History of DSLR cameras

Some photographers are very brand-loyal and biased, particularly regarding Nikon and Canon.  All I can say is … thank goodness for Canon AND Nikon, competetively driving each other to create excellent cameras.

Here are a few highlights from the history of DSLR cameras.
(intentionally ignoring digital backs for medium format cameras)

  • 1991 Kodak DCS-100  … first DSLR  (based on a modified Nikon body)
  • 1995 Canon/Kodak DCS 3 … Kodak digital camera back on a modified Canon body
  • 1999 Nikon D1  ………. first practical/affordable DSLR for mass market
  • 2001 Canon 1D  ……… landmark for sports photography; 8 fps and reduced shutter lag
  • 2002 Canon 1Ds …….. first DSLR with a full-frame sensor
  • 2004 Fujifilm FinePix S3 Pro… first DSLR with live preview
  • 2007 Nikon D3 …………. Nikon’s first Fx (full-frame) DSLR
  • 2007 Canon 1DS mkIII .. 21 megapixels, first DSLR to exceed 18Mp
  • 2008 Nikon D90 ……….. first DSLR to shoot 720 HD video
  • 2008 Canon 5D mkII …. first DSLR to shoot 1080 HD video
  • 2012 Nikon D3200 ……. 24 megapixels, Nikon’s first DSLR to exceed 18Mp
  • 2012 Nikon D800 …….. 36 megapixels

References:
http://www.print-digital.info/articles/history-of-canon-dslr.html http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/dslr.htm