DSLR Cameras

Frequently asked questions about SLR cameras

What is a camera reflex?

An SLR camera is a digital camera with a single lens. SLRs allow for interchangeable lenses and are generally larger and more robust than other types of cameras. An SLR has a mirror behind the lens, which redirects light from the lens to the optical viewfinder and focusing systems. This allows the photographer to see exactly what they are photographing and enables fast and precise focusing. When you take a photo, the mirror flips up, the shutter is released, and the digital sensor is exposed to the image.

What does ISO mean?

Photographically, ISO means the level of sensitivity that the camera sensor has to light. The higher the ISO number, the more sensitive the sensor and the brighter the image. ISO is an adjustable setting and goes much higher than ever before. However, very high ISO settings can sometimes cause graininess or "noise" in the image.

When a camera is said to be "very good in low light", it means that there is little to no noise at the highest ISO values.

What is a megapixel?

A camera sensor is made up of millions of individual pixels (for "picture element"). Each pixel works individually to capture a small amount of light and colour, which are then combined to form the final image. One million of these pixels equals one megapixel. The number of megapixels determines the resolution of the image and, in turn, the size of the image that can be printed.