Sony Alpha DSLR-A550 / A500

Sony's Alpha DSLR-A550 is a mid-range model sporting 14.2 Megapixels, a vertically-tilting 3in VGA screen and built-in stabilisation which works with any lens you attach. What really separates it from the competition though are its quick Live View mode and fast continuous shooting. The A550 boasts 5fps with AF or 7fps without, making it the fastest DSLR in its class, and one of the few which can shoot action in Live View. There's no video recording, but if action photography is your priority, it's one of the best for the money. Also consider the A500 which hits a lower price point thanks to some reduced specifications, but crucially keeps the 5fps continuous shooting with AF.

Pros: Fast shooting; built-in IS; tilting VGA screen; quick Live View.
Cons: No movie mode and minimal customisation.
Overall: Semi-pro shooting speed at mid-range price.