The D2X offers a fine upgrade for Nikon pros and is competitively priced

Produces top-notch photos and will appeal to photographers with a stash of Nikon lenses.

A brilliant camera for advanced photographers, but new users should look elsewhere.

Canon's EOS 5D is the most affordable full-frame D-SLR yet, allowing lenses to be used without affecting their field of view. It's quite a premium to pay even considering the 12.8Mp resolution, but if you curse the cropped view of cheaper D-SLRs, this could be the camera you've been waiting for.

An exceptional camera with a long list of excellent features and impressive image quality.

While it has a comfortable, solid design and performed quite well in most of our imaging tests, the default lens is a big let down.

One of the best value for money D-SLRs available on the market, the 400D combines great picture quality with a comfortable build and plenty of features.

The D80 is one of the best cameras on the market, offering exceptional image quality and a bevy of features. The default lens has some chromatic aberration issues, but aside from that, we have no issue recommending it.

The best entry level SLR we've used, the D40x narrowly edges out offerings by Canon and Sony. It combines extremely speedy operation, great quality images and an excellent design to make a wonderful, all purpose camera.

Olympus's E-410 isn't the best digital SLR on the market in terms of image quality, but its combination of live view, dust reduction and a small build make it a reasonable competitor to the giants Canon and Nikon.

If you regularly shoot in JPEG then Pentax's K10D may not be the best choice for you, but those who prefer to use RAW will find it to be a powerful, versatile and sturdy camera that comes at a bargain price.

For at least a little while it appears the Canon 40D is king of the hill. While the Nikon D80 and D200 both provide reasonable alternatives for enthusiasts, and the Nikon D40x and Canon EOS 400D are both more suitable options for amateurs, the 40D's blend of great pictures, rugged construction and speedy operation make it a great purchase.