Thanks!!! Two major differences.
*Sensor size (bigger ... not just more pixels)
*Interchangeable lenses
Then of course there is all the advanced electronics used to process the images onboard Generally speaking, digital SLR are much more technologically advanced. They simply contain better tech than Point N Shoot cameras, which are made for a more casual and "cool" usage. Higher pixil count, better image (focus ect), and it has more creative outlets then a point and shoot(partly becuase you can change the lenses) I'd like to put a visual reference to fhotoace's concise answer.
Here is a mini-tutorial I made myself to compare 10 MP sensors in a digital SLR (DSLR) and a point and shoot (P&S) camera. I have tried to keep everything on equal footing with no unequal cropping of the original images. Both images were taken at the equivalent of 75 mm from about 1,000 feet away. View this FULL SIZE and scroll through the image to compare the resolution at various points of the images. To me, the P&S sensor practically looks like an impressionist painting compared to the DSLR sensor. Please note also that this is the "large size" P&S sensor, as most are using the smaller 1/2.5" (5x4 mm) sensor.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/7189769@N04...
With interchangeable lenses, you can get all of this and much, much more:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/7189769@N04...
This was done with two different lenses: the Nikon 17-55 and 70-300:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/samfeinstei...
Of course, you can get it with one or two zoom lenses, but you have your choice. Better quality basically. Shutter lag, Sensor size, High ISO noise performance, lens selection, build quality, optical viewfinder clarity, handling, coolness factor. Simple answer, versatility.
SLR's generally have interchangable lenses, for a greater variety of shooting situations.
SLR's have better manual controls for those that want them, and auto modes for people that do not want them.
SLR's have adjustable ISO settings for different lighting conditions.
And lastly, most SLR's can be configured to be point-and-shoots. It does not work the other way around. In general, the difference is that in any decent SLR, the photographer can adjust the camera's features to adapt to different conditions, such as lighting, distance, speed of the action, and subject matter. It's like driving a Tercel (remember those?) versus a 6-cylinder 4x4 -- or listening to rock&roll on a mono sound radio versus a stereo boom box. I'm not saying this in a disparaging way at all -- just pointing out the differences, very generally speaking. An SLR will give you more options to save the images so they can be enlarged with better quality.
You can get a large selection of lenses and filters to enhance images.
Better flashes can be added
Remote control for shutter release
Better sensor
More pixels
Can be manually set to take better images than the presetting on a point and shoot. | 