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.

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

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

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

A feature-rich SLR at a good price. If you can live with the weight and design quirks, that is

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.

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

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.

The brand and the price could prove this camera’s downfall. Who’d buy a Samsung when you can get Pentax for less?

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

The E-510 has a barrowful of features and is a joy to use but we miss the size and convenience of the cheaper E-410

Olympus’ Four Thirds imaging system comes of age in a classy compact SLR that makes the rest look ordinary

An older camera, and expensive in its day, but the impressive image quality and choice of optical and LCD viewfinders make it worth a look for DSLR hunters

Due for replacement or some hefty price cuts. The E-300 takes good shots but its rivals take better

Forget the low-ish pixel-count, this camera has the lot: handling, features and image quality. Add that to the high-powered battery, good for a claimed 2000 shots, and you have a real belter

Even at £900 this is a bit of a bargain for a semi-pro camera but our tip is to wait for the imminent arrival of the Dynax 5D/lens kit package

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

The new Nikon D90, due to hit shelves in September, boasts unique 720p movie HD capabilities, a much improved sensor and surprisingly, a GPS option.

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