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 were 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 youve never heard before? Share it in the comments below. Im considering making this a regular column here on Photofocus.
For more useful photo terms, check out Mike Kubeisys C-47 article here.
They’re also called EVIL cameras too.
Not sure there’s a need for another acronym.
Yes and MILC… The EVIL name was made by manufacturers who make DSLRs
Not sure this is the definitive term. In fact, I haven’t come across it before.
Actually, its ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWZ, if you ask me. For everything, you talk about in your post, there is yet another three to five letter abbreviation in my native language, German. No wonder, I can never tell which one is which. Esp. since my photography knowledge is well outdated. To me, it is all about results, even if one uses a PC (pinhole camera) :)
Marketing will like DSLM! Now that a proper derivative acronym has been defined, it leverages off of DSLM sales will take off.
Personally I prefer MILF (mirrorless interchangeable lens format. ;)
PHD Camera. Press here dummy.
So why the “Single” in DSLR and DSLM? Because there used to be TLRs — twin lens reflex — one lens for viewfinder and one for the film.
Not sure this is the definitive term. In fact, I haven’t come across it before.
PHD Camera. Press here dummy.
They’re also called EVIL cameras too.
Not sure there’s a need for another acronym.
Yes and MILC… The EVIL name was made by manufacturers who make DSLRs
Actually, its ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWZ, if you ask me. For everything, you talk about in your post, there is yet another three to five letter abbreviation in my native language, German. No wonder, I can never tell which one is which. Esp. since my photography knowledge is well outdated. To me, it is all about results, even if one uses a PC (pinhole camera) :)
Marketing will like DSLM! Now that a proper derivative acronym has been defined, it leverages off of DSLM sales will take off.
Personally I prefer MILF (mirrorless interchangeable lens format. ;)
So why the “Single” in DSLR and DSLM? Because there used to be TLRs — twin lens reflex — one lens for viewfinder and one for the film.