The 2007 POP Awards: Digital SLRs

Canon EOS 40D

Following in the rugged, semi-pro footsteps of the EOS 20D and 30D, the 10.1MP Canon EOS 40D ($1,300, street, body only) jumps to the next level with its Excellent tested image quality (even at ISO 1600!), fast low-light AF capability, rapid burst mode, and 3-inch LCD with live preview. (www.usa.canon.com)

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Fujifilm FinePix S5 Pro

The marriage of Fujifilm's 12.3MP Super CCD SR Pro sensor and Nikon's D200 body gave birth to one of the best DSLRs ($1,800, street, body only) for shooting weddings. (It's hot for architecture and scenics, too.) Super-wide dynamic range, advanced noise reduction, film simulation modes, and stellar image quality add up to a pretty picture. (www.fujifilm.com)

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Nikon D40x

Looking for your first DSLR? This compact marvel ($625, street, body only) weighs just over 1 pound, but it packs heavyweight features, including a 10.2MP CCD sensor, 3D Color Matrix metering, Excellent tested image quality up to ISO 1600, a fast AF system, and a 2.5-inch LCD monitor. It works with most Nikkor lenses and Nikon accessories, too. (www.nikonusa.com)

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Olympus Evolt E-510

Compact size and great handling are the most notable external features of the E-510 ($720, street, body only), but more impressive extras hide within. These include a 10MP Live-MOS sensor that delivers Excellent tested image quality -- plus a live preview (with AF) in the 2.5-inch LCD. Image stabilization, dust removal, and scads of exposure controls top it off. (www.olympusamerica.com)

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Sony Alpha 700 DSLR

Sony's second DSLR ($1,400, street, body only) is proof that it's in the advanced DSLR arena to stay. The A700, built to take abuse, ups its resolution to 12.2MP. Plus, its Super SteadyShot image stabilization works with all lenses, a fast and sensitive AF system, plenty of controls, and a 307,000-pixel LCD. (www.sonystyle.com)

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The 2007 POP Awards