Best answer as chosen by user xamDas: The Difference

by PistonCupChampion - 5/8/12 7:03 AM

In Reply to: Bridge or Entry Level DSLR by xamDas

A bridge camera gives you lots of features for very little cost because the main part of the camera...namely the sensor...is very small. In fact, it is the same sized sensor used in compact cameras. The small size of the sensor is why you can have a 24-1000mm lens. The downside is that the image quality is only best in outdoor light.

A DSLR sensor is massive compared to a bridge camera; about 12 times the size. That allows for higher quality images and much better performance in low light. You can also get high performance lenses. The disadvantages of a DSLR are size and weight, and high performance lenses are very expensive. A DSLR by design is not a fixed cost item; how much performance is determined by how much you are willing to spend.

If you never need to print poster sized photos, only shoot in good light, never want to use Photoshop, and never want to spend more, get a bridge. Otherwise, get a DSLR, but be warned that you will end up spending a lot if you want to do more things with it.