Nikon D300

Just when this Tech Hive staffer had set his heart on a Nikon D80, here comes this beast. The Nikon D300 ($1700) is the company's new entry-level pro dSLR, and it has the features to back up its "pro" claim. Features like a new 51-point auto focus system, a 12.3 megapixel DX sensor, EXPEED Image Processing System, a new 920,000 dot high-resolution 3-inch LCD monitor with LiveView, magnesium alloy construction, and a self-cleaning sensor unit. Of course, if all that's not enough for you, you can always step up to the new Nikon D3 ($6995) which packs a 12.1 megapixel full-frame sensor, ISO 25,600 (no, that's not a typo), and nine frames per second shooting capabilities, compared to the D300's six.