Editor's Choice 2007: Advanced DSLRs

EDITOR'S CHOICE Entry-Level D-SLRs

Best Buy: Nikon D40

This classy camera is as tiny as it is affordable, but it's no lightweight in handling, features, or performance. Except for its 6.1-megapixel image sensor, the Nikon D40 is physically identical to the newer, pricier 10.2-megapixel D40x. The D40x may have the edge in absolute resolution, but the D40's overall image quality is equivalent or better because it doesn't have to squeeze as many pixels into its sensor and thus can make the pixels larger. That reduces noise, which is very well controlled at higher ISOs. The D40's AF system is exceptionally fast, though the three large, widely spaced focus points are less well suited to moving subjects than the nine points in Canon's Digital Rebel XTi. Otherwise, the D40's 2.5fps shooting speed, unlimited JPEG bursts, and fast shutter response keep it highly competitive. In-camera postprocessing allows you to apply shadow enhancement, filter effects, cropping, red-eye correction, and image overlays to your photos. There's no automatic sensor cleaning, but dust retouching can be done with Capture NX using a reference image shot in-camera.

Read more on the Nikon D40. Next product: Pentax K10D.