The simplest type of camera viewing system, separate from the picture-taking lens, and common among many point-and-shoot cameras, is called a Rangefinder/Viewfinder.

• A. Through-the-lens (TTL) view
• B. Single Lens Reflex
• C. Electronic viewfinder
• D. Rangefinder/Viewfinder

Answer: (D)

A viewing system that is separate from the picture-taking lens and is typical in many simple point-and-shoot cameras is the rangefinder/viewfinder. In this setup you look through a small separate optical window, not through the lens that actually takes the photo. Focusing is usually done by aligning two images or a built-in focusing patch in that separate window, which keeps the design simple and compact. Because you’re not seeing through the taking lens, there can be parallax at close distances, but the system remains lightweight and inexpensive, which is why it’s common on many simple cameras.

The other options involve looking through the taking lens (through-the-lens view), using a mirror and prism to view the scene (single-lens reflex), or using an electronic display rather than an optical path (electronic viewfinder). Those are more complex or rely on different viewing principles, so they don’t fit the description of the simplest, separate-viewing system.