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

Not the pinnacle of image quality, but superbly compact with plenty of neat features

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

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

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

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

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?

So why is this so different from the outgoing Pentax *ist DS? The fact is that it’s just as good and yet also cheaper. Joy.

A sterling budget DSLR with a great range of controls and superb high ISO performance

A pint-sized camera that packs a punch, with consistently good performance in all conditions

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

Good quality and with a proper li-ion battery, but expensive and bulky compared to the Olympus.

An 18x zoom in a compact, well-built body. General handling and image quality are great too.

It might look like a DSLR, but it doesn’t handle as well and loses out to others with bigger zooms

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

Attractive styling and a long lens will tempt some, but we recommend spending more on a real SLR.

Good performance and handling, low price and far better quality than any digital compact.