DSLR Camera Construction

Digital cameras take photographs using an image sensor that converts light to electronic signals. The distinguishing feature of single-lens reflex (SLR) cameras is that the optical viewfinder displays the view through the camera lens. The “single lens” in the name “single-lens reflex” is a reference to this feature: a single lens serves both for taking photographs and for the viewfinder. The “reflex” portion refers to the reflection of light. DSLR Cameras are equipped with mirrors that guide light from the lens into the viewfinder by reflecting it upward, hence the term “reflex.” The light that is reflected upward falls on the viewfinder focusing screen; after passing through the screen, it then proceeds through a pentaprism or pentamirror to the viewfinder eyepiece window. This allows the photographer to view the image from the camera lens directly in the viewfinder. When the shutter-release button is pressed all the way down, the mirror is raised and the light coming through the lens proceeds straight through to the shutter curtain. The curtain simultaneously opens to allow the light to fall on the image sensor and a photograph is taken. The shutter then closes and the mirror drops back into its original position. By linking the action of the shutter with the movement of the mirror, the light passing through the lens can be made to fall on either the viewfinder focusing screen or the image sensor.

Some newer DSLR Cameras can display the view through the lens in the monitor: this is known as “live view.” The mirror is raised during live view; blocking the light that would otherwise reach the focusing screen and preventing photographs from being framed in the viewfinder.