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DSLR (Digital Single Lens Reflex) is a type of camera that combines a digital sensor with a mirror mechanism. DSLR cameras support interchangeable lenses, which can be changed according to the type of photo to be taken.
Canon Rebel T6 DSLR camera (image: Emerson Alecrim/DIGITALTREND) Historic DSLR cameras began to be used on a large scale in the 2000s. They occupied a space hitherto dominated by SLR cameras (Single Lens Reflex), which also have a mirror system, but record images on photographic film. Today, models with a digital sensor compete for the market with mirrorless cameras (without mirrors).
DSLR technology is based on electronic SLR cameras launched in the 1980s. But it was only in 1991 that the first DSLR camera was commercially launched: the Kodak DCS-100, for professional use. The model used the body of a Nikon F3 SLR camera, worked with 1.3 megapixels and had an external control panel.
Kodak DCS-100 (image: playback/Photo Hits) However, the first real DSLR camera is the Electro-Optic Camera, Developed by James McGarvey , at Kodak, in 1987. It had the body of a Canon F-1 and was designed at the request of the US government, which is why it did not reach the market. The model served as a reference for the creation of the Kodak DCS-100.
How a DSLR Camera Works Photo generation in a DSLR camera starts when light enters through the lens, which can combine special glass with approximation (zoom) and focus mechanisms.
When passing through the lens, the light is reflected by a movable mirror in the pentaprism (five-sided optical component), so that the content can be observed in the optical viewfinder (viewfinder) and on the camera’s LCD screen.
Optical viewfinder and LCD screen of a Canon Rebel T6 (image: Emerson Alecrim/DIGITALTREND) When the shutter button is pressed, the mirror moves and the light travels towards the shutter. Composed of blades, the shutter opens for the light to finally reach the digital sensor and allow the image to be registered.
In the next step, the shutter is closed and the mirror returns to its original position. The content captured by the sensor is converted by the image processor into a photo or video to be stored in internal memory or, more commonly, on a memory card.
Functioning of a DSLR camera (image: Vitor Pádua/DIGITALTREND) digital image sensor The image sensor is a chip that, based on the captured light, forms the photo or video to be recorded. Typically, DSLR cameras are equipped with CMOS or CCD sensors. CMOS is more common because it costs less to manufacture and consumes less power.
There are two main physical formats of sensors: APS-C It is full frame . APS-C are smaller, having sizes close to 22 x 15 mm, and are common in compact or mid-range cameras. It is informally called “cropped” because it has a crop factor, that is, a smaller visible area compared to the full frame.
Full frame sensors are approximately 36 x 24 mm in size, are equivalent to 35 mm film in SLR cameras, and are common in high-end models. They are preferred by many professional photographers as they have no crop factor.
Sensors can also have different resolutions, which are indicated in megapixels. In addition to determining the dimensions of the image, megapixel is one of the parameters that influence the size of the photo in bytes. Adjustments and Lenses Modern cameras have functions that speed up recording, such as autofocus. But image quality may depend on manual adjustments. One is the shutter speed (time elapsed between opening and closing): the slower it is, the more light enters the camera, which makes this parameter useful when there is low light.
Another possible adjustment involves the lens (objective). In DSLR cameras, it is possible to install lenses for medium and long distances (zoom), wide angle (wide angle of view), fisheye (circle effect on the image), among other purposes.
Nikon lenses (image: publicity/Nikon) main manufacturers The DSLR market is dominated by Japanese brands, mainly Canon and Nikon. They produce not only the bodies, but also lenses and accessories for their cameras. The best-known manufacturers in the segment are:
Canon : founded in 1937, in Tokyo, manufactures DSLR cameras from lines such as EOS D, EOS Rebel T and EOS Rebel SL with APS-C and full frame sensors, in addition to EF and EF-S lenses;Nikon : Founded in 1917 and headquartered in Tokyo, it produces DSLR cameras from the Nikon D family with APS-C or full frame sensors, as well as a variety of lens types. It also operates in the mirrorless camera segment;sony : Founded in Japan in 1946, it is most active in the Alpha line mirrorless camera market. However, it supplies image sensors to DSLR model manufacturers such as Nikon;pentax : Tokyo-based and century-old (founded in 1919), Pentax produces full-frame and APS-C DSLR cameras, as well as lenses and accessories for these products;panasonic : Also centenary (1918), the Japanese Panasonic has been prioritizing the mirrorless camera segment, but has DSLR models in the Lumix family. The brand’s lenses are often made in partnership with Leica;olympus : Japanese Olympus has existed since 1919, but sold its camera division to OM Digital Solutions in 2021, which continues to manufacture branded DSLR cameras in the OM and OM-D lines;Hasselblad : Created in 1841, in Sweden, Hasselblad is known for manufacturing high standard cameras. The brand’s DSLR models are among the most expensive on the market. Fujifilm It is Sigma are two other brands that stand out in the camera market, but both have been developing only mirrorless models. Samsung also had DSLR cameras but gave up on that market in 2017.
Hasselblad H6D-100C DSLR camera (image: publicity/Hasselblad) Advantages and disadvantages of DSLR cameras The main advantages and disadvantages of DSLR cameras compared to mirrorless and cell phone cameras are:
Wide variety of lens types : DSLR cameras are ideal for different types of photography because they allow changing lenses. Among the options are fixed lenses (with a focal length that does not change) and zoom;high image quality : The larger sensors of DSLR cameras can capture more details of a photograph with less noise;Variety of adjustments : DSLR cameras allow manual control of all or most parameters such as shutter speed and ISO. For lay users, many of them have preset or automatic adjustments;Long battery life : DSLR cameras can have a long battery life or even be complemented with attachable batteries;Complementary accessories : in addition to batteries, DSLR cameras can be complemented with microphones, flash lighting, GPS, among other devices;optical viewfinder : the optical viewfinder is always present on DSLR cameras. The component allows the use of the camera even if the LCD display is turned off and is very useful to help the photographer find the ideal framing;electronic display : although it can help with framing, the screen that equips DSLR cameras is useful for the photographer to check results and access equipment settings;Bigger and heavier : the movable mirror, the pentaprism and other components take up space in the body of DSLR cameras, making them heavier than mirrorless equipment;high price : DSLR cameras are complex manufacturing equipment, so they can be very expensive. Some brands, like Canon with the Rebel line, have more affordable models that are ideal for beginners. Common questions What is the lifespan of a DSLR camera? It depends on the sophistication of the DSLR camera. The shutter is often the component that wears out the most. Therefore, manufacturers estimate durability in clicks (shots). Basic models achieve 50-150 thousand clicks. Advanced cameras reach 400,000 clicks.
How to clean a DSLR camera? For the camera body, cleaning can be done with a slightly damp cloth, dust can be removed with brushes. Some cameras have their own sensor cleaning mechanism. Cleaning the lens requires more care and even the use of special kits.
How to use DSLR camera as webcam? It is possible to use a DSLR camera as a webcam through applications designed for this purpose. This option is interesting for those who need more image quality when participating in videoconferences or giving online courses.
What is the difference between DSLR and SLR? DSLR cameras are equipped with sensors for digital imaging (hence the ‘D’ in the name) and support interchangeable lenses. SLR cameras can also change lenses, but they record the photos on photographic film.
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