Camera Basics
no
Camera Basics
A camera is a light proof box with a small hole in it; which allows light in.
The simplest camera is a ‘pin hole camera’ which does not have a lens, but just a tiny hole, the ‘pin hole’. These are usually hidden or spy cameras.
The light is concentrated on the light sensitive receptor at the back of the box. In the early days of photography the receptor was a large glass plate coated with chemicals, now it is a small electronic device.
All modern cameras are comprise the same basic components. Whether it is a digital camera or an SLR. Although the SLR cameras have a more complex operating system. (more buttons and features)
Basic components of all cameras
A light proof box called the body.
The lens made of a convex piece of glass or plastic.
A shutter – The device which controls the amount of time that the light is allowed to reach the light sensitive surface.
An adjustable aperture – This controls the amount of light which comes in, and works in conjunction with the shutter.
The light sensitive surface – Either film or a digital sensor
A view finder, so you can see what you will be photographing
A Focusing mechanism – Used to make the image sharp. This is achieved by adjusting the distance between the lens and the light sensitive surface.
Digital camerascapture and store the image electronically, in the cameras internal memory or on an imaging device.
The images you create can be viewed instantly on the cameras LCD (liquid crystal display) monitor on the back of the camera. If you do not like the picture, you can delete it, making more room for new images.
These images can be transferred to a computer for viewing, editing, cropping, and sharing with family and friends.
The image quality of a digital camera is measured in Mega-Pixels (Millions of Pixels). A pixel is a single dot of color, such as you see if you look really closely at your television screen.
Digital cameras range from one mega-pixel, up to around 25 mega-pixels for a professional camera.
As a general rule; the higher the mega-pixel rating is for the camera, the better the quality will be. A 12 MP (Mega-Pixel) camera will be far superior to a 1MP camera.
Having high quality images, enables you to make big enlargements or crop small sections from the image and enlarge that.
If you want a camera to produce good quality prints, go for one of 6 MP or above. If however, you only want to produce images for use on the Internet, a 1 or 2 mp camera will be good enough.
In conclusion when buying a camera determine for yourself what type of digital or SLR will
fit your specific needs. Wether you will be using it for pleasure or in a more professional
capacity.
Copyright 2008 by Pamela Contreras
By: Pamela Contreras
About the Author:
A camera is a light proof box with a small hole in it; which allows light in.
The simplest camera is a ‘pin hole camera’ which does not have a lens, but just a tiny hole, the ‘pin hole’. These are usually hidden or spy cameras.
The light is concentrated on the light sensitive receptor at the back of the box. In the early days of photography the receptor was a large glass plate coated with chemicals, now it is a small electronic device.
All modern cameras are comprise the same basic components. Whether it is a digital camera or an SLR. Although the SLR cameras have a more complex operating system. (more buttons and features)
Basic components of all cameras
A light proof box called the body.
The lens made of a convex piece of glass or plastic.
A shutter – The device which controls the amount of time that the light is allowed to reach the light sensitive surface.
An adjustable aperture – This controls the amount of light which comes in, and works in conjunction with the shutter.
The light sensitive surface – Either film or a digital sensor
A view finder, so you can see what you will be photographing
A Focusing mechanism – Used to make the image sharp. This is achieved by adjusting the distance between the lens and the light sensitive surface.
Digital camerascapture and store the image electronically, in the cameras internal memory or on an imaging device.
The images you create can be viewed instantly on the cameras LCD (liquid crystal display) monitor on the back of the camera. If you do not like the picture, you can delete it, making more room for new images.
These images can be transferred to a computer for viewing, editing, cropping, and sharing with family and friends.
The image quality of a digital camera is measured in Mega-Pixels (Millions of Pixels). A pixel is a single dot of color, such as you see if you look really closely at your television screen.
Digital cameras range from one mega-pixel, up to around 25 mega-pixels for a professional camera.
As a general rule; the higher the mega-pixel rating is for the camera, the better the quality will be. A 12 MP (Mega-Pixel) camera will be far superior to a 1MP camera.
Having high quality images, enables you to make big enlargements or crop small sections from the image and enlarge that.
If you want a camera to produce good quality prints, go for one of 6 MP or above. If however, you only want to produce images for use on the Internet, a 1 or 2 mp camera will be good enough.
In conclusion when buying a camera determine for yourself what type of digital or SLR will
fit your specific needs. Wether you will be using it for pleasure or in a more professional
capacity.
Copyright 2008 by Pamela Contreras
By: Pamela Contreras
About the Author:
Hi My name is Pamela Contreras
I am the owner of two on line camera stores. My passion is for photography and pictures. However I quickly found out I’m much better at selling the cameras than being behind one.
I am also a foster parent of three small children. Soon I will be adopting these children as I have had them for over three years. I love them so much there is no way I could give them up now.
