Cameras

One lens, big zoom—that's the number-one benefit of advanced compact cameras compared to D-SLRs. You don't have to own multiple lenses to go from macro to wide-angle, then zoom out to well over 300mm—which also means you don't have to carry multiple lenses around when you travel.

While there are advantages to truly compact digital cameras, the compacts are no match for digital SLRs in terms of image quality and performance. D-SLRs have larger image sensors, better autofocusing and metering systems and will accept a wide range of interchangeable lenses and accessories.

You expect the costly pro D-SLRs to be weather- and dust-resistant, but it's rare to find that in a lower-priced model. Yet the rugged, 10.2-megapixel K10D from Pentax features a dust- and weather-resistant body (including 72 seals) and a price under $1,000. You can't actually submerge it, but our test camera got drizzled on for several hours (unforecasted phenomenon) during a hike with no ill effects.

The long-awaited successor to Canon's top-of-the-line EOS-1Ds Mark II has arrived - and how! Featuring a 21.1-megapixel full-frame image sensor, 5-fps shooting, a 3-inch LCD monitor with Live View mode, sensor-dust remover, rugged weather-sealed body and lots more, the new EOS-1Ds Mark III is ideal in the commercial studio as well as in the field.

Designed with sports photographers and photojournalists in mind, the Nikon D3 introduces an astounding list of brand new features and technologies that make it the most sophisticated and advanced Nikon digital SLR to date. In addition to the new FX-format CMOS sensor, the D3 incorporates Nikon's new EXPEED Image Processing System that is central to the blazing speed and processing power needed for many of the D3's new features.

Nikon's new pro-am D-SLR is lightning quick and adds new features like LiveView and sensor cleaning. An ideal camera for the serious amateur, and a terrific backup for pros using the new D3, there's a lot to be excited about in this mid-range model.

Every 18 months or so, Canon has unveiled a new model in its midrange D-SLR line. It's that time again, and the new EOS 40D features a truly remarkable array of improvements over its predecessor - which was an excellent camera in its own right. And all for just $1299!

All digital SLR cameras offer the traditional exposure modes: program AE, shutter-priority AE, aperture-priority AE and metered manual exposure control. These are the mainstays of "serious" photographers because they provide control over important aspects of each shot.

The latest EVOLT offering from Olympus updates familiar features and adds a few new ones, like sensor-shift image stabilization. Also noteworthy is affordable kit pricing—pick up a two-lens bundle for about $100 more than the basic one-lens kit. An ergonomic design combined with high-end functionality makes this a great entry into the world of D-SLR cameras.

Digital SLRs are the most versatile cameras, and for many photographers, the best choices. There are three basic categories of D-SLRs: entry-level, midrange and pro. These aren't exclusive categories—there are working pros who use midrange models, advanced amateurs who use models from all three categories and even well-heeled novices who buy top pro models (which, in program mode, are as easy to use as any entry-level model, albeit somewhat bulkier). But most models fall into one of the three categories.