Entry level DSLR cameras are getting better by the month. Checkout Sony's latest entrant which comes in at $999.
It seems almost everyone and their dog are pushing Live View at the moment (which allows you to view the image on the camera's screen, like a compact). The feature is now appearing in entry level DSLR's under $999, like Sony's new A300.
Interestingly lowlight ability also seems to be improving gradually in the bottom end of the DSLR market - the 10.2MP CCD A300 shoots to ISO 3200, which Sony was previously claiming was the highest available ISO rating in the entry-level market with its A200.
The $999 price puts this camera up against Canon's recently announced 1000D, with we've recently seen online for $999.95 with an 18-55mm lens at Ted's Camera House. Interestingly Canon has gone with a CMOS sensor in the 1000D, which is becoming the preferred sensor type in expensive DSLRs. Like the A300 the 1000D also has Live View, and both cameras shoot at up to 3fps in continuous mode.
The A300 also has anti-dust protection, and Super SteadyShot image stablisation. It's scheduled to arrive in early August.