CAMERA BASICS AND FUNCTIONS

1. Types of Cameras:
a. DSLR (Digital Single-Lens Reflex) Camera:
 Description: DSLR cameras use a mirror mechanism to reflect light from the lens
into an optical viewfinder. They typically have interchangeable lenses and offer
manual controls for adjusting settings like aperture, shutter speed, and ISO.
 Functions: DSLRs are versatile and widely used for both photography and
videography. They offer excellent image quality, interchangeable lenses, and
manual controls for creative flexibility.
 Example: Canon EOS 5D Mark IV
b. Mirrorless Camera:
 Description: Mirrorless cameras do not have a mirror mechanism like DSLRs.
Instead, they use an electronic viewfinder (EVF) or LCD screen for composing
images. They are generally smaller and lighter than DSLRs.
 Functions: Mirrorless cameras offer many of the same features as DSLRs,
including interchangeable lenses and manual controls. They often feature
advanced autofocus systems and offer real-time preview of exposure and depth
of field through the EVF or LCD screen.
 Example: Sony Alpha a7 III
c. Compact Camera:
 Description: Compact cameras, also known as point-and-shoot cameras, are
small, lightweight, and easy to use. They typically have fixed lenses and
automatic shooting modes.
 Functions: Compact cameras are designed for casual photography and are well-
suited for everyday use. They offer simplicity and convenience but may lack
advanced features found in DSLRs and mirrorless cameras.
 Example: Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark III
d. Action Camera:
 Description: Action cameras are small, rugged, and designed for capturing high-
quality video in extreme conditions. They are often waterproof, shockproof, and
feature wide-angle lenses.
  Functions: Action cameras are popular for capturing POV (point-of-view) footage
during activities like sports, biking, and underwater diving. They offer features
like image stabilization and high frame rate recording.
 Example: GoPro HERO9 Black
2. Camera Functions:
a. Aperture:
 Function: Aperture controls the size of the opening in the lens that allows light to
pass through to the camera sensor. It affects the depth of field, determining how
much of the scene is in focus.
 Example: A wide aperture (e.g., f/1.8) creates a shallow depth of field, blurring
the background and isolating the subject. A narrow aperture (e.g., f/16) creates a
deep depth of field, keeping more of the scene in focus.
b. Shutter Speed:
 Function: Shutter speed determines the amount of time the camera's shutter
remains open, exposing the camera sensor to light. It affects motion blur and
determines how moving subjects are captured.
 Example: A fast shutter speed (e.g., 1/1000 sec) freezes motion, making it ideal
for capturing fast-moving subjects like sports or wildlife. A slow shutter speed
(e.g., 1/30 sec) creates motion blur, conveying a sense of movement in the
image.
c. ISO:
 Function: ISO measures the sensitivity of the camera sensor to light. Increasing
the ISO allows for faster shutter speeds in low-light conditions but can introduce
digital noise or grain in the image.
 Example: A low ISO (e.g., ISO 100) is ideal for bright conditions or when
maximum image quality is desired. A high ISO (e.g., ISO 3200) is used in low-light
situations to maintain proper exposure without blur.
d. Focus:
 Function: Focus determines the sharpness of the image by adjusting the lens to
bring the subject into clear focus. It can be set manually or automatically by the
camera.
  Example: Autofocus (AF) systems use contrast detection or phase detection to
quickly and accurately focus on the subject. Manual focus allows the
photographer to precisely control the focus point.
These examples illustrate the basic types of cameras and their key functions. Understanding
these fundamentals is essential for mastering photography and videography, regardless of the
type of camera being used.