G'day

I have both sorts of camera, I have some (2) Canon Ixus point and shoot cameras and a Nikon D60 with two lenses (18 to 55mm and 55 to 200mm).

The Ixus cameras are 6 and 7 megapixel and I think the Nikon is 10 or so. The difference is picture sharpness is very obvious between the two cameras a the optics of the Nikon are a good deal better than the little Canons which are good but just not quite as good.

The shorter lens is fine for taking static photos but the longer lens is best for taking flying photos. I generally switch the auto focus off for flying photos as the auto focus can be hit and miss with a small object.

Fortunately digital film is cheap and you can bash away until you get the photo you want.

The other advantage of the SLR over the smaller camera is speed - the smaller camera can sometimes take ages to get the into it needs and by the time it takes the photo, the event has already finished and you miss the photo.

I grew up with SLRs and so I like to look through the viewfinder and I find the SLR better for following a rapidly moving plane. I am sure others will say the opposite. It is a case of what you are used to.

What ever you buy, have fun. The fact that you don't have to have film developed and printed is a real boon but it does tend to make for people who just point and don't think. Back in the film days, you thought twice about pressing the button and the results were often better as a result.