Cameras are divided into many types. Using a single lens reflex (SLR) camera is one of the best ways to ensure that what you see in the viewfinder is what is either captured digitally or on film.
Definition
A single lens reflex camera uses one lens for the image in the viewfinder and on the film or digital sensor.
Mechanism
Light passes through that lens to a mirror that reflects the light upward to a pentaprism or pentamirror, which subsequently reflects the light through the viewfinder. When the shutter release is pressed, the initial mirror flips up to allow the light to pass through a shutter assembly.
Advantages
The image the photographer sees is captured in exactly the same way on the film or digital sensor. The images are not susceptible to parallax or other problems with having a separate lens for the viewfinder.
Disadvantages
The main disadvantage of an SLR system is complexity. They are more prone to failure over time than simpler cameras. They are also more expensive to manufacture than simpler photographic mechanisms.
The Future of SLRs
SLR technology is being effectively used in modern digital SLRs (dSLRs).
Tags: digital sensor, film digital, film digital sensor, lens reflex, lens reflex camera, reflects light