Digital Cameras

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Point and Shoot CamerasMost digital cameras designed for the consumer

(vs. professional) are point and shoot camerasThey fall into three categories: subcompact,

compact and super zoomThe camera lenses are built-in (not removable)Basic features typically include auto focus, auto

exposure and built-in flashNot appropriate for action photography

because of lag time2

SLR Cameras (Single Lens Reflex)With an SLR camera, you see exactly what

the lens sees You can change the lens on a digital SLR◦You choose the lens based on the type of photography;

example: portrait photography vs. sporting events vs. landscape photography, etc.

SLRs produce higher-quality photos than point and shoot cameras

An SLR has a near-zero lag time, and is ideal for action photography

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Other points to considerWhen purchasing a camera, you should also research

the following specifications:◦Storage Capacity◦Transferring Images◦Power Source◦LCD vs. Optical View Finder◦Zoom◦Image Stabilization◦The Exposure Triangle (Aperture, ISO, Shutter Speed)

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Storage DevicesMemory CardInternal Memory (RAM)

The number of picturesyou can take before sendingthem to your computer is determinedby two things: The resolution of the image The type of storage

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Transferring ImagesCard reader USB cableBluetooth

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Power SourceRegular BatteriesRechargeable batteries◦Alkaline◦Nickel-metal hydride (NiMH)◦Lithium-ion (Li-Ion)

AC

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LCDs vs ViewFinderLCD—Pro’s◦Shows you the exact

image that will be recorded

◦Easy to view … delete images, etc.

◦Displays menuLCD—Con’s◦Drains battery—uses ½

life of battery◦Difficult to see in bright

light 8

View Finder—Pro’s Uses less battery Easier to see images in

bright light

View Finder—Con’s Shows close

approximation of the final image—not the real thing

Difficult for some people to see

ZoomOptical zoom actually enlarges the image—measured in X◦example: 8X—increases an image 8 times

Digital zoom takes a portion of an image an enlarges it electronically; the image loses resolution when the camera enlarges it; also measured in X

Macro zoom allows you to take close-up pictures of objects that are small and enlarge them so they appear larger.

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The Exposure TriangleExposure is the total amount of

light you let into your camera. ◦Too much light results in an over-exposed image where

there are areas of bright white or ’blow-outs’. These areas contain no detail or color.

◦Too little light and an under-exposed image leaves parts of your image too dark to make out details.

The three components to exposure are ISO, shutter speed and aperture

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ISO—the measurement of how sensitive the image sensor in the camera is to light.◦Measured in numbers 100,

200, 400, 800, etc.◦Use a lower number when

smooth crisp images are need and you have plenty of light.

◦Higher numbers are used when light is limited, you do not want to use a flash, or the subject is moving; may result in grainy images

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The picture on the left is taken at 100 ISO and the one of the right at 3200 ISO.

• The higher the ISO you choose the noisier shots you will get.• 100 ISO is generally accepted as ‘normal’ and will give you lovely crisp

shots (little noise/grain).• Auto Mode’ where the camera selects the appropriate ISO setting

depending upon the conditions you’re shooting in it will try to keep it as low as possible.

The Exposure TriangleShutter Speed—the amount of time the shutter is

open—which determines how much light is captured in the recording process◦Measured in seconds: super fast 1/2000 second to 30

seconds◦The slower the speed, the longer light can enter the

camera. Appropriate for shooting pictures in darker situations; also great for freezing action and movement

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• To freeze action use faster shutter speed.• To capture motion use a slower shutter speed.

The Exposure TriangleAperture—the camera feature

that regulates the amount of light that passes through the lens by controlling the size of the opening in the lens◦Described as the f/stop (a stop is a

change in setting)◦The smaller the number the wider

the lens will open

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• The first picture was taken with an aperture of f/22 and the second one was taken with an aperture of f/2.8. The difference is quite obvious. o The f/22 picture has both the flower and the bud in focus and you’re

able to make out the shape of the fence and leaves in the background.o The f/2.8 shot has the left flower in focus (or parts of it) but the depth

of field is very shallow and the background is thrown out of focus and the bud to the right of the flower is also less in focus due to it being slightly further away from the camera when the shot was taken.