Data from CIPA (Camera and Imaging Products Association) indicates that digital camera shipments are up compared to the same point last year.  Consumer point and shoot shipments were up 27% and shipment of digital SLR cameras (prosumer and professional) were up 75%.

The largest growth was in the digital SLR market, possibly due to the wider availability of easier to use and cheaper models.  Some of the lower end models include the Pentax K100D and K110D, the Nikon D40 and D40x as well as the Canon Rebel XTi, these models range from $400 to $800 and most times include the lens.

With digital SLRs beginning to encroach on the consumer level models it becomes a question if you should consider a digital SLR over a point and shoot.

Most point and shoot models record movies whereas digital SLRs do not.  Point and shoots can be slow at still image taking where digital SLRs do not suffer from shutter lag or long delays between shots as some point and shoots suffer from.  Point and shoot can be pocketed, digital SLRs cannot and usually require you to carry them in a case.

If quality still image shooting or low light shooting is your thing then consider a digital SLR.  If you need movie shooting or impromptu shots then consider a point and shoot.  Or buy both and the point and shoot can always be with you and the digital SLR will be there when you need it.

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Related:

Where is the compact camera with digital SLR performance?

Digital camera report: Ricoh Caplio R7

Digital camera report: Samsung NV20

Nikon prepares for the battle of DSLR with D3 model

General Electric offers 8 megapixel E850 digital camera for $200

Entry was posted on Thursday, August 16th, 2007 at 4:54 pm under Digital Camera, Digital SLR, Point and Shoot.

Read more entries by Jonathan Schlaffer.