5 Editors' Choice Digital SLR Cameras: Deals from Nikon, Canon, Pentax, more

Spring is busting out across the land, which can only mean two things: shutterbugs springing into action, if you will, and lots of cool SLR deals to harvest and highlight. No worries if you're just getting into the act, we've focused in on the best camera and accessories deals for all. This week we're zooming in on Editors' Choice SLR deals from Nikon, Canon, and Pentax, as well as an "SLR-like" Olympus.

1. Canon EOS 50D 15.1-Megapixel Digital SLR Camera bundled with a Canon EF-S 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Standard Zoom Lens and an 8" x 8" Photo Book
   Vendor: Adorama
   Price: $1,299 with free shipping
   Lowest By: $463

   Is It Worth It?: This digital SLR camera bundle will cost you $463 less than if you were to purchase these items separately. What's more this is also the first new 50D deal we've seen in more than 2 years. (The 50D was released in 2008.) It features a frame rate of up to 6.3fps, 3" LCD, Live View shooting with face detection, CF card slot, HDMI out and USB 2.0 connectivity, and an updated EOS Integrated Cleaning system with a fluorine coating. Plus, receive a free 8" x 8" Photo Book with your purchase.

2. Refurbished Nikon D3100 14.2-Megapixel Digital SLR Camera bundled with a Nikon NIKKOR 18-55mm VR Zoom Lens
   Vendor: Cameta Camera
   Price: $399.95 with free shipping
   Lowest By: $20

   Is It Worth It?: This refurbished Nikon digital SLR comes bundled with an 18-55mm zoom lens. The body features a 3" LCD, 3fps shooting, 1080p HD video capture, HDMI output, 18 guided shooting options, pop-up flash, SDHC/SDXC card slot, and more. Here's more good news: It comes with a 1-year Cameta Camera warranty, so you can buy refurbished with peace of mind.

3. Olympus PEN E-PL1 12.3-Megapixel Micro Four Thirds Digital Camera Body
   Vendor: Cameta Camera
   Price: $149.99 with free shipping
   Lowest By: $107

   Is It Worth It?: This deal qualifies as the least expensive price we've ever seen for the "SLR-like" Olympus PEN E-PL1. (In fact, it's $107 less than the lowest total price we could find for a refurbished unit, and this one is new.) You'll need to pick up a separate lens, but this camera body features a 2.7" LCD, face detection, image stabilization, SDHC card slot, HDMI, USB, and more. It also records HD movies in 720p resolution.

4. Refurbished Pentax K2000 10.2-Megapixel Digital SLR Camera bundled with a Pentax DA L 18-55mm Lens and Corel Paintshop Pro X4 for Windows
   Vendor: newegg
   Price: $319.99 with free shipping
   Lowest By: $340

   Is It Worth It?: This bundle will have you shooting and printing digitally in no time. Add the camera and lens to your cart and you'll receive Corel Paintshop Pro X4 for Windows automatically. The refurbished Pentax K2000 features a 2.7" LCD, dust removal system, shake reduction technology, SD/SDHC card slot, USB connectivity, and more. A 1-year warranty applies, although it's unclear who supports it.

5. Nikon D5100 16.2-Megapixel Digital SLR Camera Bundle
   Vendor: Costco
   Price: $949.99 in-cart with free shipping
   Lowest By: $131
   Expires: April 28

   Is It Worth It?: This deal for Costco members includes the Nikon D5100 16.2-Megapixel Digital SLR Camera, bundled with the Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 VR Lens; Nikon 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR Zoom Lens; Generic 4GB Class 10 Secure Digital High Capacity Card; and Nikon DSLR Starter Kit. Non-members pay $62.50, so it may be best to purchase a Costco Membership for $55. The camera features a 3" Vari-angle LCD, 1080p video recording with sound, 4 fps shooting, HDMI output, and more. The starter kit includes a Nikon carrying case, Nikon School DVD, and Nikon School book.

Front page photo credit: Telegraph (UK)