The Samsung Digimax GX-1S ($800 as of 5/5/06) is an entry-level digital SLR that's very similar to the Pentax *ist D2. Though the name on the front says Samsung, the camera has the same small, sturdy body and features as Pentax's latest entry-level ...

Sturdy construction, small size Controls are easy to use one-handed

Images didn't look very sharp Must use menus to access many features

The Samsung Digimax GX-1S is a little expensive when compared with competitors such as the Canon EOS Digital Rebel XT, considering that the Rebel XT offers more controls, better image quality, and a larger selection of lenses. As with any digital SLR, ...

The Olympus EVolt E-330 ($1100 as of March 21, 2006) is an upgrade of the company's previous E-300 model. The E-330 is unique among midrange digital SLR cameras in allowing you to use its LCD screen as a viewfinder.

LCD screen can be used as a viewfinder Unlimited continuous shooting

Rear-mounted LCD can be distracting Limited lens selection

The camera's interface is adequate, permitting relatively speedy access to essential controls. And the E-330 includes Olympus's excellent automatic sensor-cleaning mechanism to keep dust from marring your images

It might be logical to assume that Canon's new EOS 30D digital SLR camera, successor to the company's popular EOS 20D, would pack a higher-resolution sensor. But such is not the case. The EOS 30D ($1499 as of March 21, 2006) provides the same imaging ...

High quality RAW conversion Excellent interface

Software's RAW conversion is slow Auto-bracketing limited to three stops

Other important new additions include the ability to adjust ISO in increments of one-third stop; an ISO readout in the viewfinder, so you don't have to consult the LCD to change the ISO; an optional slower burst speed, which permits more shots in a ...

With a street price of $600 (as of March 21, 2006) and a basic feature set, the Pentax *ist DL represents a good entry-level option for aspiring digital SLR shooters on a budget. Though it isn't long on features, the *ist DL provides the automatic and ...

Excellent overall construction Controls are easy to use one-handed

No external controls for ISO and flash Images didn't look very sharp

The *ist DL falls down in image quality. In JPEG mode, the camera's shots are soft and occasionally look underexposed. Increasing the default sharpening setting helps make images look crisper; and once you're used to the underexposure, you can ...

Live preview on LCD is a unique feature--but one that presents both benefits and liabilities.

This model bridges Nikon's consumer and pro SLRs.

This well-equipped and reasonably priced entry-level digital SLR produces high-quality images. The 8-megapixel camera comes with a wide array of features that establish it as a legitimate challenger to Canon's popular, similarly priced Digital Rebel ...

Extensive menus Large LCD

Response to control wheel is sluggish Manual focus isn't precise

The price and quality of the E-500's kits are hard to beat. But old-school photographers who like shooting in manual mode might find this camera a bit too slow to respond, and if you expect to shoot using high ISO settings, the Digital Rebel XT may be ...

This well-equipped and reasonably priced entry-level digital SLR produces high-quality images. The 8-megapixel camera comes with a wide array of features that establish it as a legitimate challenger to Canon's popular, similarly priced Digital Rebel ...

The price and quality of the E-500's kits are hard to beat. But old-school photographers who like shooting in manual mode might find this camera a bit too slow to respond, and if you expect to shoot using high ISO settings, the Digital Rebel XT may be ...

A big, burly camera with a price that puts it halfway between a consumer single-lens reflex unit and some high-end professional models, the FinePix S3 Pro's features tend more toward the high end. It has both USB 2.0 and FireWire connections, and you ...

Accepts Nikon lenses Unique wide dynamic range feature

Pricier than competitive models

Fujifilm makes no flashes or lenses of its own. The S3 Pro accepts Nikon flashes and has a standard Nikon F lens mount, so we tested it using a Fujifilm-supplied 28mm-to-75mm Tamron lens, which goes for about $400 street. That brought the total cost ...

At $899 including an 18mm-to-70mm lens, the Maxxum 5D competes with other consumer digital single-lens reflex models such as Nikon's D50, Canon's EOS Digital Rebel XT, and Olympus's EVolt E-300. The 6.1-megapixel Maxxum 5D has the requisite manual ...

Several useful advance controls High image quality

Body looks a little plasticky

However, firing away at that clip can get pretty noisy, as the camera clacks loudly when taking a shot. The lens is fairly loud when focusing, too. That and the camera's blocky plastic body contribute to an impression that the Maxxum 5D is a bit less ...