DSLR or SLR? Discuss

[gstark]

Some time ago I thought about whether we should be starting to drop the D from the term DSLR, and now just refer to DSLRs as SLRs, but after careful consideration I decided that I preferred to keep the distinction between the technologies.

I notice that others are starting to consider this point now.

While my view remains unchanged, I'm curious as to what all y'all think.

[biggerry]

is 'we' DLSR users or photography society in general?

I notice that others are starting to consider this point now.

well we must jump on the bandwagon then

really, for me, the carefactor whether it's called a DLSR, SLR, SRL, LRS, camera etc is slightly below the level of carefactor of what i have for breakfast.. yep, thats low btw.

[gstark]

is 'we' DLSR users or photography society in general?

Good point.

I'm thinking more generally. Would (could?) you walk into a store and ask for a SLR? If you did, what would be the reaction?

For instance, would a salesperson in a proper camera store show you the two film SLRs that he has on display?

And by way of contrast, do you think that the salesperson in JB HiHardly Normal would look at you with a look of total confusion?

[surenj]

Not too fussed about it.

D is obsolete anyway. In a few years, other SLRs would not exist apart from in collector/special situations so the generalist need not worry.

[dviv]

For instance, would a salesperson in a proper camera store show you the two film SLRs that he has on display?

Yes

And by way of contrast, do you think that the salesperson in JB HiHardly Normal would look at you with a look of total confusion?

Yes

[surenj]

Yes

They'd probably want to sell me a 600D with kitlenses for $1500 and want to charge me $300 for extended warranty.

[Reschsmooth]

Whilst the implications are close to zero, for definitional purposes, it makes sense to continue with the "D". I mean, why do we still refer to the fact that it is a single lens? When was the last time a twin lens reflex camera was released?

[Aussie Dave]

I just had a look online at both the Nikon and Canon websites and both refer to their products as DSLR's, so if the manufacturers haven't changed why should this site?

Admittedly, members here do have digital compact cameras along with film-based cameras but for the majority I would think are here because we own a dSLR camera.

For the greater majority, I think it may be more appropriate that the "D" should stay and the "SLR" is what's in question....with many people now having compact cameras and now Nikon's release of the mirrorless cameras....all shooting HD video.
Should this forum now also be catering for the videophiles amongst us who are making use of the video abilities in their digital cameras?

Maybe dSLRusers can change to dP&V (digital Photo & Video)

Personally, I say keep it as it is. We all "know" what it means anyway (IMO). But an interesting topic to discuss...
Dave

[gstark]

I mean, why do we still refer to the fact that it is a single lens? When was the last time a twin lens reflex camera was released?

Excellent pint.

Or point.

[gstark]

Should this forum now also be catering for the videophiles amongst us who are making use of the video abilities in their digital cameras?

Several years ago, I think I answered that question with a no.

Today, I'm very firmly of the belief that video is well and truly with us in our still cameras, so we had just better get used to it.

What's more though, is that with the type of cameras that we tend to use, the quality of the video - the visual possibilities that are on offer to us because of the properties that the sensor size offers us - can potentially be of a very high quality.

Maybe dSLRusers can change to dP&V (digital Photo & Video)

While I'm not contemplating a name change, perhaps we're approaching a time where we need to add sections for video and MILC discussions? That's certainly not the point of this thread, but I do believe that your point is well made, despite your humourous intentions.

[surenj]

we need to add sections for video and MILC discussions?

Especially a video section will attract a different crowd and make the site more vibrant.

[ATJ]

we need to add sections for video and MILC discussions?

Especially a video section will attract a different crowd and make the site more vibrant.

Admit it, Suren, you really want a MILF section.

[Reschsmooth]

we need to add sections for video and MILC discussions?

Especially a video section will attract a different crowd and make the site more vibrant.

Admit it, Suren, you really want a MILF section.

You say it as if it is a bad thing.

[Mr Darcy]

Surely SLR is the generic term.
It can be broken down into DSLR and FSLR. The latter being generally conflated with SLR, but only because it predated any and all DSLRs so at that time the distinction was moot. It is no longer so we should now use SLR when the storage medium in camera is irrelevant, but FSLR or DSLR as appropriate when it is.

[Steffen]

We may as well drop the S and the L. I mean how long has it been since anyone bought a Two Lens Reflex camera? And most cameras have lenses, right?

Cheers
Steffen.

[aim54x]

This is an interesting discussion....

For instance, would a salesperson in a proper camera store show you the two film SLRs that he has on display?

Being a salesperson in a "proper" camera store (I hope where I work is considered one!) I wouldn't blink an eye at that...and either wait for clarification or probe further...I do take offense to the comment of "two file SLRs" I have many, many more than that on display!

And by way of contrast, do you think that the salesperson in JB HiHardly Normal would look at you with a look of total confusion?

In my experience and observation, you are usually directed at whatever they have on special...simply ignoring the Digital/Film paradox.....but I do think I will have to try and go into a JB soon and ask...then kick up a fuss because I wanted something film based. Most of these guys barely remember film....

we need to add sections for video and MILC discussions?

Especially a video section will attract a different crowd and make the site more vibrant.

Admit it, Suren, you really want a MILF section.

You say it as if it is a bad thing.

MILC/MILF/EVIL I still prefer EVIL!!!

Just to throw it in as well....SLT....do we consider them part of the SLR subset?

[surenj]

You say it as if it is a bad thing.

Admit it, Suren, you really want a MILF section.

SLR when the storage medium in camera is irrelevant, but FSLR or DSLR as appropriate when it is.

Fair call.