$400 - $500 Digital cameras

The Bottom Line: Though it doesn't offer the whizziest new features like an interchangeable lens or a tiny size, the Canon PowerShot G11 still delivers a good shooting experience for photography enthusiasts. Plus it's the only model that includes an optical viewfinder.

Specs: 10 megapixels, 5 x, 2.8 in LCD display

The Bottom Line: Its feature set is basic even by entry-level standards, but the Nikon D3000 delivers the photo quality and performance you expect when stepping up to a dSLR, with an optional interface that's very beginner friendly.

Specs: SLR, 10.2 megapixels, 3 x, 3 in LCD display

The Bottom Line: The Sony Alpha DSLR-A230 is a solid entry-level dSLR that will surely have its fans, and it's a better deal than its slightly higher-end sibling, the A330.

Specs: SLR, 10.2 megapixels, 3 x, 2.7 in LCD display

The Bottom Line: The Sony Alpha DSLR-A330 is a solid entry-level dSLR that will surely have its fans, but unless you really want Live View, its cheaper sibling, the A230, is a better deal.

Specs: SLR, 10.2 megapixels, 3 x, 2.7 in LCD display

The Bottom Line: The Canon PowerShot A2100 IS offers good photo quality, some extra zoom range, and the convenience of AA batteries in an affordable, pocketable package.

Specs: Compact, 12.1 megapixels, 6 x, 3 in LCD display, 32 MB - SD Memory Card

The Bottom Line: Speedy performance lifts the Pentax K2000 above the cheap-dSLR masses, but bad default settings make it an iffy choice for newbies.

Specs: SLR, 10.2 megapixels, 3 x, 2.7 in LCD display

The Bottom Line: Speedy performance lifts the Pentax K2000 above the cheap-dSLR masses, but bad default settings make it an iffy choice for newbies.

Specs: SLR, 10.2 megapixels, 2.7 in LCD display

The Bottom Line: The Kodak EasyShare Z980 has a lot to offer--including a wide-angle 24x zoom lens--but you'll have to overlook its clunky design and noisy photos.

Specs: Full body, 12, 24 x, 3 in LCD display

The Bottom Line: While it's a solid budget dSLR with good photo quality and a host of advanced features, the Olympus E-620 still falls behind the competition on most counts.

Specs: SLR, 12.3 megapixels, 2.7 in LCD display

The Bottom Line: Other cameras may deliver higher resolution and longer optical zooms, but the Panasonic FZ28 proves that the "more is better" presumption isn't always valid.

Specs: Full body, 10.1 megapixels, 18 x, 2.7 in LCD display, 50 MB - Integrated