Sensor-shift image stabilization ; Live View mode (LCD preview) operation

Sluggish autofocus ; Subpar exposure and white-balance performance ; some poor choices for default settings

The Olympus Evolt E-510 has quirky exposure and white-balance issues, but its Live View and Image Stabilization modes may make some photographers give this SLR a chance.

Sigma and Foveon fans, who have been waiting eagerly for this camera, might be interested in the SD14, but consumers can easily find more bang for their buck from other SLRs on the market.

Removable IR-cut filter lets you use the SD14 for infrared photography and acts as a dust shield for the sensor during normal photography.

Slow performance overall ; overly noisy images at ISO 800 and ISO 1600 ; poor control scheme ; inelegant design and ergonomics

Extremely fast, 10-megapixel continuous shooting; very low noise; highly customizable; well-designed body with weather sealing; 3-inch LCD; abundant optional accessories

Heavy; may be a bit too large for people with small hands

Canon's EOS 1D Mark III offers a luxurious cocktail of high-resolution, extremely low noise, blazingly fast burst shooting, abundant customization, and a build quality and ergonomic design among the best you'll find in today's camera market.

Very low noise at higher ISOs ; wide dynamic range ; solid, well-designed body

Slightly sluggish AF system ; low effective resolution for a pro-level camera ; bloated file sizes

While a wide dynamic range lets it serve up tons of highlight detail and impressive overall image quality, the S5 Pro isn't for high-speed sports photography, and it could use more resolution.

Comfortable, compact body design; very low noise at higher ISOs; highly customizable menus; 10.2-megapixel CCD sensor

Slow kit lenses; RAW editing software costs extra; controls can be awkward; occasionally slow to focus; no automatic sensor cleaning; RAW-plus-JPEG mode limited to basic instead of fine JPEG compression

The Nikon D40x makes a very nice first dSLR, though experienced SLR shooters looking for a Nikon should spend the extra cash for the D80.

Very compact for a dSLR ; speedy ; Live View mode (LCD preview) operation

Subpar autofocus, exposure, and automatic white-balance performance ; some poor choices for default settings

Olympus' compact dSLR for newbies, the Evolt E-410, is a decent choice if you're looking to save space in your bag, but issues with its automatic exposure and white balance make it an unsatisfactory option as a first dSLR.

Comfortable, compact body design ; very low noise at higher ISOs ; highly customizable menus ; 10.2-megapixel CCD sensor

Slow kit lenses ; RAW editing software costs extra ; controls can be awkward ; occasionally slow to focus ; no automatic sensor cleaning ; RAW-plus-JPEG mode limited to basic instead of fine JPEG compression

The Nikon D40x makes a very nice first dSLR, though experienced SLR shooters looking for a Nikon should spend the extra cash for the D80.

Excellent photo quality ; well-designed and solidly built body ; premium features for its price class ; nice kit lens

Occasional autofocus hunting ; Optical Picture Stabilization only buys you about a stop

Despite a great feature set for the price, pro-level customization, and excellent photo quality, we can't think of a single reason to buy the Samsung GX-10 over its Pentax-made twin, the K10D.

Excellent photo quality ; well-designed and solidly built body ; premium features for its price class ; nice kit lens

Occasional autofocus hunting ; Shake Reduction only buys you a little over one stop

A great feature set for the price, pro-level customization, and excellent photo quality make the Pentax K10D a bargain amateur dSLR. Only unremarkable performance holds it back from joining the pack leaders.

Top-notch image quality ; professional body ; very low noise even at high ISOs

Expensive ; large and heavy ; no full-frame sensor

Nikon's flagship dSLR ranks among the best 35mm-format cameras currently made, but some pros may take umbrage with its less-than-full-frame sensor.