The era of DSLR has come in digital camera world finally. New models are coming out every half year in the current trend and price is getting more and more competitive while image sensor resolution is getting higher and higher. Moreover, size of a DSLR is getting smaller and smaller while the weight is getting lighter and lighter. In view of the need for quality of your precious travel photos, why would you still not consider carrying a DSLR digital camera with you on your travel?

Nikon D5000

Canon EOS 500D (Rebel T1i in US)

OLYMPUS E420

In the current market, we can see each and every half year, new DSLRs are being launched by the big names like Nikon, Canon and Olympus, which is as fast as compact cameras’. In 1st quarter of this year, eventhough the world’s economic is badly hit by the financial crisis, Nikon still launched the D5000, the replacement of their popular budget camera, D40. Meanwhile Canon has also launched EOS 500D to replace their entry level 450D. Not to mention E420 budget DSLR from Olympus that was  launched recently.

In case you still ask why should you bother to carry such a big chunk (well, DSLR is still considerably bulkier than compact’s) along your travel, here are my top 5 humble opinions:-

1. DSLR has by far the unrivalled image quality, especially in low light. This is controlled by the size of image sensor where DSLR has at least double the size of image sensor if compared to compact cameras. In this case, size does matter!;
2. With fast technology advancement, DSLR is at least even, on par or better composing flexibility. The most significant advantage of compact camera, ‘live view’ feature is now a standard feature of DSLR as well. Another unique feature of video shooting in compact’s has also inherited to the current DSLR models;
3. DSLR is getting lighter, smaller and cheaper that suitable for vacation travel. Comparing to 417g of my Panasonic Lumix FZ28 compact, Olympus E420 is weighing at 380g (body only) only! Canon 500D is also very light at 480g only;
4. Faster operation to capture acute travel moment. The start-up time, shutter lag time, focusing time and file saving time are all faster in DSLR if compared to compact’s. This is the most important factor in photography where timing is always critical to capture “The special moment”, and
5. You will look more confident and ‘man’ when holding a DSLR in your hands. Carrying a DSLR in group travels will make you more popular since they want you to take photos for them.

So, what are you waiting for? I’m now looking for sponsors to buy my zoom lense Nikkor 18-200mm DX AFS VR for my D60 before my next trip to Phuket island! If you like this post and blog, please support me by clicking links or photo of cameras in this blog to make your purchase online at Amazon. – Travel Feeder.