System camera: Difference between revisions

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imported>Sbb
added mention of lens mount
 
imported>SpikeToronto
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[[Image:Nikon F SLR camera with NIKKOR-S Auto 1,4 f=5,8cm.JPG|thumb|220px|[[Nikon F]] chrome with eyelevel prism and NIKKOR-S Auto 1:1,4 f=5,8cm lens (1959) – an early SLR system camera.]]
{{Short description|Camera with interchangeable components}}
{{Use MDY dates |date=August 2025}}
[[Image:Nikon F SLR camera with NIKKOR-S Auto 1,4 f=5,8cm.JPG|thumb|220px|[[Nikon F]] chrome with eyelevel prism and NIKKOR-S Auto 1:1.4 f=5.8cm lens (1959) – an early SLR system camera.]]
[[File:Nikon F viewfinder DSC 6506.jpg|thumb|A Nikon F body and viewfinder]]
[[File:Nikon F viewfinder DSC 6506.jpg|thumb|A Nikon F body and viewfinder]]
[[File:Nikon-ftn-400.jpg|thumb|Nikon F with interchangeable photomic TTL metering prism]]
[[File:Nikon-ftn-400.jpg|thumb|Nikon F with interchangeable photomic TTL metering prism]]
A '''system camera''' or '''camera body''' is a [[camera]] with interchangeable components that constitutes the core of a system. Early representatives include [[Leica Camera|Leica I Schraubgewinde]] (1930), [[Exakta]] (1936) and the [[Nikon F]] (1959). System cameras are often [[Single-lens reflex camera|single-lens reflex]] (SLR) or [[Twin-lens reflex camera|twin-lens reflex]] (TLR) but can also be [[rangefinder camera]]s or, more recently, [[mirrorless interchangeable-lens camera]]s. [[Voice coil]] motors (VCMs) are used to control the lens movement to achieve fast and accurate autofocus.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.stanfordmagnets.com/everything-you-need-to-know-about-voice-coil-motor.html |title=Everything You Need to Know About Voice Coil Motors |last=Marchio |first=Cathy |website=Stanford Magnets |date=Aug 30, 2024 |access-date=Oct 1, 2024}}</ref> The VCM moves the lens elements to focus the light onto the sensor with high precision.<ref>{{cite patent |country=US |number=9134503B2 |status=patent}}</ref>
 
A '''system camera''' or '''camera body''' is a [[camera]] with interchangeable components that constitutes the core of a system. Early representatives include [[Leica Camera|Leica I Schraubgewinde]] (1930), [[Exakta]] (1936) and the [[Nikon F]] (1959). System cameras are often [[Single-lens reflex camera|single-lens reflex]] (SLR) or [[Twin-lens reflex camera|twin-lens reflex]] (TLR) but can also be [[rangefinder camera]]s or, more recently, [[mirrorless interchangeable-lens camera]]s. [[Voice coil]] motors (VCMs) or [[piezoelectric motor]]s are used to control the lens movement to achieve fast and accurate autofocus.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.stanfordmagnets.com/everything-you-need-to-know-about-voice-coil-motor.html |title=Everything You Need to Know About Voice Coil Motors |last=Marchio |first=Cathy |website=Stanford Magnets |date=Aug 30, 2024 |access-date=Oct 1, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title=Canon USM vs STM Lenses: What's The Difference? | website=ExpertPhotography | date=2022-07-21 | url=https://expertphotography.com/canon-usm-vs-stm/ | access-date=2025-08-13}}</ref> These motors move the lens elements to focus the light onto the sensor with high precision.<ref>{{cite patent |country=US |number=9134503B2 |status=patent}}</ref>


Systems are usually named for the [[lens mount]], such Nikon F-mount, [[Canon EF mount]], and [[M42 lens mount|M42 mount]] (a non-proprietary mount using a {{val|42|x|1|u=mm}} screw thread).
Systems are usually named for the [[lens mount]], such Nikon F-mount, [[Canon EF mount]], and [[M42 lens mount|M42 mount]] (a non-proprietary mount using a {{val|42|x|1|u=mm}} screw thread).

Latest revision as of 08:09, 12 September 2025

Template:Short description Template:Use MDY dates

File:Nikon F SLR camera with NIKKOR-S Auto 1,4 f=5,8cm.JPG
Nikon F chrome with eyelevel prism and NIKKOR-S Auto 1:1.4 f=5.8cm lens (1959) – an early SLR system camera.
File:Nikon F viewfinder DSC 6506.jpg
A Nikon F body and viewfinder
File:Nikon-ftn-400.jpg
Nikon F with interchangeable photomic TTL metering prism

A system camera or camera body is a camera with interchangeable components that constitutes the core of a system. Early representatives include Leica I Schraubgewinde (1930), Exakta (1936) and the Nikon F (1959). System cameras are often single-lens reflex (SLR) or twin-lens reflex (TLR) but can also be rangefinder cameras or, more recently, mirrorless interchangeable-lens cameras. Voice coil motors (VCMs) or piezoelectric motors are used to control the lens movement to achieve fast and accurate autofocus.[1][2] These motors move the lens elements to focus the light onto the sensor with high precision.[3]

Systems are usually named for the lens mount, such Nikon F-mount, Canon EF mount, and M42 mount (a non-proprietary mount using a Script error: No such module "val". screw thread).

Even point-and-shoot cameras usually include a tripod socket. A system camera includes at the very least a camera body and separate, interchangeable lenses, whence the alternative name interchangeable-lens camera (ILC). In addition it often includes:

  • Electronic flash units matching the camera's capabilities.
  • PC socket or tripod-adapter mounts for external flash units, rather than just a hot shoe
  • Mechanical, electric, or IR/RF remote shutter release.
  • Extensive supplementary equipment for macro photography and photomicrography.
  • Adapters for third-party or legacy lenses, including tilt-shift adapters
  • For film cameras, a motor drive to advance the film automatically.
  • For film cameras, different camera backs, e.g. large capacity for bulk film, or data back or datebacks for recording exposure and date information.
  • Add-on correction or magnifying lenses to help focusing or composition through the viewfinder.
  • Interchangeable viewfinders, including interchangeable focusing screens in the case of SLRs. Viewfinders and focusing screens could give different metering options.
  • Extra-capacity battery packs, often in the form of a "battery grip" (a second, portrait-oriented handgrip), but also including fully external packs with cable interface
  • AC adapters with dummy-battery interfaces for studio or other stationary work
  • Sockets and matching cables for direct output, e.g., to a television
  • Depth of field preview
  • Global navigation satellite system receivers, e.g. (GPS) for geotagging
  • Bluetooth or Wi-Fi networking modules

While some early mechanical interfaces are standardized across brands, optical and electronic interfaces are often proprietary. Hot shoes have a common interface for basic flash functions, but often contain proprietary contacts inside for advanced flashes and data modules.

References

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