If you're in the market for a new digital SLR camera you've likely read the reviews and are probably now more confused than ever. With all the talk about megapixels and memory cards, you're still faced with the same question -- what's the best digital SLR camera for you? Like anything, it's a matter of taste though there are some definite pros and cons to choosing between the latest Nikon, Canon, Olympus and Sony digital SLR cameras. In this digital SLR comparison roundup, we look at our five favorite digital SLR cameras of the moment -- the Nikon D300, Canon EOS Rebel XSi, Olympus EVOLT E-510, and Sony Alpha A350.
Nikon D300 Digital SLR
The digital SLR camera reviews are in and the best DSLR on the market for the aspiring pro is the Nikon D300. A word of warning though, this camera is not the easiest or the cheapest out there. The Nikon D300 digital SLR camera will help you take better pictures, however, with a 12.3-megapixel imaging sensor that's great for taking crisp photos in low-light without a flash; fast overall speed with the ability to shoot six-frames-per-second bursts; and a stunning 3-inch LCD screen on back. The Nikon D300 is heavy -- at about two pounds without a lens -- but its rubberized and gasketed body is resistant to water and dust. While this is not the digital SLR for the total beginner, it will help you take better pictures if you're willing to spend a little extra time -- and cash -- on it.
$1799 (with lens)
Canon EOS Rebel XSi Digital SLR
Long the king of the entry-level digital SLRs, the Canon Rebel has gotten even better with the new Canon EOS Rebel XSi, the perfect digital camera for making the jump from just taking snapshots to becoming a real photographer. Though it's still easy to use and lightweight, the Canon Rebel XSi now has some serious "pro" features including a 12.2 megapixel imaging sensor, better autofocus, improved color, enhanced Live View, and a fast DIGIC III processor which makes the Rebel quicker than ever. You'll love shooting with the new 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS –- now included in the EOS Rebel XSi kit -- which stabilizes your shots to decrease image blur. You'll also love reviewing your pictures on the gorgeous, 3-inch, high-resolution LCD screen on back.
$899 (with lens)
Olympus EVOLT E-510 Digital SLR
The Olympus EVOLT E-510 is small, lightweight, and easy to use but with enough advanced features to keep serious shutterbugs happy. This 10-megapixel DSLR has a Live View function that allows you to compose shots right on the LCD screen, much like on a point-and-shoot camera. The camera also features Olympus' new TruePic Turbo III image processor which does a great job of keeping noise -- aka digital fuzz -- under control when taking pictures in low light without a flash. Meanwhile, the built-in Dust Reduction System will help keep your images spot-free while the built-in Image Stabilization reduces blur in your pictures.
$749 (with lens)
Sony Alpha A350 Digital SLR
The Sony Alpha A350 Digital SLR camera does so much so right, it's hard to know where to begin. With 14.2 megapixels of resolution, this digital SLR camera gives you the most resolution in its class. Also, it's the only digital SLR camera in its class to allow you to autofocus in the Live Preview and provide you with two frame per second continuous shooting speed. The titlable 2.7-inch LCD screen means you can easily frame your pictures when you're shooting over the head or down low, while the Super SteadyShot in-camera stabilization means your photos will stay sharp.
$800 (with lens)