In addition to delivering lightning speeds and stunning photos, this DSLR is the world's first to record video.

First DSLR with movie recording ability\, Can use optical zoom during filming and apply other settings, Excellent image quality, Good low-light performance, Fast speeds

No autofocus in movie mode

The D90 has Live View, a standard feature in point-and-shoot cameras but, ironically, a premium one in DSLRs. This feature allows you to see the action in the LCD as you frame it and adjust settings. Unlike earlier DSLRs, we were able to focus just as eas...

After two missteps, Canon refocused and refined its entry-level DSLR.

More comfortable design, Larger, improved LCD, Fastest overall speed in its class, Excellent image quality with faithful color reproduction

No ISO 3200, Skin tones are overly red, Only average kit lens, Hard to access Live View options

Though the 18-55mm lens was okay, it struggled when we tried photographing a book reading at a sparsely lit bar. And while we liked the wide range of the lens, we noticed significant softness in the corners in landscape shots we took of the Hudson River f...

If you can afford it, Nikon's high-end DSLR offers superior image quality and speed.

Superb overall picture quality, Low-noise images even at high ISOs, Very fast start-up time with no shutter lag, Water- and dust-resistant

Expensive even for its class, Steep learning curve, No in-camera image stabilization, Erratic 3D Focus Tracking system

If you're serious about photography and don't mind spending extra money to upgrade to a serious DSLR, the Nikon D300 is about the best investment you can make. While the 10.1-megapixel Canon EOS 40D and the 12.2-megapixel Sony Alpha A700 are good (and che...

The Nikon D40 finds the perfect balance between price and picture quality.