Definition

Noun: A reflex camera is a type of camera that uses a mirror system to allow the photographer to view and focus on the exact scene that will be captured by the film or image sensor. The viewfinder shows the image as seen directly through the camera's lens.

Usage

The term is used to describe a specific category of camera based on its optical design. It is often modified to specify the type, such as "single-lens reflex camera" (SLR) or "twin-lens reflex camera" (TLR).

Examples

• She learned photography using an old reflex camera.
• The reflex camera's through-the-lens viewing system provides accurate framing.
• Modern digital reflex cameras are known as DSLRs.

Advanced Usage

• As a category term: "Reflex camera" serves as an umbrella term for designs like SLRs and TLRs, which share the core mirror-based viewing principle.
  • The history of the reflex camera spans over a century.

Variants and Related Words

• Single-lens reflex camera (SLR): A reflex camera where the same lens is used for both viewing and taking the picture. A mirror reflects the image to the viewfinder and flips up when the shutter is released.
• Twin-lens reflex camera (TLR): A reflex camera with two lenses of identical focal length, one for viewing (via a mirror to a ground glass) and one for taking the photograph.
• Digital single-lens reflex camera (DSLR): An SLR camera with a digital imaging sensor instead of film.
• Mirrorless camera: A modern digital camera that does not use a reflex mirror mechanism, often contrasted with reflex cameras.

Synonyms

• SLR (specifically for single-lens reflex types)
• Through-the-lens camera (descriptive synonym emphasizing the viewing method)

Antonyms / Contrasting Terms

• Viewfinder camera / Rangefinder camera: A camera where the viewfinder is a separate optical window, not showing the exact image through the main lens.
• Mirrorless camera: A digital camera that provides a direct electronic view of the scene from the sensor, eliminating the optical reflex mirror.

Noun

1. camera that allows the photographer to view and focus the exact scene being photographed