A great combination of new features and the usual Nikon image and build quality make this a superb camera.

More expensive than its direct competition, but thanks to its brilliant features the D80 is money well spent.

The aggressive price and Nikon design know-how mean there’s still a place for the D40

A good camera but not the most inspiring. There’s better value elsewhere.

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

The A330 is a competent, fully featured and easy to use DSLR, but a backward step in some respects.

A brilliantly implemented live-view mode and high specs don’t justify the extra price over its sibling

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.

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

If you need professional-class ruggedness on a budget, this is a real option.

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

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

The Olympus PEN E-P1 may look like a throwback to retro photography, but it’s expensive and flawed. However, it's beautiful image quality renders almost impossible to dislike.

Pentax enthusiasts will be more than happy, but others may find it overwhelming

A capable enough performer, but it doesn’t offer enough for the money to come out on top.

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They may look big and complicated, but a digital slr is just as easy to use and takes far better pictures than a pocket digicam