Nikon DSLR

Nikon digital single-lens reflex cameras (digital SLR or DSLR) are Nikon digital cameras that use a mechanical mirror system and pentaprism to direct light from the lens to an optical viewfinder on the back of the camera.

The fundamental operation of the Nikon DSLR is really as follows: for viewing purposes, the mirror reflects the sunshine coming with the attached lens upwards in a 90 degree angle. It's then reflected 3 times through the roof pentaprism, rectifying it for that photographer's eye. (Observe that the diagram below incorrectly shows a non-roof pentaprism.) During exposure, the mirror assembly swings upward, the aperture narrows (if stopped down, or set small compared to available), along with a shutter opens, allowing the lens to project light to the image sensor. Another shutter then covers the sensor, ending the exposure, and also the mirror lowers as the shutter resets. The time the mirror is flipped up is called "viewfinder blackout". A fast-acting mirror and shutter is preferred so they won't delay an action photo.

All this happens automatically during a period of milliseconds, with cameras made to do that 3-10 times per second.

Nikon DSLRs in many cases are liked by professional still photographers simply because they allow a precise preview of framing near to the moment of exposure, also, since DSLRs permit the user to select from a number of interchangeable lenses. Most DSLRs in addition have a function which allows accurate preview of depth of field.

Many professionals also prefer Nikon DSLRs for his or her larger sensors when compared with most compact digitals. Nikon DSLRs have sensors which can be closer in dimensions towards the traditional film formats that lots of current professionals began using. These large sensors permit similar depths of field and picture angle to film formats, in addition to their comparatively high signal to noise ratio.

The word DSLR generally describes cameras that resemble 35 mm format cameras, even though some medium format cameras are technically DSLRs.