Travel Photography - Looking for the perfect camera: DSLR vs Point and Shoot

Hello,

I am having a VERY hard time deciding what sort of camera to purchase. I am serious about improving my photography skills and looking to buy a camera up to $700. I cannot make up my mind as to whether I want a DSLR or a compact camera. I would appreciate any recommendations.

I equally want excellent video recording (for video blogging) as well as the capability to take professional photographs in various setting. I am a traveler, so I really want a camera I can quickly pull out of my purse or pocket. However, I am willing to compromise and buy something larger if the video/pictures are THAT much better.

I too have been having a difficult time deciding. My debate is that I've yet to see a point and shoot where the reviews don't say that there's noise at 400iso, meaning every review says that noise creeps in at 400iso, which is unacceptable to me.
On the other hand, dslr are impractical to travel with, they're too big, id rather just whip out my cell and take a picture with it than lug around a camera that doesn't fit in my pocket.

I ran into the same issue you did and I picked a DSLR in the end (canon 1ti). I was looking for improved low light pictures and the ability to control DOF. I used DPreview.com to compare picture quality between P&S and DSLR and even entry level DSLR's were far better in low light then high end P&S cameras. The DSLR is much less portable but I purchased a tamrac backpack which allows me to take my camera with me most places. So if you’re willing to play with settings and get over the learning curve I would suggest a DSLR but if you going to keep it on auto mode a lower cost P&S might be better.

Hello,

I am having a VERY hard time deciding what sort of camera to purchase. I am serious about improving my photography skills and looking to buy a camera up to $700. I cannot make up my mind as to whether I want a DSLR or a compact camera. I would appreciate any recommendations.

I equally want excellent video recording (for video blogging) as well as the capability to take professional photographs in various setting. I am a traveler, so I really want a camera I can quickly pull out of my purse or pocket. However, I am willing to compromise and buy something larger if the video/pictures are THAT much better.

Compact system cameras like micro four thirds or Sony NEX are made for people like you (and me).

If you want control over depth of field, you are going to need a much larger sensor and faster lenses than any compact provides.

Hello,

I am having a VERY hard time deciding what sort of camera to purchase. I am serious about improving my photography skills and looking to buy a camera up to $700. I cannot make up my mind as to whether I want a DSLR or a compact camera. I would appreciate any recommendations.

I equally want excellent video recording (for video blogging) as well as the capability to take professional photographs in various setting. I am a traveler, so I really want a camera I can quickly pull out of my purse or pocket. However, I am willing to compromise and buy something larger if the video/pictures are THAT much better.Does that $700 include lenses? If so, then a DSLR would be difficult to stay within that budget.

How about something in the middle?
Mirrorless cameras such as Sony NEX series would be the best bet.

A low end dSLR and a high end point and shoot will produce pictures as good as the photographer; the limiting factor will not be the camera.

In other words in terms of image quality you'll not see much difference between something like the Canon G12 and the entry level Canon dSLR.

With the price range that you've stated you're going absolute entry level (unless you buy used) dSLR.

The reasons to go with a dSLR over the point and shoot revolve around flexibility. If you're wanting the option to go for a super wide lens or super long lens then you'll likely want to go with the dSLR.

You might want look at the low light abilities; if you're shooting inside a lot that'll end up being what's considered low light, even if you can see well enough.

I shoot dslr and high end P&S...and have looked long and hard at a 4/3 for travel/convenienve. frankly, my honest opinion is to buy a low-end dslr (nikon 3100 or canon rebel). considering what you're looking for, your price range and to provide greatest flexibility and features/quality, that would seem the best use of your photo $s. you'll have many good features, options and performance...and can dummy-down with Auto settings if you decide to make it extremely simple. You don't have the same option to add more features/options with a 4/3...at least not as much. price-wise, you're in essentially the same price ballpark.

Take a look at Nikon P7000 / P7100 series and the Canon G series cameras (G12)

Semi-compacts. Bigger lens, slightly bigger sensor but also a great option in that you can use the full size dSLR speedlights (flashes) such as the Nikon SB-600 or Canon 580EX

Second that. Low end DSLRs are better than any P&S cameras.

The closest P&S that comes to DSLRs are (IMHO) Fuji x100, Fuji x-pro1, Sigma DP1 & DP2. But these are too quirky and expensive compared to a low end DSLR.

A low end dSLR and a high end point and shoot will produce pictures as good as the photographer; the limiting factor will not be the camera.

