Basic Camera Controls
Digital cameras contain some of the most advanced technology available for consumers. High speed auto focus, advanced metering systems, and integrated high definition video all add to the complexity of these amazing pieces of electronic wizardry. Fortunately, the basic function of a camera is fairly simple. All of the electronic gizmos and do-dads add improved functionality to the camera, but they do not really change how it works.
For a minute, assume your camera does not have all of the menu options and custom functions that can overwhelm the most experienced photographer. Instead, think about what a camera is; a light tight box that lets a controlled amount of light in. Everything else is bells and whistles. To take control of your camera, and dramatically improve your photography, you need to understand and control the amount of light entering the camera. You need to understand shutter speed and aperture.
Imagine that you are inside a dark room and the only light entering the room is coming through a door. You can control the total amount of light entering the room by how long the door remains open. Leave the door open briefly and only a little light enters. Hold it open for an extended period and the amount of light increases by accumulation. Shutter speed operates in the same way. The shutter is a physical barrier, or doorway, that prevents light from reaching the digital sensor (or film if you still use it). The longer the shutter is open, the more light reaches the sensor.
Now, go back to the dark room with the doorway and image that you are an architect building the room. As a builder, you will have no control over how long the door will remain open, but you do have control over the size of the door. Add a large door and lots of light will pass through. Put in a small door and the amount of light is reduced. In photographic terms, aperture represents the size of the “door”. The aperture is the lens opening through which all light passes on its way to the sensor. By adjusting the aperture setting, you can control the physical size of the opening. The larger the aperture setting, the more light passes through to reach the sensor.
While it is somewhat simplified, photography at its foundation is mastery of shutter speed and aperture. Each control impacts the amount of light recorded and the appearance of the final image. Every other control on your camera is a convenience, but not essential to producing top quality images. So next time you are feeling overwhelmed, remember, its all about shutter speed and aperture.
Look forward to reading more from you, it seems as if you have a wealth of helpful information for the newbie and beyond, thank you for sharing.
[...] in the understanding photograph series; I discussed the basic camera controls. In that discussion, I explained how shutter speed and aperture work together to control the amount [...]
What the Heck is Aperture? « Through the lens with Chris Gamel said this on October 12, 2009 at 11:10 AM |