What can you do with a DSLR that you can’t do with a point-and-shoot?
Well, that depends on the sophistication of the P&S, but every DSLR gives the photographer the ability to adjust the aperture. The aperture is the width of the opening of the lens’s "iris," a series of blades that widens and narrows to control the amount of light passing through the lens. Why is this important? Aperture controls the depth of field, or the depth of focus. A wide aperture - lots of light, fast shutter speed - does two things: the fast shutter speed allows action to be frozen, and it has a narrow field for isolating subjects. E.g.:
A narrow aperture requires a slower shutter speed, allowing for effects like motion blur and streaming water. It also has a wide field for keeping the entire frame, or more of the frame, in focus. E.g.:
If you’re confused as to what you’re looking for, note that the chimney in the background is blurry in the first image, and sharp in the second.
Have a good day.
