Whats the difference between a digital point and shoot camera and a digital SLR?

Question

First of all, I dont know what a digital SLR is, but I heard it was better than a ditigal point n shoot? I want a new camera that takes really clear pictures and is an all around great camera and I was thinking the Casio Exlim Ex-Z200. So good choice? Here's the link:

http://exilim.casio.com/browse_cameras/exilim_zoom/EX-Z200/

thanks!

Answer 1

Simply put:

SLRs are cameras with removable lens, that pros and amateur 'enthusiasts' use.  Excellent quality - especially in poor light or with sports and moving subjects, great adaptability, but quite big.  

Meaning it's not going to fit in even a big jacket pocket.  And they are going to cost $500 to start.

'Point and shoot' means many things now.  Compact digital cameras (first link) are smaller, and have less adaptability than SLRs.  Some compacts will fit in a shirt pocket, some a jacket pocket.

Some (called 'superzooms' - see the second link) have many of the features of an slr 'system' that would cost $1500 and weigh several pounds.  They give up some durability, and that quality with low light and action.  For most shooting, even blown up, they take pictures that look great.  Most superzooms will fit in a big jacket pocket.

Go to a store and hold them in your hand.  A camera store, like Ritz, will let you check them out without the anti-theft gadgets that the big box electronics stores use.

I think you can do better than that Casio for the money. It's not bad at all, but there are better ones. It does have 'image stabilization', which is key no matter if you go with a small compact or an SLR.

Answer 2

Look at the Canon A-590IS I own one and it is a very good camera for $179.

Answer 3

The camera you mentioned is not an SLR. It is a point and shoot.

Here is a definition of a an SLR camera. They can be film or digital.

An SLR camera is what is called a single lens reflex. Basically what this means is that the camera has one lens on it. When you look through the viewfinder you are seeing through the lens. The light enters the lens and is reflected off a mirror to the viewfinder. When you press the shutter the mirror flips up and a shutter or curtain opens up and exposes the film or sensor. SLR's are fully adjustable cameras with interchangeable lenses. You can set the shutter speed, The aperture and the ISO that you want to use. You also can choose which lens you want based on the subject that you are shooting.

A point and shoot camera does not give you the ability to adjust these settings or to change lenses. The camera figures out the exposure. Some advanced point and shoots will let you adjust some of the settings but will not give you full control over them.

SLR's are better than point and shoots for many reasons. The big ones are

1. Lenses: SLR's have much better quality lenses and the ability to change lenses for your needs. Point and shoot cameras have only the permanently attached lens.

2. Sensor: For digital cameras SLR's have a images sensor that is about 15 times larger than those of point and shoot cameras. This is much more important than mega pixels by the way.

3. Full adjustability: Being able to control the functions of your camera can lead to much better photographs if you know what you are doing.