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.

Nikon D90

Nikon’s D90 may be getting-on a little compared to the latest models, but remains a highly compelling choice for anyone looking for a good step-up from a budget DSLR. You get a 12.3 Megapixel sensor with excellent low-light performance, fairly swift 4.5fps continuous shooting, a maximum sensitivity of 6400 ISO, a large and bright pentaprism viewfinder, good build quality and a 3in VGA screen. As a feature-packed camera on first release, the D90 also sports Live View, and 720p HD video recording - indeed it was the first DSLR to record video. Completing the package is a decent 18-105mm kit lens with Vibration Reduction. A great package, but compare closely with Canon's EOS 550D / T2i, especially if you're into video.

Pros: Great ergonomics, VGA screen, 720p movies, 4.5fps.
Cons: Movie mode is manual focus and has video artefacts.
Overall: A feature-packed DSLR at the upper-end of this category.

Nikon D5000

The D5000 is Nikon’s upper entry-level DSLR, and successor to the D60. It features the same 12.3 Megapixel sensor as the higher-end D90, along with its 720p HD movie recording and 11-point AF. Continuous shooting isn’t quite as quick, but still very respectable at 4fps. The screen may also not be as large or detailed as the D90, but it is fully articulated allowing you to compose at unusual angles. The D5000 also inherits the easy-to-use interface of the earlier D60, making it ideal for beginners, although it’ll also suit enthusiasts on a budget. Be sure to compare with the Canon EOS 500D / T1i though.

Pros: Great quality images with low noise; articulated screen.
Cons: No AF for older lenses; user interface slow for experts.
Overall: A beginner-friendly but feature-packed DSLR.

Canon EOS 550D / Rebel T2i

The EOS 550D, or Rebel T2i as it's known in North America, slots between the 500D / T1i and Canon's semi-pro range. It actually inherits a number of features from the high-end EOS 7D, including the same 18 Megapixel resolution, same metering system and same movie modes, giving it the choice of 720 or 1080p at a variety of smooth frame rates, not to mention an external microphone input. The 3in screen is Canon's best yet with a wider 3:2 aspect ratio to match the shape of images. The viewfinder, AF, build and general handling are essentially unchanged from the 500D / T1i, but if high resolution and movies are your priority, it's a great choice.

Pros: 18 Mpixels; HD video with mic input; great screen.
Cons: Build quality, speed and AF same as cheaper 500D / T1i.
Overall: The best choice for high res images and movies on a budget.

Canon EOS 500D / Rebel T1i

The EOS 500D, or Rebel T1i as it’s known in North America, is Canon’s step-up from the budget 1000D / XS. It inherits a number of aspects from the semi-pro EOS 50D including the same 15 Megapixel resolution, 3in VGA screen and HDMI port, while additionally boasting HD movie recording. While there are technical differences between their sensors, both bodies shared essentially the same resolving power in our tests along with similar noise levels. This all makes the 500D / T1i a powerful DSLR for the money and a great choice if you’re after a step-up from an entry-level model. Be sure to compare with the Nikon D5000 and the higher-end EOS 550D / T2i.

Pros: High resolution; HD movies; VGA screen.
Cons: 1080 movie mode is not as smooth as the 720p option.
Overall: A powerful step-up from entry-level DSLRs.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3

The Lumix DMC-LX3 is Panasonic's flagship compact for enthusiasts. Coming two years after its predecessor, the new LX3 features 10.1 Megapixel resolution, full manual control, HD movie recording in the 720p format, a flash hotshoe, RAW recording, a highly detailed 3in screen, and a 2.5x optical zoom with optical stabilisation, a bright focal ratio of f2.0 and unusually wide angle coverage equivalent to 24mm. It ticks all the right boxes for enthusiasts on the lookout for a high-end compact, with the ultra-wide coverage, bright focal ratio and a sensible approach to image resolution being highlights. The LX3 is also smaller and lighter than its arch rival the Canon G11, but there’s pros and cons to each model, so if you’re shopping for a premium compact, compare both closely. Also check out Canon's S90.

