What is a DSLR?

A DSLR (Digital Single-Lens Reflex), is a type of camera that uses a complex mechanical mirror system to redirect light coming through the lens. For example, when you are looking through the viewfinder to frame your shot, the light is bounced up in to the viewfinder – as well as on to the Exposure and Auto-focus sensors. For the split second when you press the shutter button, the mirror swings out of the way to direct light on to the imaging sensor. This is different to a typical point-and-shoot camera, which constantly exposes the camera’s sensor to light projected by the lens. DSLRs are also typically more responsive, versatile and produce a higher quality image than point-and-shoot cameras. A DSLR can be customised with different lenses and accessories to produce different images and produce photographs in a variety of scenarios. And because DSLRs use much larger sensors, they produce better image quality – helped of course by the superior quality of the glass attached to the camera.