A very common question which arises in one’s mind seeing a SLR camera, Oh Man! What is the difference between DSLR and Normal Camera ?
Well, difference is the price of DSLR camera is 10 times more than the normal camera. LOL! I am not kidding it is true and the reason is the construction of DSLR camera which is quite expensive. In this article you will get to know about differences between SLR camera and normal camera.

dslr-and-digital-camera-dif
Difference Between DSLR and Digital Camera

Key 1 – Viewfinder: Way of Viewing the Picture

One of the major difference is that SLR, Single Lens Reflex has pentaprism and mirror which reflects lens image back to the viewfinder. In simple words, you will capture exact image, which you can see through the Viewfinder of SLR Camera.
On the other hand, normal camera has electronic or LCD viewfinders which is offset from the lens and doesn’t matches the viewfinder image. Still not clear, check out the info-graphic below:

DSLR-and-Digital-Camera-Difference-Viewfinder
Comparison of SLR Viewfinder and LCD Viewfinder

Key 2 – Image quality with ISO Level

Coming to the image quality, DSLR camera get excellent image in low light areas without any noise/grain. The reason behind is the photographic lens which makes exposure for image sensor and improving image quality. Check out the image below taken in night from a DSLR Camera, a view from terrace.

Night-View-From-Terrace
DSLR image, F: f/5.6, S:5s, ISO:400, No Flash

On the other hand, digital cameras lags, image quality or requires a flash in low light areas. Check out a similar image taken from a digital camera which has noise/grain.

Night-View-From-Terrace2
Digital Camera | No Flash

Key 3 – Camera Construction (Shutter, Aperture & Lens)

Camera body construction itself makes DSLR totally different from normal cameras. DSLR cameras are super heavy, where if you attach a Canon EF 600mm Lens while taking a picture, you may even fall. LOL! DSLR camera consists of Shutter, Aperture and Lens which are the physical components of this camera, hence making DSLR Camera look bulky and expensive.

Whereas normal digital cameras are small in size and easy to carry. They don’t have any physical Shutter or any Mirror components like a DSLR, hence making a compact construction and less expensive.

Is that it?

Not really, I can write a book of 2012 pages on the differences between DSLR and Normal Camera but you wouldn’t bother to read all at once. Just kidding! Above mentioned key points are enough to differentiate between the two cameras and rest you can make out by practically using the either ones.

For people who didn’t focus at all on above key points, below is a quick summary about DSLR and Normal Camera Differences:

  • Digital SLR Viewfinder is different from normal digital cameras.
  • DSLR camera works good in low light composition, where as digital camera pictures are grainy, in low light composition.
  • Digital Single Lens Reflex camera construction is heavier and expensive than the digital camera ones.

I’m always open to know your personal opinion about the Cameras and Photography. Use the comment form below to be the part of  discussion.