For me:
=====
And I emphasize
for me , Phil's reviews are nice to read and are certainly comprehensive with regards to details on features and specs of the camera.
But, the value of DPReview,
for me , is not really in the reviews, but actually goes far beyond that. It is in reading the forums
extensively , especially the debates, the 100% crops, the full-sized images, the "my camera is better than yours" posts, that actually help me in my purchase decisions.
Of course, this approach won't work for everyone, as who wants to sit in front of the computer everyday, combing through post after useless post just for a few nuggets?
And to be honest, Phil's review
on its own does not tell you much about the camera's day-to-day capabilities. Yes, do view the charts, but then, augment that by looking at full-sized images and comments from other sites too - they present an alternate take on things, and very often, those angles are not present in Phil's reviews. What do you think of the colour out of the camera? What do you think about the character of the noise in the images - when taking a daytime shot; when taking a night scene? Are you the sort who likes to fiddle around with the settings or are you the kind that prefers the camera to make the decision - in that case, which camera gives the most pleasing images on Auto?
For the Potential Camera Buyer
===================
So, my tip is this. Read through as many previews as you can, from DPreview.com and other sites. Look also at the sample images from other sites - look at them full-sized. For example, there is one shot with the 400D + 17-85 of a flower at f/8 that is not impressive for sharpness at all - so, list down the question or doubt in your notes - was it the fault of the camera? or the 17-85 (my answer would be the 17-85)? or the photographer. And then, post a thread on the appropriate forum, in a polite manner, and as comprehensive as possible, as to which camera is best suited for your needs.
Eg:
"I've done my initial research on the D80 vs 400D and would appreciate addtitional input. Being uninterested in postprocessing, and only taking family snapshots, with the built-in flash if necessary, what camera would you recommend? I also have only $xxxx.xx to spend. Your thoughts are welcome."
... and not
"I hear Nikon D80 trounces the 400D in features - what are your thoughts?"
You'll be surprised with the replies.
... and powers of observation are all that's needed to draw a
conclusion - this is not rocket science.
Even DPReview does not do controlled testing of high-ISO
capabiliities - at least, not to the extent of the image series you
find on the Japanese sites. We get some tiny crops of coins, a
noise chart and a few words from Mr Askey and that's it.
So, what reviews would you recommend that are better than Phil's?
I peronsally find the analysis offered by Phil and DPreview and
other sites like imaging resource to be top notch. But I guess
that's just me.
--
JC Mason
--
Regards, David Chin
(D.7.0. & C.P.4.5.0.0.)
Nikon D80 Links:
http://www.nikond80links.com
http://www.pbase.com/dlcmh/nikon_d80_sneak_pictures
Links to all my other sites:
http://www.flickr.com/people/davidchinphoto 
