Nikon D3x

• Launched: December 2008
• Type: Digital SLR
• Sensor: Full-frame 'FX' format, 36 x 24mm
• Resolution: 24 megapixels
• Lenses: Nikon F (FX, DX in 'crop' mode)
• Key features: DX-format 'crop' mode, Dual card slots
• Links: Press release | Product page

Summary: One of Nikon's two professional full-frame D-SLRs, the D3x is designed for high resolution rather than speed.

Olympus E-30

• Launched: November 2008
• Type: Digital SLR
• Sensor: Four Thirds, 17.3 x 13mm
• Resolution: 12 megapixels
• Lenses: Four Thirds
• Key features: Art Filters, Articulating LCD, Sensor-shift anti-shake
• Links: Press release | Product page

Summary: Four Thirds format digital SLR aimed at photo enthusiasts and one step down from the Olympus E-3/E-5 professional models.

Canon EOS 5D Mk II

• Launched: September 2008
• Type: Digital SLR
• Sensor: Full-frame, 36 x 24mm
• Resolution: 21 megapixels
• Lenses: Canon EF (not EF-S)
• Key features: Full HD movie mode
• Links: Press release, Product page

Summary: Relatively inexpensive full-frame digital SLR designed for professionals and enthusiasts, which offers full HD movies too.

Sony Alpha a900

• Launched: September 2008
• Type: Digital SLR
• Sensor: Full frame, 35.9 x 24mm
• Resolution: 24.6 megapixels
• Lenses: Sony a Mount
• Key features: In-built anti-shake
• Links: Press release, Product page

Summary: Sony's first full-frame D-SLR, offering high resolution at a keen price. But apart from a cheaper a850 version, Sony's full-frame camera plans seem to have stalled.

Nikon D90

• Launched: August 2008
• Type: Digital SLR
• Sensor: APS-C 'DX' format, 23.6 x 15.8mm
• Resolution: 12.3 megapixels
• Lenses: Nikon F (DX, FX)
• Key features: Standard HD 'D-Movie' mode
• Links: Press release, Product page

Summary: For a long time, the D90 was Nikon's top 'amateur' D-SLR, but now it's now been superseded by the D7000.

Nikon D700

• Launched: July 2008
• Type: Digital SLR
• Sensor: Full frame 'FX' format, 36 x 23.9mm
• Resolution: 12.1 megapixels
• Lenses: Nikon F (FX, DX in 'crop' mode)
• Key features: High ISO performance
• Links: Press release, Product page

Summary: Nikon's 'affordable' full-frame camera for enthusiasts and pros. The comparatively low resolution and lack of a movie mode leave it looking dated, though.

Ricoh GX200

• Launched: July 2008
• Type: High-end compact
• Sensor size: 1/1.7-inch
• Resolution: 12.1 megapixels
• Lens: 3x 24-72mm equivalent f2.5-4.4
• Key features: 1cm macro mode, in-built distortion correction, optional EVF (shown)
• Links: Press release, Product page

Summary: High-end compact camera designed for enthusiasts rather than beginners. Often overlooked despite outstanding build quality, design and features.

Canon EOS 1000D

• Launched: June 2008
• Type: Digital SLR
• Sensor: APS-C 22.2 x 14.8mm
• Resolution: 10.1 megapixels
• Lenses: Canon EF-S, EF
• Key features: None
• Links: Press release, Product page

Summary: Canon's most basic digital SLR. It's aimed at beginners, but  experienced users will find it straightforward and accessible too. A simple and inexpensive introduction to SLR photography.

Canon EOS 450D

• Launched: January 2008
• Type: Digital SLR
• Sensor: APS-C, 22.2 x 14.8mm
• Resolution: 12.2 megapixels
• Lenses: Canon EF-S, EF
• Key features: None
• Links: Press release, Product page

Summary: For a short time this was Canon's top 'amateur' digital SLR, but it was quickly overtaken by the EOS 500D and EOS 550D. Adequate, but that's all.