In today's world, the distinction between a DSLR and a compact digital camera is blurring. This is due to the fact that manufacturers are trying to reach a larger number of target audiences, and therefore they create so-called "pseudo-mirrors", "semi-professional" and "improved soap dishes". This is why it is so difficult today to define what is the difference between a DSLR and a regular digital camera. However, it is worth trying to do it.
"Mirrors" and "soap dishes": device, weight, price
First of all, an SLR digital camera differs from a conventional one by its internal structure. The first has a mirror that projects an image onto a film or matrix. To prevent it from breaking, you need to handle the "DSLRs" very carefully, try not to drop them. "Soap dish" also contains a matrix that is sensitive to light, and the processed information is stored in digital form.
Other signs are not always significant, since the differences between the two types of cameras - as already mentioned at the beginning - are now blurring. However, in most cases, you can rely on size and weight. "Mirrors" are generally heavy, "soap dishes" are light and compact.
The price of a DSLR and a regular digital camera usually differs. The second one is much more expensive, the first one is cheaper. However, even here there may be exceptions.
"Mirrors" and "soap dishes": settings, aspect ratio, scope
The compact digital camera is a versatile device for photographing. With it, you can count on the average quality of images, while it does not have complex settings and does not require special knowledge for beginners. And "DSLRs" are a high-quality base for an upgrade. For example, when changing lenses, you can get a different color effect, "zoom", etc. DSLRs provide many creative possibilities for photography, and they go beyond automatic modes.
"DSLRs" allow you to extract images in RAW format - uncompressed data, which gives complete information about the signal and allows further work on the photo. And "soap boxes" usually allow you to save images only in the graphic format JPEG. This is very convenient for those who want to receive photos that can be used immediately - post them on their page on a social network, send them by email to friends, etc. But for high-quality image processing, it is the raw RAW format that is needed. It is used by professional photographers, retouchers and photo artists.
The last difference, which is not as noticeable today as it was a few years ago, is the scope of use. Previously, SLR cameras were used only by professional photographers, and compact digital cameras were intended for amateurs. Nowadays, it has become very fashionable to buy digital SLR devices.
