![]() However, in practice the sensor size and ability to change lenses will likely make more of a difference to your photography. The need for a prism/mirror is one of the reasons why SLR cameras cost more (other than sensor size), and can make a big difference for a camera designer/manufacturer. However, this terminology can be a little confusing, because SLR cameras are the type of camera that can use more than just a "single lens" - not compact cameras. Note: The above behavior is in fact why they're called "Single Lens Reflex" (SLR) cameras - because the same lens is used to produce the image in the viewfinder as is used to capture that image at the sensor, and the mirror reflects light to the viewfinder ("reflex" referred to the reflection in German). Compact cameras may also use what's called an electronic viewfinder (EVF), which attempts to re-create what an SLR viewfinder would see - but by instead using the electronic image from the sensor. ![]() ![]() With a compact camera, the viewfinder mechanism instead just tries to estimate what light will reach the sensor, so it's potentially less accurate. The flipping up of the mirror is also what makes the characteristic clicking or snapping sound that we've come to associate with SLR cameras. ![]() Move your mouse over the buttons above to see how this works. With an SLR, when you press the shutter button, the mirror flips up and the light that was formerly being re-routed to your eye instead gets sent straight to the camera sensor. Unlike compact cameras, with an SLR camera what you're seeing through the viewfinder is the same light that will reach your camera's sensor when you press the shutter button: These can even end up costing more than the camera itself. Also, unlike with compact cameras, purchasing an SLR camera is only part of the cost you may have to buy additional lenses, an external flash and other accessories. However, this deserves mentioning up-front: SLR cameras are usually MUCH more expensive than compact cameras - mostly as a consequence of the above three differences (we'll discuss why later). Some budget SLR cameras may also have fixed lenses, and some high-end compact style cameras can have sensors that are nearly as large as an SLR - but each is the exception rather than the rule. *Notable Exceptions: The "Micro Four Thirds" or 4/3 standard has interchangeable lenses, but doesn't use the standard SLR viewfinder mechanism (Olympus/Panasonic cameras). At the end, we'll also discuss some of the other more minor differences between the two camera types. The next several sections will focus on what these three differences actually mean in practice, and how your photography style will be impacted. There's also a range of more minor differences (which vary depending on the camera brand or model), the above three are often what most impact one's photography. ![]() While the line between each continues to blur, these three differences usually* still apply: What exactly does it mean for a camera to be a compact (or point and shoot) versus an SLR? Strictly speaking, SLR cameras just have viewfinders that see the same light as the camera's sensor (more on this later), but in practice this isn't the only distinction. ![]()
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