DSLR

Many years back when handphone was the "in" thing, it was common to see people holding their handphone on their hands everywhere they go. Nowadays you don't get to see people doing that, instead you see big bulky DSLR cameras on the neck. It is no wonder that camera manufacturers are targeting the amateur market by featuring international stars like Ken Watanabe (Canon), Takuya Kimura (Nikon) in their advertisment.

Digital Single Lens Reflex (DSLR)
So what does the Digital Single Lens Reflex means, it basically means that the user is using the same lens for both viewing and taking of pictures.

How it works
In the camera itself, lies a mirror which directs the light from the lens up into a prism for viewing, which then flips out of the way just before an exposure is made. Which means you will be seeing what the sensor will see, regardless of whatever lens or filters you have.

(Ref: http://leongoodman.tripod.com/d70focuspart3.html)

Advantages:
-Excellent image quality (especially in low lighting)
-Larger sensor
-Interchangeable lenses
-More controls
-Shallow depth of field
-Wide angle shot


Disadvantages:
-Bulky and heavy
-High price tag
-High maintenance

The reason why DSLR camera are able to produce images with excellent quality is mainly due to the larger sensor they have compared to Point and Shoot cameras. Another advantage DSLR camera has over most PnS camera is that it has a near zero lag time. This is especially useful for capturing moving image and exact moment.

DSLR cameras also offers more control from choosing a suitable ISO to focus points. With a DSLR and a correct lens, you are able to obtain a shallow depth of field, thus isolating your subject from the background. This makes the background blurry and puts more focus on the subject itself.

Then again, a common misconception is that one can only create professional looking pictures with a professional camera like a DSLR, which is totally not true.  It is totally up to the shooter's creativity, technique and skills. However the right equipment does makes it easier,  faster and more convenient to obtain the results needed.