Nikon D90 Digital SLR

The D90 fuses technology from Nikon’s flagship D300 SLR with an array of sophisticated functions to help you achieve superior results. Its 12.3 megapixel DX-format CMOS image sensor offers outstanding image quality across a wide ISO light sensitivity range. Live View mode lets you compose and shoot via the high-resolution 3-inch LCD monitor, and an advanced Scene Recognition System and autofocus performance help capture images with astounding accuracy. The camera’s large image sensor ensures exceptional image quality and you can create dramatic effects by shooting with a wide range of interchangeable NIKKOR lenses, from wide-angle to macro to fisheye, or by adjusting the lens aperture and experimenting with depth-of-field.

A new idea for D-SLRs, the D90 offers a movie function, allowing you to shoot movies in three different motion JPEG formats: 320 x 216 pixels, 640 x 424 pixels and 1,280 x 720 pixels

Fast operation, easy to use, full of features, excellent design, exceptional control, looks and feels beautiful, tough construction, exceptionally detailed picture results, beautiful rich colors, exceptional low light performance and the list continues. This is a creation tool.

Nikon D90 Digital SLR Camera at Amazon.co.uk

Nikon D60

The Nikon D60 is a high-performance DX format digital SLR with a 10.2 megapixel resolution. It’s incredibly easy to use and handle, and is the perfect way to explore the world of digital SLR photography. Everyday situations can be trusted to the camera’s AUTO mode, and many a professional would be impressed with it’s many options for more creative control. In-camera creative features are easily accessible via an intuitive menu.

The camera features an accelerometer which facilitates the rotating information display that follows the orientation of the camera. There is also a self-cleaning internal mechanism, and a sensor located in the viewfinder that turns off the monitor. With a near-instant start-up time and a small, light body (less than 0.5kg), this camera is ready to go anywhere. The D60 - stunning photography is just a step away.

Nikon D60 Digital SLR Camera at Amazon.co.uk

Canon Eos 40D DSLR

Advanced amateur photographers have long desired a digital SLR that matches the power and speed of professional models. With the EOS 40D, Canon delivers.

Having previously owned the 350D, I would thoroughly recommend the 40D. The 350D was a great camera and I considered buying both a 450D and a 30D before opting for the 40D. While the 450D has many of the features in common with the 40D the extra size and “feel” of the 40D make it far more comfortable in larger hands. The camera is a pleasure to use, and I found the controls and menu system straightforward and intuitive. The image stabilised 17-85mm lens included in the kit swung it for me - anyone thinking of buying a digital SLR in this price bracket should seriously consider the 40D!

I took this, and a 4Gb card, on a three week holiday to Thailand and came back with about 900 great quality photos. It has incredible battery life!

Canon EOS 40D Digital SLR Camera under £780 at Amazon.co.uk

Pentax K200D

The Compact digital SLR camera with semi professional characteristics
The entry-level series of PENTAX digital SLR cameras continues with the introduction of the new K200D, featuring the acclaimed Pentax Shake Reduction (SR) system. Blurred hand-held photographs, particularly with telephotos or longer exposure times, are a thing of the past. Two sensors are used by the SR system to detect any vibrations and compensate for any movement. This blurring protection system occurs directly at the CCD saving the user from having to acquire expensive special lenses

Designed mainly for family users and digital camera beginners this popular model offers a host of user-friendly features and sophisticated functions more akin to high-end models. As a result even digital camera beginners can enjoy advanced digital SLR photography with great ease.

This is Pentax’s second “entry level” digital SLR camera, following their very successful K100d, and it is entering a very crowded marketplace. In fact, many people who wish to graduate from “point and shoot” cameras will never even get as far as the K200d, such is the dominance of other models by Canon, Nikon and Sony. However, by ignoring this excellent camera, they are missing out on a trick.

This really is an excellent camera, and I would urge you strongly to consider it if you’re looking at a digital SLR. That isn’t to say it doesn’t have its drawbacks, but none is a deal-breaker for me. True, it isn’t as simple to use as the Nikon D60, and it doesn’t have the high resolution of the Canon or its enormous screen. It is aimed at people who want to take photographs properly, and it takes some learning to get the best out of it. However, with patience you will have a tool that is flexible, powerful and very satisfying to use.

Pentax K200D DSLR from around £400 at Amazon.co.uk