Going to another country for three months. Point & Shoot or DSLR?

Question

Hi, I'm going to Germany at the end of January as a foreign exchange student and want to buy a camera to use while I'm there. Personally, I want a DSLR as I've used them before and like the feel and how they don't have shutter lag. But my parents say that I would never use it as it's too big and bulky. They want me to get a point and shoot so I can just stick it in my pocket and whip it out whenever a good picture opportunity arises. In a sense, I think if I were to use one of those little square cameras I would look like a tourist and with a dslr I'd look like a more involved tourist. More involved meaning I'm here to take good pictures and not annoy you! 
Okay, that last sentence was a little stupid, but I don't see why I couldn't just have the camera dangling around my neck, right? 
Well anyways, what is your opinion: would I be happier with a point and shoot?

William · Accepted Answer

Mien thinkin that a DSLR would give you better das pictures. If you have a small lens it's no problem to fit in a backpack or coat pocket. A point and shoot you may get more pictures but it's just not going to be as much fun. I think whatever you want to use; you will you more. If you are afraid to feel like a tourist you're less likely to pull it out. The Olympus E-p1 is meant to be super small , or the E-420 with a pancake lens just slips in jeans if you're lucky.

gman · Answer

Point and shoot. Traveling with dSLR's can be nasty. Look at some of the modern Canon ones. Ken rockwell has a pretty good layout here: http://www.kenrockwell.com/canon/index.htm

Scroll to the compact point and shoot section. 

If you really want a dSLR- get a nikon d40 with either the kit lens or the 35mm f/1.8 G

I would have a better time with a point and shoot.

keerok · Answer

The P&S would make you more less tourist-like but the dSLR will make you happier. The P&S may actually allow you to take more pictures but the dSLR will allow you to take better pcitures. It all depends on what you are willing to go through and sacrifice.

TheDigitalPhotographer · Answer

Hey,

Well this is a hard decision, especially because prices are different.

I have an article on my blog called 'Should I buy a DSLR or a P&S camera'. I compare them both in many stuff, you can read it here - http://the-digital-photographer.blogspot.com/2009/12/dslr-or-p-camera.html

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Going to another country for three months. Point & Shoot or DSLR?

4 Answers