Many consumers spend weeks trying to determine the differences between a point & shoot camera and a SLR.  This is something that baffles people for months at a time and has to be decided before you start looking for the camera to purchase.  Both models offer their benefits and drawbacks. 

Each photographer has a specific need for a camera, whether it is to record little Suzie’s first moments, or to take scenic pictures as you drive around and record the sites.  Your desires of what you intend to photograph will greatly affect your camera choice.  SLR cameras are much more versatile; however, they are inappropriate at best for those who intent to only do snapshots and simple pictures.  There is no need to spend literally thousands of dollars on a good quality SLR camera plus the lenses to take the pictures if you just want simple snapshots.  In this case saving your money is the best options. 

If you plan on taking scenic shots, or being versatile in your subject matter for your camera, plus enjoy the ability in alternating between close ups and panoramic scenes.  For the semi-professional a point & shoot camera would be considered a toy.  For a professional a point & shoot camera does not offer the versatility and custom choices that they crave. 

For the photographer, even the novice who enjoys the ability to greatly affect their photos beyond the normal aim and click.  SLR cameras offer the flexibility to change the lens to match the current subject of your camera, from the wide-angle lens to the telephoto lens for close-ups.  Along with the ability to easily change the lenses on an SLR camera, you also add the ability to adjust the focus, f-stops, and ISO speed in which the camera captures the pictures, which normal point & shoot cameras will never offer. 

The typical point & shoot camera is made to be simple, with their goal to allow the user to simple aim the camera, and shoot the picture.  They are never intended to allow users to modify many of the features of the picture they are trying to take.  As you can see, the choice between SLR and Point & Shoot is riddled with choices and decisions to make.  Not everyone is able to make a quick and simple decision, there are some who spend several months trying to decipher which camera style they want, while others know within mere seconds which style they prefer. 

If you are not wanting advanced photo features, you might be much better off saving your money in the difference in price between SLR and Point & Shoot and buying something else that you desire as well.  Great point & shoot cameras exist that are capable of 10MP that deliver amazing quality pictures.