What is a system camera? Easily explained

If you want to buy a high-quality camera, you have the choice between a system camera and an SLR camera. We'll tell you what the system camera is and what you can do better.

What can system cameras do?

A crucial feature of a so-called DSLM is the lack of a mirror and the associated loss of the mirror box and the optical viewfinder. Instead, the photo motif lands directly on the sensor, which transfers the image to the rear display and - depending on the model - also to the electronic viewfinder.

• System cameras are often meant to mean compact and mirrorless digital cameras that differ from the SLR cameras. Strictly speaking, these are also part of the system cameras, but are no longer referred to as such. DSLM is also used synonymously for system cameras in this context.
• System cameras not only lack the mirror and consequently the mirror box, but also the optical viewfinder. The image is captured by the sensor and transferred directly to the display on the back.
• Compared to the reasonably priced digital cameras, you have the option to mount and use different lenses with a system camera. For example, you can use a macro lens and a fish eye with just one camera.
• Due to their design, system cameras are often somewhat more compact and lighter than SLR cameras. In many cases, they also offer a larger display. This is also required because you cannot look through the lens as usual. The image of the camera can only be seen on the display.
• In our photo gallery we have put together the best system cameras for you.

In the next practical tip, we will show you how to correctly set the aperture of a camera.