While the DSLR might be the ideal for creativity and image quality, it's a moot point if the camera sits on the shelf collecting dust because a smaller camera is more convenient. If you're willing to accept a few compromises there are alternatives worth considering if the bulk of a DSLR puts you off.
Micro Four Thirds - filling the gap between compact and DSLR
The big news in the last 12 months is the arrival of the Micro Four Thirds camera. Micro Four Thirds cameras include the DSLR-like Panasonic DMC-G1 and GH1 and the compact style Olympus EP-1, but the common point is a more compact size than DSLR, while retaining the ability to change lenses (something you miss out on with most high quality compacts or power zoom). Panasonic's Alistair Robins tells us the format was developed to "fill the gap" between compact point and shoot and traditional DSLR.
Micro Four Thirds: Not just about size
Once you pick up a camera like the Panasonic G1 you notice the lenses are only part of the appeal. Inside a Micro Four Thirds camera there is no mirror arrangement reflecting the image to the viewfinder (see diagram below).
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| DSLR cameras (on the left) have a mirror arrangement that enables the photographer to see what the lens will see. Removing the mirror mechanism means Micro Four Thirds cameras (on the right) are smaller. Click to enlarge. |
There are downsides to this configuration, but the upside is a more compact camera, and it also means the image sensor is constantly exposed to the scene, like a compact. This gives the camera the ability to offer a lot of the "friendly" features seen in cheaper point and shoot cameras, like a seamless live view screen and face detect autofocus and intelligent scene recognition. The more expensive Panasonic DMC-GH1 variant also shoots HD video.
Our verdict?
The format is a good idea in theory, but based on the price of the Panasonic DMC-G1, which was $1,429 RRP (Note: this price has been updated) with a single lens at time of writing, it's not a slam dunk if you're comparing it on price against an entry level DSLR.
Like a DSLR, you have full manual control over exposure settings. It's not a small camera though, so we wouldn't say it has any major advantages over DSLR in terms of size (though the Micro Four Thirds Olympus EP-1 is truly small).
Which leaves image quality. The sensor in Micro Four Thirds cameras is bigger than those in many high quality compacts like the Canon G10 and many power zooms, which is a compelling advantage. If camera size is not a concern, then this provides a reason to choose Micro Four Thirds over high quality compacts and power zooms.
Also in this series, Stepping up to a DSLR camera
Part 1: The megapixel myth
Also see our Group Test of 11 Digital SLR Cameras