In other words in terms of image quality you'll not see much difference between something like the Canon G12 and the entry level Canon dSLR.


I understand what you are saying, but just the sensor size alone will generally make a dSLR picture better than any P&S.

http://cdn.cambridgeincolour.com/images/tutorials/digital_sensor-sizes.png

I would have thought a mirror less system camera like micro four thirds would be a no brainer here. Comparable or better IQ than the DSLR's being talked about here in a much smaller package.

Thank you for your replies, all! I'm seriously considering a Cannon T2i for the DSLR option. I found it for $500. I took a look at the Sony NEX cameras and it looks like there's a lot of hype about one that is coming out in June. Can't say i've made up my mind yet, though.

I will be shooting a lot of indoors and outdoors. I also want to do family portraits, etc. I'm going to stop by some more stores tomorrow to play with the cameras.

Thank you for your replies, all! I'm seriously considering a Cannon T2i for the DSLR option. I found it for $500. I took a look at the Sony NEX cameras and it looks like there's a lot of hype about one that is coming out in June. Can't say i've made up my mind yet, though.

I will be shooting a lot of indoors and outdoors. I also want to do family portraits, etc. I'm going to stop by some more stores tomorrow to play with the cameras.

If you do get the T2i you can pick up a EF-50mm F1.8 lens for just over 100 dollars which will help get better DOF in your family portraits. It will also help with low light photos if the 50mm focal length is not too long for where you shooting.

If you do get the T2i you can pick up a EF-50mm F1.8 lens for just over 100 dollars which will help get better DOF in your family portraits. It will also help with low light photos if the 50mm focal length is not too long for where you shooting.

True dat!

A Canon Rebel plus the 50mm F1.8 will actually give you a camera that is what a point and shoot should be, fast and artistic photos, even at night time. 90% of the time I use mine in P mode with the built in flash turned off and it effortlessly take awesome pics. Save for having a good eye, you don't even immediately need to learn AV TV or ISO, your Rebel + 50mm F1.8 will simply take awesome photies.

One thing a point and shoot will give you is better zoom range. Having a Rebel plus EF-S18-55mm kit lens plus the 50mm F1.8mm will be nice for a few months, but then you are going to miss the zoom and want to get something like the EF 75-300mm III USM IS. Then you are going to realise that you cannot take a shot of the whole family at a dinner party without knocking a wall down so you will want to buy an EF-S 10-22mm.

Before you know it you have spent about $3000 and your camera set up is as big as your hand luggage. If you don't want that to happen then think on getting a Canon G12 or a Nikon P7000

I have a EF-S 18-135 and a EF-S 60 macro and its covers 90% of what I want and need. Soon I would like to get a wide angle fast prime for indoor shooting because I find the 60mm to be too long.


True dat!

A Canon Rebel plus the 50mm F1.8 will actually give you a camera that is what a point and shoot should be, fast and artistic photos, even at night time. 90% of the time I use mine in P mode with the built in flash turned off and it effortlessly take awesome pics. Save for having a good eye, you don't even immediately need to learn AV TV or ISO, your Rebel + 50mm F1.8 will simply take awesome photies.

One thing a point and shoot will give you is better zoom range. Having a Rebel plus EF-S18-55mm kit lens plus the 50mm F1.8mm will be nice for a few months, but then you are going to miss the zoom and want to get something like the EF 75-300mm III USM IS. Then you are going to realise that you cannot take a shot of the whole family at a dinner party without knocking a wall down so you will want to buy an EF-S 10-22mm.

Before you know it you have spent about $3000 and your camera set up is as big as your hand luggage. If you don't want that to happen then think on getting a Canon G12 or a Nikon P7000

I went to buy the Canon T2i at Target today and suddenly it's discontinued! I hear that a T4i is coming out any day now. I'm tempted to wait it out.

I'll be looking at some higher end point and shoots today (Canon S95, Canon G12, Nikon P7000) as well as the Sony NEX 5N and 3c. As you can see, i'm still confused.

I went to buy the Canon T2i at Target today and suddenly it's discontinued! I hear that a T4i is coming out any day now. I'm tempted to wait it out.

I'll be looking at some higher end point and shoots today (Canon S95, Canon G12, Nikon P7000) as well as the Sony NEX SN and 3c. As you can see, i'm still confused.

