Differences Between a DSLR and a Normal Point and Shoot Camera

If you're into photography at all, then you have probably heard about DSLRs and Point and Shoot cameras. What's the difference, you ask? In this article, I will discuss five differences between the DSLR and the Point and Shoot camera.

The first difference is the weight. A DSLR(digital single-lens reflex) is much heavier than a Point and Shoot camera. There's more metal in DSLRs than in a normal Point and Shoot camera. This isn't necessarily a bad thing, just keep it in mind. If your hands tire easily, then you may not want to buy a DSLR.

Secondly, there are the lenses for the DSLRs. Unlike Point and Shoot cameras, the lenses on DSLR cameras can be taken off. These lenses can be pricey. They vary from around forty dollars to the thousands of dollars. If you're like me, you are not going to spend more then three hundred or so dollars on a lens. I would just be too afraid that I would drop the lens or something.

Why do the lenses separate from the DSLR camera? Mostly because it gives the photographer the ability to be more creative with their shots. For instance, if you want a close up shot, you switch to a macro lens. If you would like a long distance shot, you would then switch to a telephoto lens.

Of course, you could just use a fancy Point and Shoot camera with a 12x optical zoom for the long distance shots. These cameras usually have a decent macro ability, as well. But if you break the camera lens on the Point and Shoot, you have to buy a new camera. If you break the lens on a DSLR camera, then you just buy a new camera lens.

A third difference between Point and Shoot and DSLR cameras is that you can't take pictures through the lcd screen on a DSLR camera. This can be annoying if you're used to taking pictures utilizing the lcd screen on your Point and Shoot camera. However, it's not that big of a deal. You will get used to it.

A fourth way in which DSLRs and Point and Shoot cameras differ is the loudness level. DSLR cameras create a lot more noise than your standard Point and Shoot cameras. The noise isn't a huge issue, but it might scare away wildlife. Perhaps some DSLR cameras make less noise than others.

Finally, DSLRs are more expensive than Point and Shoot cameras. However, this is fast changing as more and more people become interested in DSLRs. I have seen DSLRs for as low as five hundred dollars. That's a pretty decent price when compared to Point and Shoot cameras. But don't forget about the extra lenses and other accessories for the DSLR. These additional accessories add up over time. I expect to spend around twelve hundred dollars total for the life of my DSLR camera. Probably more.

DSLR cameras are quite different from Point and Shoot cameras. However, I believe DSLR cameras will eventually dominate the market. The price just needs to fall albeit more.