Everybody is talking about the movement to smaller and lighter cameras such as the Sony A7 series, Panasonic GH4, and Fuji models. This new group of mirrorless cameras are known as a DSLM, or digital single-lens mirrorless camera. Let me explain…
A traditional film camera with an interchangeable lens was known as a single-lens reflex camera (one lens, with a mirror). The mirror provides the photographer with the image you see in the viewfinder. Traditional mirrors show the environment exactly as your eyes would see it.
As technology progresses, we added digital sensors to these SLR cameras instead of shooting film, and called it the DSLR or digital single-lens reflex camera.
Now we’re moving into a new era of cameras that are smaller and lighter, opting to remove the mirror in favor of an electronic viewfinder. These mirrorless cameras are known as a DSLM.
The Terms
SLR – a film camera with a single-lens reflex system, which consists of a mirror that provides the photographer with the image you see in the viewfinder.
DSLR – a digital camera with a single-lens reflex system, which consists of a mirror that provides the photographer with the image you see in the viewfinder.
DSLM – digital single-lens mirrorless, also known as mirrorless cameras. These cameras provide an electronic viewfinder, eliminating the mirror and displaying a digital image.
What about MILC?
Mirrorless cameras have also been called MILC, or Mirrorless Interchangeable-Lens Cameras. These cameras are still very new to the market and there hasn’t been a standard name set between manufacturers. For example, I’ve seen Panasonic use DSLM, Sony use Mirrorless, and Canon use MILC.
Ever stumble across a photo term that you’ve never heard before? Share it in the comments below. I’m considering making this a regular column here on Photofocus.
For more useful photo terms, check out Mike Kubeisy’s C-47 article here.
Nick Minore is a video professional and avid photographer based in Florida. Be sure to follow Nick for more photo and video updates by clicking on the links below!
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