The term “Point and Shoot” is deceptive. It is a function, not a type of camera. ALL cameras are point and shoot because they all have a “Auto” setting. Evan the Pro cameras that cost thousands of dollars have a Auto setting. The difference is that a Compact camera does not have manual settings and Advanced cameras have limited settings and neither have removable lenses. For complete creative control it takes a D-SLR. There is more differences such as sensor size, battery life,.. ect. Prices for a entry level D-SLR are comparable to high end Compact and Advanced cameras. D-SLR cameras are bigger and heavier but the battery last longer giving you more photos per charge. D-SLR cameras are faster. There is no lag time from when the shutter button is pushed and when it takes the picture. This is a big issue with beginning photographers and can be very frustrating waiting for the camera to finish taking the photo when the button is pushed on a Compact camera.
Advanced cameras are quite a bit bigger than a Compact but not as big as a D-SLR. They do feel similar in shape and layout.
Compact cameras are very portable and can be kept in a pocket for quick use...”Snapshots” of every day things.
D-SLR cameras will take “Photographs”..and will grow and evolve with you as a photographer.