There's been a lot of chatter here about either compacts OR SLRs. Isn't it really a case of the best camera is the you have with you?
I.e. SLRs are great but you are only going to carry it when you plan to shoot photos. Compacts are something small enough to always have with you for nights out or unexpected shots (mobile phones too now in this impromptu category).
Bridge cameras do have their place I feel, especially for beginners and for convenience (no swapping lenses etc) BUT their profile does mean they can't really be carried around all the time like compacts can.
There is no inherent benefit to the mirror system in an SLR - it was developed during film days when you needed to avert light from the film until the actual taking of the shot.
The benefits of a digital sensor now mean we have large compacts with interchangeable lenses e.g. Sony NEX-3. This is still a really new category. What do people think about these? I think they work ok with short lenses but would be unstable to hold with long zooms on them.
i.e. best when you put a pancake lens on them.
I.e. SLRs are great but you are only going to carry it when you plan to shoot photos. Compacts are something small enough to always have with you for nights out or unexpected shots (mobile phones too now in this impromptu category).
Bridge cameras do have their place I feel, especially for beginners and for convenience (no swapping lenses etc) BUT their profile does mean they can't really be carried around all the time like compacts can.
There is no inherent benefit to the mirror system in an SLR - it was developed during film days when you needed to avert light from the film until the actual taking of the shot.
The benefits of a digital sensor now mean we have large compacts with interchangeable lenses e.g. Sony NEX-3. This is still a really new category. What do people think about these? I think they work ok with short lenses but would be unstable to hold with long zooms on them.
i.e. best when you put a pancake lens on them.




