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.

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.

Another brilliant entry into the SLR range, Olympus' E-500 provides everything one could want in an advanced camera, with a competitive RRP and patented dust reduction to boot.

If you don't want to fool with interchangeable lenses (or you prefer framing shots with an LCD panel), and you don't need the gee-whiz features found on other advanced models, the S9500 is a good compromise

The Nikon D50 is a bargain in the under $2000 range with image quality comparable to 8 megapixel models, brilliant battery life and a reasonable set of features.

The E-300 offers great quality and functionality when used under optimal conditions. However, its performance for action or low-light photography is completely substandard.