What makes dslr cameras better than normal digital cameras?

Question

Dslr's are a lot more expensive but is there a lot to benifit compared to cheaper and smaller digital cameras?

Answer 1

1) Larger sensor.

2) Better quality images.

3) Faster focusing.

4) Interchanging lens option.

5) Built stronger.

6) Larger and more professional looking.

7) Can use with external flash unit.

8) Excellent low light photography.

9) More manual controls.

10) Read/Write quicker to memory card.

11) Greater shutter and aperture range.

12) Better detail extraction, color saturation.

13) Takes more accessories.

14) Allows pictures to be taken with shallow depth of field (portraits, modeling)

Answer 2

Listen to what the first poster said.

However, I'd like to add:

If you're having to ask what the advantages of an SLR are then for you there probably are none. Just because SLRs are a "better" camera doesn't mean it's right for you. Unless you know what you're doing you'll probably find all of the different settings on an SLR very confusing and it'll just frustrate you.

Answer 3

The sensor in a DSLR like the Sony A300 or Canon XSi or Nikon D60 is as much as 15 times larger than the sensor in a "point & shoot" digicam. A 6 megapixel DSLR will simply blow away a digicam in terms of image quality.

A DSLR offers you the luxury of interchangeable lenses. You aren't limited to a slow permanently attached lens which often limits your creative abilities. You also have more control over f-stops and shutter speeds with a DSLR.

A DSLR has barely perceptible shutter lag so you never miss that important action shot. All digicams suffer from shutter lag - that frustrating time between when you press the shutter release and the camera actually takes the picture.

With a DSLR you are looking directly through the lens. You see exactly what the lens sees.