Canon and Nikon have been the big guns in the world of SLRs for ages, but Sony has gained market share fast, due to a very solid product offering. One of their unique selling points is the highly effective in body image stabilization system, which gives you a stabilized image with every lens.

The A230 is the current entry level model into the Sony line, and it offers some impressive features for its price. You get a 10 megapixel sensor, 9 point AF, eye start autofocus, and the normal in body stabilization. It comes in a very small and compact body, making it perfect for the travelers out there. Of course, there are a few caveats with Sony bodies, such as the proprietary flash system, but the A230 is such a solid camera at a great price that I would be willing to look past that issue. If you're looking for an entry level alternative to Nikon and Canon, the Alpha A230 is the camera to get.

Video Review of entry level Alpha series:

eBay Auctions:

650 2600mm Lens for Sony Alpha DSLR A230 A330 A380 A450    US $259.95

NEW SONY Alpha DSLR A230 DIGITAL CAMERA 18 55MM    US $429.95

NEW SONY Alpha DSLR A230 DIGITAL CAMERA 2 LENS KIT    US $549.95

Sony Alpha DSLR A230 102 MP 8GB 2 Sony LENS A230 NEW    US $609.00

1600mm Mirror Lens for Sony Alpha DSLR A230 A330 A380    US $239.95

NEW SONY Alpha DSLR A230 DIGITAL CAMERA 3 LENS KIT    US $539.95

For those looking to break into the Canon DSLR line, the Rebel XSi is one of the best entry level Canons yet.  Offering 12 megapixels and a slew of useful features, Canon really packs a lot into this guy.  You get features such as 9 point autofocus, live view, 14 bit RAW, and several other features normally associated with higher end cameras.

While having all of these features, the Rebel XSi still remains quite small and compact.  If you're a Canon shooter and need a camera for travel, this is an excellent value.  The kit lens with image stabilization (IS) is perfect for travel, since it is small, covers a versatile focus range, and the IS helps in situations where you might otherwise need a bulky tripod.  Even if you're not a traveler, these features still make for an excellent camera body.

Video Review:

eBay Auctions:

Canon EOS Digital Rebel XSi 450D SLR Body 4GB Kit NEW    US $606.09

Canon EOS Rebel XSi 450D Digital SLR Camera Body 3 Lens    US $609.99

Canon Rebel XSi 450D Digital SLR Camera Body 4 lens kit    US $742.00

CANON EOS Rebel XSi 450D Digital Camera Body 5 Lens USA    US $1,049.99

CANON EOS Rebel XSi 450D Digital Camera Body 2 IS lens    US $955.00

NEW EOS Rebel XSi 450D SLR Camera Body 2 Canon Lens    US $929.00

Buy Nikon D60 from Amazon.com

The Nikon D60 is the followup to the D40x. It is a light, small, consumer grade body that stills manages to take great photos. The D60 is excellent for those looking for a beginners DSLR that will help them get into the Nikon photo system at a reasonable price. The D60 might not win any awards for speed, but it provides all the basics in a very easy to use package. The kit lens that it comes with is now equipped with VR (Vibration Reduction) technology, which helps make it perform better in low light.

The compactness makes this a great choice for travelers, and the simple features work well for first time DSLR users.  In fact, I would venture to say that most people out there don't need much more camera than this. This body is a winner for sure, and should last the user for many years of great pictures.

Video Review:

eBay Auctions:

SEASEA SS 06143 RDX D60 HOUSING NIKON D40 DSLR CAMERA    US $1,399.00

SEASEA SS 06143 RDX D60 HOUSING NIKON D40X DSLR CAMERA    US $1,399.00

SEA SEA SS 06143 RDX D60 HOUSING NIKON D60 SLR CAMERA    US $1,399.00

TAMRON 17 50mm Di II VC f 28 Lens NIKON D40 D60 D90    US $629.99

Nikon D60 W 18 55 55 200mm VR 23 PC PRO KIT 5 Lenses    US $899.99

Nikon D60 102MP Digital SLR with 2 Lenses EXTRAS    US $624.99

SIGMA 18 250mm 18 250 OS LENS F NIKON D40 D40X D50 D60    US $504.99

NEW Nikon D60 SLR Kit With AF S DX 18 55mm Lens 102 MP    US $795.00