Understanding camera basics

These are the standard features, functions and settings you need to get your head around to Check this operate a camera.

Automatic and manual controls: When you turn on automatic mode your camera adjusts its settings to create what it thinks is the best possible picture, usually based on optimal exposure. This is only really effective in well-lit conditions however. Manual mode gives you the freedom to adjust these settings yourself. Many cameras also have semi-manual modes which automatically adjust some settings while you manually tweak others.

Image sensor: this is where the light falls when you’re taking a photo. It records the light then uses the information to create a digital image. Sensors replaced film in digital cameras.

Aperture: an adjustable opening in the camera lens that determines how much light is coming in, while changing the depth of field. Depth of field essentially determines which parts of the photo are in and out of focus. A narrow depth of field with keep the subject in focus while softening the background, while a large depth of field will keep the whole photo in focus. Aperture is displayed as an “f-stop” with lower numbers indicating a wider opening and narrower depth of field. E.g. f/1.8 is wide whereas f/22 is much smaller.

Shutter speed: when you take a photo the shutter opens up to reveal the sensor, then closes when it’s finished taking a photo. The longer it stays open the more light gets in which is a useful tool for shooting in low light conditions without a flash. However, slower shutter speeds also lead to motion blur in the photo if the subject isn’t perfectly still.

ISO: this setting increases/decreases the sensors sensitivity to light. It can give images a little brightness boost where required, but bumping up the ISO will increase the amount of visual noise (aka grain) in the photo.

White balance: light comes in many colours – fluorescent is usually greenish, tungsten (like a normal household bulb) is red/orange and daylight blue to red depending on the time of day. Automatic white balance should make sure whites always appear white regardless of the lighting conditions, but sometimes you’ll get a better result if you can manually override the automatic setting.

Image stabilisation: With longer lenses it can be difficult to hold the camera still, which can lead to slightly blurry pictures. Image stabilisation can help by adjusting internally for the camera movement. The best system is often referred to as ‘optical anti-shake’, where the lens elements move. Some cameras now have very effective mechanical system where the camera’s sensor moves.

Electronic systems tend to increase the sensitivity of the sensor, open the aperture as wide as possible and use the fastest shutter speed possible. The result is often noisy as well as blurry pictures. If you’re taking pictures in a low light situation or with a long lens use a tripod if possible.