# Chapter 1: How it Works

<span lang="EN">The cameras owned by SCiL are “**digital single-lens reflex**” (**DSLR**) types, specifically the Canon EOS 5D MK IV. </span>

<p class="callout info"><span lang="EN">Helpful [manuals and guides for this camera](https://www.usa.canon.com/support/p/eos-5d-mark-iv#idReference%3Dmanuals) are available online. </span></p>

<p class="callout danger">**<span lang="EN">Important!</span>**<span lang="EN"> This equipment is expensive, so you must treat it with care.</span></p>

[![image.png](https://scil-wiki.su.edu/uploads/images/gallery/2025-01/scaled-1680-/image.png)](https://scil-wiki.su.edu/uploads/images/gallery/2025-01/image.png)

<span lang="EN">DSLR cameras tend to look a lot like older film cameras of the SLR type. Let's break this acronym down:</span>

<span lang="EN"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>***Digital*** - the camera produces images digitally instead of on film</span>

<span lang="EN"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>***Single-Lens*** - there is one path for light to enter the camera</span>

<span lang="EN"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>***Reflex*** - the light entering is split via mirror to both imaging chip and viewfinder</span>

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

<p class="callout info"><span lang="EN">Helpful [manuals and information about this lens](https://www.usa.canon.com/support/p/ef-24-105mm-f-4l-is-ii-usm) are available online.</span></p>

[![image.png](https://scil-wiki.su.edu/uploads/images/gallery/2025-01/scaled-1680-/0uOimage.png)](https://scil-wiki.su.edu/uploads/images/gallery/2025-01/0uOimage.png)

***<span lang="EN">CCD vs. CMOS</span>***

<span lang="EN">Digital cameras usually use one of two types of image sensor, either a charge-coupled device (CCD) or a complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS). </span>

<span lang="EN">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.</span>

<span lang="EN">The EOS 5D MK IV uses a CMOS sensor.</span>