Today, I’m comparing a DSLR vs a point-and-shoot camera.

First, I think it’s VERY important to note that I am comparing *MY* DSLR to *MY* point-and-shoot. There is a vast range in the quality of DSLR and point-and-shoot cameras. Pretty much, the more you pay the better quality you get of each type.

More of a visual learner? Check out my YouTube video below!

I’ll be comparing a Nikon D610 to a Sony RX 100V, and there is no “winner” here. I am just giving facts on each of them. My Nikon D610 isn’t the best DSLR on the market anymore. It was when I bought it, and it’s still going strong. It does a fantastic job both professionally and personally. However, there are newer models that have more bells and whistles. My point-and-shoot is a really “high end” point-and-shoot camera. I needed something great for the video which cost me a lot more. Cheaper point-and-shoots may not be able to do all things this one can. Please keep that in mind. After reading this post, you will learn the difference between a DSLR and Compact Camera (point and shoot), as well as, how I use each in motherhood.

Size

This one is obvious, but a point-and-shoot camera is way, way smaller and lighter than a DSLR. Because of this fact, the point-and-shoot is much portable. It can literally fit in your pocket! A DSLR requires a body and a lens. The body of a DSLR is big and bulky. Add a lens to it, and you will get bigger and bulkier.

Quality

Comparing my Nikon D-610 to the Sony RX-100V, the quality of the image of the Nikon DSLR is better… but only slightly. Pretty much, if I wanted to make a huge print of an image, I could do it with the images taken with both of these cameras. As a mom, that’s what matters to me. I don’t nerd out of megapixels and resolution like some photographers do, but you can compare my 2 cameras specs here.

Lenses

You cannot interchange the lens on a point-and-shoot. Most all of them have some sort of focal range, but you don’t get to pick what that is. All DSLR cameras have an interchangeable lens. I can take pictures of something that is super close up and very far away with a DSLR and the proper lens. A point-and-shoot is much more limited in this regard.

Ease of Use

Before I talk about “which is easier to use,” I need to discuss one thing: auto mode. Almost all newer DSLR cameras and point-and-shoot cameras have an auto mode. However, auto mode with both the DSLR and point-and-shoot is going to give you similar results. This result is comparable to the look of an image taken with a cell phone. Usually, they are a little on the dark side and very underwhelming. If you are just wanting to shoot in auto mode, both the DSLR and the point-and-shoot are very similar to their shooting style- set to auto and push a button. However, if you know to shoot in manual mode, they are vastly different.

Manual mode means you have full control over the camera.

You choose how bright or dark the image is, if it has a blurred background, and if the image is blurry or not. All of these things are controlled with manual mode. The DSLR camera is made to use in manual mode. There are dials and buttons in very user-friendly places. You can change the aperture and the shutter speed while you are in the middle of shooting without having to look at the camera body itself.

The point-and-shoot is can be used in manual mode

But it takes a few adjustments to move from one setting to another (aperture and shutter speed in particular). There are not as many dials and buttons on the point-and-shoot to make it user friendly in this mode. However, my Sony camera shows me the exposure of the image before I take the photo. So, if the image is too dark or light, I see that in-screen (LCD viewfinder) before even taking the photo. That’s pretty handy especially if you aren’t comfortable in manual mode.

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Final thoughts

DSLR vs point-and-shoot camera… which is best? Well, there’s really no one winner. Just different options that will fit some better than others.  Both the DSLR and the point-and-shoot cameras have come a long way! I think the key here is to learn how to use manual mode to get the most out of them (which is the same no matter what camera you have!) Auto is auto. It may or may not be the image you were hoping for. In manual mode, you get to choose exactly how the image looks with both a DSLR vs point-and-shoot camera. Want to learn how to use a fancy camera to take AMAZING photos of your kids? 

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