For some people, the biggest obstacles to buying a digital SLR camera are the bulk and weight--who wants to carry a couple pounds of camera around everywhere? The Panasonic Lumix DMC-G1 may provide a solution: It's smaller and lighter than any digital ...

Smaller and lighter than typical SLRs Large LCD with fast refresh rate

Electronic viewfinder not usable Expensive, compared to low-end SLRs

A button on the top-right corner of the camera labeled Film Mode lets you choose dynamic, nature, smooth, nostalgic, vibrant, standard black and white, dynamic black and white, or smooth black and white. It allows for exposure bracketing and white ...

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-G1 camera is smaller and lighter than an SLR, but not by much--and it costs more than many low-end SLRs do.

Large LCD with fast refresh rate ; Smaller and lighter than an SLR

Expensive compared with low-end SLRs ; Electronic eye-level viewfinder not as easy to use

A button on the top-right corner of the camera labeled Film Mode lets you choose dynamic, nature, smooth, nostalgic, vibrant, standard black and white, dynamic black and white, or smooth black and white. It allows for exposure bracketing and white ...

There's no doubt the Panasonic Lumix DMC-G1 camera--the first to use the Micro Four-Thirds System--is revolutionary. But our review suggests you may be better off buying a "real" DSLR for now.

There's no doubt that the Micro Four-Thirds system represents an evolutionary step in the world of cameras, but how well did the Lumix G1 itself perform? Executive Editor Alan Stafford spent some hands-on time with the G1, and he's not quite ready to ...

Updated 12/23/08: The Nikon D60 aims to hook point-and-shoot photography enthusiasts crossing over to the digital SLR dimension. The next step up from the Nikon D40x, this model adds advanced in-camera editing, including Nikon's D-Lighting technology ...

Variety of advanced controls Good image quality with extra features

Some design aspects not intuitive Design feels cramped

With the Nikon D60, you get a lot of functionality for your dollar. I would sacrifice a bit of its compact design for better ergonomics and layout, however

Updated 12/23/08: Like competing compact digital SLRs designed for users stepping up from the point-and-shoot realm, the 10.2-megapixel Sony Alpha DSLR-A300K has live-view functions--but it enjoys an edge over its rivals in that its flexible live-view ...

"Live View" handling is quite impressive Very easy to navigate and operate

Noticeable noise at high ISO settings Artifacting in high-contrast edges

The Sony Alpha DSLR-A300K's smooth live-view handling makes this model worth consideration for anyone graduating from a point-and-shoot camera. That this model offers advanced features in a fun-to-use, uncomplicated form should only make for more ...

Updated 12/23/08: The 12.2-megapixel Canon Digital Rebel XSi, which targets entry-level digital SLR shooters, has all the features that novices expect--as well as an alluring array of advanced options that will appeal to more seasoned photographers. ...

Easy to navigate basic features Many pro-quality features

Complicated options may confound newbies

The Canon Digital Rebel XSi stands out as a versatile digital SLR that is easily navigable on the surface but also offers powerful options, some that you may never even get to. Once you get the hang of the basics, this camera has the depth to take ...

Powerful and versatile entry-level digital SLR camera offers terrific image quality.

Easy to navigate basic features, Many pro-quality features

Complicated options may confound newbies

The Canon Digital Rebel XSi stands out as a versatile digital SLR that is easily navigable on the surface but also offers powerful options, some that you may never even get to. Once you get the hang of the basics, this camera has the depth to take ...

The A300's versatile, real-time Live View LCD eases the transition from point-and-shoot to digital SLR.

"Live View" handling is quite impressive, Very easy to navigate and operate

Noticeable noise at high ISO settings, Artifacting in high-contrast edges

The Sony Alpha DSLR-A300's smooth Live View handling makes this model worth consideration for anyone graduating from a point-and-shoot camera. That this model offers advanced features in a fun-to-use, uncomplicated form should only make for more ...

My first impressions of the Nikon D300 digital SLR camera may rekindle my fondness for Nikon SLRs. It's not a perfect 10, but it's interesting and nicely built, and it performed better than I expected.

Large, live-view LCD Extensive custom modes

Live view isn't as easy to use as others Menu system is complicated

The Nikon D300 is not a camera that you can simply pick up and run with. Its high resolution, exceptional flexibility, excellent exposure accuracy, and useful Live View function make it worth the effort of working through a longish learning stage. It ...

Updated 12/23/08: The 10.1-megapixel E3, the top dog in Olympus's line of digital single-lens-reflex (DSLR) cameras, is an attractive package for both pros and serious amateurs. You have to be serious about your photography--and have plenty of arm ...

Rotating, swiveling LCD with live view Very quick autofocusing

Very heavy

Overall, I enjoyed using the E3. It feels comfortable in the hand, its magnesium body looks and feels durable--ready for extensive time in the field--and operating the controls is quick and efficient. And unlike my experience with many cameras, I ...