Which part of the camera is responsible for flipping images before they are viewed?

The mirror plays a crucial role in the process of viewing images through a camera, especially in DSLRs (Digital Single-Lens Reflex cameras). When you look through the viewfinder of a DSLR, the camera uses a mirror to reflect light that comes through the lens. This mirror is positioned at a 45-degree angle, directing the light upwards into a prism or directly to the viewfinder.

In doing so, the mirror not only reflects the image but also flips it horizontally and vertically, making it appear in the correct orientation for the photographer when composing a shot. Without this mirror mechanism, the photographer would see an inverted image, which could lead to confusion while framing the subject.

In contrast, the other components mentioned, such as the shutter and lens, have different functions within the camera system. The shutter controls the duration for which light hits the sensor or film, while the lens focuses light onto the sensor, but neither contributes to flipping the image for viewing purposes. The plate is often related to film-based cameras but does not influence the image orientation in a digital context.