So, as you can see in Figure 2-1, the mirror in a D-SLR reflects the light from the lens to the
viewfinder using a collection of mirrors. But when you press the shutter release, the mirror flips up
and out of the way, allowing the light to travel straight back to the sensor. After the image is exposed,
the mirror moves back into its original position, so you can see through the viewfinder again.
CHAPTER 2: Work with Digital SLRs 27
Of course, because the mirror blocks the light from reaching the sensor before you take
the picture, it means you can??™t preview a picture in the LCD display on the back of the camera
before you take the photo. D-SLR users must use the optical viewfinder to compose a photo,
while point-and-shoot users can choose to use either one.
It??™s also worth pointing out that even this seeming immovable law of photography??”that the
LCD can??™t be used to compose photos when using a D-SLR??”is changing. Some new cameras
(like the Olympus E-330) are using clever technology, like a mirror assembly that reflects some
light to the sensor and some to the viewfinder, allowing you to use the LCD all the time. Time
will tell if this kind of thing catches on.
Walk around a D-SLR
Obviously no two D-SLRs are quite the same, but for the most part, they all share enough in
common that you can take a tour of a common Digital SLR and learn about the kinds of features
and capabilities you should expect to see in many models.
Pages:
52
53
54
55
56
57
58
59
60
61
62
63
64
65
66
67
68
69
70
71
72
73
74
75
76