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Topic 4 - The SLR
Learning Outcomes We will be going through an overview of what happens within an SLR and comparing it to other types of cameras. By the end of this video you will have a better understanding of the inner workings of an SLR and be able to label a diagram of the various parts within a camera.
The SLR
SLR stands for Single Lens Reflex. Let us begin by taking a detailed look at the structure of an SLR.
An SLR is made up of the following components:
- Lens elements
- Reflex Mirror
- Shutter
- Film/ sensor
- Focusing screen
- Condenser lens
- Pentaprism
- Eye Piece
There is a special icon on SLR cameras (film and digital) which is a circle with a line through it which indicates the location of film plane, or the sensor of the body.
One of the problems with an SLR, a problem that doesn’t really happen with a compound camera, is that it is not a closed system. It is indirectly exposed to the outside world when changing the lens. Dust can get on the sensor which can cause problems. Maintenance involves cleaning the sensor of dust if you purchase an SLR. Dust will accumulate but it can be cleaned, to some extent, using software.
The DSLR
DSLR stands for Digital Single Lens Reflex.
These DSLR cameras will always have a viewfinder or a Liquid Crystal Display, which is also called a LCD screen. Sometimes these cameras have both a viewfinder and a LCD screen.
They will also have a Shutter Button which is used to take the photograph. This is also called the Exposure Button.
Some cameras will have a Hot Shoe which is useful when adding an external flash.
The single lens refers to the fact that the lenses are interchangeable.
