JD750 Loc: SoCal

Point and shoot cameras don't have interchangeable lenses. You pull them out of your pocket, aim at the sublect and shoot. Like a cell phone camera. Or one of those "use only once" film cameras. Generally the only file output option is JPEG.

Point and shoot can also be a mode. Compacts have a point and shoot mode. Full auto on your DSLR is a point and shoot mode. That doesn't make it a point and shoot camera.

The term "Bridge Camera" is a little more are more vague. The term has a lot of grey area say the least. A bridge camera is a camera that bridges the gap between simple, small sensor cameras and larger more sophisticated cameras. Generally a bridge camera will not have an interchangeable lenses feature, but will offer advanced shooting modes including full manual, and flash options.

Hope that helps.

gvarner Loc: Central Oregon Coast

P&S for all modern cameras should be P&F for Point and Fiddle. Or we could have a camera that mounts to your inner ear and takes a picture of the image as seen by your brain and then you just "think" the image onto the monitor or printer paper. That would be cool. But then I run the risk of my inner thoughts being sent out on WiFi.

;-)

kitcar Loc: Liverpool.Merseyside. UK

[quote=Graveman]Every now and then I see the term "Point and Shoot". This is defined as "A camera that is simple, easy to use with a minimum of user controls". Such was my first camera (pictured) the only control was to either move backward or forward to get it in focus.

Re’ your point & shoot subject, the camera image took my thoughts back 50yrs or more. I was an owner of a Microcord TWR. I bought it pre’ owned for use ( as well as the schools plate Sandersons) for portraiture sessions on a C&G course I was taking over 50yrs ago (I’m 84yrs now). The Microcord design was based on that of the Rolleicord which a few of the better heeled class mates owned. Take it from me the TLR was quite a bit of sophisticated piece of kit in its day. One of the handiest uses was street or candid shots, as you could stand side on to your subject without them realising. I’ve looked on line for any attachment for my DSLR which would give me the same facility, surely one of the Hogs could forward a URL re’ said kit. Thanks for the memory jog.

G Brown Loc: Sunny Bognor Regis West Sussex UK

Point and shoot is what you do. It was a marketing term to imply simplistic photography. If the camera automatically adjusts for lighting conditions then it can mean any camera (with an auto function). So like most marketing terms it is meaningless. Pretty much a derogatory term as far as serious photographers are concerned though.

Bridge camera is usually a fixed lens camera with the same functions as a dslr and the addition of either digital or physical zoom (or a bit of both). I suppose if one only bought or stayed with the single lens that came with a camera then marketing wise you could be shooting a bridge camera.

If you are looking for meaning in camera terms then we are all probably using IRA (Image Recording Apparatus). A picture is the finished physical product and not necessarily something which happens in the camera.

KTJohnson Loc: Northern Michigan

Yes, a DSLR can be used like a "point-n-shoot", but it is not one.

Just like a Formula 1 car can get you to the mall, but it is not a sedan.

BebuLamar

Formula 1 car can't take you to the mall. It is not street legal.

Ralloh Loc: Ohio

I like that Jerry. Let's start a movement and only call the small cameras "compacts". That really does make much more sense. My Nikon P6000 is hardly a Point and Shoot, but, it is compact.

BebuLamar

I think the term Point and Shoot started out in the early 80's. At that time all the serious camera like SLR's were manual focus. The really P&S before that were the fixed focus and even fixed exposure camera. I believe the term was used to call cameras that has all the auto function including auto focus and auto exposure control. That is the camera automatically makes all the adjustment rather than fixed settings. At that time it makes sense.

n3eg Loc: West coast USA

You have DSLR, P&S, bridge - and let's not forget MILC, mirrorless interchangeable lens camera. Also known as EVIL, Electronic viewfinder interchangeable lens.

I went over to the EVIL side two years ago.

KTJohnson Loc: Northern Michigan

It "can", meaning, it is possible, although not legal. Probably not the best use of that car. Just as a DSLR "can" be used as a point and shoot, but, again, not the best use of one.

If you have to nit-pick, know the difference between "can" and "may not".

Earworms Loc: Sacramento, California

Graveman Loc: Indiana

I have enjoyed the discussion. FYI: I know it's not a P&S but being a philosophical question means there is no right or wrong answers. It reminds me a joke I heard a number of years ago (believe it was Bill Cosby):

Philosphy Major: "Why is there air?"

PE Major: "There is air to blow up basket balls, volly balls & footballs"

Earworms Loc: Sacramento, California

I tell people not to "blow up" their footballs and tires, but to inflate them properly. Don't want anyone blowing up anything!

pith Loc: CA

Your D3100 is not a point and shoot unless that's how you use it.
:wink: pith