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Autumn is here -- which means that new photo equipment is arriving fast and furious. It's also the season for bargain hunters: Whether last year's models, or excess inventory, or just plain good deals from the start, you can find gear you need or want at excellent prices. And so we've made a selection of what we think are the best deals in cameras, lenses, and accessories.
REBEL WITHOUT A PAUSE
WHO? You want to get into the Canon EOS system, but don't want to spend more than 700 bucks for a new camera. WHAT? Canon EOS Rebel XS with 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 Canon EF-S IS lens. WHY? It's rare that a brand-new item makes it into our Top Buys, but given what you get with the Rebel XS -- 10.2MP capture, DIGIC III processor, big burst capacity, high-capacity battery, Image Stabilizer lens standard -- we'll make an exception. You can read all about it in our Hands On in this issue. NOW! $700, STREET, WITH KIT LENS.
EXTRA ZOOMPH
WHO? Those who want a 10MP camera with heavy optical firepower -- but not a DSLR. WHAT? The Fujifilm FinePix S1000fd. WHY? Fuji's take on the electronic-viewfinder camera has a 12X zoom (33-396mm equivalent f/2.8-5), 2.7-inch LCD, face detection with automatic redeye removal, and a panorama mode that will stitch three shots together in-camera -- no computer or extra software required. We wish it used a rechargeable Li-ion battery rather than four AAs but, given the price, you can afford to buy several sets of NiMH AAs and a charger. NOW $215, STREET.
EASY SNARE
WHO? Point-and-shooters who want a lot of reach in a small package. WHAT? Kodak EasyShare Z8612 IS. WHY? EasyShare cameras represent some of the best values in compacts. Case in point: The 8.1MP Z8612 has a 12X zoom, a 36-432mm equivalent f/2.8-4.8 Schneider optic, in a body that's not much bigger than some 5X zoom compacts. It has only the LCD for viewing, as it has no EVF, but the lens-based image stabilization will help steady your shots. You can use a full assortment of auto modes, or go fully manual. It plays stills back in HD wide format, and it works with an EasyShare Printer Dock. NOW $220, STREET.
GRAND PACKAGE
WHO? Serious shooters looking for a one-lens workhorse. WHAT? Nikon D80 with 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6G AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor IF-ED lens. WHY? While 10MP DSLRs have proliferated in the past two years, one of the originals, the 10.2MP D80, remains one of the best. It combines league-leading resolution with excellent noise control (Moderately Low noise at ISO 3200, by our tests). Autofocusing is speedy and works down to EV -2, a light level best described as available darkness. One of our favorite features: the ability to color-correct RAW files and convert to JPEGs in-camera. This kit pairs it with the 18-135mm lens, about 27-200mm in 35mm terms. In our SQF tests, it tested in the Excellent level throughout the focal-length range. The leading-edge crowd might nitpick the 2.5-inch LCD and the lack of Vibration Reduction with this lens, but given that this combo costs $300 less than when it was first introduced, we're not complaining. NOW! $1,000, STREET.
PRICE DIVE
WHO? Deep-sea enthusiasts with shallow finances. WHAT? Olympus E-520 with 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 Zuiko lens, PT-EO5 underwater housing, and lens port for the kit lens. WHY? A high-quality underwater housing for a DSLR alone can cost you $2,000. Olympus has figured out how to give you a whole outfit for nearly that price. The E-520 and kit lens ($700, street) put up Excellent image quality results in our tests, and the lens is a sharp one. The PT-E05 housing ($1,100, est. street) is made of polycarbonate, with a new double-waterproofing structure and rotary buckle for easy opening. It is rated for maximum depth of 40 meters (about 130 feet). A double strobe connector allows the use of a dual-strobe system. You'll need a port for any lens you use; the one for the 14-42mm runs about $380, street. NOW! $2,180, STREET.
A WIDER ZOOMER
WHO? You want wider than 35mm, but also longer than 100mm. WHAT? Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS5. WHY? Panasonic continues its tradition of giving you more zoom with your compact with the FS5, which sports a 4X, 30-120mm equivalent f/3.3-5.8 zoom. This 10.1MP camera has Intelligent Auto (iA) mode that essentially automates everything, lens-based image stabilization, a 2.5-inch LCD that adjusts brightness automatically, and three different aspect ratios, including wide-screen -- both still and video. A 2MP burst mode lets you blast off 6 frames a second. A very capable little camera. NOW! $205, STREET.
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