DSLR Camera Information

The cameras owned by SCiL are “digital single-lens reflex” (DSLR) types, specifically the Canon EOS 5D Mk IV. 

Helpful manuals and guides for this camera are available online. 

Important! This equipment is expensive, so you must treat it with care.

DSLR cameras tend to look a lot like older film cameras of the SLR type. Let's break this acronym down:

            Digital - the camera produces images digitally instead of on film

            Single-Lens - there is one path for light to enter the camera

            Reflex - the light entering is split via mirror to both imaging chip and viewfinder

SLR cameras, whether digital or film, are notable for allowing simple switching of different lenses to accomplish various photographic techniques. Both SCiL camera kits come with a Canon 24-105mm lens. A selection of other lenses is available as needed. 

Helpful manuals and information about this lens are available online.

CCD vs. CMOS

Digital cameras usually use one of two types of image sensor, either a charge-coupled device (CCD) or a complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS). 

CCDs used to be the more common technology, but newer cameras outside of specialized applications tend to use CMOS because they operate more quickly, allowing DSLR cameras to shoot video in addition to stills.

The E0S 5D Mk IV uses a CMOS sensor.