System camera

{{Short description|Camera with interchangeable components}} {{Use MDY dates |date=August 2025}} {{Expand German|topic=scitech}} [[Image:Nikon F SLR camera with NIKKOR-S Auto 1,4 f=5,8cm.JPG|thumb|220px|[[Nikon F]] chrome with eyelevel prism and NIKKOR-S Auto 1:1.4 f=5.8cm lens (1959) – an early SLR system camera.]] [[File:Nikon F viewfinder DSC 6506.jpg|thumb|A Nikon F body and viewfinder]] [[File:Nikon-ftn-400.jpg|thumb|Nikon F with interchangeable photomic TTL metering prism]]

A '''system camera''' is a [[camera]] whose body is designed to support interchangeable components, most importantly an [[interchangeable lens]], as well as other accessories.

Components may use different physical sockets, electrical contacts, and digital protocols, so not all are compatible with each other. A set of compatible components is referred to as a ''system''. Systems are usually named for the [[lens mount]], such Nikon F-mount, [[Canon EF mount]], and [[M42 lens mount|M42 mount]] (a non-proprietary mount using a {{val|42|x|1|u=mm}} screw thread).

Early system cameras include [[Leica Camera|Leica I Schraubgewinde]] (1930), [[Exakta]] (1936) and the [[Nikon F]] (1959). System cameras are often [[Single-lens reflex camera|single-lens reflex]] (SLR) or [[Twin-lens reflex camera|twin-lens reflex]] (TLR) but can also be [[rangefinder camera]]s or, more recently, [[mirrorless interchangeable-lens camera]]s. [[Voice coil]] motors (VCMs) or [[piezoelectric motor]]s are used to control the lens movement to achieve fast and accurate autofocus.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.stanfordmagnets.com/everything-you-need-to-know-about-voice-coil-motor.html |title=Everything You Need to Know About Voice Coil Motors |last=Marchio |first=Cathy |website=Stanford Magnets |date=Aug 30, 2024 |access-date=Oct 1, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title=Canon USM vs STM Lenses: What's The Difference? | website=ExpertPhotography | date=2022-07-21 | url=https://expertphotography.com/canon-usm-vs-stm/ | access-date=2025-08-13}}</ref> These motors move the lens elements to focus the light onto the sensor with high precision.<ref>{{cite patent |country=US |number=9134503B2 |status=patent}}</ref>

At the minimum, a system camera includes a camera body and separate, [[interchangeable lens]]es. Other accessories are also available: * [[Flash (photography)|Electronic flash]] units matching the camera's capabilities. * [[Prontor-Compur|PC socket]] or tripod-adapter mounts for external flash units, rather than just a hot shoe * [[Bulb (photography)|Mechanical]], electric, or [[Infrared Data Association|IR]]/[[Radio frequency|RF]] remote shutter release. * Extensive supplementary equipment for [[macro photography]] and [[photomicrography]]. * Adapters for third-party or legacy lenses, including [[Tilt-shift photography|tilt-shift]] adapters * For film cameras, a [[motor drive]] to advance the film automatically. * For film cameras, different camera backs, e.g. large capacity for bulk film, or data back or datebacks for recording exposure and date information. * Add-on correction or magnifying lenses to help focusing or composition through the viewfinder. * Interchangeable [[viewfinder]]s, including interchangeable [[focusing screen]]s in the case of [[Single-lens reflex camera|SLRs]]. Viewfinders and focusing screens could give different metering options. * Extra-capacity battery packs, often in the form of a "battery grip" (a second, [[Page orientation|portrait]]-oriented handgrip), but also including fully external packs with cable interface * [[AC adapters]] with dummy-battery interfaces for studio or other stationary work * Sockets and matching cables for direct output, e.g., to a [[HDMI|television]] * [[Depth of field]] preview * [[Global navigation satellite system]] receivers, e.g. (GPS) for [[geotagging]] * [[Bluetooth]] or [[Wi-Fi]] networking modules

While some early mechanical interfaces are standardized across brands, optical and electronic interfaces are often [[Proprietary hardware|proprietary]]. [[Hot shoe]]s have a common interface for basic flash functions, but often contain proprietary contacts inside for advanced flashes and data modules.

==References== {{Reflist}}

[[Category:Cameras by type]] [[Category:Technology systems]] [[Category:System cameras| ]]