EXERCISE:3.

Handling and use of

Digital Camera
What is a Camera?

A camera is a hardware device that takes photographs and consists of a lightproof box
with photosensitive film or plate within the box. When a picture is taken, the camera's
shutter opens and closes, exposing the photosensitive film with light recording the image
onto the film.

Types of Digital Cameras:

1. Compact Digital Cameras:
2. Bridge Compact Digital Cameras/Super Zoom Cameras:
3. Compact System Cameras/ Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Cameras:
4. Digital Slr Cameras: (Digital Single Lens Reflex Cameras or DSLR cameras):
1. Compact Digital Cameras:
Digital compact cameras, which are also known as Point and Shoot cameras, vary in
features, price, and styles. Their smaller size and ease of use is the main appeal of these
types of digital cameras. Most basic compact cameras will fit in a pocket or small purse.
All of the current compact cameras have a minimum three time (3X) zoom lens and at
least 12 megapixels. With that many megapixels, great looking, quality images can be
enlarged to 16 X 20 inch print size.
Today's digital compact cameras are equipped with a fully automatic mode which is
great for beginners or those who just want to "point and shoot" when taking pictures.
Manual adjustments to camera settings like the shutter speed or lens aperture setting can't
be done on a basic digital compact camera. Those functions are set automatically when
you take the picture. So once again, compact cameras are made for ease of use rather than
giving the photographer full control over every camera setting.
2. Bridge Compact Digital Cameras/Super Zoom Cameras:
Super zoom cameras combine the flexibility of a wide focal range with a small format
body. Bridge cameras, also known as Advanced Compact cameras are a step up from the
Basic Compact camera. The main difference between Bridge cameras and Basic Compact
cameras is that they allow the photographer to have more control over the camera's
exposure settings. Bridge cameras will have semi-automatic, Aperture Priority, Shutter
priority, and Program modes. Most will also have a Manual mode that will allow the
photographer to have full control over the camera exposure settings.
Many Bridge cameras also have lenses with a much longer zoom range than other
cameras. The lens on a Bridge camera is "fixed" and cannot be removed or replaced with
a different one in the same manner that you can change the lens on a Digital Slr camera.
Also, most Bridge cameras will have a smaller image sensor and a smaller lens than the
ones found on a Digital Slr camera. Most bridge cameras are larger than basic point and
shoot cameras but are smaller than Digital SLR cameras. Bridge cameras are great for
photographers who want more control over the camera exposure settings and in some
cases perhaps a longer zoom range.
3. Compact System Cameras/ Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Cameras:

These types of digital cameras are very similar to Digital Slr cameras. Mirror less
Interchangeable Lens cameras allow the photographer to use the camera in full manual,
automatic, or semi-automatic modes the same way Digital Slr cameras can be operated.
Their camera body size is closer to the size of compact cameras. The reason the body size
is so much smaller is because they do not have optical viewfinders like the Digital Slr
cameras. They are equipped with an LCD screen and/or Electronic Viewfinder for
previewing the scene that is about to be photographed.

Mirrorless cameras also have larger image sensors than compact cameras which will
result in image quality similar to that of the some of the Digital Slr cameras.
4. Digital Slr Cameras: (Digital Single Lens Reflex Cameras or DSLR cameras):
Digital SLR cameras are the most versatile and advanced type cameras available on
the consumer market.
Digital Slr camera have the option of taking pictures in the full manual mode,
Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority, or program modes. In DSLR camera you have more
control over the way the picture will be taken as far as exposure settings. Another
important feature of Digital Slr cameras is that you can change the camera lens to fit
different situations. The lenses for Digital Slr cameras will generally be of a better
quality than those found on compact cameras which will result in better image quality. A
major difference between basic compact cameras and Digital Slr cameras is that Digital
Slr cameras use a mirror and pentaprism system to reflect the light coming through the
lens directly to the eye level viewfinder. When the shutter release button is pressed the
mirror flips up so that the light can reach the image sensor. The mirror system found in
Digital SLR cameras is a major reason for its larger size. It also contributes to the
higher price of the camera.
Digital Camera and its Support Systems

