What exactly does it mean for a camera to be a compact (or point and shoot) versus an SLR? Strictly speaking, SLR cameras just have viewfinders that see the same light as the camera's sensor (more on this later), but in practice this isn't the only distinction. While the line between each continues to blur, these three differences usually still apply...
Choosing between a compact ("point and shoot") and a digital SLR camera is often the first big purchasing decision when starting out with photography. Not only is it potentially a big financial decision, but it may also determine what kinds of shots you'll be capable of capturing. This tutorial cuts through all the marketing hype in order to highlight only the most important differences between each camera type — thereby helping you to decide which one is best for you and your shooting style.
Viewfinder Mechanism
Fixed vs. Interchangeable Lenses
Camera Sensor Size
There's also a range of more minor differences (which vary depending on the camera brand or model), the above three are often what most impact one's photography. The next several sections will focus on what these three differences actually mean in practice, and how your photography style will be impacted. At the end, we'll also discuss some of the other more minor differences between the two camera types.
However, this deserves mentioning up-front: SLR cameras are usually MUCH more expensive than compact cameras — mostly as a consequence of the above three differences (we'll discuss why later). Also, unlike with compact cameras, purchasing an SLR camera is only part of the cost; you may have to buy additional lenses, an external flash and other accessories. These can even end up costing more than the camera itself.
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