Should you use
a SLR or compact
digital camera?

If you are a

beginner or average

photographer

I recommend you buy a quality compact, not a SLR (single lens reflex) digital camera. Remember, today's high-end compact digital cameras have narrowed the gap between them and the SLR digital cameras. Some perform superbly.

Advantages

of a compact

Pocket sized

They are so small that you can take them wherever you go. SLRs are significantly bulkier.

Lightweight

Some compacts weigh hardly more than your cell phone. SLRs weigh many times more.

Less expensive

Compact digital cameras on average cost 2 to 3 times less than SLRs. Moreover, you won't be tempted to buy products like extra lenses because compact cameras cannot use them.

Gentle learning curve

It's fairly easy for most people to learn the basic automatic functions of a compact camera. And, you don't have to familiarize yourself with a compact's customized features until you're ready to do so. In contrast, a single lens reflex (SLR) camera is several times more complex on the onset - and it has a steep learning curve. This could prove frustrating to a traveler who is not interested in the finer points of photography.

If you are (or wish

to be) an advanced

photographer

Use one of the new lightweight breeds of the SLR (single lens reflex) digital cameras. One is shown below. SLR is short for "single lens reflex", which means the lens is used for both viewing and taking the picture. What you see is what you get. This is not true for compacts.

The overall camera quality and sophistication is higher for SLR than compact digital cameras. This makes the SLR appealing to a camera enthusiast traveler.

But - this is important - I recommend that SLR owners also bring a quality compact digital camera. You will have it in your pocket when an unexpected photo opportunity confronts you when your SLR digital camera is back in your hotel room. It happens a lot.

Advantages

of a SLR

Interchangeable lenses

SLR cameras allow you to swap lenses when the need arises. For example, you can switch from a 20-mm wide-angle to a 200-mm telescopic lens in seconds. Compact camera lenses are fixed - they cannot be removed. You're stuck with what you've got.

Better lens

The overall quality level of SLR lenses are markedly superior to those of compact cameras.

Filters

You can mount filters on SLR lenses. You cannot on compact camera lenses.

More megapixels

The average SLR has considerably more megapixels than the average compact camera. The more you have, the sharper the image and the larger prints you can make.

External flash

Click  my "How to Use Flash Effectively" button for the advantages of an SLR flash.

Click to learn

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