Entry level DSLR cameras are increasingly affordable nowadays, and many have made the switch, or are considering getting one to replace their regular compact cameras.

You don't have to put a DSLR and a compact camera side by side to notice the difference - DSLRs may take better photos, but are obviously bulkier and heavier.

Most people would not mind bringing a DSLR to nearby Sentosa, but what if you are planning to go overseas? Are DSLR cameras too troublesome to lug along, such that the promise of better holiday pictures does not pay off?

I took a Canon EOS 450D and a Canon PowerShot A590 IS on a trip to Japan to test them out. This is how they fared:

On the road

If you don't know it by now, it is never a good idea to pack cameras, laptops or other digital equipment into your checked luggage.

Size matters when you take a camera on the road - DSLRs require their own camera bags and it might be counted as an extra piece of carry-on luggage on certain airlines.

I packed the EOS 450D into the smallest camera bag I could find, and was still unable to get it to fit in my carry-on bag. Accessories, such as the battery charger and cables, had to go into my checked luggage, safely protected by a foam pouch. Thankfully, the airline staff allowed me to carry the camera bag as an extra item on board with no extra charges.

The PowerShot A590 on the other hand, fit nicely into a small camera pouch and I scarcely noticed its presence in my bag. The only other things I brought along for this camera were spare batteries and an extra memory card.

My camera-transporting duties were not over yet when I reached Kansai International Airport. Riding the subway and finding my way through the crowded streets of Osaka's Umeda district would have been slightly easier if I weren't lugging my luggage, carry-on bag and a camera bag at the same time.

The Test

When it comes to picture quality, both cameras did very well but it was obvious that the EOS 450D did better than its less powerful counterpart.

The EOS 450D was a pleasure to handle. Its hand grip might be small compared to other models, but I found it comfortable and had no problem carrying it around for hours on end. The only downside was that it became one camera bag too many to carry after a shopping trip in Umeda.

The camera did well in both outdoor and indoor conditions, although night shots turned out rather grainy. I also liked the fact that the EOS 450D comes pre-programmed with a number of picture styles, making it easy to take a nice picture quickly and without the fuss.

The PowerShot A590 might be tiny, but when it comes to clear, sharp pictures, this camera did produce some very good results. Picture quality was not as good as the 450D, which is expected, but still exceeded my expectations.

The A590's image stabilizer was very effective and pictures came out sharp even when I was shooting on board a bumpy Kyoto bus ride. This small but feature-packed camera also comes with several scene modes, including an idiot-proof Auto Mode and a Full Manual mode for those who know exactly what they want.

In all both cameras gave me some very nice photos, though the EOS 450D produced pictures with significantly better colours. The 450D's rapid fire ability also came in handy when I ran into an unexpected prayer event while at the Kiyomizu Temple in Kyoto.

The EOS 450D also boasted a good, long battery life - essential when on the road especially if you are going to out-of-the-way destinations.

The PowerShot's batteries gave out faster, but it had an advantage compared to its DSLR cousin, since it runs on readily available AA batteries, whereas the EOS 450D's battery needs its own dedicated charger.

Although power outlets should be available in most hotel rooms, the power plug types and voltage might differ and you might have to bring along an international adaptor - one more thing to add to the clutter.

The Conclusion

DSLR cameras may produce very good pictures, but when it comes to taking them on a trip, be prepared to bring along a whole slew of essential accessories and peripherals that comes along with it.

Point-and-shoot cameras on the other hand, are easy to carry and batteries are often readily available in popular tourist destinations and major cities. New models also come with many handy functions and most mid-range to high-end compact cameras will still give you very good pictures.

Unless you insist on very high quality pictures or plan to make photography an important part of your trip, compact cameras should suffice.

If you are willing to go the extra mile, I would recommend bringing along a DSLR to take photos that will impress your friends. Travel companions can help with the load; just promise them breath-taking pictures when you get back.