These days, digital SLRs start just below $500. But demanding photographers will want more capable cameras. High-end DSLRs will fill these photographers' needs — for a price.

For example, high-end cameras can shoot more frames per second. They also have faster shutter speeds for freezing movement. A wider ISO range offers greater control over light sensitivity. High-end cameras are also more durable.

Differences don't stop there. High-end DSLRs have a greater bit-depth, up to 14 bits. Low-end SLRs are limited to 12 bits. A greater bit depth means the camera "sees" more colors. There is a greater tonal range in the finished images.

High-end DSLRs have more sophisticated autofocus and light metering. They include more focusing points from which to choose. And more metering zones yield more precise metering.

You'll also find features such as self-cleaning sensors. These remove dust and debris that can ruin images. Some also feature vibration reduction, also referred to as image stabilization. This offsets minor camera shake. Some manufacturers incorporate this in lenses rather than the camera body.

Point-and-shoot digital cameras often feature an LCD screen for composing shots. Most SLRs do not, due to design limitations. But this feature is beginning to appear on more expensive SLRs.

Here are some of the latest high-end DSLRs:

NIKON

Nikon will release its flagship D3 in November. It features a 12-megapixel, full-size sensor. A full-size, or full-frame, sensor is about the same size as a frame of 35mm film. Most digital cameras use half-size sensors. At $5,000, the D3 is aimed squarely at professionals.

The camera's vertical grip makes it easy to compose vertical shots. It has a 3-inch LiveView screen and 51 autofocus points. It shoots nine frames per second, or 11 in crop mode.

ISO ranges from 200 to 6,400. Special modes yield ISO equivalents as low as 100 or as high as 25,600.

Enthusiasts will like Nikon's D300, also arriving in November. At $1,800, it lacks some of the D3's features. Its self-cleaning, 12-megapixel sensor is not full size.

It shares the D3's LiveView LCD and autofocus system. It shoots six frames per second, or eight with an optional battery pack. ISO ranges from 200 to 3,200. Special modes give ISO equivalents as low as 100 or as high as 6,400.

CANON

Canon's EOS-1Ds Mark III goes on sale in November for $8,000. It features a 21-megapixel, full-size, self-cleaning sensor.

It features a vertical grip. It has a 3-inch Live View screen and a 45-point autofocus system. It shoots five frames per second. The ISO ranges from 50 to 3200.

At $1,300, Canon's 40D is within reach of many enthusiasts. It has a 10-megapixel, self-cleaning sensor that is not full size. The 40D has a nine-point autofocus system and a 3-inch Live View screen. It shoots 6.5 frames per second. The ISO ranges from 100 to 1600. It can achieve the equivalent of 3200 in a special mode.

Both cameras can use an optional wireless transmitter to send photos to a computer.

Contact Kim Komando at gnstech@gns.gannett.com.