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Buyer's Guide: The Best Monitors 
Digital SLRs and µ4/3 Cameras
Renaud Labracherie
Updated: November 10, 2009
Updated: November 10, 2009
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The so-called war of the Megapixels might not yet quite be over--Canon, for instance, is capable of piling up to 18 million pixels on one of its APS-C sensors--but manufacturers have started looking for other ways to win over consumers.
2008 saw the very first digital SLRs capable of shooting video (the Nikon D90 and Canon 5D Mark II), but it's now much more widely available, whether on professional-level models like the Nikon D3s or the Canon EOS 1D Mark IV or more accessible options like the Pentax K-x, the Nikon D5000 or the Canon 500D--and this is just the start! For the time being, only Sony and Olympus seem to have remained immune to the video bug but it can't be long now …
As a result of their new video capabilities, the majority of SLRs now also have a live view mode using an LCD screen, a useful and enjoyable way of getting photographers used to point-and-shoot copycat cameras to move up to an SLR, even if these systems still aren't quite perfect. Using the screen to line up shots and adjust the settings on your digital SLR might well be easy enough in the calm of the studio with well-behaved subjects, especially using a camera with a movable screen (Nikon D3s, Canon 1D Mark IV), but that's just not the case with fast-moving subjects like young children. Focusing using a screen is too slow to be really useful for everyday photography, and there's a lot of work to be done to make it better. Sony has one idea, using a second sensor on its A330/A380 and A500/A550 cameras to improve the speed of the autofocus. If live view is a feature that's important to you, you'll certainly want to take a look at how easy some micro four-thirds models are use.
Record-breaking sensitivities
2009 is certainly going to be remembered for the first SLRs that reached over 100 000 ISO, the Nikon D3s and Canon 1D Mark IV. Performances like this are beyond the reach of our entry-level favourites, but the bar has now been set. More impressive, perhaps, is the quality of the photos produced at sensitivities we would only have dreamed of a few years ago, 3200 and 6400 ISO. In this area, Nikon and Canon are clearly leading, but the Pentax K-x seems very promising.
Faster burst modes
One of the main criteria for choosing an SLR is still how responsive it is: they should switch on instantly, regular autofocus should be fast and burst mode powerful. While professional level cameras run into the buffers at 9 or 10 fps, performance rapidly falls as prices go down. However, things are improving, with SLRs under £1000 now offering 5 fps (Pentax K-7) or even 7 fps (A550, but without autofocus).
Micro four-thirds--not just an alternative
The micro four-thirds system wasn't launched in 2009, but it was the year it really took off with no fewer than four different models: the Panasonic GH1, the Olympus Pen E-P1, the Panasonic GF1 and the brand new Olympus Pen E-P2. These hybrid options which are as good at shooting videos as they are at taking photos and are very compact to boot. The range of cameras is growing and the range of lenses available is becoming more and more complete. The range of other accessories like filters and flashes is still quite small, though.
What's next?
The next logical development is the growth of the micro four-thirds format, followed by Samsung's similar NX system in 2010. If it's a hit with the public, we expect to see other manufacturers adopt these technologies. With SLRs, the race to add ever more pixels should move on to full format sensors (24 x 36), but calm down on smaller APS-C sensors (although that's hardly the first time we've predicted that). Instead, other research areas might be developed, including autofocus by phase or contrast detection, video, the speed of burst mode or the handling of electronic noise …
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Top quality construction and perfect photos, even in the shadows
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Nikon D90
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This SLR is a real treat to use. Despite having scene modes, its range of features might well put off less experienced photographers, but experts will be thrilled by its advanced features like subject-following autofocus, a highly customisable interface and accurate exposure. Despite being over a year old, the image quality is still absolutely faultless, with very minimal noise, even at high sensitivities. The video mode is less powerful because of the lack of continuous autofocus, but no current SLRs can do any better. Note that the recent D5000 takes just as good photos in a frame that's less well-built and with fewer features.
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| There is such a thing as an SLR for under £400! The EOS 1000D doesn't come with the latest features, but takes excellent photos and a great interface. |
The GH1 isn't just a great digital camera: it can also film in Full HD, with stereo sound and a powerful autofocus system. Can it rival real camcorders? |
It's hardly any bigger than another expert-level compact, the GF1 makes the most of a large sensor and a choice of lenses. It films in 720p HD. |
Digital Cameras with Interchangeable Lenses at a glance:
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| Nikon D90 |
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| Canon EOS 1000D |
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| Panasonic GH1 |
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| Panasonic GF1 |
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