Pros: 24mm coverage, bright f2.0 lens, RAW, flash hotshoe.
Cons: Maximum coverage just 60mm, annoying lens cap.
Overall: An ideal premium compact, but compare with G11 and S90.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1

Panasonic’s Lumix GF1 follows the same path as the Olympus E-P1 above, by squeezing a DSLR-sized sensor into a compact body, again with the bonus of interchangeable lenses and 720p HD video. Both cameras achieve this by employing the Micro Four Thirds standard, which means they can also share the same lenses. The GF1 may not have built-in stabilisation – and therefore relies on stabilised lenses to combat camera-shake – but it does have quicker autofocus, a more detailed screen and longer video recording times than the E-P1, not to mention a built-in flash. It’s a compelling compact, especially when fitted with Panasonic’s tiny 20mm f1.7 lens – the perfect combination for a high quality portable camera, but again compare closely with the E-P1 above.

Pros: Big sensor in a small body, great screen, HD movies.
Cons: No stabilisation in body or 20mm kit lens, pricey EVF.
Overall: Ideal compact for enthusiasts, but compare with E-P1.

Olympus E-P1

The Olympus E-P1 is the camera many enthusiasts have been waiting for. It packs a DSLR-sized sensor into a relatively compact body, with the added bonuses of interchangeable lenses, built-in stabilisation and 720p HD video. The advantage of using a DSLR-sized sensor is much lower noise, higher dynamic range and a potentially shallower depth-of-field than a typical compact can offer – and the E-P1 also has a kit zoom lens which collapses down to a shorter length when not in use for easier transportation. There may not be a built-in flash or viewfinder, and the screen is fairly average, but packing a DSLR sensor with stabilisation into a compact body makes for an extremely compelling camera – recommended, but compare closely with the Panasonic GF1 below.

Pros: Big sensor in a small body, built-in stabilisation, HD movies.
Cons: No built-in flash, no viewfinder, average screen.
Overall: Ideal compact for enthusiasts, but compare with GF1.

Canon PowerShot SX1 IS

Canon’s PowerShot SX1 IS is the best hybrid camera for stills and video at this price point. It takes the already capable PowerShot SX10 IS with its powerful 20x zoom and articulated screen, but swaps the sensor for a CMOS version which can deliver both HD video in the 1080p format and fast continuous shooting at 4fps. The SX1 IS also adds an HDMI port and support for RAW recording. The viewfinder and screen are now both 16:9 shaped, which means you won’t use their full area when composing in the native 4:3 aspect ratio for stills, but they’re perfect when filming widescreen video. Ultimately if you want to film HD video and take still photos with one camera, it’s the best solution at this price point. If you want faster shooting still, check out the Sony HX1.

Pros: 20x zoom, HD movies, RAW, flip-out screen, flash hotshoe.
Cons: Small viewfinder and screen image in 4:3 aspect ratio.
Overall: The best hybrid super-zoom camera to date.

Canon PowerShot S90

Canon’s PowerShot S90 is an ideal choice for enthusiasts who want a pocket camera without compromising on control and features. It squeezes the PowerShot G11’s quality into a considerably smaller body with a brighter lens on the front. Think of it as an IXUS / ELPH for the more demanding customer, sporting wide-angle coverage, manual control, RAW file support, a large detailed screen and a fast, bright lens; there’s also a neat ring control around the lens. Like the G11 though, there’s no HD video and the continuous shooting is poor, but if you’re after a truly pocket-sized camera with this degree of control and features, there’s not many alternatives. Do compare closely with the G11 and LX3 though.

Pros: Pocket body; bright, wide lens; 3in / 460k screen; RAW files.
Cons: No HD movies or zooming when filming, slow burst mode.
Overall: A great pocket camera for enthusiasts.