Types of Cameras

Understanding Camera Types

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The question of what is the difference between Digital SLR and DSLR was posed to me the other day and I tried to explain and found my explanation starting to explain the History of the camera. I decided to write it up and post it on Hub pages.

SLR is a Single Lens Reflex Camera which is a camera with one lens, that can be changed to give you different effects-Telephoto or close up, and you look through view finder you see what will appear on the film. This is done by using a mirror and a prism so what you see in the view finder is what you get in the photo. When you take the photo the mirror flips up and the shutter opens and you get the picture.

There is a Double Lens Reflex Camera that was popular in the early days of photography thru the 1970's. These cameras had two lenses in the front of the camera, one for the view finder and the other for the shutter to take the picture. These cameras were usually held at the waist and you looked in to a large view finer on the top of the camera. Most of these were fixed focal lens.

Another major camera type is the range finder camera. This is a camera that has a view finder that is separate from the lens. What you see in the view finder is almost exactly what you will get in the picture, but not the exact composition. The ranger finder allowed you to set the exposure, the shutter speed and the opening and you have to focus the camera. To focus the camera you focus the view finder (rangefinder) and then either set the lens manually or there is a coupler to focus the lens as you focus the view finder.

The other camera was a point and shoot. May of the older readers may have started with a Brownie camera by Kodak. A point and shoot camera started as a fixed focus lens and a single shutter speed. This became a very popular camera because of the ease of use and the almost fool proof photos. Today's point and shoot digital cameras are much more advanced and have more options. Many of the Digital Point and Shoot cameras of today come with a zoom lens and a video mode.

With the Digital Age the term SLR means a film (sometimes referred to as Analog) camera that has interchangeable lens. Many of the better Digital cameras have the SLR feature people want in an advanced camera. With the new technology you are able to have a camera that is considered a SLR like camera which you have full control over the settings and you are in control of how the picture will turn out except you can't change lens. The camera comes with a built in zoom lens. This camera lets you go from full Auto to Full Manual

A true Digital SLR or DSLR is a camera that allows you to have total control over your picture taking and the ability to change lens to suit exactly what you need. Digital SLR or DSLR are the same term. These cameras are usually the larger Digital Cameras and with the extra lens they are bulky. These cameras are usually the top of the line cameras and have the best Digital Sensor and the best processors.

I find the Prosumer Cameras to be a much better buy for people who use them for traveling and general family photos. To take excellent photos you do not need the most expensive camera or the one with the most bells and whistles. Research the different cameras and find one that is right for you.