The digital SLR war hots up

In recent months the digital SLR market has heated up with giants like Sony rushing in and incumbents like Canon producing ever better cameras.

Perhaps the most exciting news is the release of the Canon 400D also known as the Digital Rebel XTi. The Digital Rebel series kick-started the consumer DSLR market three years ago with the 300D and the latest version certainly delivers. You get an increase in resolution with a 10.1 megapixel sensor and a bigger, 2.5 inch LCD screen. Perhaps the biggest innovations are the dust-reduction features: an anti-static technology to repel dust particles as well as a nifty, vibrating feature which shakes off dust every time the camera starts.

The other big news is the entry of Sony with its A100 which also features a 10 megapixel sensor and dust removal technology. It also has a Super Steadyshot function which adjusts the sensor to balance hand and body movements creating sharper photos in low light and with slower shutter speeds. More broadly the entry of a giant like Sony to compete with Canon and Nikon is only good news for the consumer who can continue to look forward to lower prices and better technology.