For what you've described, I would either go SLR (first choice) or a Sony NEX or similar 4/3rds camera (non-SLR but with an APS-C size sensor). Either will have more extensibility and better sensor than any point and shoot, the SLR will be more powerful but the Sony or equivalent will be much smaller.

I have a Canon 7D SLR that I love, but I also got a Sony NEX 5N for when I need something that fits in a jacket pocket.

Bob

I am having a VERY hard time deciding what sort of camera to purchase. I am serious about improving my photography skills and looking to buy a camera up to $700. I cannot make up my mind as to whether I want a DSLR or a compact camera. I would appreciate any recommendations.

Do you already have a decent pocket/walkaround camera? If not, I'd get one of those first, rather than going to either large P&S or a DSLR; I'd also not spend anywhere near $700 on a pocket camera -- spend not over $400 on the pocket camera, then save the remainder towards a better, but less portable camera for those occasions when you outgrow it.

I am a traveler, so I really want a camera I can quickly pull out of my purse or pocket. However, I am willing to compromise and buy something larger if the video/pictures are THAT much better.

My Canon S95 takes good pictures in a broader range of lighting conditions (etc) than my old Rebel XTi did, even with a fast prime lens (50/1.4) -- now that I've replaced the XTi with a T3i, that's no longer true as long as I use an image-stabilized lens, but the tradeoffs still favor the versatility and size of the S95 in a lot of conditions.

As for video, for casual video, a good P&S will be better than any DSLR -- DSLR video, while super-high-quality is NOT at all easy and user-friendly, and if you're trying to hand-hold video while traveling, forget about it... while most P&S cameras "just work" for video.

The two pocket cameras I looked at were the Panasonic LX5 and the Canon S95; Canon also has the S100 (which has a longer zoom range, better video, but a slightly slower lens at the long range) -- I chose the S95 for better pocketability, but it's still got a lot of manual controls (and very easily used ones thank, and I love it.

All three cameras have a RAW mode (rare in pocketable cameras); the Panasonic adds a hit shoe if you want to use off-camera or stronger flash, although at that point I'd want to DSLR.

As for the DSLR (or Micro-4/3s), the usual advice is to pick the lenses you want, and then choose the camera around that. I can't see getting a body and lens I'd be happy with in your budget without going used.

Compact system cameras like micro four thirds or Sony NEX are made for people like you (and me).

If you want control over depth of field, you are going to need a much larger sensor and faster lenses than any compact provides.

Yeah, that's my biggest gripe with my S100. Depth of field issues keep cropping up and there's usually little I can do about it. It's not the S100's fault, it's what you get with a P&S, especially with a pocket camera.

With my D80 depth of field is almost never an issue other than with high-zoom (I have a 28-300 effective lens on it) close-up shots.

I have a EF-S 18-135 and a EF-S 60 macro and its covers 90% of what I want and need. Soon I would like to get a wide angle fast prime for indoor shooting because I find the 60mm to be too long.

Funny that, I am toying with the idea of getting a D60 and the 18-135mm lens at the same time. Sure seems to cover most options. I tend to not even take the 18-55mm kits lens out with me anymore.



I have a Canon 7D SLR that I love, but I also got a Sony NEX 5N for when I need something that fits in a jacket pocket.

Does the Sony NEX 5N really fit in a jacket pocket? I have never seen anything so "exotic" down here in Colombia but having seen dpreview, it's interchangeable lens seems to make it look unpocketable.

I went to buy the Canon T2i at Target today and suddenly it's discontinued! I hear that a T4i is coming out any day now. I'm tempted to wait it out.

I am sure online retailers will have the the T2i, waiting it out might mean you get a bargain on it when the new model arrives.

I'll be looking at some higher end point and shoots today (Canon S95, Canon G12, Nikon P7000) as well as the Sony NEX 5N and 3c. As you can see, i'm still confused.

Check out the Amazon reviews for the above, people of an incredibly generous spirit seem to field test these things and go to lengths to write great reviews, compare them with each other etc. You will get more detailed info than Flyertalk and probably better info than even a camera shop will give you.

The Nikon P7000 appears to trump the G12 on all counts apart from speed and its hooky menu system, but it is $150 cheaper than the G12. "Speed" being able to take a photo when you want to is the reason I bought a DSLR instead of a P&S in the first place. I would love to get a decent P&S to carry around with me but I think I would have to make a compromise that I don't want to. It's a minefield, I feel your pain.

