The Nikon D5000 ($850 with an 18mm-to-55mm f3.5-5.6G VR lens, as of 5/15/09) strikes a great balance between price and features. It deviates from the nomenclature of its closest siblings, the Nikon D60 and Nikon D90, but no matter: It combines many of ...

Tilt and swivel screen Compact size

Video doesn't autofocus Battery life unimpressive

The 12.3-megapixel D5000 uses an APS-C (DX)-size sensor, same as the D60 and the D90. It has 19 automatic-exposure scene modes, and a maximum burst mode of 4 frames per second, half a frame shy of the D90's maximum. Like the D90, this model can take ...

The new E-30 digital single-lens reflex camera (SLR) from Olympus combines a solid feature set with a truly creative...

Very good autofocus in daylight

Complicated customizable menus Unimpressive performance at high ISOs

In terms of image quality, performance, features, and design, the Olympus E-30 stacks up well against other digital SLRs in the $1,300 price range. Its creative features are plus, and I very much liked having the swing-out LCD screen. I was a little ...

In December 2005, Canon released the EOS 5D, a revolutionary camera that offered a full-frame sensor (that is, a sensor that's...

For current EOS 5D owners, the question of upgrade is tricky. But if you need big prints, then the extra pixels that the EOS 5D Mark II provides are well worth the price. Similarly, if you shoot in low light, or want video capability, then the ...

The Olympus E-520 digital SLR camera evolved from its predecessor, the Evolt E-510--but only just. Olympus has added a larger, more ergonomic grip, for one; the company has also increased the size of the LCD to 2.7 inches (from 2.5 inches), added a ...

Very impressive autofocus in daylight

Complicated customizable menus Poor performance at high ISOs

Some cameras in this class are still priced quite a bit higher, and do some things better--such as handling noise at higher ISOs--but as an entry-level DSLR, the Olympus E-520 offers decent performance and consistently good results with outdoor ...

Pentax's K20D digital SLR camera impresses with its unique feature set, while still offering a lot of quality for the price. The camera, which sells body only for $750 and packaged in a kit with an 18mm-55mm lens for $1000 (prices as of 12/10/08), is ...

High resolution Faithful color rendition

No AF assist light; have to raise flash Autofocus hunts frequently

Generally, the Pentax K20D offers good improvements over the K10D. Though its high-ISO image quality doesn't match that of the Canon XSi or the Nikon D90, it isn't far off--not a bad deal for the money, especially for current Pentax owners

The 10.1-megapixel Canon EOS Digital Rebel XS has just about everything a budding digital photographer could want in a camera: a wide variety of features and modes, excellent image quality, and an affordable price tag. The XS doesn't have as many ...

Great entry-level features Excellent image quality

No spot meter Small, uncomfortable grip

If you're a more seasoned photographer, you might want to shell out an extra $100 for the XSi. But overall, the Canon EOS Digital Rebel XS is a great entry-level digital SLR, delivering a handful of advanced features and excellent image quality for a ...

The Sony Alpha DSLR-A900 is a powerful digital SLR camera aimed squarely at professionals and enthusiasts who covet a full-frame sensor--and who can afford the investment. This camera costs $3000 for the body only, and $5250 with a 24mm-to-70mm f/2.8 ...

Easy to use, accurate, and solid In-camera stabilization really works

Noise reduction softens images A bit pricey for new Sony buyers

Overall I enjoyed using the Sony Alpha DSLR-A900, and for the most part I was very happy with its image quality. A full-frame 35mm sensor is indeed exciting, but I'm not convinced of this model's value. It may be a good value to you, if you crave the ...

Nikon rocked the DSLR world when it announced the D90, the first digital SLR camera to incorporate video recording. That feature needs refinement, but purely as a photographer's tool, the D90 stacks up as a worthy successor to the Nikon D80 on several ...

High-quality images Ease of use and handling

Live View not good for stills shooting No audio recording for stills

With its improved LCD, slightly larger frame of view, dust-cleaning sensor, enhanced 3D 11-point autofocus, an optional GPS attachment, and the ability to make a video here and there, the D90 definitely has an array of interesting features. And simply ...

The Nikon D700 ($2500 body only; $3600 with a 24mm-to-120mm VR lens) digital SLR camera walks the walk of professional gear. Though it's the less-beefy sibling of the pro-level Nikon D3, the D700 features many of the great capabilities of that model- ...

Terrific performance through ISO 6400 Great versatility and powerful functions

Heavier than the lower-end DSLRs

In my hands-on test shots across the ISO range and in a variety of lighting settings, the D700 produced high-quality output. Occasionally a photo had a blown-out highlight or two, but I was shooting RAW files and was able to regain detail in those ...

At first glance the Canon EOS 50D digital SLR camera isn't a dramatic upgrade over its predecessor, the Canon EOS 40D (which remains available). For a price difference of about $300 (the 50D sells for $1600, including an EF 18-to-200mm, f/3.5-to-5.6 ...

Offers face detection mode Solid design

Live View shooting remains convoluted

Ultimately, the Canon EOS 50D is very much like its 40D sibling. Its strengths overshadow its minor drawbacks (unless you're eager to use the Live View mode). Its greatest assets are its wide-ranging controls and its ability to output great image ...