everyone has a SLR

This is because that's how the major players are gearing their product line.

When digital cameras became common, DSLR technology was still being developed and was still very expensive for the average consumer. Nikon's first DSLR, the Nikon D100, was priced at $1999USD when it was released in 2002.

FYI, the D100 is a consumer grade SLR, succeeded by the D70/s, then by the D80 and then the D90 ($975USD).

At the entry level, the new Nikon D5000, a very capable camera, is about ~$1000 with a packaged lens kit. A D40/60 can be had for about $300-ish.

So this is why everyone has a SLR now. Plus it looks cool. I personally think it's great that the companies are making more entry level cameras for people to get into photography. The more people into the hobby, the more ideas are generated and more creative concepts are born. Gives me more photo buddies as well to choose from when I want to go out to shoot. From a professional photographer's standpoint (which I'm not, a pro photog is someone who makes their living - ie. puts food on the table - with photography), it might not be so good because any newb with a SLR is charging to shoot and calling themselves a pro.

But in response to my friend who said to me, "SLR's are cheap nowadays, anyone can learn to be a pro"
- yes, but you can't buy/teach talent.


courtesy of pyeung