Nearly five years have come and gone since the Canon company introduced their very first truly affordable SLR, at the time, the EOS 300 D, or the digital rebel. During that time span, we’ve seen them come out with two more members of the family, the 350D and the 400 D cameras which naturally evolved into the EOS450D, todays model which features just about two times the pixel count of their original.
"In all, I was very impressed with the Canon EOS Rebel XSi and would wholeheartedly recommend it to someone looking for a good camera and lens combo in that price range. I came to know its inner and outer workings very quickly, thanks to a very smart design and layout. Options for more creative shooting were there if desired, but for the most part working in Program and delving into the Picture Styles for fun (even though that’s kind of moot when shooting raw) got me where I wanted to go." - Shutterbug
"The XSi, though, scores for its size. If you’re looking for a small, light camera that’s easy to pack, and that you’re more likely to carry, then the XSi is a better option than the EOS 40D, provided you can live without the features found in the latter." - MacWorld
"Canon has another hit. The Rebel XSi has just about everything you want from a semi-pro camera in a smaller package. It’s small, lighter than its predecessor, and has all the good stuff the competitors have, plus that legendary Canon image quality. Canon made minor but important improvements to the grip and controls, and kept all that was great about its predecessor." - Imaging Resource
At the number two spot we’ve got the Nikon D60 - Average Expert 8,0 (41 experts) Average User 9,3 (523 users) - Nikons D40 has some hallmark features that are also the base for the new D60 model, a good camera with some great features that are in a cost effective small package. Some of the things you can look for in the D-60 are the built in sensor, cleaning and filter and the very same features that made them a watchword in cameras, such as the Active D Lighting and the Color Matrix metering from their D3 and D300.
"The D60 is the latest refinement in Nikon’s entry-level DSLR range. It is one of the smallest DSLRs ever made and features a simple feature-set, not to confuse people getting their first DSLR. Although it cannot be compared with high-end Nikon cameras, the Nikon D60 features strong ergonomics and build quality for its price" - Neo camera
"The Nikon D60 is a worthwhile entry-level D-SLR with solid image quality, but its features don’t really make it stand out from the crowd" - PC magazine
Showing up in the number three spot we’ve got the Pentax K20D - Average Expert 8,6 (32 experts) Average User 9,3 (72 users) - The Pentax K20D has a single-lens reflex. It is the product of the collaboration between Samsung of Korea and Pentax Japan; the K20D is almost identical with the Samsung GX-20 with just a few differences. The Pentax K20D is the first DSLR that uses the image sensor that Samsung and Pentax created the CMOS image sensor. With a sensor that has a maximum resolution of 14.6 megapixel and a higher sensitivity of ISO 6400 that ensures high quality images.
"The K20D won’t disappoint. It stands head and shoulders above other DSLRs in its class and easily goes toe-to-toe with cameras costing much more." - MacLife
"The Pentax K20D could be seen as a K10D Mk2, a camera that attempts to move on while putting right the minor flaws in its predecessor. And in that respect, it’s a huge success. The K20D builds on the strengths of its forebear and corrects for the issue that plagued us most. It offers a great on-paper specification that is backed-up by a level of customization that allow you to tailor the camera to the way you want to shoot." - DP review
At number four we’ve got the Sony DSLR-A200 - Average Expert 7,9 (24 experts) Average User 9,3 (234 users) - Sony DSLR A200 is a relatively lighter and smaller model than the A100 which makes it easier to use. This camera measures 5.2 x 4.0 x 2.9 inches (131 x 99 x 71 millimeters) and weighs 22 ounces (625 grams) including the lens, battery, and memory card. It is equipped with a 2.7-inch LCD monitor. The Sony A200’s 10.2 mega-pixel sensor helps to reduce noise and capture pictures with greater detail.
"The A200 is the second iteration of Sony’s entry-level DSLR, and I don’t know how good the first one was, but this one isn’t bad at all. There are some nice features present for an entry-level camera – notably dust reduction, in-camera stabilization, and the ability to use Sony and Minolta lenses. The A200 should be even more attractive since Sony recently dropped its MSRP with the 18-70 kit lens to $500 USD." - Digital Camera Review
"Sony’s SLR juggernaut got rolling early in 2008 with the Alpha A200, a simple, inexpensive, 10.2-megapixel digital SLR camera that takes some pretty impressive pictures. There isn’t a whole lot to talk about in terms of new or revolutionary features, but that’s not a strike against it. Rather than starting a revolution, the Sony A200 refines what was a good camera — the A100 — making it better in several important areas. It now confidently competes favorably with" - Imaging Resource
Showing up as the number five top camera of 2008 is the: Olympus E-520 - Average Expert 8,1 (25 experts) Average User 9,2 (24 users) - The Olympus E-520’s Image Stabilization technology is built into the camera body to produce clear, sharp and blur-free images. This camera weighs just 7.5 ounces and measures 5.35×3.6-x2.68-inches. Its Autofocus Live View brings subject into sharp focus. Olympus E-520 offers users faster continuous shooting speeds (3.5 vs 3.0 fps).
"Bottom line - The Olympus E-520 is a welcomed addition to Olympus’ line of consumer level dSLRs. While they have included many new features that help increase the appeal of the, there hasn’t been any major changes over the E-510 from last year. Overall, I feel this is a well balanced dSLR model that is sure to offer pleasing results not matter who is behind the viewfinder." - Steves Digicams
"For a Four Thirds system enthusiast, the Olympus E-520 is a no-brainer — you get much of the performance and controls of the flagship E-3 for nearly $1,000 less. And uncommitted photographers would do well to look at the bang for that rock-bottom price: Excellent imaging across the board, very effective image stabilization, live view with clever setting previews, and a slew of useful picture fixes, wrapped in a nice handling, ergonomic body. It’s enough to wipe the ho-hum off anyone’s face." - PopPhoto
If you're looking for more of the best digital cameras, then have a look at our Top 5 Pocket Zoom Cameras of 2008, Top 5 Compact Cameras of 2008, our Top 5 Budget Cameras of 2008, our Top Cameras Reviewed, or have a look at all of our reviews - you'll find prices, specifications and recommended cameras.
We've posted some more sample photos from the new Olympus PEN E-P1 showing ISO100 to ISO6400 - these were taken with a production camera, with the 14-42mm kit lens. View our Olympus PEN E-P1 Sample Photo Gallery
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