Speaking of Amazon, I complained yesterday to them as I bought a lens and the list of "frequently bought together" items included a lens hood which does not fit the lens I bought. Within 2 hours they had refunded both the lens hood AND a couple of filters that I bought at the same time AND removed the frequently bought together listings for that lens from both the US and UK sites. Impressive customer service Amazon ^

I checked out two Sony NEX cameras yesterday. Although they shot decent pictures, there is no way that they could be considered pocket-able. In fact, with the lenses on, it's almost as large as an SLR. I would rather go with the SLR in this situation since the price difference is minimal.

I spent a lot of time on the Canon S100. I was very impressed... however there were some shortfalls. Seeing as how shooting videos is very important to me, I would like to get some perspective on how SLRs do with that.

I agree with the note above that DSLR's are not usually great for shooting video unless you go and do a whole pro setup. But the newer ones usually at least have a stereo microphone input which would hugely improve the audio of your videos vs. the built in mic.

Another option is the Nikon 1 series cameras. Although they have smaller sensors there's a good bit of positive buzz from the users at Nikonians.org

Ultimately there is no "perfect" camera. It always comes down to intended use mostly. And as was also noted above, the photographer is the most important part of the equation.

I checked out two Sony NEX cameras yesterday. Although they shot decent pictures, there is no way that they could be considered pocket-able. In fact, with the lenses on, it's almost as large as an SLR. I would rather go with the SLR in this situation since the price difference is minimal.

I spent a lot of time on the Canon S100. I was very impressed... however there were some shortfalls. Seeing as how shooting videos is very important to me, I would like to get some perspective on how SLRs do with that.


If video is important to you, a sony SLT might be a good choice. The ability to focus fast and constant focus in video is a huge improvement over conventional DSLR's. I was very tempted by the Sony ALPH77 when it was introduced but wished they would have stayed with a 16-18 megapixel sensor instead for better high iso.

I spent a lot of time on the Canon S100. I was very impressed... however there were some shortfalls. Seeing as how shooting videos is very important to me, I would like to get some perspective on how SLRs do with that.

The S100 will shoot video but they come out huge. The camera doesn't have the processor power to do a good job of encoding them.

The S100 will shoot video but they come out huge. The camera doesn't have the processor power to do a good job of encoding them.

You want it to be huge, and to re-encode if you're going to edit it, and hi-def is always going to be (relatively) huge. Also, the S100 (looking at the specs; the S95 that I have only has regular MP4) has an AVCHD mode, which is particularly huge and high-quality, in addition to the rather-more compressed MP4. I think it also does full-HD rather than just 720p, which is even huger.

For video blogging, one would probably just use the 480p/standard def setting.

For what you've described, I would either go SLR (first choice) or a Sony NEX or similar 4/3rds camera (non-SLR but with an APS-C size sensor).Just to be clear, the Sony NEX is not a 4/3rds camera since it has the larger APS-C sensor. 4/3rds cameras sensors are smaller as I illustrated in my post above.

In actuality, a P&S that you have with you at the prime photo opportunity will be far better than a superior DSLR that you didn't take with you because it was too bulky to carry around.

Does the Sony NEX 5N really fit in a jacket pocket? I have never seen anything so "exotic" down here in Colombia but having seen dpreview, it's interchangeable lens seems to make it look unpocketable.


^

My Sony 5N with the Tamron 18-200 zoom fits easily in one of the outside pockets of my North Face shell. I took it on a few ski trips this winter when I wanted better shots than my phone could deliver but didn't want to carry a backpack. It definitely wouldn't go into a pants pocket, but a larger jacket pocket works. And compared to a Canon 7D with a similar zoom it is much smaller. My 7D would never fit in any pocket at all.

ND Sol, thanks for clarifying. I was trying to say that the Sony NEX with an APS-C sensor and the 4/3s cameras are similar in overall design and sensor size, not that the 4/3s cameras use an APS-C sensor themselves. Your chart did a MUCH better job of clarifying that.

For me, the phone camera is the one I ALWAYS have with me, the Sony NEX 5N is easy to carry with me when traveling, hiking, etc, and the Canon 7D is the best for when I know I'll be taking lots of photos and don't mind carrying a bag. There just aren't enough times when a point and shoot fits between the NEX and the phone for me.

