its often been said that it doesn't matter how many thousands of pounds worth of gear you own. the best camera at any given time is the one that you actually have with you
my pics were taken with a compact
if you're going somewhere specifically to take photos then a DSLR & lens selection can't be beaten
you will have options for getting awesome photos in every situation
however if like me you're going somewhere for another reason (lets say racing) you already have too much stuff with you anyway! in which case a decent compact fits the bill perfectly.
i can leave it on auto & just get "snaps" of people around the pits or fiddle with the settings & try for something a bit more ambitious if the time shedule allows
the pics in this gallery were from a borrowed 5MP camera just left in Auto mode
http://www.neobuggy.net/modules/xcga...bum=153&page=1
not outstanding but some OK shots in there
many keen photographers have a compact that they will always carry so they will always have an opportunity to capture that spontaneous shot!
check out the review of "enthusiast" compacts at DPReview
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/Q408enthusiastgroup/
should be something in there you fancy