There are also substantial in-camera editing capabilities, such as cropping and red-eye correction. Those features may sound unnecessary if you download your photos to a PC and edit, but they can be surprisingly handy when showing off your in-camera pictures right away.

If you've already got lenses for an older Nikon camera (either digital SLR or film), they'll work on the D80 as well. If you don't have a lens, Nikon's new 18-135mm offering is the $300 "kit lens" usually recommended with the D80. An even better option is the AF-S VR DX, offering 18-200mm capability and vibration reduction, which allows handheld shooting in lower light. At $750 or so it's a substantial added expense, but it's a great multipurpose lens for those who are serious about their photography. Alas, it's unavailable just about everywhere right now because demand is heavy and supplies are limited.

Honorable mention: For those who might not need all the customization and features of the D80, the 10-megapixel Canon Digital Rebel XTi is a less expensive ($725 - $800, body only) and highly popular option. It offers a "self-cleaning" sensor to protect against dust and is somewhat smaller and lighter than the Nikon D80.

-- Sharon Machlis

Subcompact digital camera: Canon PowerShot SD800 IS