In Focus: Camera Basics
Camera Basics #1:
(https://snapshot.canon-
asia.com/philippines/article/en/came
ra-basics-1-aperture)
Aperture
The first thing to consider when
taking photographs with a digital
camera is the effect that the
aperture can have on your
pictures. How will the photograph
knish change depending on the
aperture is widened or narrowed?
Aperture is the opening through
which light passes through the lens
to enter the camera. Its size can be
modified to control how much light
reaches the sensor or negative film.
The diameter of the aperture, also
known as the F-stop, affects the
exposure and depth of field.
Aperture can be defined as the opening in a lens through which
light passes to enter the camera. It is expressed in f-numbers like
f/1.4, f/2, f/2.8 and so on to express the size of the lens opening,
which can be controlled through the lens or the camera.
 Camera Basics #2: Shutter Speed
When taking photographs, you want to have a
good grasp of shutter speed and its effects on
your photographs.

2 63 Shutter speed is the length of time a camera

sensor is exposed to light when taking a
photo. Slow shutter speeds capture the blur
of subjects in motion, making it highly
valuable for night and landscape
photographers. On the other hand high
speeds allow photographers to freeze a single
millisecond in time, which is usually an
absolute must in fields such as sport and pet
photography.
Camera Basics #3: Exposure

Exposure is one of the major factors

that can make or break a picture.

Exposure is the amount of light that

reaches the camera sensor and it
determines how light or dark an
image is. The exposure of an image is
determined by the aperture, shutter
speed, and ISO.
Camera Basics #4: Exposure Compensation

Exposure compensation is a function you can

use to change the exposure set by the
camera (camera- determined correct
exposure) into something of your own
preference.

EV compensation, or exposure value

compensation, allows photographers to modify
the exposure on automatic and semi-
automatic modes. Generally, the values can be
changed through 1/3, 1/3, or full stop
increments.
 Camera Basics #5: ISO Speed

ISO speed plays an equally important role as

aperture and shutter speed in its effect on
5 45
exposure.

ISO speed represents the sensor’s sensitivity

to the light. The higher the number, the most
information will be captured. Higher ISO
numbers are used in low-light situations such
as astrophotography. Digital cameras allow
photographers to easily change the ISO,
while each film roll has a predefined number.
Camera Basics #6: White Balance

White balance is a feature that ensures that the

color white is reproduced accurately regardless of
the type of lighting under which a photo is taken.
At a very basic level, it is common to use the Auto
White Balance setting.

White balance is the adjustment done to an

image in order to compensate for the
temperature of the light illuminating the scene.
Cameras offer a few pre-set values based on the
most common types of illumination, but it can
also be set manually during or after the shot.
Camera Basics #7: Metering

The metering function measures the

brightness of a subject and decides
how much exposure is best for the
photo.
Camera Basics #8: Establishing
Focus

The one thing that enables the

photographer to convey his
photographic intent to the viewer is
establishing the focus.

Focal length is the distance in

millimeters between the center of a lens
and the camera sensor. It determines
the angle of view as well as the
magnification of the subject. Focal
length is the measure used to categorize
the different type of lenses: wide angle
(<35mm), standard (35mm – 70mm),
medium telephoto (70mm – 135mm)
and telephoto (>135mm).
Camera Basics #9: AF Modes

When establishing focus on a subject, it is

vitally important to anticipate the subject’s
movement and capture it at the right
moment.

Autofocus is a practical option that will allow

you to focus much faster. You will be able to
pay attention to other things like
composition and exposure.
Camera Basics #10: Picture Style
With the Picture Style function, you can adjust
the colour tone and the contrast to enhance the
charm and appeal of the subject. By selecting the
perfect Picture Style setting, you can get perfect
results in expressing your shooting intent in a
vivid photo.

Picture Style is a function that enables you to

adjust the colour tone and the contrast according
to your preference. You can expect it to deliver
photos with enhanced and fresher colour tones,
and contrasts that are sharpened or weakened to
suit the scene.
Camera Basics #11: Phase Detection AF

Phase detection AF (also known as phase-

difference detection AF) is the autofocus
system used in viewfinder shooting on DSLR
cameras. Its main feature lies in its rapid
autofocusing speed.
Camera Basics #12: The Viewfinder

When it comes to shooting, a vital part of

the camera is the viewfinder. Nowadays,
there are cameras that do not come with
viewfinders, only with Live View shooting.

Viewfinder is a camera component that

shows the photographer the area of the
subject that will be included in a
photograph. In modern cameras it usually is
part of a direct visual- or range-finder
focusing system and may also be used to
display exposure settings or meter
information.
Camera Basics #13: Live View

The implementation of Dual Pixel CMOS

AF in Canon's latest camera models have
vastly improved shooting conditions in
Live View. Live View, which features fast
AF speed that measures up to
viewknder AF, is gradually becoming the
choice method of shooting for many
photographers.

Live View is a feature that enables you to

verify the image projected on the rear
LCD monitor as you shoot.
Camera Basics #14: Position and
Angle
The position and angle are two elements
that greatly influence the outcome of your
photos. The position refers to the height at
which the camera is held relative to the
ground. Holding the camera at a normal
position to your eye is known as ‘eye-level
position’, holding it at a position higher
than your eye is referred to ‘high position’,
and holding the camera at a low level, such
as when you are squatting, is known as
‘low position’. The angle refers to the
degree at which the camera points towards
the subject. Holding the camera at a
horizontal level to the subject is known as
‘eye-level angle’, holding the camera facing
downwards is known as ‘high angle’, and
holding it facing upwards is known as ‘low
angle’.