Editing System camera (section)

[[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''' or '''camera body''' is a [[camera]] with interchangeable components that constitutes the core of a system. Early representatives 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) 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> The VCM moves the lens elements to focus the light onto the sensor with high precision.<ref>{{cite patent |country=US |number=9134503B2 |status=patent}}</ref>

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).

Even [[point-and-shoot camera]]s usually include a [[Tripod screw|tripod socket]]. A system camera includes at the very least a camera body and separate, [[interchangeable lens]]es, whence the alternative name '''interchangeable-lens camera''' ('''ILC'''). In addition it often includes:
* [[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.