What Is A DSLR Camera
A single-lens reflex (SLR) camera is a camera that uses a semi-automatic moving mirror system that allows the photographer to see exactly what will be captured by the digital imaging system (after a very small delay), as opposed to pre-SLR cameras where the view through the view finder could be different from what was captured on film
The basic operation of a DSLR is as follows: for viewing purposes, the mirror reflects the light coming through the attached lens upwards at a 90 degree angle. It is then reflected three times by the roof pentaprism, rectifying it for the photographer's eye. During exposure, the mirror assembly swings upward, the aperture narrows (if stopped down, or set smaller than wide open), and a shutter opens, allowing the lens to project light onto the image sensor.
A second shutter then covers the sensor, ending the exposure, and the mirror lowers while the shutter resets. The time period that the mirror is flipped up is referred to as viewfinder blackout. A fast-acting mirror and shutter is preferred so as to not delay an action photo.
This all happens automatically over a period of milliseconds, with cameras designed to do this 3–10 times per second.
DSLRs are often preferred by professional still photographers because they allow an accurate preview of framing close to the moment of exposure, and because DSLRs allow the user to choose from a variety of interchangeable lenses. Most DSLRs also have a function that allows accurate preview of depth of field.
Many professionals also prefer DSLRs for their larger sensors compared to most compact digitals. DSLRs have sensors which are generally closer in size to the traditional film formats that many current professionals started out using. These large sensors allow for similar depths of field and picture angle to film formats, as well as their comparatively high signal to noise ratio.
DSLR generally refers to cameras that resemble 35 mm format cameras, although some medium format cameras are technically DSLRs.
