On the downside, SLRs can't match the compact size and light weight of digital compacts. It may not be the top choice to lug around Europe if you just want to come home with some 4-by-6 snapshots.
The SLR mechanism is also a bit louder than a compact's, so if you plan on unobtrusively nabbing a few candids of people on the street or capturing wildlife, you might want a compact (or a very long lens for an SLR).
The Canon EOS Digital Rebel.
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You're a good candidate for a digital SLR if you already own a regular film SLR, especially if your lenses are autofocus models minted in the past decade. Canon likes to say every lens in the EOS line works with every EOS camera. That means lenses from 1987 forward will work with the Digital Rebel. That's 150 different lenses over time, and about 50 lenses that are on the market right now. Nikon says all of its lenses, regardless of age, work with its new D70. But for all of the functions to work, like autofocus and through-the-lens metering, broadly the lenses need to have the "AF" designation. Those lenses have a built-in computer processor that will let you use most of the advanced features. Both cameras can use third-party lenses and accessories as well.
As to which camera is the better choice, the Canon or the Nikon, that's one photo buffs can debate endlessly. But there are some generalizations that can help you decide. If you already own lenses and accessories from Canon or Nikon, your decision is made -- you'll want to buy the camera that works with all that stuff collected in your gear bag.
If you are starting from scratch, you can begin with price. The Canon has an advantage there; its Rebel with a 55mm f/3.5 lens sells for as little as $950 from reputable e-tailers. The Nikon D70, which the stores I visited are having trouble keeping in stock, isn't discounted often. You'll find it for list price: $999 for the body alone, $1,299 with a Nikkor 18-70mm f/3.5 lens.
The Canon is also a little easier to figure out without the manual, at least for the beginner, although operating either camera in its automatic mode is as simple as using a point-and-shoot.
For picture quality, the guys in the photo shops give a slight edge to the Nikon. But don't forget, that edge comes at a price.
If you still can't decide, give it a year. Like other digital devices, these new cameras just get cheaper and better.
Roy Furchgott last wrote for Travel about Copper River salmon.
Q&A: Digital SLR Cameras
Decided to make the switch to a digital SLR camera? Here are a few commonly asked questions.
