• Best Ultracompact/Compact
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• Best Prosumer Camera
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• Best dSLR
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Canon EOS 40D

The good: A set of useful new features; retains the user-friendly design of its predecessors; good-value-for-money kit; class-leading build quality and continuous shooting speed.

The bad: Same resolution and sensor size as the much cheaper EOS 400D; Live view allows only manual focus.

The bottom line: The Canon EOS 40D is a leap forward in improvement over its predecessors and its new features make it a great enthusiast's dSLR or a credible professional backup system.

» Read full review of the Canon EOS 40D

Nikon D3

The good: Full-frame sensor; well designed, pro-level weather-sealed body; very low noise, even at extremely high ISOs; fast.

The bad: Resolution lags far behind the Canon EOS-1Ds Mark III and Sony's forthcoming 24-megapixel dSLR.

The bottom line: Nikon's flagship dSLR packs a full-frame 12-megapixel sensor and is a highly versatile imaging powerhouse that lets photographers create images previously impossible to capture.

» Read full review of the Nikon D3

Sony Alpha DSLR-A700

The good: Exceptionally streamlined, comfortable shooting design; broad, functional feature set, including sensor-shift image stabilizer; excellent photo quality; generally fast performance.

The bad: A few design quirks; proprietary hot shoe.

The bottom line: A top-of-the-line amateur digital SLR camera, the Sony Alpha A700 will delight Konica Minolta diehards and makes a great choice if you don't already have a stake in other lens systems.

» Read full review of the Sony Alpha DSLR-A700