What does DSLR stand for

What does DSLR mean?

So what does DSLR stand for? DSLR stands for digital single lens reflex. But what does DSLR mean? Simply put, a DSLR is a digital camera that uses one lens (at a time). Additionally, the "reflex" refers to the fact that the image reflects through a series of mirrors. These are located behind the lens and in the hump on top. Since you look through this hump, you see exactly what your lens sees.

Digital SLR

DSLRs are digital versions of film SLR cameras. SLR cameras were popular for pros and serious hobby photographers prior to the invention of digital photography. As such, SLR stands for Single Lens Reflex. Therefore when digital came along they just slapped that D in front to create DSLR.

DSLR cameras are often called similar things to their non-D, SLR counterparts. For example, Nikon called their cameras F1 or N70. Then when they began to produce DSLRs they called those D1 or D70.

Today, DSLRs are being eclipsed by mirrorless cameras. Of course, they wouldn't be called "mirrorless" if not for mirrors inside of DSLRS and SLRs as well as the similar TLR, or twin lens reflex. The later two, were both fairly popular in the pre-digital photography era.

Find the best DSLRs to buy in 2024

How does a DSLR work

Understanding what DSLR stands for is great. But, how about how they work? DSLRs work the same as SLR cameras. However, the photo is recorded on film in an SLR. A digital sensor records the picture in a DSLR.

To understand how a both work keep reading.

SLR and DSLR cameras have one lens. These are typically interchangeable. That is, you can switch one lens for another.

DSLR Lenses

First, DSLR lenses, gather the light and focus it onto a mirror that shows you what the lens is pointed at.

Then, when you click the shutter button to take the photo, the mirror quickly snaps up while the shutter curtains open to expose the sensor and record the photo.

These lenses, as stated above, are often interchangeable. Camera manufacturers typically sell a variety of lenses for their DSLRs.

In addition, they license the mounting design to other companies to make lenses for their DSLRs.

Lenses comes in a variety of focal lengths which helps define the angle of view (amongst other things). In other words, they vary from fish-eye at 8, 12, or 16mm at the short end to super-telephoto at 500, 600, 800mm at the long end.

Additionally, there are zoom and specialized lenses. Specialized lenses allow you to take close up, life-sized photos (macro), or other subjects such as buildings (tilt-lenses).

FInd out what the best lenses are for photographing wildlife.

Inside your DSLR

Now that you know what DSLR stands for let's talk about what is inside your DSLR.

The inside of your DSLR contains delicate and complicated machinery. Generally, it's these parts which help define what DSLR stands for. Nearly all cameras have lenses. However, only DSLRs, SLRs and TLRs have mirrors inside of them.

The mirrors inside of these cameras reflect the light coming in the lens into your eyes and onto the sensor.

Additionally, they do a number of other cool things inside your DSLR.

The Mirrors are the Key

Your DSLR mirrors are key, without it DSLR wouldn't stand for anything. The mirrors reflect what your lens sees. This means you see exactly what your sensor is going to see when you press your shutter release button.

That not might seem like a big deal. However, a lot of older cameras, including the TLRs, didn't show you exactly what your lens saw. In fact, if you ever take photos with a disposable camera you'll understand how great this is.

Disposable cameras, like many cheap Rangefinder cameras have a tiny window that doesn't line up with the lens. As such, what you see and what the lens sees overlap but are not the same. As a result, if you center your subject in that tiny window, they'll end up being off to the side in the actual photo.

DSLR Disadvantages

The first DSLR mirror sits in the way of the sensor. Because of this, when taking the photo the viewfinder is blacked-out.

Of course, the same is true for most mirrorless cameras even though it doesn't need to be. In fact, it's mostly a processing issue with mirrorless cameras. As a result, some of the best new mirrorless cameras don't do this.

DSLR Autofocus

In addition to bouncing the image to your eye, the mirrors also allow the camera to see how much light in coming in and to auto-focus.

If you've ever used a mirrorless camera you may have noticed the ability to choose an area to focus near the extremes edge of your photo (the sides, top, and bottom).

However, in a DSLR your focal points are clustered near the middle. This is because the mirror is slightly see-through. In fact, there's another mirror behind it which points some of the light towards the bottom of the camera where the autofocus sensor is.

Of course, there needs to be room around this mirror behind the one in front for it to move as well. Therefore, it only reflects a portion of the image. The result is that the autofocus sensor can't reach the edges of your image.

The pentaprism hump

The pentaprism hump isn't a new Tik Tok dance. It's the bump on the top of DSLR cameras. Inside of this are the other mirror and an assortment of other tools. For example, if your camera has the option to turn on a grid it's generally integrated here.

It still makes sense to buy a DSLR in 2024

Benefits of DSLRs

Now that you know what DSLR stands for let's talk about benefits.

First, compared to mirrorless cameras, the batteries generally last longer. In fact, because mirrorless cameras are powering a small screen inside the viewfinder plus the screen on the back they tend to eat batteries quickly. That said, DSLR batteries vary by model. Be sure to compare before buying a new DSLR.

Mirrorless cameras keep improving. One place that DSLRs still surpass today's mirrorless cameras is in low-light situations. Because all mirrorless cameras viewfinders feature a screen they can be very difficult to see through in low light situations.

DSLR Means faster focusing (for now)

DSLR cameras focus faster because they use split image focusing whereas mirrorless cameras use contrast focusing. Therefore, if you're photographing sports or wildlife a DSLR is likely to focus faster and more accurately - especially in lower light and in lower contrast situations. Of course, that all depends on some other factors like the focal motor in the lens.

DSLRs have more lenses (for now)

DSLRs also have a much wider range of lenses. That said, you can usually adapt lenses to work on your mirrorless camera. However, DSLRs from Nikon often have motors that drive the lens's autofocus. Surprisingly they have not included any motors in their mirrorless cameras. Ultimately this means adapted Nikon lenses without motors become manual focus only.

In conclusion

Now we all know what DSLR stands for. DSLR stands for Digital Single Lens Reflex. Plus, we all know the benefits of DSLRs now. Of course, if you still have questions I'd be happy to help you better understand the differences between DSLRs and other cameras. Contact me with any questions you have or leave a comment below.