DSLR Cameras--

The Digital Single Lens Reflex camera is a still photo camera that has enjoyed much popularity with many DIY cinema creators becuase many models are able to produce high quality video. Because nearly all DSLRs are far more affordable that most profesional video cameras and have a lens mount that alows for interchangable lenses this photo camera has enjoyed great polularity amoungst many 'film' creators who want more control over their image the many fixed lens small sensor prosumer cameras that have been the mainstay of DIY film makers in previous years. However, since most moving image is shot on, edited on, and viewd on video the reflex system in the DSLR has become an encumberance rather that an assest. So, the new 'Mirrorless' camera now stand to replace the DSLR as a new DIY favorite for all the right reasons.

But first... The Reflex in DSLR refers to the mirror that reflects the light passing through the 'taking' lens of the camera. In very old camera the only way a camera operator could view the image the camera was aimed was to view the image through a second viewing lens that approximated the taking lens, which was the lens the camera uses to expose the medium to the image. This old system had various verisons but they all fell short of the accurate view the camera operator was afforded by a mirror/shutter system that allowed the camera operator to actually see through the camera taking lens just before the shot was taken.

Then came the electronic sensor that allowed the camera operator to view the image directly from the sensor, thus eliminating the need to have a reflex system to view through the taking lens. But, the electronic viewfinders had limited resolution compared to a reflext mirror. Until recently, and now, finally the benefits of doing away with the reflex system outweight the advantages of keeping it. So the mirrorless cameras have come the fore front of video production, eventhough they have been with us since the beging of electronic imaging..