A great majority of consumers buying a digital SLR camera probably aren't aware what the letters "SLR" actually stands for (or if they actually stand for anything in particular). In fact, SLR is an abbreviation for "single lens reflex." It actually describes an important aspect of the camera's construction, explaining why users are able to view the picture they take via the viewfinder. In simple terms, an SLR camera uses a mirror placed between the lens and the film (or sensor in digital cameras). This mirror projects the image captured by the SLR camera lens onto a prism that reflects the image through the viewfinder. Although this may seem simple, it was in fact a revolutionary creation allowing photographers to see exactly what they were shooting (as opposed to older parallax designs). Digital SLR cameras have rapidly become the primary tool for serious photographers. Thanks to cameras such as the Nikon D70, quality digital photography is now accessible to a wider spectrum of the public. Not only does such a camera have the ability to capture images with the same quality as traditional 35mm, they also offer the advantages of interchangeable SLR camera lens options. Why use different lenses? As experienced photographers know, the lens is what has the most impact on the type of image that is taken. A wider lens will capture more information, keeping a majority of it in sharp focus. A telephoto SLR camera lens will provide a narrower depth of field, magnifying what it sees and creating dramatic close-ups. Becoming a good digital photographer includes understanding many of the same elements needed to being a good film photographer, and an SLR camera lens is a key component.
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