Canon EOS 50D, (compare prices) (review), is Canon's best APS-C format DSLR. With a self cleaning 15MP sensor, LiveView (with face detection), micro focus adjustment, 6fps continuous shooting,a 14-bit A/D, a 3" high resolution LCD and ISO settings up to a remarkable 12,800, there's not a lot this camera can't do! When used with selected Canon lenses, the 50D can even make in-camera correction for vignetting.

Canon Digital Rebel XSi, (compare prices) (review), Canon's entry level DSLR is the Digital Rebel and Canon just added the Rebel XSi to their line. The XSi has a 12MP sensor, uses SD memory cards, has 9 focus points, a spot metering mode and a 3-inch LCD screen. (All of these features are an upgrade from the previous XTi and XT Rebel models). This DSLR packs the image power into a small, lightweight package perfect for introducing someone to the world of digital or for a Canon photographer on vacation who doesn't want to lug around a 20lb camera bag.

Nikon D40, 18-55mm kit (review), an entry-level, small and light DSLR for casual photographers who prefer a simple camera that is a step better than point and shoot digicams. The D40 is a versatile camera with a 6MP sensor and an ISO range of 100-1600 (up to 3200 with boost). Since the D40 has no internal AF motor, it is best matched with AF-S zooms. The menu on the camera has an info button that walks the user through the different features and functions, in essence like a built-in camera guide. The standard kit comes with a standard lens 18-55mm f//3.5-5.6, good for bright sunny days or with a flash.

Nikon D90, (compare prices) (review), aimed at the photo enthusiast and advanced pro, the D90 can also serve as a backup camera for those with a pro D3 or D700. This 12MP allows for the aspiring film maker to take their hand at creating short films. No longer do you need to bring along both your small camcorder and your digital camera. In addition to a new movie mode, the D90 has in-camera editing for distortion control, straighten lines, and to create a fisheye effect. It has an in-body AF motor so that it can auto-focus with any Nikon AF lens. It is very good in low-light performance and its pop-up flash can serve as a wireless commander to control other Nikon flashes.

Olympus Evolt E-420, (compare prices) (review), is the most affordable and compact DSLR in the Four-Thirds system. It has a 10MP sensor, 3 AF points, 1/4000 sec top shutter speed, live view option and face detection capability. The 2.7-inch LCD on the back makes it easy to preview and review images. It is a good fit for the price conscious consumers who would like a camera that is a big step forward from the point-and-shoot digicams.

Sony Alpha A700, (compare prices) (review), is the top-of-the-line APS-C sensor Sony DSLR intended for serious amateurs. It has a 12MP sensor with 11 AF points in an aluminum chassis. It employs the in-body image stabilization originally developed by Minolta and is now called Super Steady Shot by Sony. Therefore, you'll have stabilization regardless of which lens you mount on the A700. Auto focus can be initiated with eye movement from the viewfinder. This is a "prosumer" DSLR filled with high-tech gadgets.

Pentax K20D, (compare prices) (review), has a number of outstanding features. The 14.6MP sensor gives it a higher pixel count than most APS-C DSLRs and the sensor is shift-stabilized, meaning the camera can move the sensor around to compensate for camera motion. This results in image stabilization without the need for special image stabilized lenses. Any lens mounted on the K20D becomes stabilized! Other features such as weatherproofing and and a large bright viewfinder make the K20D worth a second look and with a price under $1000, it's not too expensive. Another nice feature is that you can mount any older Pentax manual focus lens (K bayonet or even M42 screw mount) on the K20D via an adapter, so it would make an ideal camera for someone with a collection of older Pentax lenses.

Nikon SB-800 AF Speedlight, (compare prices) (review), until recently the SB-800 has been Nikon's top-of-the-line iTTL flash that can be either the master controller or a remote slave in the Nikon Creative Lighting System in addition to being a hot-shoe mounted flash. It provides a lot of power that can be bounced off the ceiling or other light modifiers. The SB-800 has an external high-voltage battery input for super-fast flash recycle time.

Nikon SB-400 AF Speedlight, (compare prices), is a popular small flash among casual photographers who prefer something a step better than those built-in pop-up flashes. The SB-400 has a flash head that can be tilted upward in the horizontal orientation for bounce flash.

Canon Speedlite 580EX II Flash, (compare prices) (review), is Canon's top-of-the-line flash for pro and advanced amateur photographers. Either use the Canon flash mounted on your camera in the hot-shoe mount or off the camera with an off-camera cord. The flash head can be zoomed in to accommodate coverage for the full-frame sensor cameras.

Canon Speedlite 430EX II Flash, (compare prices) (review), is a smaller lightweight lighting solution. This flash offers entry-level and enthusiast photographers a better option that the built-in flash on their camera. The flash head on the 430EX can be swiveled 180 degrees in either direction. It can also be used as a "slave unit" with Canon's wireless lighting system.