Fuji's FinePix S200EXR packs DSLR-caliber hardware into an easy-to-use package without the hassle of interchangeable lenses.

Manually operated 14.3x zoom; etensive manual settings; rapid response; some cool scene modes

Heavy, expensive; LCD doesn't handle direct sunlight well; EVF should be higher quality; no HD video; dumb auto power-off mode

Sony's Alpha 850 checks in $700 below competitors, but snaps stunning shots right on par with them.

Great 24-megapixel images; intelligent Preview a real aid; built-in image sensor-shift stabilization; tweaks galore

Still expensive; noise at ISO 1250 and higher; poorly positioned preview button; no built-in flash; it's a must-have add-on; no Live View or HD video

The D5000's 2.7-inch vari-angle monitor can be flush against the back of the camera like a traditional LCD monitor, but can also swing out, rotate, and tilt to give photographers and...

Affordable 12MP D-SLR with HD video

Slow Live View, difficult movie focusing

We hoped the new Olympus E-620 would give Canon and Nikon a modicum of competition in the cut-throat DSLR arena, but no such luck-the camera simply didn't measure up. Another...

Affordable 10.2MP DSLR with built-in IS, Live View

Fewer FPS than competitors

Yes, there are DSLRs available from companies other than Canon and Nikon. But give the devils their due, since they account for over 75 percent of the approximately 3 million DLSRs...

Compact, lightweight ; fast 4 fps ; art filters are fun tricks ; built-in image stabilization ; affordable

Focusing not crisp ; colors not as accurate as competition ; uses Four Thirds system ; limited lens options ; main screen should be edited, updated

Time for your head to start spinning: In September 2008, Nikon introduced the $999 12.3MP D90, the first DSLR with HD video recording. Canon quickly followed with the $2,699 21.1MP...

High-quality 15.1MP stills ; takes full HD videos ; excellent 3-inch LCD ; low noise up to ISO 800 ; Live View mode works well

Shooting in-focus videos takes work ; boring design ; only shoots 20 fps at full HD ; not as rugged as more expensive DSLRs

The DMC-L10K has live view running full time so that you can see what you are about to take a photo of in real time. the 2.5" LCD rotates left and right, give...

The price and features on this entry-level DSLR are right for aspiring novices.

Fast motor; works well in cold conditions; includes kit lens and flash; light and portable

No HD video; average color quality; no multi-format flash support; lacks a touch screen

A 21.1MP D-SLR camera capable of recording 1080p video, the EOS 5D comes highly recommended for its superior performance.

First full-frame 21.1MP D-SLR to also record HD video, Nice-looking LCD, Takes good stills and videos

Expensive, No flash, Poor mono mic

If you want pure picture prowess, definitely consider the alpha A900. It's a great camera for the serious photographer.

Beautiful 24.6MP stills; outstanding viewfinder; Intelligent Preview works great; easy to use

Expensive - for serious photographers only; limited "cheat" modes; heavy and bulky