If you’re shopping for a budget DSLR, you’ve come to the right place! At Camera Labs we provide in-depth reviews but understand you’re busy people who sometimes just want recommendations of the most outstanding products.

So here we cut to the chase and list the best models around right now. We’ve fully tested each one and there’s links to our reviews for more details – and to see an actual demonstration of their highlights, be sure to check out our video tours.

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Canon’s EOS 450D / Digital Rebel XSi is the successor to the best-selling EOS 400D / Rebel XTi. The new 450D / XSi features a raft of improvements including 12.2 Megapixels, a stabilised kit lens, 3in screen, 3.5fps continuous shooting, a larger viewfinder, 14-bit A-D conversion and RAW files, along with slow but accurate Live View with the choice of two AF systems and supplied PC remote control software. It’s a lot of DSLR for the money but think carefully if the cheaper EOS 400D / XTi, perhaps with a better lens would be a better buy, or whether it’s worth upgrading further to the EOS 40D. Also compare closely with the Sony A350, below.

Pros: High quality images, accurate Live View, kit lens with IS.
Cons: Live View is not as quick as the A350 and the screen is fixed.
Overall: A highly desirable DSLR for the money which doesn’t disappoint.

Sony’s Alpha A350 is the top DSLR in its consumer range, consisting of three models based on the same core body, starting with the 10.2 Mpixel A200. The A300 then takes the A200 and adds Live View and a tilting monitor. Finally the A350 takes the A300 and swaps its sensor for one with 14.2 Mpixels. The result is a feature-packed DSLR with high resolution, built-in anti-shake, flexible composition and the quickest Live View system to date. On the downside, noise levels are worse at higher sensitivities than many rivals, and technical photographers may find the Live View restrictive, but most will love its fuss-free approach. A great DSLR, but compare closely with Canon’s 450D / XSi, and if you don’t need Live View or 14 Mpixels, the Alpha A200 is worth considering.

Pros: Built-in anti-shake, tilting monitor, quick and fuss-free Live View.
Cons: Small viewfinder, slow continuous shooting, Live View not 100% accurate.
Overall: A feature-packed DSLR with one of the best Live Views to date.

The Canon EOS 400D / Rebel XTi is a great entry-level DSLR, with a light, compact body featuring 10.1 Megapixels, a 2.5in screen, and several means to combat the problem of dust, albeit not always with 100% success. The images are highly detailed with low noise at high sensitivities and the overall handling is quick and responsive; there's also a 9-point AF system taken from the higher-end EOS 30D. Canon's EF-S 18-55mm kit lens lets it down a little though, so consider upgrading the optics to get the best from the body. Ultimately it's still one of the best overall budget DSLRs which also benefits from heavy discounting now that the new EOS 450D / XSi is on sale.

Pros: Low noise, detailed images; anti-dust options; great value.
Cons: Anti-dust systems not 100% infallible; kit lens lets it down.
Overall: The 400D / XTi remains one of the best budget DSLRs around.

The Nikon D80 offers a step-up from entry-level digital SLRs, featuring superior build quality, handling and a number of powerful features. The viewfinder is noticeably bigger and brighter than most budget DSLRs and there’s also an alignment grid you can switch on or off. Nikon’s legendary 3D Colour Matrix Metering system is rarely fooled by any situation and just seems to get it right almost every time, while the 10 Megapixel images are packed with detail and bereft of noise. There may be no anti-dust, Live View or built-in anti-shake facilities, but in traditional photographic respects it’s a superb camera. If you’ll exploit all the features and don't need the latest gadgetry, it’s well worth considering the D80.

Pros: Low noise, high res images; great build and viewfinder.
Cons: Pricey for a 10 Mpixel DSLRs; no anti-dust, Live View or anti-shake.
Overall: It's getting on, but remains a great step-up from budget DSLRs.

The Olympus E-510 is one of the most feature-packed and affordable DSLRs around: you get 10 Megapixels in a relatively light and compact body, the option of one or two decent kit lenses, and the triple whammy of built-in anti-shake, effective anti-dust and Live View capabilities, not to mention easy access to a wide variety of settings. The view through the optical viewfinder may appear smaller than rival DSLRs, the 3-point AF is relatively basic and the motorised manual focusing not to everyone’s tastes, but the benefits should still see it shortlisted by anyone wanting a decent and affordable DSLR. If you’re not bothered by anti-shake and prefer something smaller and lighter, the E-410 is a great alternative.

Pros: Built-in anti-shake, effective anti-dust, Live View.
Cons: Relatively small viewfinder, motorised manual focusing.
Overall: The E-510 is one of the best-featured DSLRs to date.

The D40 is Nikon’s entry-level DSLR. It features the same 6 Megapixels as the earlier D50 but upgrades the screen to 2.5in and features an improved 18-55mm kit lens which is quicker and quieter at focusing. To save money and weight though, Nikon’s removed the motor required to auto-focus older lenses, so the D40 will only auto-focus with the latest lenses sporting built-in motors like Nikkor AF-S or Sigma HSM models. This restriction aside though, the D40 is wonderful for first-time DSLR owners, offering lots of help and virtually foolproof metering. And if you love the D40’s approach, but want higher resolution, there’s the 10 Megapixel D60 version. Both are ideal for DSLR beginners.

Pros: Small, light body; easy to use; great quality.
Cons: 'Only' 6 Mpixels. No AF with older lenses.
Overall: A great choice for first-time DSLR owners.