Yes, there is a real difference. In general, DSLRs offer better image quality, especially in low light, because they usually have larger sensors and better lenses available. They also tend to be much faster and more responsive, which matters for action, sports, and wildlife.

A superzoom compact gives you a lot of convenience: one built-in lens with a large zoom range, lower system cost, and enough control to learn the basics. If you mostly share photos online or make small prints, the image-quality gap may not be huge in good light.

The main trade-off is flexibility versus convenience. A DSLR system can grow with you through lenses, flashes, and accessories, but that also makes it more expensive. A superzoom is simpler and cheaper to start with, but if you become more serious later, you may still want to upgrade.

So: if you want the best performance and room to grow, choose a DSLR if your budget allows. If budget and all-in-one zoom are more important right now, a good superzoom is a reasonable way to start learning.