35 mm camera
When photographs are taken, they are recorded onto a film, which then contains sequences of these captured images. They are referred to as film gauge and they vary in size. The most commonly used film gauge is one with width size of 35 mm. Since its introduction in 1892, 35 mm film has now become the universal standard size of film gauge. This accommodates for a uniform production, as well as promotes reliable distribution and displays of motion pictures and still photography. This type of camera offers creativity and flexibility to the photographer for the fact that they can be used with different types of lens accordingly to what is needed.
Digital cameras
Digital cameras digitally record images and store them in an electronic image sensor chip that can be downloaded onto a computer for further alterations and manipulations. The main advantages of taking photograph with a digital camera would be the immediate access of the captured objects giving opportunity for the photographer to make necessary adjustments, large capacity for storing images, and the flexibility of deleting previously captured images to free some spaces in the memory storing device.
Single Lens Reflex (SLR)
Single Lens Reflex system was developed to eliminate inconsistency between the object being viewed through the camera lens, then onto a film, and what the viewfinder sees. This had previously resulted in slight difference of the captured image from what the photographer originally saw just before the shot was taken. SLR cameras use a mirror mechanism, along with a pentaprism (a five-sided element of transparent surfaces that changes the direction of light due to alteration of its speed). This pentaprism reflects light several times, thus correctly matching it to the view on the viewfinder.
Digital SLR cameras
When compared with compact SLR cameras, digital SLRs are more advanced in terms of their speed. The built-in shutter is mechanically operated to allow the photographer to have control on the shutter movement. They can also focus faster and maintain steady and clear focus even in low lighted scene. In addition, digital SLR cameras have manually operated zoom giving freedom and instant adjustment for a photographer requiring only a spin on the barrel to achieve the desired position. The electronically powered zoom of compact SLRs are not fast enough to keep up with busy photographic action.