This camera feels and sounds like a beast. And it is a beast. It'll produce very good images at a 14.6Mp size, with practically no noise up to ISO 800. However, its Live View feature is worthless.

Another wonderful entry-level camera from Canon, the 1000D combines all the latest features — including Live View, dust reduction and lens-based stabilisation — with superb picture quality to produce an extremely appealing package.

If you're after a petite SLR then the Olympus E-420 is a solid performer. It keeps pace with the competition in most areas, while maintaining dimensions that are significantly smaller.

There is a lot to like about the Pentax K20D. It produces some of the crispest, sharpest pictures of any camera in its class. It also has a stack of features, including live view and sensor-based stabilisation. Some users will want a faster burst mode or better live view implementation. Nonetheless, this is a great option for enthusiasts.

A solid improvement on the EOS 400D, Canon's EOS 450D adds a bucket-load of new features, including 14-bit A-D, a faster burst mode and Live View. Sitting in between the 400D and 40D in price, it offers a compelling option for users looking for the middle ground between the two.

Pentax's K200D may not quite be enough to topple the Nikon and Canon empire in the entry-level SLR space, but it is a very solid alternative. It combines image stabilisation and dust reduction with some impressive images and a great build.

Sony's Alpha A350 is another great SLR offering a combination of incredibly high resolution pictures, a robust list of features and a simple easy interface.

Nikon's D60 is a fantastic entry-level SLR that takes brilliant pictures and offers a robust feature set. It is ideal for users looking to take the plunge into more creative photography.

While its pictures are a little softer than those produced by some competing models, there is no denying the A200 is a great overall camera, with particular appeal to novice users who may be afraid to take the next step.

Simply put, Nikon's D300 is one of the finest cameras on the market. Its image quality matches competing models, and while you pay a premium, you get such features as live view, dust reduction, D-Lighting and a bevy of others in return. Perfect for enthusiasts and professionals.

The Alpha A700 puts Sony firmly in contention with the other big SLR players with its combination of great image quality, a robust feature set and a sturdy design.