Can you explain Consumer Reports to me?

by Runs With Scissors

Consumer Reports for July 2007 has a review of numerous digital cameras. Frankly I’m disappointed. For instance… Their top rated compact camera is the Canon Powershot S2-IS. My daughter owns this camera. It’s a fantastic camera, but it was introduced in April 2005. The S-series has gone through the S2-IS and the S3-IS and the S5-IS has just been introduced. You can’t even find a copy of their “top rated” camera on the shelf anywhere. The S3-IS is 8th on their list, being marked DOWN for image quality from the S2-IS. The G7 is 12th on the same list, ranking below both the A640 and A630. Somehow I simply don’t believe the A630 is better than a G7.

In the subcompact class, their top choice is the Sony DSC-N2 (9 months ancient), but the second choice is the Canon SD430, which has been on the promote for nearly two being now.

I know it takes a while to test things properly, but what is the point in ranking digital cameras that have been out for nearly two being?

(continued below)
And how did (my beloved) Nikon D200 score the BEST in image quality, battery life and ease of use – the only DSLR tested to score that well on the only three standards listed – come in fourth house??? In fact, it was the ONLY DSLR (out of 8 tested to score “Brilliant” for image quality. The other 7 only managed “Very excellent.” But, it’s in 4th house…
Clavestone, you KNOW I know about the on-line review sites, but thanks. I was just putting this out there “for discussion” for the gang. You would HATE the article. Of 8 DSLR’s, two were by Pentax — the K10D and K100D. I don’t have the heart to tell you how they finished.

Really, the final score was on a extent of 100. There were only 8 points between the top and bottom cameras.
Canon EOS 30D (74)
Nikon D80 (74)
Sony A100K (73)
Nikon D200 (71)
Canon Rebel XTi (70)
Nikon D40 (70)
Pentax K10D (70)
Pentax K100D (68)

They said that the list is “in overall routine order.”

I get a kick out of THIS comment, though:

“Other 10 MP alternative … the Canon Rebel XTi, the latest in the Rebel line and a fine performer, despite its lack of spot metering.” They’ve been reading my answers! (haha)

Answer by ken198889
i really dislike consumer reports because seems like everything that they test to be lopsided and by the time they end their reports and having everything in print seems to be ancient and not up to date with none of the current models after they had started testing everything.

Answer by cabbiinc
Consumer Reports, as with any review type medium, is written by humans. As such they all have feelings towards or against things and some have already made their minds up before they even handle the product. I don’t read Consumer Reports mainly because if I follow their guidelines I will more than liable spend alot more than I should. I know that quality costs but come on, do I need something I dont use day to day to be that high quality, usually the middle of the road will do. On that point if I do use something day to day, my hand tools at work for example, I will have my own views that most liable wont contest theirs. Your an accomplished photographer right? So you already can tell just by handling a camera at the store how excellent it should be.

Trust your gut, after all, you’ve never seen their gut and who knows what that looks like.

Answer by clavestone
Hey Dr. Sam, You run into a few issues with print magazines.

Yes 1 it takes time to test all those cameras, and 2 most of those articles must be submitted 2-3 months before the issue they are printing it goes into press. The layout artisis, proofreaders, ad placements etc must be finalized within the last 30-60 days before printing. Consumer reports have always been 5-8 months behind on their models.

Check out DPReview.com (one of the better review sites that is very up to date (usually within 24hrs of an authoritative introduction) but the full reviews (VERY IN-Depth) can take 2-5 months before complete.

Answer by DougF
So what are the huge issues here?
Testing obsolete or obsolescent cameras. Editorial issue – if they keep doing it, they will lose relevance, readers, then advertisers, advertising revenue and go out of business. Liable? Not really, but you can dream that it might.

Rankings don’t make sense. Most of these reviews rely on multiple criteria, each separately assessed and evaluated. Having done all this hard work, they simply sum up the individual criteria weightings as if they are all of equal relative value. They haven’t done the really hard work of figuring out which of the criteria is more valued by different camera users and properly weighting the results. I believe professionals will have different values in some areas to those of us ordinary consumers, and this ought to be recognised in the weightings that are used.

You can do your own check on this. Renovate your own weighting, with those characteristics you value more given a higher weighting, those you don’t care about given less. Recalculate the scores and see if the order changes. Do this again from a different perspective. If you did it the first time from a professional’s viewpoint, do it again from, say, a young backpacker travelling overseas, or a family with numerous potential users, adults and children.

If this doesn’t signal like fun, then don’t do it, but you clearly know that accepting the view of the journo who wrote the original report without question or deeper understanding is a road to terrible decisions about equipment buys.

Add your own answer in the comments!

I will be taking a class soon that requires that I own a Digital SLR Camera. I would naturally just go by what Consumer Reports says, but I can’t find the Digital Camera issue x( and I reckon I need to subscribe (?) to see it on the internet (right me if I’m incorrect?). So I’d like a few opinions on everywhere to start.

