hotshoe

A hot shoe is a mounting point located on the top of a camera, typically a flashgun or camera body, designed to attach accessories such as external flash units or electronic viewfinders. The term "hot shoe" derives from the heated electrical contacts within the mounting that facilitate communication between the camera and connected accessories.

The hot shoe features a metal or plastic mounting plate with an electrical contact at the center, surrounded by a metal frame or sliding lock to secure accessories in place. When an external flash or device is mounted, the hot shoe's electrical contacts enable synchronization with the camera's shutter, allowing for precise control of additional lighting or other compatible devices.

Most modern digital cameras, including DSLRs, mirrorless cameras, and some video cameras, incorporate hot shoes as standard equipment. The design and pin configuration of hot shoes can vary between manufacturers, with a common standard being the ISO 518 hot shoe, which supports full communication capabilities for advanced features. Some cameras support "cold shoes," which provide a physical mount without electrical contact, used primarily for non-electronic accessories.

In addition to photography, hot shoe mounts are frequently used in professional lighting setups and camera rigs, where they offer a secure and versatile mounting solution for various electronic accessories. The hot shoe's widespread adoption has made it a key component in both amateur and professional photographic and videographic equipment, facilitating flexible and efficient external accessory integration.