DSLR (Digital SLR)equipment
A camera that bounces light off a mirror into an optical viewfinder; the mirror flips up when you shoot.
A DSLR (digital single-lens reflex) has a mirror that reflects the lens's image into an optical viewfinder, so you see the scene directly through the glass. Press the shutter and the mirror flips up so light reaches the sensor. DSLRs offer huge lens libraries and long battery life, but most manufacturers have shifted new development to mirrorless.
Use this when
- Optical viewfinder, no lag: A DSLR strength
- Long days on one charge: OVF sips power
Common mistake: Buying into a brand-new DSLR system today — lens development has largely moved to mirrorless mounts.