choose: point and shoot or digital slr?

i think they both have their own strengths. I had a Canon G series point and shoot for a while which I loved and could take into full manual. Point and shoots are small, relatively inexpensive, and as long as you're not shooting high ISO images(the sensors generally aren't big enough), perfectly capable within certain limitations. Digital SLRs can also start at reasonable costs but you will ALWAYS pay for good glass. I've always had Nikon DSLRs which I think have been well-marketed and offer many entry points. Currently I use a Nikon D200 which is old news in terms of technology but is reliable, well-built and takes great images. You can buy one on the used market for around $600. I've seen better results from Canon SLRs but never really liked them from an ease-of-use point of view - just personal preference. Wedding photographers tend to like Canons because they do better in low light but that isn't so much the case any more. But if you can swing a new DSLR, look at the Nikon D90 or one of the older models like the D80 or D40x. You'll be more than happy I suspect.

I definitely prefer DSLRs. They have exchangeable lenses so you have a wider variety of photos you can take with them. They also have a larger, more powerful image sensor which means they take higher quality photos with more detail, color depth, and dynamic range, and less noise and grain. I also like DSLRs because you set the controls manually. You have completely control over the aperture, shutter speed, ISO, white balance, even the focus. DSLRs are faster than point and shoot cameras. They start up faster when you turn them on, have absolutely no shutter lag, and can shoot more frames per second. DSLRs are also made out of a higher quality, sturdier material than point and shoots making them tougher, stronger and they tend to last a lot longer. DSLRs are definitely worth the extra money! As for what brand I prefer, definitely Nikon!

hi shiloh_222 if you want handy one, you go for point and shoot, werein you can put inside ur bag or in ur pocket. SLR is really good when you want to learn some basics in photography, cos its more complicated compared to point and shoot, lots of settings also im into photography now, im using a canon 40D and canon 400d.... im still learning and attending some seminars wherein i can learn lots of techniques and settings happy lotting

If it weren't that expensive I would really love to use a digital SLR instead of my point and shoot. With a digital SLR, it would be fun playing around with your subject. Plus with those really expensive models, you can do a variety of shots that you can't do with a point and shoot. With regards to the brand, I don't really have a specific brand in mind but I think I'd go for a canon since if I'd bust it. It'll be easier to find replacement parts.