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A single lens reflex camera or SLR uses a mirror to allow photographer to view what would be captured on film. The pre-SLR cameras were slightly different from the newer version as the viewfinder displays differently from what would be captured on film.The older versions of camera uses two optical light paths in which one is positioned through the film while the other is placed above the twin lens reflex.

Since it is quite impossible to place the viewfinder and film lens on the same optical path, the viewfinder is placed in a position to meet the lens at some point. But it did not pose any problem for photographers who are shooting between a middle or longer distance. SLR remains as the most advanced photographic preview system until 1990s. However, the advanced technology of digital imaging system complete with on-camera live LCD preview screen has changed the market’s demand.

Previously, photographers have no idea what was captured on film but the new invention allows you to view it on the LCD screen what was captured. Even though more advanced cameras emerged in the market, it seems that professional photographers still prefer SLR due to its interchangeable lenses and less shutter lag. Besides that, the shadow detail of SLR optical viewfinder is also better than the refresh rate or contrast ratio in LCD screen.

To fulfill photographers’ needs and demands, digital single-lens reflex camera (DSLR) was introduced to the market. Instead of using a semi-automatic moving mirror, DSLR has a mechanical mirror system to direct the light straight from the lens to an optical viewfinder which is placed on the back of the gadget.

Generally, DSLR is designed with a mirror to direct the light upwards at 90 degree angle through the lens. The light would then be reflected thrice via roof pentaprism. Some professional still photographers tend to use DSLR because the gadget projects an accurate preview of depth of field. In addition to that, DSLRs also have larger sensors compared to compact digital models. DSLR mostly refers to cameras that are close to 35 mm format camera.

The first prototype DSLR was created by Sony in 1981. Five years later, Nikon designed their own version of DSLR. Even though, Sony and Nikon managed to come up with prototypes of DSLR, the first digital camera in 1990 was launched by Kodak. With this new invention, photographers and amateurs can take photographs and connect the gadget directly to a storage unit via a cable. While DSLRs was considered affordable today, the first commercially available Kodak DSLR costs approximately USD 30,000.

Since early 2000, companies such as Nikon, Canon and FujiFilm also ventured into the market and launched their own version of DSLR. Thus, consumers have more options and alternatives to purchase affordable DSLR. The images produced by digital camera depends largely on the size of image sensor and megapixels. However, in DSRL, size of image sensor is far more important than the number of megapixels.

Large image sensors in DSLR enable photographers to take good quality pictures. DSLR is considered a good camera as there are more creative control and settings to choose and the camera also allows interchangeable lenses. The print image quality is also relatively better compared to compact models.