noun

SLR

ess-el-AR

SLR (noun) means a camera in which a mirror and prism let the photographer look through the actual lens, so the viewfinder shows exactly what the lens sees; short for single-lens reflex. Example: “He shoots film on an old Nikon SLR.”

noun

A camera in which a mirror and prism let the photographer look through the actual lens, so the viewfinder shows exactly what the lens sees; short for single-lens reflex.

"He shoots film on an old Nikon SLR."

"A digital SLR is bulkier than a mirrorless body but the optical viewfinder never lags."

military A self-loading rifle, a rifle that reloads itself after each shot but fires only once per trigger pull.

"The regiment carried the SLR until it was replaced in the 1980s."

How to use SLR

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA proper camera where you look through the lens itself.

When to use it

In everyday speech SLR nearly always means the camera. DSLR is the digital version.

Memory tip

Reflex here refers to the reflex mirror inside, not to speed.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

DSLR mirrorless → point-and-shoot

Common pairings

digital SLR SLR camera entry-level SLR 35mm SLR

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He shoots film on an old Nikon _____.

Etymology

An initialism of single-lens reflex.

Origin: English

Synonyms

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single-lens reflex DSLR

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between an SLR and a DSLR?

The mechanism is the same; the difference is what records the image. An SLR exposes film, a DSLR exposes a digital sensor. Almost every SLR sold today is a DSLR.

What is the difference between a DSLR and a mirrorless camera?

A DSLR bounces light off a mirror into an optical viewfinder, so you see the scene directly. A mirrorless camera removes the mirror and shows you the sensor's feed on a screen, which makes the body smaller and lighter.

What is the meaning of SLR?

"SLR" (noun) means a camera in which a mirror and prism let the photographer look through the actual lens, so the viewfinder shows exactly what the lens sees; short for single-lens reflex.

What is another word for SLR?

Other words for "SLR" include single-lens reflex, DSLR.