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By Jonathan Barkey / American Photo

Best Buy: Samsung GX-20

Electronics heavyweight Samsung has partnered with Pentax on camera technology since 2005, and the latest and best example of that collaboration is this impressive, advanced-level D-SLR. Its Samsung-developed 14.6-megapixel CMOS chip is, in fact, the highest-resolution image sensor ever in an APS-C format camera. Of course, the GX-20 shares that sensor with Pentax's own K20D, as well as a nearly identical body, with ruggedized construction and best-in-class weather sealing. The same goes for its superb, oversized pentaprism finder; in-body, sensor-shifting optical image stabilization, which works with every K-mount lens in existence); 2.7-inch, 230,000-pixel live view LCD; and built-in dust-removal system, augmented by onscreen dust-mapping, to aid manual cleaning. Other shared assets include a built-in interval timer, AF fine-tuning, and in-camera RAW developing. But the GX-20's menu system is organized differently and has (in our opinion) a nicer looking, white-on-blue design scheme. About $1,300 (with 18-55mm Schneider D-Xenon kit lens).

Nikon D60

A modest upgrade to Nikon's existing D40X, this compact, entry-level D-SLR retains the latter's 10.2-megapixel CCD sensor, solid construction, and a well-proportioned front grip. It actually feels bigger than it really is, offering what we think is the best handling in its class. Like the D40X, the D60 has an ample viewfinder; simple but fast three-point AF; a 420-segment matrix meter; sensitivity from ISO 100 to ISO 3200; unlimited 3fps JPEG shooting; a 2.5-inch color screen; beautifully designed menus and status panel; and textual Help instructions. New, however, are its "Airflow" dust removal system and self-cleaning sensor; self-orientating onscreen display, which features eye-sensor shutoff; and EXPEED image processing. Also notable are its Active D-Lighting tone compensation (with dedicated button) and in-camera JPEG retouching and RAW developing. The D60 lacks live view but does come bundled with a new image-stabilized 18-55mm kit lens. Its coolest feature: being able to assemble stop-action movies from up to 100 separate stills. About $650 (with kit lens).

Olympus E-520

As the smallest, lightest D-SLR on the market, the Olympus E-420 is one of our favorite carry-around cameras. But anyone with larger hands will appreciate its bigger brother, the new E-520, which comes with a more substantial front grip, ampler dimensions and heft, a higher capacity battery -- and, best of all, built-in image stabilization (which the E-420 lacks). It also shares the same 10.1-megapixel Four Thirds Sensor (with image quality similar to the top-drawer E-3's), 2.7-inch LCD with three live-view focusing modes, 3.5fps capture rate, selective shadow enhancement, and supersonic wave filter sensor-cleaning. Best of all is the E-520's pro-grade wireless multi-flash, which manages up to three strobe groups on its LCD control panel, and triggers them with its pop-up flash. About $600.

Canon EOS Digital Rebel XS

Canon's Digital Rebel XSi, a pint-sized 12.2-megapixel D-SLR with pro-grade specs, deservedly won Camera of the Year honors in our Entry Level D-SLRs category. Now, in response to lower-priced competitors, comes the 10.1-megapixel Digital Rebel XS, which has most of the XSi's virtues but costs substantially less. Inherited from the XSi are the same body design and CMOS image sensor technology; DIGIC III image processing; dual-mode Live View AF; ultrasonic sensor-dust removal; Auto Lighting Optimizer (but not highlight tone priority); and SD/SDHC card storage. The XS viewfinder (0.81X) and LCD screen (2.5 inches) are a bit smaller, but its excellent status panel and menu system are nearly identical. Changes from the XSi include seven AF points instead of nine; slightly slower shooting (3fps unlimited JPEG, 1.5fps RAW); 12-bit RAW instead of 14-bit; and no spot meter. Given those modest trade-offs, its price tag is a bargain. About $600.

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