A question that’s increasingly asked by newcomers to digital photography is, which should I buy, a compact, point-and-shoot model or a digital single lens reflex (DSLR)?

Darren gives a very comprehensive answer to this over at Digital Photography School. His conclusions are:

This is ultimately a question that you need to answer for yourself. My answer is to have both (I’m fortunate to be able to do so) but if I had to choose between one or the other I’d get a DSLR based upon my experience level, the type of photos I take, my desire to use manual settings and the quality of image that I’m after. If your situation is different to mine however and you want a portable camera that takes good pictures that you’ll mainly use for small prints and emailing that you’ll mainly shoot in auto mode - you’ll probably be quite happy with a cheaper point and shoot.

For myself, I’ve always used SLR-type cameras, usually Canons, and I have no complaints about them, except that they are bulky and heavy to carry for many excursions.

On these occasions I’ve relied on my camera-phone to snap anything interesting I see along the way. But the quality is dismal and I’ve been considering a middle way for a while. The main problem is that I don’t do enough of the opportunistic stuff to justify a high-priced digicam.

I solved the problem by purchasing a very cheap Advent MP8 (yes, 8 megapixels) from an online discount house for £130 ($245 US). This is good enough, small enough and flexible enough for the needs I have, and I rate it as a very good buy.

Update: This post is having a good run in TechMeme. Check it here.