What is the difference between a DSLR and a digital camera?

Memory often fails, therefore, in order to capture pleasant moments, humanity has invented various forms of art, as well as various devices and techniques. One of the most accessible and popular is photography. Especially now, when almost every inhabitant of the Earth has a smartphone, this version of art is becoming even more accessible.

But professionals still advise using not phones, but specially designed devices: point-and-shoot cameras, DSLRs. But choosing a suitable device often causes difficulties - there are few ordinary people who are well versed in the intricacies of the products and can tell the difference between them. Mirror models differ from compact ones in almost all respects: cost, design, purpose, and the presence of options.

Design and features of digital cameras

Digital cameras or “compacts” have a much simpler design compared to SLR cameras. They are devices with a solid body and a built-in standard lens. They lack an optical autofocus sensor and a mirror system.

Light passing through the lens hits directly the matrix, which processes the resulting image. Most of the settings happen automatically; the photographer can only adjust the distance and use amateur functions, for example, “Sepia” or “Negative”.

Digital zoom is present nominally, which greatly affects the final result. After pressing, the lens shutter opens and light is directed directly onto the matrix. Autofocusing occurs and takes quite a long time.

To prevent a frame photographed using a “compact” from being blurry, you need to hold the lens on the object until the camera completes full focusing.

Like any other device, the “compact” has a number of features:

1. It is small in size. If necessary, it will easily fit in your pocket.
2. Always ready to go. The photographer can only press the shutter button.
3. More expensive options are capable of producing images of satisfactory quality.
4. Multifunctional. The gadget can record video, and some models can be used as a music player.
5. Due to their simple design and the absence of many options, they have an affordable price. On the market you can find models whose price does not exceed 4 thousand rubles.

But it was not without its flaws:

1. The compact size is due to the small matrix. Because of this, image quality suffers.
2. The lack of a mirror system results in long exposure times. Sometimes, when a photographer has to hold the lens for a long time, his hand involuntarily twitches. This leads to blurring of the frame.

It is worth adding that all modern cameras are digital. Analog devices are devices in which photographic film is installed.

Design and principle of operation of a SLR camera

This type of camera has a more complex structure and a different operating principle. Compared to the “compact”, they have expanded functionality.

At the same time, the plus and minus of such cameras is the presence of a mirror device. Such devices cannot be dropped, but preferably carried in special cases.

The design of the gadget consists of parts:

• body - carcass or body;
• kit lens.

The latter consists of a large number of lenses arranged parallel to each other. The design also includes a diaphragm - a part that controls the amount of light that falls on the product’s matrix.

The image obtained using a “DSLR” is formed as follows:

1. The light beam passes through the lens shutter.
2. The beam then hits the diaphragm.
3. After its passage, the light enters the translucent mirror. Here it is divided into two separate streams. The first passes through a series of parallel mirrors and is sent to a convex lens.
4. The next step is processing the beam with a pentaprism. Here an image is formed, which is sent to the LCD screen of the viewfinder (located on the back of the device). The pentaprism flips the frame, giving it a position familiar to the human eye.
5. The second stream of light is sent to a focusing device consisting of many electronic sensors. They determine whether the image is in focus and trigger the lenses if necessary. The latter rotate several degrees, thanks to which the photographer gets a high-quality result.
6. At the end, when both processed streams meet and the operator is satisfied with the shot, it’s time to press the shutter.At this time, the system of mirrors moves back, and the light hits the matrix on which the image is formed.

What is the difference between a DSLR and a digital camera?

To find out the difference between the cameras, you need to compare them based on their main parameters.

Quality and speed

Differences in the performance of a mirror device can be significant. Here the palm of leadership confidently moves to more multifunctional devices. Firstly, thanks to the complex glass structure, the operator can assess what the finished frame will look like even during the process. Secondly, the main DSLR options can be adjusted manually. If we talk about speed, then the expensive camera again takes the lead: it is capable of processing several frames per second.

Settings

When talking about this characteristic, you should focus on the professionalism of the operator. Expensive cameras have wide functionality. “Compacts” have a limited number of options. Therefore, they are more suitable for beginners and people who do not want to learn the settings.

Additional accessories

The DSLR can be equipped with additional equipment if necessary. For example, install a lens for a specific frame: “Panorama”, “Portrait”, “Landscape”, wide-angle shooting. You can also change the flash to a more powerful one. “Soapboxes” cannot boast of all this.

Compactness

Despite all the positive aspects of expensive cameras, they cannot be called convenient for carrying. Even the smallest models look huge compared to miniature “compacts”. This type of device cannot be put in your pants pocket or handbag. It’s easier to pull off a similar trick with a point-and-shoot camera.Therefore, when going on vacation, it is better to take the second option: the “compact” will not take up much space in your suitcase.

Price

The difference in price is quite noticeable. If we analyze the digital technology market, then for 10,000 rubles you can buy a quite decent “soap box”. To buy a “DSLR”, you will have to part with a more impressive amount.

Choosing the right camera depends on your goals. If you need a lightweight, miniature device with a minimal set of options, the best option is an inexpensive point-and-shoot device. For fans of professional photography who want to customize each parameter themselves, a DSLR camera is more suitable.