dSLRs are much better. However, if you try to use a dSLR at a concert, you will be asked to delete your pictures or escorted out. For the most part, people who take photos with 'cheap compacts' can do so unmolested.

Meanwhile, famed duckspotter drplokta has been taking great pictures at 180 zoom or something with a Panasonic pseudo-SLR. Not, obviously, in low light. So it's very important to work out what you want to do with your camera before buying.