Summary:High-speed digital SLR for professionals. It has a unique sensor size mid-way between APS-C and full frame, which puts it at a slight disadvantage to the Nikon D3s, though the Nikon only shoots standard HD movies.
Summary:Second-generation version of Nikon's original full-frame D-SLR optimised for speed, with a 9fps continuous shooting speed (11fps in 'crop' mode) and a maximum ISO raised to 12800.
Summary:Fixed lens hybrid camera using unique Foveon X3 sensor for low apparent resolution but high image quality. The plain design and fixed lens restricts its appeal to enthusiasts only.
Summary:D-SLR for enthusiasts and professionals, featuring metal construction, good continuous shooting speeds and a host of well thought out and useful features.
Summary:Full-frame digital version of Leica's classic rangefinder camera. The M9 is expensive and specialised, but the Leica brand is in a class apart in the world of photography.
Summary:The X1 combines a fixed focal length lens with an APS-C sensor in a top-quality body, though it works like a conventional hybrid rather than Leica's M-series rangefinders.
Summary:The 7D is designed for high-speed shooting and full HD movies. The video mode has full manual control, and the camera has an external microphone socket. It's one step up from the EOS 60D and one below the EOS 5D Mark II.
Summary:The cheaper and newer of Sony's two full-frame digital SLRs. It has the same 24-megapixel full-frame sensor but a reduced maximum shooting speed of 3fps rather than 5fps.
Summary:Super-compact Four Thirds SLR with great layout and design but hampered by an older 10-megapixel MOS sensor. The only digital SLR to use a classic rectangular design and barely larger than an SLR style hybrid.
Summary:A very high quality fixed-lens compact camera designed for pros and enthusiasts looking for pocketability and power combined. It has a magnesium alloy body, exceptionally well-designed external controls and a great lens.
Summary:Nikon's top ASP-C format DSLR and a development of the old D300, adding a faster continuous shooting speed and standard HD movies. The D300s has a tough alloy body and 150,000-shot shutter life, and is the cheapest of Nikon's professional models.
Summary:Nikon's basic, entry-level digital SLR is aimed at beginners, with an interface that's both obvious and logical, but perhaps too slow and cumbersome for experts. The 18-55mm VR kit lens is very good.
Summary:Olympus's first Micro Four Thirds camera, now superseded by the slightly improved E-P2. The classic retro styling is inspired by Olympus's 'Pen' half-frame cameras of 50 years earlier.
Summary:One of Sony's older beginner-level D-SLRs. It has Sony's Quick AF Live View mode, but only a 10-megapixel sensor. The plastic construction, basic kit lens and outdated sensor mean it hasn't worn well.
Summary:Combines the high-quality 12-megapixel sensor of Nikon's more advanced SLRs with standard HD movies and an articulating LCD. The plastic body and beginner-orientated interface could limit its appeal for enthusiasts, though.
Summary:Short-lived mid-range camera rapidly superseded by the EOS 550D. Not bad, but the EOS 550D is much better, though the increases in resolution of newer Canon SLRs don't seem to make the pictures any sharper.
Summary:SLR-style hybrid camera designed specifically for shooting full HD movies. It comes with an excellent 10x zoom kit lens. Now superseded by the GH2.
Summary:An SLR for enthusiasts, it's small, light, and well-designed, and the controls have a light but precise feel which is typical of Olympus's DSLRs. The 12-megapixel sensor delivers good colours and definition and the 14-42mm kit lens is very good too.