UNDERSTANDING CAMERA MENU AND BASIC BUTTON AND SETTINGS:

Basic parts of camera:

A digital camera contains hundreds of parts but it is important to understand the

most essential parts of the camera that you will have to deal with as you explore its
features.
1. Body - Made of high grade plastic or metal, this holds all the other parts
together as well as provide protection to the delicate internal parts of
the camera.
1. Lens - A camera lens (also known as photographic lens or photographic objective) is an optical lens or
assembly of lenses used in conjunction with a camera body and mechanism to make images of objects
either on photographic film or on other media capable of storing an image chemically or electronically.
A proper term for this part should be lens assembly; this consists of several layers of lenses of varying
properties providing zoom, focusing, and distortion correction. These lenses are mechanically
interconnected and adjustment is controlled either manually or electronically through the camera's
body.
a. telephoto lens: means distant or far-off or away, tele- prefixed words are related to
transmitting/receiving things from a farther distance or in simple words if you want to take
photographs of birds, wild animals, or a cricketer/baseball player, or moon surface without going
near to any of them, you need a telephoto lens, usually they have a larger focal length value around
200-800 mm.
b. Wide-angle lens: wide-angle lens refers to a lens whose focal length is substantially smaller than the
focal length of a normal lens . This type of lens allows more of the scene to be included in the
photograph, which is useful in architectural, interior and landscape photography where the
photographer may not be able to move farther from the scene to photograph it.
1. Shutter Release Button - This is the "trigger" of the camera. In most cameras, a half-press activates and
locks the auto-focus, and a full press initiates the image capturing process.
2. Mode Dial - Contains several symbols (slightly different on various camera models), this dial allows you
to select a shooting mode, automatic or manual or a choice between one of the pre­defined settings.
3. Viewfinder - A small viewing window that shows the image that the camera's imaging sensor sees. This
can either be an optical view finder, which shows the actual image in front of the camera through a peep
hole or through mirrors, or an electronic view finder which is simply a small LCD display.
4. Aperture Ring - Found around the old manual lens of SLR camera this is used to select an aperture
opening. In modern lenses, the aperture is controlled electronically through the body.
5. Focusing Ring - This can also be found around the lens of a DSLR camera. This is turned to manually
focus the lens.
6. LCD Display - In some compact cameras this acts as the viewfinder. This is a small screen (usually 1.8"
diagonally or bigger) at the back of the camera which can be used for framing or for reviewing the
recorded pictures.
1. Flash - Built-in on the body of most compact and some DSLR cameras this can either
be fixed or flip type, it provides an instantaneous burst of bright light to illuminate a
poorly lit scene.
2. Control Buttons - Usually includes a set of directional keys and a few other buttons to
activate certain functions and menus, this is used to let users interact with the camera's
computer system.
3. Power Switch - Turns On or Off the camera. This may also contain a Record / Play
Mode selector on some cameras.
4. Zoom Control - Usually marked with W and T, which stands for "Wide" and "Tele"
respectively, this is used to control the camera's lenses to zoom-in or zoom-out. For
DSLR cameras, the zoom is usually controlled by a zoom ring in the lens.
5. Battery Compartment - Holds the batteries. Depending on the camera model, this
varies in size and shape.
1. Memory Card Slot - This is where expansion memory cards are inserted. The proper
position of the card are often indicated. A mechanical catch usually holds the card in
place and a spring helps it eject.
2. Flash Mount (Hot-Shoe) - Standard holder with contact plates for optional Flash
accessory.
3. Diopter Adjuster - Usually available in mid to high end sub-compact cameras and
DSLRs located besides the viewfinder. This varies the focal length of the lens in the
viewfinder to make even people wearing eyeglasses to see clearly through it even
without the eyeglasses.
4. Tripod Mount - Here is where your standard Tripod or Monopod is attached for added
stability.
BASIC CAMERA CONTROL AND SETTINGS:
1. View finder: A small viewing window that shows the image that the camera's imaging sensor
sees. Use the view finder to frame pictures when bright light makes it difficult to see the
display on the monitor.
2. Monitor/LCD Display: To see the live view of photograph composition. . This is a small screen
(usually 1.8" diagonally or bigger) at the back of the camera which can be used for framing or
for reviewing the recorded pictures.
3. Play (and delete) buttons: For reviewing and deleting images or videos you've shot
4. Menu: Most shooting, playback, and set up options can be accessed from the camera menus.
5. Thumbnail help : For display images in contact sheet of four, nine or 72 images.
6. Playback zoom: For zoom the image displayed in full frame or on the image currently
highlighted in thumbnail.
7. Information edit button: To make changes to settings.
8. Command dial: It is the dial where from you control three basic settings that make up the
exposure triangle, i.e., aperture, shutter speed and ISO.
Movie-record button: Use to start recording both video and sound.
Multi selector and OK button: are used to navigate the camera menus.
Speaker
Camera lens.
 AF-assist illuminator. This lamp enables the camera to focus on the subject
even in poorly lit circumstances, given that the focusing mode is single-
servo AF.
 Accessory shoe cover. Used to cover the slot meant for external flash.
 Eye let for camera strap
 Flash mode button. Used to activate the flash and also to change between
the various flash modes like rear flash, red eye.
 Function button. Function button along with command dial is used to
change ISO setting and white balance.
 Lens release button. Used to remove the lens from the camera body.
 Manual focus switch. Used to change from auto focus to manual focus and
vice versa.
 Vibration reduction switch. Used to turns on and off the image stability.
Information button. This button can be used to display camera settings on the rear monitor, or
access additional information, and on some cameras guide modes.

