What Is A DSLR?

No type of camera has contributed to the rising popularity and accessibility of video production and digital photography as much as the DSLR.

But what does the term mean, and how is it different from other digital cameras?

How a DSLR Camera Works

Short for “digital single lens reflex”, a DSLR camera is characterized by having a digital sensor, the ability to use interchangeable lenses, and an internal mirror system that directs incoming light to an optical viewfinder, creating an exact copy of the image for you to view. The camera’s sensor is fragile, but generally more durable than those of more expensive cinema cameras.

The camera body is generally compact and easy to transport, and can be adapted to fit many types of glass, including high-quality prime (fixed focal length) lenses for a cinematic shallow depth of field in a variety of light conditions. Most can record to either memory cards or SSDs.

Simply put, DSLRs are the best entry-level video cameras.

Film cameras and more expensive mirrorless cameras don’t use this extra step, but for all intents and purposes, it doesn’t affect the image sensor or image quality at all.

An added bonus is that most DSLR models are equally adept at video and stills.

Compared to small point-and-shoot cameras and phones, a DSLR represents a huge upgrade in quality and versatility. They generally have autofocus, high-end larger sensors (some even full-frame), good image profiles, LCD screens, electronic viewfinders, long battery life, and low-light capability.

Canon, Sony, Nikon, and Panasonic are the best DSLR camera manufacturers, offering full-frame DSLR camera models with large megapixel counts and countless other advancements.

And while they lack some advanced characteristics of more expensive mirrorless and cinema cameras, digital single-lens reflex cameras are still the most approachable and versatile type of camera for beginners.

Kevin Graham is the Creative Director at Filmpac.