If you're in the market for your very first Canon SLR camera, the Canon EOS 10-D is a smart choice. Ideal for snapping 6.3 megapixel images, this camera is durable, tough, and easy to adapt with a number of lens attachments. Moreover, it's much less expensive than its equivalent counterparts, like the 20-D and the 1-D, and it offers a myriad of features and amenities that the well-liked D-60 doesn't have.

There is no question that the EOS 10-D takes great quality photos. However, there are some peculiarities to this camera. First of all, its metering is kind of quirky. You can't use spot metering, nor can you employ this camera in really low light (if you want clean shots). When it comes to data extraction, people have reported some problems with the RAW utility format.

Finally, the somewhat clunky controls of the 10-D will make you envious of those who can bump up to the next class of Canon EOS, the 1-D. Still, with a fair amount of practice and some research, you should be able to grab images in a diverse range of conditions. Moreover, you can always supplement the camera's weak spots by snapping on one of the many compatible lens attachments.

Canon offers a number of alternate models to the 10-D, including the Digital Rebel, the Digital Rebel XT, the EOS 20-D, and the EOS 1-D Mark II. As an amateur, you can likely do much of your work with the EOS 10-D, unless a friend hires you to take wedding photos. In that case, you may want to rent or borrow the 1-D Mark II or 20-D for the day.