10 Megapixel Digital SLR Cameras |
Page updated: July 2008 |
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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 even 14 megapixel cameras, 10 is now the "standard" megapixel count 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: as of February 2008, the Pentax K20D has the highest number of megapixels of the consumer-grade SLRs: 14.6 to be exact.
Pentax is also offering another new camera - the K200D - that fits right in to the 10 megapixel digital SLR market.
Which one to choose?
Well, if you're a Pentax enthusiast looking for more advanced camera features and a live view LCD, then the K20D is clearly the camera for you, since the K200D is aimed more at the consumer market and doesn't include the live view mode.
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 allows you to print at ever-increasing sizes.
If you want the full dissertation on megapixels, you can read it here.
Latest 10MP Camera Models
The most recent additions are the Canon XS, the Olympus E-420 and the Olympus E-520.
Since 10 megapixels is such a popular number for digital SLR cameras, there's a wide range of options - and prices - to choose from.
In order to make things simpler, I've separated the 10 megapixel digital SLRs into two categories:
- Cameras for consumers - these cameras have less features (and cost less) but are better suited for beginning photographers and those 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
Consumer Level Cameras
| Camera | LCD Size | Autofocus | Dimensions | Weight | Price |
| Canon xTi | 2.5 in | 9-point | 5.2 x 3.7 x 2.5 in 127 x 94 x 65 mm |
21 oz 566 g | $598 |
| Canon XS | 2.5 in | 7-point | 4.9 x 3.8 x 2.4 in 124 x 96.5 x 61 mm |
17.7 oz 502 g | $700 |
| Nikon D40x | 2.5 in | 3-point | 5.0 x 3.7 x 2.5 in 124 x 94 x 64 mm |
17 oz 482 g | $615 |
| Nikon D60 | 2.5 in | 3-point | 5.0 x 3.7 x 2.4 in 126 x 94 x 64 mm |
17 oz 482 g | $750 |
| Olympus E-410 | 2.5 in | 3-point | 5.1 x 3.6 x 2.1 in 130 x 91 x 53 mm |
13.2 oz 375 g | $463 |
| Olympus E-420 | 2.7 in | 3-point | 5.1 x 3.6 x 2.1 in 130 x 91 x 53 mm |
13.4 oz 380 g | $463 |
| Olympus E-510 | 2.5 in | 3-point | 5.4 x 3.6 x 2.7 in 136 x 91 x 68 mm |
16.2 oz 460 g | $558 |
| Olympus E-520 | 2.7 in | 3-point | 5.4 x 3.6 x 2.7 in 136 x 91.4 x 68 mm |
17.3 oz 490 g | $700 |
| Pentax K200D | 2.7 in | 11-point | 5.2 x 3.7 x 2.9 in 132 x 94 x 73.7 mm |
22.2 oz 714 g | $800 |
| Sony DSLR-A100 | 2.5 in | 9-point | 5.2 x 3.7 x 2.8 in 133 x 95 x 71 mm |
22.5 oz 638 g | $685 |
| Sony DSLR-A200 | 2.7 in | 9-point | 5.2 x 3.7 x 2.8 in 131 x 98.5 x 71 mm |
19.2 oz 532 g | $700 |
| Sony DSLR-A300 | 2.7 in | 9-point | 5.25 x 4.0 x 3.0 in 133 x 102 x 76 mm |
20.5 oz 582 g | $800 |
Advanced Amateur (Pro-sumer) Cameras
| Camera | LCD Size | Autofocus | Dimensions | Weight | Price |
| Canon EOS 40D | 3.0 in | 9-point | 5.7 x 4.2 x 2.9 in 146 x 108 x 74 mm |
26.1 oz 740 g | $1,150* |
| Nikon D80 | 2.5 in | 11-point | 5.2 x 4.1 x 3.0 in 132 x 103 x 77 mm |
21 oz 585 g | $854 |
| Nikon D200 | 2.5 in | 11-point | 5.8 x 4.5 x 2.9 in 147 x 113 x 74 mm |
32.5 oz 920 g | $1,300* |
| Panasonic DMC-L10 | 2.5 in | 9-point | 5.3 x 3.8 x 3.1 in 135 x 96 x 78 mm |
16.9 oz 480 g | $1,114 |
| Olympus E-3 | 2.5 in | 11-point | 5.6 x 4.6 x 2.9 in 142 x 116 x 74 mm |
28.2 oz 800 g | $1,685* |
* no lens included
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? Well, there are 3 things your digital SLR can include in addition to its massive sensor:
- Image Stabilization - this feature helps you take clearer photos when you hold the camera in your hands
- Dust Control - special systems prevent the digital sensor from getting contaminated with dust (which shows up in your photos as black spots)
- Live View - this lets you see a preview of the image you're ABOUT to take on the camera's LCD, which is quite common on compact cameras but not on SLRs
- Dynamic Range - cameras with enhaced dynamic range controls produce pictures that are more true to life, especially when there's strong contrast in the scene
In order to help you compare the available 10 megapixel digital SLR cameras at a glance, 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, 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.
In the table below, cameras with built in image stabilization are noted with a checkmark, while those with lens stabilization have an asterisk (cameras that don't have any form of stabilization are blank).
| Camera | Stabilization | Dust Control | Live View | Dynamic Range |
| Canon xTi | * |  | ||
| Canon 40D | * | | | |
| Nikon D40x | * | |||
| Nikon D60 | * | | | |
| Nikon D80 | * | |||
| Nikon D200 | * | |||
| Olympus E-410 | | | ||
| Olympus E-420 | | | | |
| Olympus E-510 | | | | |
| Olympus E-520 | | | | |
| Olympus E-3 | | | | |
| Pentax K200D | | | ||
| Sony DSLR-A100 | | | ||
| Sony DSLR-A200 | | | | |
| Sony DSLR-A300 | | | | |
Related Links
 8 Megapixel SLRs |
Digital SLR Home | 12 Megapixel SLRs |
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