I’ve never used a Digital SLR, but I’ve used plenty of Compact Digital Cameras and other SLR Cameras. I’ve always owned Nikon’s, but I recently worked with two professional photographers who despised them and only used Canon’s. I’d like to know what Brand and Model people use and what they use them for. Most of what I photograph is outdoors and action/sport shots, but I’d like something pretty basic and all-around. Price isn’t a huge object, but as I’m not a professional and really am just learning – something reasonable.

Any help is appreciated
BTW: I was looking at this camera, but I’ve no thought if it is any excellent:

http://www.amazon.com/Canon-Digital-Camera-18-55mm-3-5-5-6/dp/B0012YA85A

Answer by Mandy
Canon and Nikon used by professionals will find what they like about their brand and defend it, no matter what. It is a know fact that Canon leads the promote for their cameras. But that doesn’t mean Nikons are any less of a camera. Most of us stay with our brand because it is our system; a group of lenses, sparkle guns, battery packs, and other accessories. Both Nikon and Canon have a few specialized lenses that the other doesn’t have. Sometimes that is why a user chooses a particular brand. Whatever brand you choose on, make sure you go to a camera shop and try them out. You really need to feel the body (some are small, even without a battery grip) and try out the features. Don’t get too caught up in a sale’s person’s recommendation; he or she could be pushing a brand for a commission bonus.

Answer by KNDChicago
For quality and value I vote Pentax K-x. Check prices from B&H

Pentax K-x w/18-55 $ 521 HD video
Pentax K-x w/18-55 and 50-200 $ 625 HD video
Pentax K-x w/18-55mm and 55-300mm $ 715 HD video
Nikon D5000 w/18-55 $ 700 HD video
Rebel XS (1000D) w/18-55 $ 530 No video
Nikon D3000 w/18-55 $ 550 No video
Canon T2i w/18-55 $ 900 HD video
Canon 7D body only $ 1700 HD video
Canon 50D body only $ 930 No video

With the K-x Image Stabilization and Auto-focus are both in the body. No need to pay for IS or AF with each and each lens you buy as with Nikon and Canon. This will save you significant cash throughout the being you own the camera.

Outperforms other cameras in its price range and some more expensive models. See routine comparisons for the Canon XS (1000D), Nikon D3000 and Pentax K-x here
http://www.dxomark.com/index.php/eng/Image-Quality-Database/Equate-cameras/(appareil1)/268%7C0/(appareil2)/331%7C0/(appareil3)/345%7C0/(onglet)/0/(brand)/Canon/(brand2)/Nikon/(brand3)/Pentax

Routine between the K-x and Nikon D5000 is very close as shown in this comparison
http://www.dxomark.com/index.php/eng/Image-Quality-Database/Equate-cameras/(appareil1)/320|0/(appareil2)/345|0/(onglet)/0/(brand)/Nikon/(brand2)/Pentax

The K-x outperforms the Canon T2i and Canon 50D See the comparison here
http://www.dxomark.com/index.php/eng/Image-Quality-Database/Equate-cameras/(appareil1)/345|0/(appareil2)/338|0/(appareil3)/267|0/(onglet)/0/(brand)/Pentax/(brand2)/Canon/(brand3)/Canon

And the K-x outperforms the Canon 7D here with just a hair advantage to the 7D at high ISO
http://www.dxomark.com/index.php/eng/Image-Quality-Database/Equate-cameras/(appareil1)/345|0/(appareil2)/329|0/(onglet)/0/(brand)/Pentax/(brand2)/Canon

The Pentax K-x is a beginner friendly camera.

ImagingResource
"The Pentax Kx has giant value, thanks to its remarkable image and print quality, fine build, and class-leading burst speed, all combining to make one impressive digital SLR camera. The Pentax Kx is a Dave's Pick. For sheer image quality at a wide range of ISOs, the Pentax Kx is tough to beat, especially for the price."

DCResource
"The Pentax K-x is an impressive entry-level digital SLR. It brings very excellent image quality (especially with a decent lens), snappy routine, tons of features, HD movie recording, and excellent build quality to the table. If you're looking for your first digital SLR, then the K-x should be high on your list."

MacWorld.uk (Editor's Choice)
"Ultimately, this is a beginner-friendly model featuring most of the latest must-haves"
http://www.digitalcameratracker.com/pentax-k-x-reviews-sample-photos/

Its right there are more Nikon and Canon lenses available. Check the prices. Can you afford all the lenses available? If you can do you plot on export each and each one? There are more than enough Pentax and third party lenses available for any photographer.

Answer by Anna
“I’ve never used a Digital SLR”o the best choice for you is Nikon D5000 12.3 MP DX Digital SLR Camera with 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR Lens and 2.7-inch Vari-angle. This camera is brilliant for entry, mid-level, and prosumer users.http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&house=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Freview%2FB00267S7TQ%3Fie%3DUTF8%26ref_%3Ddp%5Ftop%5Fcm%5Fcr%5Facr%5Ftxt%26showViewpoints%3D1&tag=digitsy-marina-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=390957

What do you reckon? Answer below!

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