Why are full frame DSLRs so much bigger

[Anbesol]

Sensors on point and shoots are *significantly* smaller than sensors on SLRs. developing the silicon wafers to create the full frame sensors is a lot more expensive, plus everything about the full frame cameras is built to the highest standards. Hold a full frame DSLR and the Canon XT feels like a toy in comparison, polycarbonate/magnesium alloy casing vs plastic. A lot more R&D goes into them, a lot more engineering, etc. There is also *way more* under the hood of an DSLR than an film SLR.

Sensors on point and shoots are smaller than your baby toe nail, the APS sensors have a 1.5x crop factor, but most point and shoots have about a 5-7x crop factor (field of view).