Digital Trends

While point-and-shoot digicams muddle along without any super breakthroughs—14 megapixels? Big deal!—watching the brawl between D-SLR manufacturers is much more enjoyable. Recently, Canon, Nikon and Sony have all introduced or announced digital single-lens reflex models that are leaping ahead of last year’s cameras. For example: Sony’s new $3,000 A900 is the first full-frame 24.6MP model. Recently-resurgent Nikon unveiled the first D-SLR that records HD video—the $999 12.3MP D90. And, just a short time later, Canon announced the $2,699 EOS 5D Mark II, which has a 21.1-megapixel full-frame imager that also takes high-def videos.

This clash of the titans is great news for photo enthusiasts who now have a wide range of D-SLRs to fit practically any desire. And, as we’ve said, it’s also fun to watch. But frankly, it’s even more enjoyable testing the devices. Case in point: We just reviewed the D90, and as a camera, it really shined. Yet when the EOS 50D came our way, we couldn’t resist trying out a new 15.1-megapixel D-SLR that’s a huge on-paper leap above the still-available 10MP EOS 40D. Although the 50D costs $300 more, the good news is that there’s a lot extra on offer here beyond the camera’s new higher-resolution sensor. So is it the D-SLR of your dreams? Hit the jump to find out…