The A700 has excellent image quality, but is let down by design quirks and the high price.

A significant overhaul and a great camera. At this price it’s the best all-round package on the market

Rarely has a new camera received as much attention as the EOS 300D, released amid a flurry of excitement among photographers and a massive marketing campaign. Why the fuss? Because it's a true 6.3-megapixel digital SLR for under $2,000 including lens. It sounds expensive in the context of the cameras in this month's digital cameras Labs, but the previous generation of several models in that test were nudging a grand when they were released.

A completely new digital SLR system has arrived in the shape of the Olympus E-1 and is perhaps the most eagerly awaited professional camera this year.

A decent enough addition to the legendary EOS range, but there are too many competitors at this price.

High performance with a matching price tag.

The 450D’s superb sensor makes it the best choice if quality is your priority. It doesn't beat the Sony A200 for value, but for the best quality below $1500 the 450D has the edge.

If you can afford one and can find one, don’t think twice about it. If not, rent one from a specialist outlet for phenomenal results

Canon’s SLR fails to make the enormous splash of its predecessors, but it’s still a great camera in its own right.

Superb build quality and performance make this a worthwhile upgrade for serious amateurs.

The Canon EOS 500D is capable of great results, but a wallet-draining way of getting HD video on a DSLR.

A good camera at the price, but perhaps not as great as you thought it was going to be. Its shortcomings will nag at you like an old fishwife

Forget gold plated and diamond encrusted – if you've got three grand to spare and don't mind weighty snappers, this is the camera to blow it on

The lack of a separate status LCD is annoying, but the 400D is great value and capable of great quality

As a reviewer, there is no greater thrill than being privy to a product that you know will either revolutionise or turn the world upside down. The first Palm Pilot, USB devices, and the Canon 1Ds.

Excellent performance and features, but at a price that’s too high

Canon’s splashed into shallow end of the DSLR pool again with an entry-level model based on the 450D. Will it win gold or need water wings?

Forget budget DSLR, this is for serious photography. Extravagant in almost every way, the D700 is superbly responsive and produces stunning images

For a DSLR that does everything an amateur is ever likely to want, with a terrifyingly cheap price tag, look no further.

An ideal first DSLR thanks to onscreen help. It takes great shots and the battery lasts for ages.