What is slr in photography

This cross-section side-view of the optical components of an SLR shows how the light passes through the lens assembly 1 , is reflected by the mirror 2 and is projected on the matte focusing screen 5.

Via a condensing lens 6 and internal reflections in the roof pentaprism 7 the image appears in the eyepiece 8. When an image is taken, the mirror moves in the direction of the arrow, the focal plane shutter 3 opens, and the image is projected in the film 4 in exactly the same manner as on the focusing screen. Since the technology became widespread in the s, SLRs have become the main type of camera used by dedicated amateur photographers and professionals.

Large format SLR cameras were first built in the early years of the 20th century but were not very popular. It was highly modular, extremely well-built and versatile, and began the F series that continues to the present day. SLR cameras have been produced for most film formats as well as digital formats. Most film SLRs use the 35 mm format , as this offers a good compromise between image quality, size, and cost. Medium format SLRs give a higher quality image when this is required.

Digital SLRs DSLRs appeared on the market in the late s and as of are used by many professional photographers as well as amateur enthusiasts. Early SLRs were built for large format photography, but this has largely died out. SLRs were even built for film formats as small as , e. Many models on the market today actually measure the light that bounces off the film, and close the shutter when the picture has had enough exposure. Likewise, they can send out several short bursts of flash, determine the amount that comes back from the scene, then send out just the right amount of energy for a perfectly exposed photograph.

Sophisticated cameras can even make it easy for the photographer to balance flash and available light for the desired look. While these capabilities are hardly unique to the SLR, manufacturers included them early on in the top models, whereas the best rangefinder cameras adopted such features later. Many of the advantages of SLR cameras derive from viewing the scene through the taking lens. There is no parallax error, and exact focus can be confirmed by eye—otherwise hard for macro photography and when using telephoto lenses.

For most people the SLR is an excellent choice for taking consistent high-quality photographs. There are also some disadvantages of this system: SLR cameras tend to be bulkier and heavier than viewfinder cameras. SLR cameras tend to be noisier than other types because of the physical mechanism. This isn't usually an issue but it can be a problem if you are trying to shoot discreetly e.

SLR cameras are relatively complex so there is more chance of them breaking down. If close friends pop the question "what is a digital SLR? I am a digital SLR enthusiast - this web site probably gives that away. I think that there are many advantages of digital SLR cameras. But I also know that a digital SLR isn't the right camera for everyone.

The main drawback is their size — you can't just shove a DSLR in your back pocket and be on your way. If you've already considered this and are convinced that a digital SLR is the right camera for you then it's time to define digital SLR terms. A clear understanding of digital SLR jargon will help you decide which camera features you must have — and which ones you can live without. Canon 6D Review. Nikon D Review. Canon T4i D Review. What is a Digital SLR?

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