The Digital SLR cameras have a much longer battery life due to limited use of LCD screen. Please note, that as LCD screen is only used for viewing image, battery life of a digital SLR can allow up to 2000 shots per charge in some cameras compared to 500 for a good point and shoot digital camera.

Digital SLR cameras also allow you to interchange lens such as adding a zoom or macro lens when required.

On negative side of a Digital SLR camera; They are usually larger and heavier than compact digital cameras, image cannot be previewed on LCD screen prior taking picture. If you really require image to be viewed on LCD prior to taking picture, there are third party manufacturers that produce LCD screens that attaches to viewfinder and allow scene to be view just like a compact digital camera. The other drawback is inability to take videos and finally, lenses are expensive with majority costing more than camera itself.

Although compact digital cameras cannot compete on features with a Digital SLR camera, they are great value, have ability to take videos and are portable. If you have decided to purchase a Digital SLR camera I recommend you visit infodigitalcamera.com to find additional information on Digital SLR camera. If you are still undecided, purchase both.

However, I would wager that another sizable portion of unnecessary expense is Vendor's exploiting Fear, Uncertainty and Doubt (FUD) about SOX to up-sell their products or services to CIO/CFO/CXO's.

Good read to understand what is going on and what may change.