Single-lens Reflex Camera

SLR Camera• camera that uses a semi-automatic

moving mirror system which permits the photographer to sometimes see exactly what will be captured by the film or digital imaging system

• cameras allow the photographer to see the precise focus, color, framing, and brightness that will be recorded on film

Optical components of an SLR camera

1 - Front-mount lens 2 - Reflex mirror at 45degrees 3 - Focal plane shutter4 - Film or sensor5 - Focusing screen6 - Condenser lens7 - Optical glass pentaprism 8 - Eyepiece

History

18th CenturyJohann Sturm (Germany) described

first known use of a reflex mirror in a camera obscura.

• The camera obscura was known to Aristotle as an aid in observing solar eclipses, but its use as an artist's aid

History

19th Century

• Used glass plates or sheet film• first focal-plane shutter SLR

History

Early 20th century

• first production 35 mm• first medium format roll film SLR• first pentaprism eyelevel viewing

35 mm SLR

Further Development of SLR

Large format SLR• describes large photographic films, large

cameras, view cameras and processes that use a film or digital sensor, generally 4 x 5 inches or larger.

• have adjustable fronts and backs that allow the photographer to better control rendering of perspective and depth of field.

Large format SLR• allow the front and/or back of the

camera to be tilted out of parallel with each other, and to be shifted up, down, or sideways.

Medium format SLR

• cameras making use of sensors larger than that of a 35 mm film frame

• most widely used film size to a niche used by many professionals and some amateur enthusiasts

Medium format SLR• images of much higher resolution

can be produced• usually limited to professional

photography shops and very expensive

Advantages

• viewing and focusing the image through the attached lens

• provide photographers with precision and confidence

• no parallax error, and exact focus can be confirmed by eye

• very versatile

Disadvantages

• cannot be made as small or as light as other camera designs

• simple designs for wide angle lenses cannot be used

• SLR mirror 'blacks-out' the viewfinder image during the exposure