Canon Rebel XTi vs. Nikon D80 vs. Sony Alpha A100 Head-to-Head-to-Head Digital Camera Review

There are choices for the photographer who wants a combination of manual and automatic options in a 10-megapixel sub-$1000 DSLR. In this comparison review, we're looking at the three most prominent cameras – the Sony Alpha A100, the Canon Rebel XTi and the Nikon D80. The Canon and the Sony are both available online for under $900 with a lens and both offer dust removal and reduction features. The Sony has in-camera image stabilization – Super Steady Shot technology that moves the sensor in response to camera shake. The Nikon lacks dust technology and stabilization, but goes for about $1100 with a similar lens (it's under $1000 for the body alone). Is there a separate niche for each of these, or is one simply a better buy?