Digital Camera Holiday Gift Guide - $600+ Cameras

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In part 4 of our 2011 digital camera holiday gift guide, we looked at a series of $400 to $600 cameras that currently offer a step up in features from our first round of $250 to $400 cameras. In part 5, we will dive into the best cameras in the $600+ price range. These cameras will introduce higher end dSLR cameras and high-end EVIL cameras. This lineup of digital cameras are targeted at the upper end of the dSLR crowd, ideally for those seeking cameras for multi-purpose use or cameras that offer more unique features than lower end dSLR models.  

So jump into the fifth part of our 2011 Holiday gift guide, the $600+ digital camera range. Our following recommendations are based on quality, features and the best value available on the digital camera marketplace above $600 dollars (MSRP).


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Top Pick: 
Olympus PEN E-P3 

On top of an all new AF system, the E-P3 offers various other upgrades that are sure to make other EVIL camera owners jealous. One of which is the camera's new 3.0-inch OLED, touchsceen display. This unit boasts 460k dots of resolution, along with touch AF and touch capture capabilities; you can also disable the touchscreen at any time. The menu system has also seen a much needed revision, offering a more pleasing experience over the menus of old. 

Like first introduced on the E-PL2, the E-P3 offers Art filter "stacking". On top of this, the E-P3 incorporates all ten Art filters, along with a new Art Bracketing feature when in P/A/S/M modes. Joining the World in the plunge into 3D, Olympus has added the ability for all of the new PEN cameras to shoot in 3D Photo Mode. This means the camera can automatically create 3D images right in the camera. To make this happen, users will select 3D Photo Mode, release the shutter, then pan the camera to line up the second shot with a handy onscreen helper so you can ensure the second image is right on the money. Pick this up if you are in the market for a quality EVIL camera that takes amazing pictures without sacrificing performance.      

Click on a color below to see the best price on the Olympus PEN E-P3

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Canon EOS Rebel T3i

The EOS Rebel T3i (aka EOS 600D) is a great unit to get you started on a higher level of photography.  The T3i is the accolade of 2010's T2i with all the fantastic features of the latter, plus with a string of new highlights. Atop of an 18-megapixel CMOS image sensor, Canon's EOS Integrated Cleaning System, DIGIC 4 processor, Live View shooting mode, 63-zone Dual layer metering system, Full HD (1080p) video mode; Canon supplements the T3i with a new automated Scene Intelligent technology, a hands-on guide offering detailed descriptions of settings, an articulating 3.0-inch LCD, the latest bundled lens options (EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5 - 5.6 IS), and more. 

Pick this up if you're in the market for a capable, yet affordable dSLR system that will allow you to capture high-quality images in just about any situation; all the while helping you to become a better photographer with a robust exposure set.

Click on a color below to see the best price on the Canon EOS Rebel T3i

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Nikon D7000

The latest mid-level dSLR in the Nikon line-up, the D7000 is a well equipped 16-megapixel unit that is loaded with Nikon's latest and greatest technologies. Nested tightly between their popular D90 and D300/D300s models, the D7000 does offer various options to set it apart from its brethren. 

These include a newly developed 16-megapixel DX-format CMOS image sensor, EXPEED 2 image sensor, an upgraded 39-point AF system, a more robust metering sensor (2,016-pixel), and full 1080p HD video recording to name a few. Not to mention the D7000 boasts a rugged magnesium-alloy chassis with a weather and dust resistant exterior. Pick this up if you are looking for an extremely versatile digital SLR that offers class leading shooting performance and High ISO abilities. This camera will make a great choice for professionals and photo enthusiasts alike.    

Click on a color below to see the best price on the Nikon D7000

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Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH2

Leading the way in the non-dSLR interchangeable lens camera (ILC) revolution is Panasonic's Lumix GH2 digital camera. Although this is one of the largest EVIL (Electronic Viewfinder Interchangeable Lens) camera's on the market, it is still much smaller than most entry-level dSLR camera's thanks to its Micro 4/3 mount system. It also includes all of your favorite features found on Panasonic's compact digicams, including: iAuto (intelligent auto) shooting mode, MEGA O.I.S. (found on the lenses themselves, not the body), 1080p AVCHD video recording, dedicated video recording button and a 3.0-inch Rotating Touch LCD screen. 

HD videos and 3D images and videos are all possible thanks to the Venus Engine VI FHD Three Core processor. This also allows for the camera's 5fps (16-Megapixel) high speed burst shooting and its 40fps 4-Megapixel Super High mode. The GH2 is sold either as a body only or in a kit with a 14-140mm f/4-f/5.8 telephoto lens or a 14-42mm Hybrid lens. Panasonic also has several other Micro 4/3 lenses available ranging from 7mm to 300mm as well as a 3D model. Pick this up if you are looking for a more compact size is a factor with your dSLR camera purchase. Its compact, powerful, versatile and incredibly easy to use.

Click on a color below to see the best price on the Pansonic Lumix DMC-GH2

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Sony SLT-A77 

This is the most advanced translucent-mirror camera Sony has released to date, which is chock-full of their latest and greatest technologies. The most notable is their all new 24.3-megapixel APS-C Exmor HD CMOS image sensor, which is the World's first 24-megapixel APS-C sized sensor of its kind. This allows the A77 to capture unmatched resolution and detail from a crop bodied camera. 

Another World's first is the A77's 3-way tilting LCD screen. Instead of one pivoting point, the A77's LCD has three (one on the body, and a dual-pivoting joint at the bottom of the display. This adds a great deal to the framing capabilities of this camera, allows you much more versatility over a fixed LCD screen. And, thanks to Sony's translucent-mirror technology, you can use the LCD to frame you photos with no worries about slower AF and shooting performance; like you'd encounter with any other DSLR system.   

 Click on a color below to see the best price on the Sony SLT-A77

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