reflex camera

American  

[ree-fleks kam-er-uh] / ˈri flɛks ˌkæm ər ə /

noun

1. a camera in which the image appears on a ground-glass viewer focusing screen after being reflected by a mirror or after passing through a prism or semitransparent glass; in one type single-lens reflex camera, or single-lens, light passes through the same lens to both the ground glass and the film, while in another type twin-lens reflex camera, or twin-lens reflex, light passes through one lens viewing lens to the ground glass and through a second lens taking lens to the film, the lenses being mechanically coupled for focusing.

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reflex camera British  

noun

1. a camera in which the image is composed and focused on a large ground-glass viewfinder screen. In a single-lens reflex the light enters through the camera lens and falls on the film when the viewfinder mirror is retracted. In a twin-lens reflex the light enters through a separate lens and is deflected onto the viewfinder screen

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Etymology

Origin of reflex camera

First recorded in 1925–30

Example Sentences

You’re shooting what’s right in front of you, but you’re looking down at the image preview, kind of like an old-school twin-lens reflex camera.

From The Verge • Aug. 20, 2022

As a professional photographer, Arndt has many high-powered tools at his disposal, including a high-resolution, 50-megapixel single-lens reflex camera.

From Washington Post • Feb. 4, 2022

A bridge camera is one that fills the gap between a basic point-and-shoot device and a single-lens reflex camera.

From Slate • Jul. 10, 2018

For years, she used a Rolleiflex twin-lens reflex camera, creating complex compositions and highlighting sharp details which underscore the drama of daily life.

From Seattle Times • Feb. 7, 2013

A reflex camera is of course the ideal instrument for the purpose, for sharp focusing is so easy and so necessary.

From Making Your Camera Pay by Davis, Frederick C.