Sony Alpha a850

• Launched: August 2009
• Type: Digital SLR
• Sensor size: Full frame, 35.9 x 24mm
• Resolution: 24.6 megapixels
• Lenses: Sony a mount
• Key features: None
• Links: Press release, Product page

Summary: The cheaper and newer of Sony's two full-frame digital SLRs. It has the same 24-megapixel full-frame sensor but a reduced maximum shooting speed of 3fps rather than 5fps.

Olympus E-450

• Launched: August 2009
• Type: Digital SLR
• Sensor size: Four Thirds, 17.3 x 13mm
• Resolution: 10 megapixels
• Lenses: Four Thirds
• Key features: None
• Links: Press release, Product page

Summary: Super-compact Four Thirds SLR with great layout and design but hampered by an older 10-megapixel MOS sensor. The only digital SLR to use a classic rectangular design and barely larger than an SLR style hybrid.