Cameras from $450
Olympus E410 ($450)
Canon EOS 350D ($450)
Canon EOS 400D ($500)
Nikon D40 ($500)
Pentax K100D ($550)
Sigma SD14 ($600)
Sony Alpha A200 ($600)
Cameras from $650
Olympus E510 ($650)
Nikon D60 ($700)
Sony Alpha A350 ($700)
Nikon D80 ($750)
Pentax K200D ($750)
Canon EOS 30D ($800)
Canon EOS 450D ($800)
Cameras from $1050
Panasonic DMC L10 ($1050)
Pentax K20D ($1100)
Canon EOS 40D ($1100)
Sony Alpha A700 ($1400)
Olympus E3 ($1500)
Nikon D300 ($1800)
Nikon D3 ($5000)

Pentax K100D

(The Pentax K100D currently typically sells for less than $550)

Pentax K100D is a 6-megapixel entry-level camera aimed at newcomers to digital SLR photography. Pentax K100D is the successor of the Pentax *ist DS2.

The K refers to the beginnings of the Pentax K-bayonet, which marks its 30th anniversary this year. This model is a very small DSLR camera, featuring an attractive, solid housing and a 2.5-inch monitor on the back. It uses Secure Digital flash memory cards to store the images.

The Pentax K100D certainly seems to offer true value for money, so add it to your to-check-out list if you’re in the market for an entry-level digital SLR! Get more »

Nikon D3

(The Nikon D3 currently typically sells for less than $5000)

The Nikon D3 is the daddy of Nikon’s professional range of cameras. With a near bulletproof build quality, a near-full-frame 12.1 mpx sensor, the ability to take 9 photos per second and a phenomenal 3-inch display with incredible resolution and all the bells and whistles you would expect from a top-of-the-range camera, the D3 refuses to pull any punches.

A delight to pro snappers, hard-core amateurs and dye-in-the-wool Nikon fanatics, the D3 is nothing short of amazing. As per right now, it’s the pinnacle of Nikon evolution - if you want the best they can offer, here it is.

Of course, if you want higher resolution, you may have to take a look at what Canon’s flagship is up to… Get more »

Sony Alpha A200

(The Sony Alpha A200 currently typically sells for less than $600)

The Sony Alpha A200 model replaces the former Sony DSLR-A100 model, which was Sony’s first in the dSLR class. The new model is designed to be faster, lighter and easier to use.

Upgraded features include a wider, 2.7-inch LCD screen for easy playback viewing; a more compact body and an easily-accessible mode dial, faster auto-focus speed and a better built-in flash system. Get more »

Canon EOS 30D

(The Canon EOS 30D currently typically sells for less than $800)

Canon’s EOS 30D brings proven EOS technology to a new level, giving photographers an unbeatable photographic experience.

The EOS 30D incorporates features with Canon’s highly acclaimed 8.2 megapixel CMOS sensor and DIGIC II Image Processor. The EOS 30D includes enhanced operational features such as the 2.5 inch LCD monitor, true spot metering, a durable shutter mechanism and Canon’s Picture Style feature, all in an sturdy, magnesium-clad body.

With all these features the EOS 30D is truly perfection, refined. But hey, don’t take our word for it - check out what the experts say: Get more »

Olympus E410

(The Olympus E410 currently typically sells for less than $450)

The Olympus E410 replaces the moderately successful Olympus E400. It is very much the runt of the litter, but not an incapable one: The E410 is a real contender in the featherweight entry-level category, and is one of the cheapest digital SLR cameras you can purchase today.

It’s affordable and compact, and is designed to be a smooth transition from the more prosumer digital compact cameras out there. The jury is still out on whether or not the exercise is a successful one, however… Get more »