The silver versus silicon debate is all but over, now that digital single-lens reflex cameras can produce near-darkroom quality pictures. These DSLRs not only put out giant hi-res files, they use the same lenses as pro film cameras. With photo printers rapidly improving, too, even purists may soon swear off film.
SPLURGE
Canon EOS-1Ds
Weighing in at a hefty 44 ounces, the EOS-1Ds is imposing, powerful, and expensive. Its 11.1-Mbyte CMOS image sensor delivers 31.4-Mbyte raw files with optional JPEGs. The sensor is the same size as a 35-mm frame, which ends the lens-length multiplying factor of earlier DSLR models. The magnesium body and water- and dust-proof gaskets (on every switch, button, and plug) are designed with battle zones in mind.
$8,995, www.canoneos.com.
BEST BUY
Nikon D100
This 6-megapixel machine can shoot at an astonishingly sensitive ISO 6400 for low light and fast action. Its polycarbonate (plastic) body weighs just 25 ounces, so you won�t get neck strain, and it houses a pop-up flash plus all the right photo-geek options. You can even use your old Nikon lenses, as long as you�re not picky about autofocus and metering.
$2,500, www.nikonusa.com.
OVERRATED
Fuji FinePix S2 Pro
Built on a Nikon body and using Nikon lenses, the FinePix S2 Pro is similar in price and feel to the D100. The controls are simpler, there�s a built-in pop-up flash as well as a flash sync plug, and it takes non-rechargeable batteries. But beware the hype: Fuji�s claim of �12 million recorded pixels� is an interpolation of the camera�s 6-megapixel effective output.
$2,699, www.fujifilm.com.
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