[Palmnuts]

Nice pics - I've also been considering a Digital SLR as I've seen how good the pictures some of the guys on here get with theirs.

How easy is it to use and what actually are the main benefits of one over say a decent compact?

[Dr Dave]

Originally Posted by Halpin13

Sorry its hard to see what a person is like over words on a computer when really hes a stranger to me, hence the harsh quote from me.

I haven't met our Will in person (yet) but I know him fairly well by the means of a few 'pictures'

[SiKkBaSs]

Originally Posted by Palmnuts

Nice pics - I've also been considering a Digital SLR as I've seen how good the pictures some of the guys on here get with theirs.

How easy is it to use and what actually are the main benefits of one over say a decent compact?

Main benefit is that it takes ridiculously clear crisp shots I assume, much like the ones Halpin's posted and he's a beginner like he's said.

I took a couple with my mates SLR, think he has a Nikon as well, and it makes the plainest shots look amazing.

[Dr Dave]

Camera is only as good as it's operator - I've used some very very capable compacts and got some very good images out of them.

Panasonic DMC TZ10 is high on my list at the moment as a compact to go along with my Canon DSLR.

[willhollin]

[SiKkBaSs]

Originally Posted by Dr Dave

Camera is only as good as it's operator - I've used some very very capable compacts and got some very good images out of them.

Agree...but SLRs have that "upgradeability" that compacts don't have (i.e. lenses).

[- Paul -]

Originally Posted by SiKkBaSs

Agree...but SLRs have that "upgradeability" that compacts don't have (i.e. lenses).

They also cost a lot more and are not "pocketable".

[NFS]

Originally Posted by SiKkBaSs

Main benefit is that it takes ridiculously clear crisp shots I assume, much like the ones Halpin's posted and he's a beginner like he's said.

I took a couple with my mates SLR, think he has a Nikon as well, and it makes the plainest shots look amazing.

I'm by no means an expert on this, but the main benefits I've found with our DSLR over a compact are:

1. The DSLR lets a lot more light through to the sensor, especially with an f1.8 prime lens. This means that you can get great quality, crisp images in lower light (i.e. indoors). My compact works well for landscapes in sunshine, but produces noisy indoor shots.

2. DSLRs give you control over depth of field, allowing you to bring your subject into focus with varying degrees of background blur. Fantastic for portrait shots.

Combining the above, SLR images usually seem more 3 dimensional and vivid than photos taken with a compact.

It's the physical size of the sensor and lens that achieves this. There are some 'superzoom' compacts that have big lenses that can do similar things in a smaller package though. I've found that carting an SLR around with 2 lenses (we use an 18-55mm lens and a 50mm prime) can be a pain, but it's worth it when you look at the results.

[SiKkBaSs]

Originally Posted by - Paul -

They also cost a lot more and are not "pocketable".

Probably 'cos they're significantly better

Ideally have both IMO.