See if you can get a hands-on play around as well. When you get the camera in your hands, point it at something a bit far away, then press the shutter release ("the button") half way down so that it acquires focus. See how long it does it on the dSLR, and how long it does it on the other camera - the dSLR should be a damn sight faster, and should go straight to the focus point, whereas the other camera might wiggle in and out a bit before locking on.
This is one of the biggest strengths of a dSLR, which speedbump mentioned. dSLRs use something called "phase detection autofocus", a bit like how old manual cameras worked (but automated now), whereas most compact cameras use "contrast-detection" autofocus, which is inferior - usually very much so - and also why compact cameras are a bit crappy when tackling things that move.

Don't worry too much about FPS. If you can get a hands-on demo, get the rep to set up the compact camera for high-FPS shooting. Try it on a static object, then try taking a panning shot with it and see what happens. To take a good sequence of shots at high FPS, two things need to be present: a camera that can do the FPS, and more importantly an AF system that can actually keep up with such a high FPS.

G'luck!

Robin Wong Blog

The Mirrorless Rules Are Changing

Some stores that specialise in DSLR's also do day rentals(atleast here in the Netherlands), you could always ask if you could give a entry level DSLR a go for a day if the costs are reasonable and see how you get on.

I was just saying the mirror-less cams don't have phase detect auto focus like a DSLR. They rely on contrast detect focus which uses the main sensor to focus. Contrast detect focus is way better than it used to be and on the higher end cams will probably work on aircraft, but if you want to shoot birds in flight, get a DSLR as they can lock on and keep lock on a bird that suddenly changes direction.

Eventually they will become equal I figure in the next few years.

http://www.cambridgeincolour.com/tutorials/camera-autofocus.htm

Go the DSLR route and be prepared to have her want to upgrade again (just like you do with computers) in 2-4 years. My wife has an older Pentax K100 and loved it up until about 6-12 months ago because she said "I want a Nikon because everyone has one".

Now she will not even consider the newest Pentax offering which is the K5. I like it and have played around with one for a while and almost bought her one but didn't want to drop nearly $2k on it with a couple of new lenses last spring. They are dropping in price now because Pentax is about to bring out their newest version. If I buy a Nikon I will have to spring for all new lenses since the first camera she ever bought was a SLR Pentax 35mm that was great but didn't have autofocus which was fine for learning how to take pictures.

Anyway I really like the K-5 because it is capable of going out in all kinds of weather and still functioning without needing to be pampered. Not to mention the fact that the camera has backwards compatibility with lenses that AREN'T motorized. This will allow you to use older SLR lenses with the Pentax cameras autofocus instead of being stuck with having to buy bigger bags to carry all the Nikon/Canon/Olympus/Sony gear that is bulkier and heavier.

Specs on the Pentax K-5


High Resolution 16.3MP CMOS Sensor
Speedy 7 FPS Captures Fast Action Shots
High Sensitivity 80-51200 ISO Range
Responsive, Accurate 11-Pt Autofocus
1080p HD Video at 25 FPS
3" LCD With 921,000 Dots of Resolution
Fully Weather-Sealed and Coldproof
Magnesium Alloy & St Steel Chassis
Highly Accurate 77-Segment Metering
Shake Reduction Image Stabilization

Guys – Best Buy has the T2i on sale for $599, so I’m either going to pick it up today or tomorrow.

The first time I went in, the guy mentioned you can get damage coverage for $150 or something like that (covers lenses breaking etc.. if we drop it or whatever). Normally, I don’t go for that kind of stuff. But I also don’t know that much about these cameras. How “delicate” are they? What are the chances that we’ll break something?

I would personally not bother, but then I don't do this as a trade. If you drop a camera, as long as it's not more than a couple of feet (read: 2 feet), it should be okay as it is all solid state, even for the most plasticky camera body. Both of mine have also been accidentally saturated after going from somewhere extremely cold to somewhere at room-temp and high humidity, and survived without any problems, although I would not recommend it.

Modern lenses shouldn't be dropped at all (kinda goes without saying :o). They are still quite strong, but the weakest point is the electronics. If you build up some safe habits while use (e.g. always wearing the strap while using) and store it in a place where it is unlikely to be knocked down, and treat both of them with some care and respect, you shouldn't have any problems. Keep in mind that warranties are another way that retailers make big bucks on.

I should note that this is IMHO - your mileage may vary.

My opinion matches Gopher's - I doubt it's worth it. You might drop it taking it out of the box, I suppose, but I think that's not likely. DSLRs are not any more delicate than any other camera, and are usually more robust, so I don't think it's likely that they'll be a problem unless abused.

Those warranties are not worth the price they want. Not to say I have not dropped a camera before though.

That's what I figured. Just thought I'd check, though.

Thanks!