single-lens reflex camera: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1technical, formal
Quick answer
What does “single-lens reflex camera” mean?
A camera that uses a mirror and prism system to allow the photographer to see through the same lens that takes the picture.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A camera that uses a mirror and prism system to allow the photographer to see through the same lens that takes the picture.
A professional or enthusiast camera system characterized by interchangeable lenses, through-the-lens viewing, and typically manual controls.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences; both use 'single-lens reflex camera' or 'SLR'. Spelling of related terms may differ (e.g., 'colour' vs 'color photography').
Connotations
In both varieties, connotes professionalism, serious photography, and technical capability.
Frequency
Equally common in technical/photographic contexts in both regions. 'SLR' is the dominant abbreviated form.
Grammar
How to Use “single-lens reflex camera” in a Sentence
use a single-lens reflex camerashoot with an SLRupgrade to a digital SLRfocus through the SLR viewfinderVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “single-lens reflex camera” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He SLRed the entire event with a vintage Nikon.
- They're SLRing the wedding professionally.
American English
- She SLRed the concert with her Canon.
- He's been SLRing landscapes for years.
adverb
British English
- He photographed the scene single-lens reflexly. (rare/technical)
- The camera operates single-lens reflexly. (rare/technical)
American English
- She shoots single-lens reflexly for precision. (rare/technical)
- It functions single-lens reflexly. (rare/technical)
adjective
British English
- It's a proper single-lens reflex system.
- SLR photography requires more skill.
American English
- That's a classic single-lens reflex design.
- SLR cameras offer full control.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Marketing of professional photography equipment.
Academic
Photography theory, optical engineering, media studies.
Everyday
Hobbyist discussions, camera purchase advice.
Technical
Camera manuals, optical specifications, photography tutorials.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “single-lens reflex camera”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “single-lens reflex camera”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “single-lens reflex camera”
- Writing 'single-lense' (incorrect spelling of 'lens').
- Using 'SLR' to refer to any large camera (including mirrorless).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
The main advantage is through-the-lens (TTL) viewing, which shows exactly what will be captured, with no parallax error.
DSLR (Digital Single-Lens Reflex) is a subtype of SLR that uses a digital sensor instead of film. All DSLRs are SLRs, but not all SLRs are digital.
They require internal space for the reflex mirror and prism system that directs light to the optical viewfinder.
While mirrorless cameras are now dominant in new sales, SLRs/DSLRs are not obsolete; millions are in use, and they remain excellent tools, especially for specific photographic styles.
A camera that uses a mirror and prism system to allow the photographer to see through the same lens that takes the picture.
Single-lens reflex camera is usually technical, formal in register.
Single-lens reflex camera: in British English it is pronounced /ˌsɪŋɡl lenz ˈriːfleks ˌkæm(ə)rə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌsɪŋɡl lenz ˈriːfleks ˌkæm(ə)rə/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Through the lens (TTL) metering”
- “What you see is what you get (WYSIWYG) viewing”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
SINGLE Lens = one eye (lens) to both VIEW and SHOOT, REFLEX = mirror reflex action like a knee jerk.
Conceptual Metaphor
CAMERA AS EYE (single-lens mimics human monocular vision).
Practice
Quiz
What does the 'reflex' in 'single-lens reflex camera' refer to?