Bob

For me, the phone camera is the one I ALWAYS have with me, the Sony NEX 5N is easy to carry with me when traveling, hiking, etc, and the Canon 7D is the best for when I know I'll be taking lots of photos and don't mind carrying a bag. There just aren't enough times when a point and shoot fits between the NEX and the phone for me. Bob


I vote for Sony NEX 5N as it has high quality and best results in dark. I have a cannon L series but I'm amazed at low light capability on NEX 5N.

Canon SX40 (http://www.dpreview.com/news/2011/9/15/canonsx40hs)

Are you really going to change lenses?

I have a NEX-5N and use the std zoom lens the most. It's not pocketable, unless it's a jacket pocket. The small 'pancake' lens is good for pocketing and parties. The thing I really enjoy over a high-end P&S is the ability to micromanage focus on the NEX camera.

If you're not going to change lens, you may want to go with something like the http://www.amazon.com/Fujifilm-X10-Digital-Camera-f2-0-f2-8/dp/B005KBB79C/ref=sr_1_13?s=photo&ie=UTF8&qid=1337807945&sr=1-13

I think the 4/3 cameras are more pocketable if you're going to change lens. Panasonic just came out with a smaller everyday lens - http://www.amazon.com/Panasonic-DMC-GX1X-Compact-System-14-42mm/dp/B00604YTH0/ref=sr_1_2?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1337808025&sr=1-2

The Nikon1 series is very pocketable too, but lower performing.

First, if you're looking at an interchangeable lens system (either DSLR or mirrorless), you are buying into a system, and that is mostly defined by the lenses.

Of the mirrorless options, ONLY micro four thirds has an acceptable range. Sony not only has little coverage, the lenses they have are generally poor quality, and the slow apertures negate much of the high ISO advantage of the Sony sensors. Autofocus on micro fourthirds is far faster than the competitors, competing with DSLR in many situations.

Panasonic just announced a 12-35 (24-70 equiv) f/2.8 that is testing very well, and is about half the size/weight of the Canon version. A 35-100f/2.8 (70-200 equiv) is supposedly right behind it.

First, if you're looking at an interchangeable lens system (either DSLR or mirrorless), you are buying into a system, and that is mostly defined by the lenses.

Of the mirrorless options, ONLY micro four thirds has an acceptable range. Sony not only has little coverage, the lenses they have are generally poor quality, and the slow apertures negate much of the high ISO advantage of the Sony sensors. Autofocus on micro fourthirds is far faster than the competitors, competing with DSLR in many situations.

Panasonic just announced a 12-35 (24-70 equiv) f/2.8 that is testing very well, and is about half the size/weight of the Canon version. A 35-100f/2.8 (70-200 equiv) is supposedly right behind it.

1) You're right that you're buying into a system. I think that the 4/3 and NEX systems are the only games in down for compact interchangeable lens with a future. Both are good systems, and you won't go wrong buying either one.
2) I think you're wrong that 4/3's have better lens at a price-point for price-point level. Lens are a mature industry. You typically get what you pay for, the only differentiators being popularity of the platform and physical size constraints of the mount. The $300 lens are on par w/ the $300 lens in both systems. You'll get a better $300 lens from a mature SLR system. If you made an optical stabilization argument, you might have a point. At any rate, neither lens system is particularly bad at the 'kit lens' price point. Don't confuse not-perfect with bad. You'll waste a lot of money buying perfection and have little gain to show for it - sorta like comparing two diamonds.
3) As far as selection, both catalogs are growing. NEX is at a point where 4/3 was a year ago - lots of base lens, adding higher end models slowly. How many lens does one really need in this category though?
4) As far as apature for night shots, how many night shots does one take at the lowest apature levels... typically very few. Night photography requires a tripod (or a nice flat surface when traveling).

Canon SX40 (http://www.dpreview.com/news/2011/9/15/canonsx40hs)

I hadn't even heard of this camera until I saw this yesterday. Has to be a serious contender for someone on the lookout for a useful point and shoot.

The only criticism seems to be that the M mode is not completely manual and the firmware makes some overrides with long exposures.

I checked the Amazon user uploaded images, some of the wildlife shots way outshine those that I manage to get with my Canon 70-300 IS USM

2) I think you're wrong that 4/3's have better lens at a price-point for price-point level. Lens are a mature industry. You typically get what you pay for, the only differentiators being popularity of the platform and physical size constraints of the mount. The $300 lens are on par w/ the $300 lens in both systems. You'll get a better $300 lens from a mature SLR system. If you made an optical stabilization argument, you might have a point. At any rate, neither lens system is particularly bad at the 'kit lens' price point. Don't confuse not-perfect with bad. You'll waste a lot of money buying perfection and have little gain to show for it - sorta like comparing two diamonds.

