DSLR Shootout: Five Entry-Level Cameras Compared

"Five affordable DSLRs vie for honors in the "step-up" class. If you're a serious shooter looking to move on up to a better DSLR -- with more resolution, faster firing, advanced features like in-camera image fixes and live view -- but have been scared off by the $1,000 price barrier, fear no more. An entire class of DSLRs has appeared at this intermediate level, none of them more than $900, street -- with a kit lens. And every one of these five comes with image stabilization right out of the box, through either a shifting image sensor or moving elements in the included lens. These models, whose resolution ranges from 10MP to 14.2MP, are also ideal for the first-time DSLR buyer who wants more camera than you get in entry-level 6MP or 8MP cameras. And, for those weaned on digital compacts, three models have live view. They're not perfect, to be sure: All have plastic bodies, not designed for really heavy-duty use, and they rely on menus for many controls. Still, on balance they are excellent values."

The article compares the Canon EOS Rebel XSi, Nikon D60, Olympus E-520, Pentax K200D, and Sony Alpha 350 in a relatively rigorous and objective head-to-head comparison. The new Canon XSi comes out on top, but it is interesting to see some of the excellent value the other cameras bring as well.