A system camera is a camera with interchangeable components that constitutes the core of a system. The Nikon F is normally regarded as the first true system camera. System cameras are normally SLRs.

In addition to the bare camera body, a camera system may consist of:

  • A lens that focuses light from the outside world onto the film plane
  • A viewfinder, which shows what will be captured on the film. Many viewfinders are also responsible for metering.
  • An interchangeable focusing screen.
  • A camera back, which keeps the film flat against the film plane; some backs allow for an expanded amount of film to be loaded.
  • A motor drive to advance the film automatically.