This Four Thirds-based camera features SLR-like image quality in a smaller form factor.

Very small design; excellent image quality; full feature set; interchangeable lenses

Electronic viewfinder is difficult to see in low light and has limited dynamic range; no movie mode; small lens selection

Point-and-shoot cameras use very small sensors, typically lack an optical viewfinder (you always use the LCD as a viewfinder), come in a huge range of sizes and prices, and pack a very wide range of features. SLRs have larger sensors, usually offer ...

SLR newcomers who are easily intimidated when trying to use a camera more complicated than a point-and-shoot may find the Alpha A380 a lot easier to use than other SLRs.

Lightweight and compact for an APS-C sized sensor DSLR; intuitive to use; fast and responsive; reliable performance

Distinctly plastic construction; tilting screen stiff and awkward; image noise visible at higher ISO sensitivity settings

Thinking about upgrading from a point-and-shoot camera to a digital single-lens reflex (SLR) for the first time, or simply want a relatively lightweight and compact SLR as a backup your main SLR? Though Canon and Nikon have long dominated the SLR ...

If you're looking for an SLR under $1,000 that takes great images and movies, then the Rebel T1i is an excellent choice.

Excellent image quality; very good design; full feature set; great high-ISO performance.

No external mic jack or manual exposure controls when shooting video.

As with all Canon SLRs, almost all of the essential shooting controls are accessible through external camera controls. White balance, autofocus, drive mode, exposure compensation, exposure lock, and program shift modes all have dedicated buttons, and ...

The Nikon D5000 is well positioned to stand up to competing entry-level SLRs and crossover cameras.

Tilt and swivel screen ; compact size

Video doesn't autofocus ; battery life unimpressive

The D5000's most distinctive feature is its 2.7-inch, 230,000-dot, tilt-and-swivel LCD screen—a first among Nikon cameras. The display provides surprising clarity given its image depth (the D90's LCD clocks in at 920,000 dots). It doesn't articulate ...

If you shoot pictures with a digital single-lens reflex (SLR) camera and carry a point-and-shoot for its video capability, then Nikon's D90 might be the camera for you.

Excellent low-light performance ; great image quality ; full feature set ; video

No external mic jack ; rolling shutter problem when shooting video

The real significance of video on a SLR is not the ability to shoot simple YouTube-style clips (though the D90 is quite suitable for that purpose), but the flexibility to use high-quality lenses to get cinematic effects that you can't achieve with a ...

The Olympus E-30 stacks up well against other digital SLRs in the $1,300 price range. Derrick Story finds that the E-30's creative features are plus, and it's a SLR with professional features at a reasonable price.

Real-time focusing in Live View mode ; support for multiple aspect ratios ; image stabilization in camera body ; unique features such as Multiple Exposure and Digital Leveler ; 98 percent field of view through optical viewfinder ; exposure bracketing ...

No movie mode ; battery charger requires cord instead of plugging directly into wall outlet

The E-30's Art Filters and Multiple Exposure functions are two unique features that I hadn't seen before in an SLR. Both take advantage of Live View technology that enables you to compose and capture images via the LCD instead of the optical viewfinder

Canon's new EOS Rebel XSi is a great digital SLR camera, no matter how you look at it. If you're shopping for a DSLR that costs less than a grand, this camera must go on your short list.

Great image quality ; excellent low-light performance ; improved body and control layout ; Live View ; big LCD screen ; very good kit lens

No top-mounted LCD screen ; limited customization

It's easy to look at the Canon DSLR product line and slot the cameras into “beginner,” “intermediate,” and “advanced” categories But to call the XSi a beginner or starter DSLR is a misnomer. The XSi is an incredibly capable camera that just happens to ...

Nikon on Tuesday introduced the 12.1 megapixel D700 digital SLR, providing professional photographers better low light performance and accurate color reproduction.

It's big and brawny, and Olympus's new DSLR can handle the elements. It's high-ISO performance isn't as good as Nikon's D300 or Canon's EOS 40D, but the E-3's overall image quality is very good.

Very good image quality ; full environmental seals ; tilt/shift LCD screen with live view ; fast auto-focus

Not as good as the competition at high ISO ; control layout is a little cumbersome ; lacks customizability ; menus are too complex

Weighing almost two pounds, the E-3 isn't light, but it's comfortable to hold

There's a lot to like about Canon's successor to the popular EOS 30D digital single-lens reflex camera. Experienced photographers will enjoy the EOS 40D's intuitive design and easy-to-use software interface, not to mention the great image quality. It ...

Image quality ; great interface with re-defined menu structure ; nice customization features ; good live view implementation ; custom modes

Limited auto-bracketing ; inconvenient power switch ; lacks some advanced features and customization options

Canon's EOS 40D is the successor to the popular EOS 30D