Digital cameras have been around for years, but when buying a new camera every shopper has to ask: What do I need out of my camera? Does bigger always mean better? Does cheaper mean worse? One of the things to consider when investing money on any camera is the fundamental difference between point-and-shoot and digital single-lens reflex (DSLR) cameras.
Typically, point-and-shoot cameras are more affordable and marketed as cameras for the everyman, as is highlighted in their name: the photographer just points and shoots. Usually these models have autofocus lenses and make use of an image sensor for live preview, rather than changeable lenses or filters. In addition, the standard file format for most point-and-shoot cameras is the common .JPG.
On the other hand, DSLRs make use of viewfinders and complex lens-and-mirror orientations to yield a desired image. Because of this, they are both more versatile and harder to use than the typical point-and-shoot. Professional photographers prefer DSLRs for their versatility compared to point-and-shoots as well as the wider scope of information in the many brand-specific DSLR file formats. (Nikon uses .NRW; Canon, .CRW; Minolta, .MRW, etc).
When buying a camera, ultimately the consumer needs to know what he/she is looking for, be that an economical and easy way to shoot vacation photos or a way to effectively photograph pink dolphins in the Amazon.