Mode dial. Used to change the camera’s mode between auto, manual, shutter priority, aperture
priority and various pre-sets.

Shutter button. Use to choose between various mode of photography like single or continuous
frame, self timer etc.

Power switch button. Use to on or off the camera.

Shutter-release button:

Exposure button . Along with command dial used to change the aperture of the camera.

Lens mounts and contacts - This is the part of the lens which connects with the camera body. The
contact pins are how your camera and lens communicate.
• Lens alignment dot - When you are attaching a lens, you line up the dots on the
camera and lens.

• Focal length / focus settings - These markers let you check on focal length and focus
distance settings by looking at the lens.

• Focus ring - While you might use autofocus most of the time, turning the focus ring
will let you take control manually.

• Filter thread - The front of the lens is where you can attach any filters you might need.
These come in different sizes depending on the lens.

• Lens name and details - This will often tell you everything you need to know about a
lens, including its focal length range, aperture, and what other technologies it includes.
Zoom ring - Turning this ring will change the focal length of zoom lenses, letting you
zoom in or out. Obviously prime lenses don't feature a zoom ring.
2. ENHANCING THE DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY EXPERIENCE WITH
ACCESSORIES
The following are the list of external accessories use in digital camera 

1. Rechargeable Batteries: Type of electrical battery which can be charged, discharged

into a load, and recharged many times.

2. Battery charger: Device used to put energy into a secondary cell or rechargeable
battery by forcing an electric current through it.

3. Power connector, AC adapter: Used to power the camera for extended periods.

4. USB cable: Connect the camera to a computer or printer

1. Lens Protector — UV/NC Filter: lens protector keep permanently on the lens of
camera to avoid scratches and chips. An easy way to do this is to buy a UV or
ultraviolet filter that costs less. This filter is clear and screws into the front of
your lens to protect it from scratches.

2. Body cap: Keeps the mirror, viewfinder screen, and low pass filter free of dust
when a lens is not a place.

• Tripods: A tripod is a portable three-legged frame, used as a platform for

supporting the camera to get a steadier shot and smoother video. You adjust the
height of the tripod by loosening and then extending or retracting the three legs
on the tripod.
1. Camera Carrying Case: You should purchase a carrying case to hold your
camera and all the accessories you've accumulated, such as microphones,
headphones and XLR cables.

2. SDHC (Secure Digital High Capacity) Cards: is a type of flesh memory card
use for storing pictures. When you finish one shoot, pop that card back in
its plastic storage case and snap in a fresh one for the next location.

3. Lens hood: In photography, a lens hood or lens shade is a device used on

the front end of a lens to block the Sun or other light source(s) to prevent
glare and lens flare.
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