slr camera?

Question

what does the slr as in "slr camera" stand for?

Answer 1

SLR is an acronym for 'Single-Lens Reflex'.

To put it simply, these cameras have a mirror between the sensor (digital)/film (film cameras) to project the image seen through the lens to the viewfinder - so what you see through the viewfinder is essentially what the lens is seeing. Point-and-shoot (digital compact) cameras on the other hand tend to have electronic viewfinders.

Advantages of SLR include better composition feel since what you are seeing through the viewfinder is exactly what the lens is seeing, faster response time (startup and shutter lag), higher ISO performance (due to larger sensors), better image quality (if using good lenses) and the ability to change lenses.

Disadvantages can include the size and weight, the cost, lack of LCD viewfinders and the general inability to shoot movies.

Examples of popular digital SLR cameras in the current market for the consumer range is the Canon 400D/XTi and the Nikon D80.

Answer 2

SLR = Single Lens Reflex. These cameras have an optical viewfinder that uses mirrors to project the image from the lens to the eyepiece. These cameras are vastly more responsive than digital point & shoots, which use an electronic viewfinder.
(Digital) SLR cameras also have interchangable lenses.They offer a bunch of other advantages compared to point & shoots, too. The down side is that they're bulky, expensive, and can't shoot video.

Answer 3

Single Lens Reflex = You see trough the lens = you don't have that small side optical viewfinder.