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Photography will never be a lost art, especially with imaging technologies evolving rapidly and brand new systems — from entry-level compact cameras to high-end professional systems — being released by camera manufacturers almost every year. While this is good news for photography aficionados, it’s easy to get confused. It also becomes much harder for beginners to choose the right camera, especially when they’re just starting out in photography.

Two of the most commonly confused terms in the photography world are SLR (single-lens reflex camera) and DSLR (digital single-lens reflex camera). You’re probably already familiar with the latter, either by name or its appearance, given the fact that many of today’s shooters are shooting with this type of camera. SLRs, on the other hand, almost became collector’s items when digital point-and-shoots became a groundbreaking hit but have since made a comeback as stylish gadgets for both recreational and professional shooters.

It’s surprising how a single letter can mean such a huge difference for these two cameras. But at the same time, it’s also interesting to note how similar they are considering their main differences in terms of technology and hardware.

SLR vs DSLR Cameras


Technology


Both SLR and DSLR cameras make use of single-lens reflex technology, which utilizes an internal reflex mirror that allows the user to see what the lens sees and will be captured through the camera’s optical viewfinder. However, DSLRs have a slight advantage. Some DSLR models offer live digital viewing through the rear LCD screen, just like today’s mirrorless cameras without optical viewfinders do.


Image Sensor


The most significant difference between SLRs and DSLRs is their sensor. SLR cameras are essentially versatile analog/film cameras, and the “D” before it (which simply stands for “digital”) was added following the development of SLRs with digital sensors. Of course, it follows that digital SLR cameras also use memory cards to store thousands of images, while SLRs capture a specific number of images per roll of film.

Then again, the comparison between SLR and DSLR cameras is not the same as the age-old debate between film and digital cameras, considering the SLR is just one of the many types of film cameras.

Interchangeable Lens Feature


Thanks to their unique imaging technology, both types of cameras use interchangeable lenses. This means users can outfit their SLR or DSLR camera with lens choices depending on their unique imaging needs and shooting styles.


Physical Characteristics


With the emergence of both digital SLR cameras with vintage-inspired bodies (like the Silver Pentax KP) and SLR cameras with sleeker, more modern camera bodies (such as the Nikon F6), it’s harder to classify the cameras by the appearance of their camera bodies. But traditionally, SLR cameras have more buttons, two-tone colors, and no rear monitors, whereas DSLRs tend to be single color and have a monitor. SLRs are also typically heavier, as they are made of more metal.


Video Capability


Another advantage that comes with the development of digital cameras is that most DSLRs are capable of recording videos, whereas handy film photography cameras like SLRs can’t.


Quality and Resolution


Film cameras generally offer better image quality, particularly in terms of color, contrast, and dynamic range. Even the most advanced digital cameras of today can’t quite replicate how film captures details. And when taking into account the available types of film and analog sensors (particularly in large format), SLRs beat many consumer DSLRs in terms of pixel output.


Price and Value


Since there are currently more DSLRs available on the market, they tend to be less expensive than SLRs. However, if cost and value are more of a priority than convenience, it’s important to note that SLRs are better investments considering they don’t need to be upgrade like digital cameras do. Plus, SLRs (like most film cameras) make valuable collectibles that you might even be able to sell for a profit.

Conclusion: Consider Your Preferences & Shooting Style

Whichever type of camera you choose, it all boils down to your personal preferences and shooting style. Weigh which factors matter the most to you — for example, output and budget — and find out which type of single-lens reflex camera comes out the strongest.

https://www.adorama.com/alc/slr-vs-dslr ... difference

Sorry but this article is bullshittish from start to end. So one main diference is that analog SLR are twotone and do have more buttons, uh, that indeed is certainly worth to be mentioned. Has the author ever considered that film material as well as laboratories are becoming scarcer? Unlike in the audio world, where the record player seemingly will stay around at least for another while, analog photography appears to be stone dead (or at least it has stabilized at a much lower level). The least he should mention is that one should go for a 60mm camera, not 38.