With image quality that rivals capable D-SLRs and a body not much larger than a super-zoom camera, the 12.1-megapixel Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1 ($899.95 direct, with lens) is the most compact model in Panasonic's line-up of micro-four-thirds cameras. ...

More compact than a D-SLR. Fast focusing speeds. Extremely sharp images. 720p30 HD video capture. Built-in flash. HDMI port with CEC support

Noisy images at ISO 1600 and higher. No optical viewfinder. No optical image stabilization with 20mm lens

The best micro-four-thirds camera we've seen so far, Panasonic's Lumix DMC-GF1 offers a D-SLR experience in a body that's not much bigger than a superzoom camera.

After almost three years, Nikon has finally decided to retire its popular entry-level Nikon D40 D-SLR. Enter the Nikon D3000, which boasts big upgrades like 10.2-megapixel captures, a 3-inch LCD, and an 11-point autofocus system, all at the budget ...

Affordable. 3-inch LCD. Guide mode and Info button provide automatic operation along with helpful shooting tips. 11 autofocus points

Soft images. Poor low-light performance. Noticeable noise at ISO 800 and above. LCD doesn't support Live View. No video capture

The inexpensive, entry-level Nikon D3000 is a good fit for first-time D-SLR users, but competing shooters in this price range offer sharper, less-noisy images.

Sony's latest entry-level SLR shooter, the 10.2-megapixel Alpha DSLR-A230 ($549.99 direct, with 18-55mm kit lens) is competitively priced, captures great images, and delivers a solid feature set for the money. You won't get extras like a Live View LCD ...

Competitive price. Lightweight. Good image quality. Noise is unnoticeable up to and including ISO 1600. Clever interface guides beginners. HDMI port with support for HDMI CEC

LCD does not support Live View. Kit lens produces soft images at wider apertures. Still image frame rate is a bit sluggish when compared with comparable cameras

The Sony Alpha DSLR-A230 delivers terrific value and solid shots for an entry-level SLR, but it lacks features such as HD video capture and Live View, which are often standard on higher-end models.

With DSLR-like functionality in a package no larger than a rangefinder camera, the Olympus E-P1 ($799.99 list, with 14-42mm kit lens) is truly a game changer. The Micro Four Thirds camera offers spectacular image quality in a compact body, but its ...

Sharp images from ISO 100 through ISO 800. Low noise from ISO 100-1600. Beautiful aesthetics and design. HD video capture (720p30). HDMI port. 3 inch LCD

Noticeable shutter lag. Slow autofocus. Lens is noisy when focusing, which is recorded when capturing video. Few Micro Four Thirds Lenses available. No optical viewfinder. No built-in flash

Despite slow focusing, the compact Olympus E-P1 offers a well-rounded experience with a great price.

The 12.1-megapixel Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH1 ($1,499.95 direct with Lumix G Vario HD 14-140mm/F4.0-5.8 lens) isn't just a solid D-SLRit's also a darn good HD camcorder. In a well-lit environment, the camera can produce high-quality still images, but it ...

Simple to use. Comfortable. Produces high-quality still images and HD video in well-lit conditions. Best implementation of video recording in a D-SLR to date. Supports a wide variety of HD recording formats. Numerous buttons allow quick access to ...

Expensive. Images and video are noticeably noisy in low-light conditions. Electronic viewfinder. Noticeable shutter lag. Limited number of lenses available. LCD and EVF show heavy motion blur ; Watch the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH1 in action

You can find less-expensive D-SLRs that take better photos in any lighting condition, but the Panasonic DMC-GH1 is the only one that both is easy to use and offers a full-featured HD camcorder.

The 12.3-megapixel Nikon D5000 is a terrific buy, offering the image quality of a more expensive D-SLR for a price of just $729.99 (direct, body only). Not only does this camera shoot beautiful images under any lighting conditions, but it can also ...

Excellent value. Stellar image quality. HD video capture. LCD screen rotates and swivels. HDMI out

Can't automatically refocus when shooting video. No microphone input. Low-res screen compared with competition. Proprietary USB port ; Watch the Nikon D5000 in action

Nikon's HD-capable D5000 D-SLR offers outstanding image quality and robust features for its under-$1,000 price.

Offering image quality and a robust feature set typically found in pricier prosumer-level D-SLRs, the Canon EOS Rebel T1i is a definite game-changer. For less than $1,000 ($899.99 list with an EF-S 18-to-55mm IS lens), you get a 15.1-megapixel CMOS ...

Excellent value. Stellar image quality. Fast performance. HD (720p30) video capture. Big, 3-inch high-res (VGA) screen. HDMI-out

Cannot continuously focus during video recording (user must hold down a button to refocus if subjects change their distance from the camera). Autofocus mechanism is audible in video recordings. Full HD 1080 video capture looks sluggish due to its low ...

The Canon EOS Rebel T1i helps redefine the D-SLR landscape by offering prosumer features, performance, and image quality for less than $1,000.

The Sony Alpha DSLR-A700 ($999.99, body only) may be a solid shooter, but there are other digital SLRs (D-SLRs) that will give you more for your thousand bucks. Sure, it can crank out five full-resolution images per second, and it performs better in ...

Low noise at high ISOs (excels at low-light shooting). Fast operation. HDMI out. Includes a remote control

Expensive for what you get. Soft images. Dull design. LCD doesn't support Live View. No video capability

The Sony Alpha DSLR-A700 takes superb low-light photos, but overall, there are better options for the price.

high-definition video capture (something the 50D can't do) for less cash.

Lighting fast. Produces beautiful low-light images. Large, high-resolution LCD screen. HDMI-out

Expensive. Big and heavy

The Canon EOS 50D is fast and sharp, and it produces low noise at high ISOs. If you own compatible lenses, there's not much to think about. If you don't, Nikon's D90 might be worth a look.

For those looking for an entry into digital SLR (D-SLR) photography, the $599.95 (direct, with 18–55mm lens) Pentax K2000 is a great choice at a great price. This 10.2-megapixel camera performs quite well in well-lit outdoor shots, where its captures ...

Takes sharp pictures. Fast operation and autofocus. Help button provides useful information about other camera functions. Includes additional flash accessory

Images can be noisy at or above ISO 800. Camera recycle times slow down after a few seconds of consistent shots. LCD can't be used as a viewfinder

Despite a few issues shooting in low light, the Pentax K2000 has great speed, solid image sharpness, and costs less than most competing D-SLRs.