FAQ 2: What to buy? 'Point-n-shoot' vs. DSLR

It really depends upon your preferences:

1. Are you looking for a compact one which can fit in your pocket or purse? Easy to hold, carry and use... Go for Compact size 'point-n-shoot'... DSLRs are mostly bulky. 

2. Are you looking for an awesome zoom? There are big zoom 'point-n-shoot' cameras in the market which gives you enough zoom that a DSLR provides. But DSLR's clarity is of no match. If you need great zoom and are not very particular about the quality and controls then go for big zoom 'point-n-shoot'. To get all zoom levels in DSLR... you have to buy multiple lenses which will be expensive.

3. What is your price range? Many DSLR cameras start from $500 but considering the cost of an extra lens... you might end up paying $700-800... so if budget is less than that... then it is better to stick to 'point-n-shoot'. 

So if you want to take professional-looking photos, are fine with bigger size and your budget allows,  I'd recommend buying a DSLR: 

Advantages of DSLR over Digital Cameras:

1. Large Image Sensor: The Imaging chip is as big as a postage stamp (= better quality) but in other digital camera... it is little smaller than thumb-nail of your little finger. Even though both cameras have 10 mega pixels but the clarity will be different.

Technicalities: Pixels on a 'point-n-shoot' camera have to be much smaller and collect fewer photons. So 'point-n-shoot' cameras need to work at slower ISO levels especially in low lights which means that they produce ‘noisier’ (or more grainy) shots.

2. Better quality lenses: Gives better quality pictures and high quality videos.

3. Interchangeable lenses: Gives better control over pictures. Zooming thorough DSLR lenses is faster compared to motorized zooming of big zoom 'point-n-shoot'. 

4. No Shutter lag (Faster than digital cameras): Release the trigger and it clicks the pictures right away... but 'point-n-shoot' digital cameras are not fast enough... there is always a time lag after hitting the trigger. DSLR can take multiple pictures in one second to capture quick actions and fast moving objects.

References:
www.videojug.com/interview/dslr-vs-point-and-shoot-digital-cameras
www.digital-photography-school.com/should-you-buy-a-dslr-or-point-and-shoot-digital-camera
www.digital-slr-guide.com/difference-between-slr-and-digital.html