Note, I said "among mirrorless". Of course SLR is going to offer more bang for the buck in lenses. They've had what, 50 years (in the case of Nikon) making the same damn lenses?


3) As far as selection, both catalogs are growing. NEX is at a point where 4/3 was a year ago - lots of base lens, adding higher end models slowly. How many lens does one really need in this category though?

Disagree. NEX is growing much more slowly than m43. Even Samsung is outpacing Sony in lens development. I would say you need the following HG or SHG lenses in any lineup:
- fast normal prime (50/1.8)
- fast portrait/short tele prime (150/1.8)
- super sharp macro prime (90/2.8)
- fast normal (24-70 f/2.8) zoom
- fast tele (70-200 f/2.8) zoom

NEX has ONE of those (the stupidly expensive Zeiss)


4) As far as apature for night shots, how many night shots does one take at the lowest apature levels... typically very few. Night photography requires a tripod (or a nice flat surface when traveling).

Not for night shots, but indoor shots all the time. I would say this is MORE important for travel photography. This is why I think the 16MP m43 models are the perfect travel camera for those needing "beyond compact" control over DOF and IQ

1) You're right that you're buying into a system. I think that the 4/3 and NEX systems are the only games in down for compact interchangeable lens with a future. Both are good systems, and you won't go wrong buying either one.
2) I think you're wrong that 4/3's have better lens at a price-point for price-point level. Lens are a mature industry. You typically get what you pay for, the only differentiators being popularity of the platform and physical size constraints of the mount. The $300 lens are on par w/ the $300 lens in both systems. You'll get a better $300 lens from a mature SLR system. If you made an optical stabilization argument, you might have a point. At any rate, neither lens system is particularly bad at the 'kit lens' price point. Don't confuse not-perfect with bad. You'll waste a lot of money buying perfection and have little gain to show for it - sorta like comparing two diamonds.
3) As far as selection, both catalogs are growing. NEX is at a point where 4/3 was a year ago - lots of base lens, adding higher end models slowly. How many lens does one really need in this category though?
4) As far as apature for night shots, how many night shots does one take at the lowest apature levels... typically very few. Night photography requires a tripod (or a nice flat surface when traveling).

I have to agree here. I really like the NEX system, and really wanted to buy into it, but couldn't justify the price/performance point vs m4/3, mainly due to the high cost of mediocre lenses.

I ended up with a Lumix G3, and the f/1.7 20mm. That lens almost never comes off the camera body.

I ended up with a Lumix G3, and the f/1.7 20mm. That lens almost never comes off the camera body.Ditto. I LOVE this combo. Also picked up the 14-42X power zoom, which is pretty much the same size as the 20mm (e.g. tiny) and great for travel.

IMO the G3 is the perfect compromise between the size/weight of DSLR and the limited capabilities of a point and shoot. I've also heard rave reviews of the OM-D but haven't played with it myself yet.

IMO the G3 is the perfect compromise between the size/weight of DSLR and the limited capabilities of a point and shoot. I've also heard rave reviews of the OM-D but haven't played with it myself yet.

Exactly why I got it! I prefer the shape/form factor of a DSLR, and the G3 is just like one hit with a shrinking ray. I also liked the articulating touch screen for controls; it was one of the first available models to have a decent one. Especially the "touch to focus" option, like the camera on an iPhone. Great when you're using a tri-pod.

Don't ignore the fact that a major strength of Micro 4/3 is that, via adapters, you can pretty much mount ANY lens on it (with manual focus and only aperture priority or manual exposure). For example, Leica M-mount stuff. Nikon super telephotos. etc., etc.

And people DO use them this way - as digital backs for their legacy glass.

Compact system cameras like micro four thirds or Sony NEX are made for people like you (and me).

If you want control over depth of field, you are going to need a much larger sensor and faster lenses than any compact provides.

Agreed. I took a month and a half long trip through Asia last year, and downgraded from a 7D + a bunch of lenses to an Olympus E-P2 and a high-end lens. (With the lens I bought, it's a bit past the $700 range.) I got great image quality in a much smaller size.

