A single-lens reflex camera, also known as a SLR camera, is a camera where the photographer is able to see exactly what the film will capture by looking through the viewfinder. This is done by using a reflex mirror and a pentaprism to project the image through the lens to the viewfinder.
SLR (Single-Lens Reflex) Camera
Reflex Mirror
The reflex mirror is situated between the lens and the film. It reflects the image up to the pentaprism and through the viewfinder. When you take a picture the mirror flips up exposing the film and capturing the picture.
Pentaprism
The pentaprism is situated between the reflex mirror and the viewfinder. The pentaprism contains several small mirrors that adjust and align the image to be viewed in the viewfinder.
Focusing
Because you are viewing the image as seen through the camera lens in a SLR camera, you can easily focus and frame the image by looking through the viewfinder and adjusting the lens.
Interchangeable Lens
Compared with a point-and-shoot camera, lenses can be changed on a SLR camera to fit a particular shooting style.
Digital SLR
Today, most SLR cameras are digital as opposed to film cameras. Digital SLR cameras operate the same way film SLR cameras do. In fact, many of the older film SLR lenses can be used on digital SLR cameras of the same make.
Tags: reflex mirror, through viewfinder, film cameras, looking through, looking through viewfinder, situated between
