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The digital camera market is changing with the gaps between causal snapper, pro-sumer and professional level cameras becoming increasingly blurred. That's lead to a change in what sorts of camera people are buying with more and more buyers purchasing a dSLR. So, what are some of the differences between dSLRs and point-and-shoot, or compact, cameras?

1 - The cheapest dSLR will shoot faster than dearest compact. That annoying lag between shots that compact digital cameras suffer doesn't exist on dSLRs. Many dSLRs allow you to take multiple shots, or frames, per second. The difference arises from the way dSLRs work. Even though they now have electronic image processors and the like, they still retain motorized components that can simply continue to click while you're holding the shutter button down. Compacts need to process everything before allowing the next shot to be taken.

2 - Compact cameras let you use the large LCD on the back as a view-finder. Most dSLRs require that you look through the view-finder and the screen is only used for changing settings and reviewing photos you've taken. However, manufacturers like Sony are changing this as they see customers moving from compacts to dSLRs. Their latest models allow you to use the LCD as a view-finder.

3 - Image quality does vary between compacts and dSLRs. Most compact cameras capture photos to their memory card as JPG files. While the quality's pretty good this is an image format that uses compression so that you can fit more images on your memory card. dSLRs can capture images in RAW format. This format is uncompressed so what comes out of the camera is exactly what you shot. There is a cost - RAW images are many times larger than JPGs so you'll need larger memory cards for your dSLR. Also, RAW is not, strictly a viewable image. It's the data that was captured by the camera's sensor so you;ll need the right software on your computer to read them.

4 - dSLRs offer a level of flexibility that compacts simply can't match. dSLRs allow you to use interchangeable lenses. When you see sport's photographers on the sidelines they're using a dSLR with a large telephoto lens. The same camera could be used at close simply by switching over to a different lens. While compact cameras come with up to 1-x zoom, a dSLR can deliver far greater levels of zoom. there are also special effects lenses such as wide angle, fish-eye and filters for shooting in different conditions.

5 - Size does matter. there will be times when you want to slip a camera into your pocket when you're out on a walk. dSLRs are too big for that application. If you're considering a dSLR with a couple of lenses then you'll need to factor in a decent carry bag as dSLRs can be more extensively accessorised.

Learn more about this author, Anthony Caruana.
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