What's the difference between an SLR camera and a point and shoot camera?

i know SLR cameras are more professional but in what ways? I have a point and shoot camera with 5.1 mp. i saw a SLR cameras for like $500 with about the same amount of megapixels. my camera was only $120. I'm looking for a higher resolution camera for my trip to hawaii, not because the camera isn't good because I love it, it was great for it's time but now 7-10 mp is standard. so before I buy, what's the difference between these two types of digital cameras?

Okay .. here's the deal:

Pixel count is one of four factors that can help you determine the quality and resolution you can expect from a digital camera.

* Quality of the lens
* Sensor size
* Pixel count
* The quality and sophistication of the analog to digital converter within the camera

So in order:
* DSLR cameras have superior lenses that are interchangeable.
* DSLR have senors that can be from 2x to 10x the size of the sensors found in P&S cameras.
* Pixel counts are between about 6MP and 14MP on both cameras
* The A/D processors in DSLR's are far superiour to any found in P&S cameras.

You can still buy a great DSLR with a 18-55mm lens for under $500 (as they say, "while supplies last")

The size of the pixels in the sensor is why DLSRs outperform point and shoots with more pixels. The larger pixels gather more light enabling better lower digital noise and better colour rendition.


Then even the kit lens on all DSLRs is far better than than the tiny lens on your P&S.

a single lense reflex allows you to see the picture prior to shooting it. it is used by many as it allows exacting details and usually the ongoing substition of different lenses and filters.
the single lense digital camera has a viewer and the picture may not be exact. it is pocket size as opposed to the slr and thew stuff that you usually carry.
unless you have a prevailing reason to need and can handle the slr take the pocket version and some extra disks to allow you capacity.