dust control and live view. These three features make the E-510 useful for a wide range of photo opportunities. |
Only Used
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Olympus E-520
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August 2008 | The E-520 is an update to the popular E-510. It includes an improved live view mode, face detect autofocus and dynamic range optimization. |
$450 USD
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| CAMERA | RELEASED | DESCRIPTION | PRICE |
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Sony DSLR-A300
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May 2008 | In addition to dust control and built-in image stabilization, the A300 includes a live view LCD that can be flipped out from the camera body to compose high and low-angle shots. |
Only Used
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Sony DSLR-A330
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July 2009 | Specifications for this camera are quite similar to the older A300 - just think of the A330 as the latest model. |
$600 USD
COMPARE AT:
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10 MP Advanced Amateur (Pro-sumer) Cameras
| CAMERA | RELEASED | DESCRIPTION | PRICE |
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Canon 40D
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September 2007 |
If you need speed, then the 40D is a camera to consider - it can tear through 6 photos per second and can lock onto moving subjects with a fast 9-point autofocus system.
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$1,100 USD
COMPARE AT:
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Nikon D80
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August 2006 |
The D80 is a solid performer with a fairly poor kit lens - if you can, just find the camera body on its own and get a lens separately.
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Only Used
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Olympus E-3
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November 2007 | The E-3 boasts one of the fastest autofocus systems you can get your hands on. It pairs this with built-in image stabilization, complete weather sealing, and an LCD that flips out from the camera body and rotates. |
$1,200 USD
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Extra Features
Given the competitive level of the 10 megapixel digital SLR camera market, it's not enough these days for companies to just lob out another camera.
No, the latest thing drawing customer attention is "what extra features does it have?".
What do I mean by extra features?
- Image Stabilization - helps you take clearer photos when you hold the camera in your hands
- Dust Control - prevents the digital sensor from getting contaminated with dust (which shows up in your photos as black spots)
- Live View - see a "live" preview of the image you're ABOUT to take on the camera's LCD
- Dynamic Range Control - cameras with this feature capture more appealing high-contrast images
The following table shows which of these extra features each camera includes.
A note about image stabilization: it can either be included in the camera body (built in) or as part of the lens. When the stabilization is built in to the body, it works with every lens that is compatible with the camera.
Cameras that don't have stabilization built in require special lenses (which are more expensive than their non-stabilized alternatives) in order to achieve the same effect.
- Cameras with built-in image stabilization display a checkmark
- Cameras with lens-based stabilization display an asterisk
| Camera | Stabilization | Dust Control | Live View | Dynamic Range |
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| Canon xTi 450D | * |  | ||
| Canon XS 1000D | * | | ||
| Canon 40D | * | | | |
| Nikon D60 | * | | | |
| Nikon D3000 | * | | | |
| Nikon D80 | * | |||
| Olympus E-510 | | | | |
| Olympus E-520 | | | | |
| Olympus E-3 | | | | |
| Sony DSLR-A300 | | | | |
| Sony DSLR-A330 | | | | |
Related Links
 SLRs by Megapixels |
Digital SLR Home | 12 Megapixel SLRs |