There are some good buys to be had on mirrorless at the moment - I saw the olympus pen on adorama for $300 and in the uk the pana G3 is around £270 - both with lens. That places them under the mid-range compacts in price and you can't go that wrong with them for the money.

Personally I'd go with the Nex 5 given the sensor quality and size (and before I bought one I never thought I'd recommend over a dslr). I use mine alot whilst travelling as it's a better companion camera than my DSLR's just on size grounds. That said an Oly Pen for c.$300 is hard to resist on value terms

I'd have a look at Thom Hogan's site sansmirror.com as it has good reviews of the pros and cons of each system.

Main tip though is to make sure it shoots in RAW (digital negatives) and buy lightroom...

If you want control over depth of field, you are going to need a much larger sensor and faster lenses than any compact provides.

My Olympus XZ-1 provides decent DOF control. I have only had it a few weeks but have been impressed so far. It's a compact with a 6-24mm (28-112mm equivalent) F1.8 lens and decent manual control.

Olympus XZ-1 Review on dpreview.com (http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/OlympusXZ1)

XZ-1 user reviews on Amazon (http://www.amazon.com/Olympus-Digital-Camera-3-Inch-Monitor/product-reviews/B004HO59LK/ref=cm_cr_dp_see_all_summary?ie=UTF8&showViewpoints=1&sortBy=bySubmissionDateDescending)

I like the Fuji X Pro1 decent photos and video and interchangeable lenses. It's nowhere near as good/versatile as my Canon 5D MkIII. I went from lugging around a Canon SLR with multiple lenses and a quick point a shoot love the fuji F10 to a SLR with the X100 but I've since ditched both for the X-Pro1. Travel much lighter and I get enough milage out from just the 35mm (I do mainly street photography anyway and some food shots. Not much action shots)

I love the quality of the images compared to the point and shoots and haven't gone back to them since switching to a "EVIL" camera.

Don't ignore the fact that a major strength of Micro 4/3 is that, via adapters, you can pretty much mount ANY lens on it (with manual focus and only aperture priority or manual exposure). For example, Leica M-mount stuff. Nikon super telephotos. etc., etc.

And people DO use them this way - as digital backs for their legacy glass.

If this is your argument, NEX is your system

If this is your argument, NEX is your system

Actually, 4/3 is, not micro 4/3 (with the viewfinder screen replaced with a groundglass split image screen). I bought a cheap E-520 which has image stabilization built in which can be manually programmed to the focal length.

The view screen is easily replaced, and these bodies are quite cheap on the aftermarket - I paid less than $300 new a couple of years back, and they still sell for over $200 used because people still use them in this way.

BTW, my main system is Nikons, but the 4/3 body is used with lots of my old Nikkor manual glass, including a 300mm f2.8 AI-Nikkor that cost me only a few hundred dollars in the used market. And of course, the legendary 55mm f3.5 Micro Nikkor, which can still occasionally be found for under $50 in the used market and is still as sharp as any current macro lens.

I'm extremely happy with my NEX-3 that I've had since Nov 2010. I got it with both the kit zoom and the kit pancake. My idea was to get something smaller and less intimidating than a full DSLR, but something with enough options and picture quality that I could learn the advanced features. My photography skills have improved by leaps and bounds, and I ended up buying the wide-angle attachment for the pancake and the cheaper 55-210mm telephoto lens. That combo of lenses, shooting in RAW, along with learning Adobe Lightroom for adjustments have seriously (http://sphotos.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/422195_10150798900107786_1774509220_n.jpg)increase d (http://sphotos.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/408095_10150798901157786_513957785_12604579_203318 1201_n.jpg)the quality (http://sphotos.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc7/423561_10150798900767786_1408918315_n.jpg) of my photography (http://sphotos.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc7/428329_10150798893207786_513957785_12604507_100836 9230_n.jpg) by an order (http://sphotos.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/395225_10150721199977786_230761515_n.jpg) of magnitude (http://sphotos.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/400021_10150721204122786_808686970_n.jpg). (click those links to see examples) I still have tons to learn, of course! Total spend for what I have is not much more than $1000 (plus the price of software) over a few years- not too shabby.

The NEX-3 has been discontinued but the newer models (3C, 5N, upcoming F3) have better video options (as long as you don't have the clicking issue).

I know there are many alternatives and people will fuss about lens selection and being "trapped" in Sony's proprietary universe, but I think the NEX family offers the best combination of versatility and value. Especially for someone just moving into the DSLR world.