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 IS US...

Solid design Offers face detection mode

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 quality....

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--only...

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 areas u...

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 bigger...

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 shooting....

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 lens...

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 wide...

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 advanced...

Excellent image quality Great entry-level features

Small, uncomfortable grip No spot meter

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 reas...

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 cou...

Ease of use and handling High-quality images

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

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 as...

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 SLR...

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-balance...

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-balance...

Like competing compact digital SLRs designed for users stepping up from the point-and-shoot realm, the 10.2-megapixel Sony Alpha DSLR-A300 has Live View functions--but it enjoys an edge over its rivals in that its flexible Live View LCD works in real time...

"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 photograp...

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 and an in-camera stop-...

Good image quality with extra features Variety of advanced controls

Design feels cramped Some design aspects not intuitive

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