Compact or SLR / D-SLR Camera?

Without listening to says about 'SLR does better pictures', other than its sensors and image receptors, and prices, what is the difference between a compact camera or SLR / D-SLR?

1) interchangeable lenses allow you to pick the best lens for a particular task.
2) the mirror/prism system of the SLR allows you to see the actual incoming photons on the SLR viewfinder, rather than a low-resolution image on an LCD screen (which has an inherent delay as the photons have to be converted to an electrical signal).
3) focusing speed--SLRs focus much much faster than any compact camera.
4) shutter lag. SLRs have much shorter shutter lags, because metering and focusing is faster. The only way to get a short lag on a compact is to prefocus and lock exposure--not always possible.
5) For action shots, the SLR is much better because of 3 and 4.
6) In dim lighting, the digital SLR will also be better for focusing and making images with less "noise" in them. With the right film, a film SLR will also look better than a compact digital camera in dim light shooting.
7) Enlargements/cropping--you can crop more with an SLR or digital SLR than with a compact digital.

And that's just off the top of my head. I think that's enough, don't you?

You can easily get shallow depth of field with longer focal length lenses which is very hard to get from any P&S cameras.

Compact SLR like Cameras are great but have Limitations.

For instance my wife and I have SLR and DSLR as well as a Leica V lux 1. This is SLR like and well takes amazing photographs. and has a fixed lens of 35mm-420mm. The lens is amazing and at ISO 100 as well as image stabilization the images are stunning.

The main draw back is
small sensor and fixed lens and EV which is a love hate thing. everything else is the same as my Nikon DSLR but it is what it is and what it's intended to do it does very very well.

Don't buy something and expected it to be something it's not you will be disappointed.

100's of Lens and flash options.
Quicker autofocus, more 3rd party accessories.
Within about +/- 5% you get what you see thru the view finder.

just to name a few...

SLR and D-SLR have changeable lenses flashes and D-SLR is digital. SLR and D-SLR are for more hobbist photographers and professional photographers. Also they are more manuel selections to give you the right flash and contrast and what not. If your buying a camera for family pictures or trips and what not, a compact camera is what you are wanting.