Have you ever wanted to take SLR-quality photos with a camera the size of a compact point-and-shoot? Well you just might be able to, maybe. Pentax has recently introduced the world to the Pentax X-Change, a digital compact-SLR hybrid with interchangeable lenses and the body of a standard compact camera. First developed as a feasible idea in 2002, the ultra-thin camera has integrated CCD sensors, just like digital SLRs, that provide varying focal lengths. Like most hybrids, this one is likely to be a bit pricey - at least at first.

Commonly found around the net for under $600 (with a 18-55mm lens), the Pentax *ist DL dSLR is one of the least expensive entry-level dSLRs available. Yet it comes with nearly every basic feature a SLR newbie on a tight budget could ask for.