Coke versus Pepsi. Mac versus PC. Canon versus Nikon. Among these greatrivalries, we can only pick out one clear winner. (Here's a hint: It'snot the colored sugar water.) In the latest Canon-versus-Nikonentry-level digital SLR (single-lens reflex) ...

Brighter, clearer screen. In-lens stabilizer helps hold longer exporsures steady. Strong overall image quality with great details. Screen dims when you sight through eyepiece

Video clips restricted to 5 minutes. HD videos look awful with camera movement. Screen stays lit when you look through eyepiece

Stepping up from a point-and-shoot to a DSLR can seem as daunting as trading in your minivan for an 18-wheeler. To ease the transition, Pentax has placed all the controls on its new 10.2MP K2000 to the right of the camera's bright, 2.7-inch LCD screen ...

Compact, stainless steel frame. Excellent image quality. Built-in help guide. Comfortable grip. Extremely long battery life

Hi-speed burst rate takes only seven exposures before buffer fills. Built-in flash could be more powerful

With built-in image stabilization, a sensor dust-removal system, side-by-side picture comparison, automatic bracketing, high and low burst rates, and a plethora of other features, the K2000 assures that if you're ready to move up, it can't get any ...

When Canon announced the 5D back in 2005, it was a game-changer. The camera was the first full-frame DSLR--meaning that its CMOS sensor is the same size as a frame of 35mm film, about 60 percent larger than the sensors in most DSLRs--in a standard ...

Incredible image quality. High resolution. Low image noise at high ISOs. Jaw-dropping video capability. Live view. AF adjust

Video can be cumbersome to control and is limited by short duration clips

For those with big ambitions--and a budget to match--it's hard to go wrong with the 5D. It offers professional features and image quality in a prosumer body, and as an added bonus, you get incredible, if sometimes tricky-to-use 1080p video capability.

When the Pentax K10D-10.2 megapixels full of DSLR goodness-earned a Mac|Life Editor's Choice last year (5 out of 5 stars, Jul/07), we knew it would be a tough act to follow.

Superb image quality. Low image noise at high ISO settings. Pro-quality weatherproof build. Side-by-side image comparison. Excellent ergonomics

Flash must be raised manually when used to assist focusing. Documentation could be clearer. High-resolution continuous shooting could be faster

The K20D won't disappoint. It stands head and shoulders above other DSLRs in its class and easily goes toe-to-toe with cameras costing much more.

Sony's capable DLSR is full-featured enough for pros, at a price serious hobbyists can actually afford.

High resolution. Built-in image stabilization. Uses UDMA cards

No live view. Proprietary battery. No automatic flash pop-up

The A700 offers great image quality at a good price. As with all DSLRs, a purchase commits you to that camera's family of lenses and other accessories. If you are comfortable with Sony's current offerings or have an investment in Minolta alpha lenses, ...

Entry-level DSLR bakes in PRO features Slackers might chuckle at the numbers in the Evolt E-420's name, but this entry-level DSLR is as hard working as any competitor. Stocked with important features, including a live-view mode to frame shots on the ...

Sharp, detailed close-up pictures. Pleasant colors in average light. Live-view mode allows odd-angle shots. Speedy, responsive action. Advanced manual controls

Photos get noisy at 800 ISO and higher. Viewfinder feels small. LCD stays lit even when sighting camera

The Evolt E-420 includes the features and quality we expect from an entry-level DSLR. While its quirks disappoint, it's a great value for beginners

Catch This Shooting Star Within the weatherproof body of the new, 10.2-megapixel Pentax K200D beats the transplanted heart of the K10D-a sophisticated, semipro camera that garnered a Mac|Life Editor's Choice last year (5 out of 5 stars, Jul/07). ...

Excellent build. Superb images. Built-in shake reduction. Unique dust removal system. Very low power consumption

FlashMmust be raised manually. Continuous shooting at 2.8 frames per second is limited to four photos until buffer clears

The Pentax K200D can be used with confidence right out of the box by novice and advanced photographers alike. And it won't need to be replaced for a long time-the highest compliment a DSLR can earn.

Olympus's Four Thirds sensor limits your lens choices, but the E-3 takes excellent pictures. The Olympus E-3 is a beefy, 10-megapixel, semipro DSLR aching to beat up on the competition. But at $1,700 for its magnesium-muscled body and another $900 ...

Solidly built, weatherproof, excellent picture quality, Live View with articulating LCD screen

JPEG images a bit noisy above ISO 800 ; requires expensive Supersonic Wave Drive lenses for maximum focusing speed

Stellar Shooter

Great image quality. Substantial, comfortable body. Snappy response time. Live-view LCD mode. Gives complete image control. Good high-ISO performance. Useful stabilizer in bundled lens.

Every surface seems covered with buttons.

. The D300 fits nicely between professional and beginner digital cameras. Complete manual control and excellent images make it a great backup for pros or an upgrade after intermediates outgrow their starter DSLRs.

Smile! You're on Canon's camera!

Excellent image quality. Comfortable, solid body. Live View LCD mode. Complete manual controls and customization.

Noise creeps into extreme-ISO photos. Can't use Live View or RAW formats in auto modes.

. The Canon 40D bridges entry-level SLRs with expensive, pro options. We can easily overlook its few shortcomings and focus on its excellent image quality and wide array of useful features.