Camera Basics: Understanding How Your Camera Works

Learn camera basics and you’ll readily understand that all commonly used cameras operate in much the same way. They contain a lens that allows light from the subject to come into focus inside the camera. The resulting image is exposed onto the film. The amount of light that enters the camera is controlled by the aperture, which is a diaphragm or hole behind the lens that can be adjusted in size. The shutter is a device that controls how long the aperture remains open and thereby the length of time that light enters the camera.

Digital Cameras

Digital cameras work in much the same way, except that instead of using film, the image is captured with an image sensor, which is composed of tiny silicon chips, each with hundreds of thousands of photosensitive diodes called photosites, or pixels. Each pixel captures light, which is converted into a digital number (hence - "digital" camera) and the resulting series of numbers is used to reconstruct the image by converting each pixel to its correct brightness and color onto the screen or printed paper. Amazingly, this entire process takes just a fraction of a second!

Basic Compact Cameras

Basic compact cameras have a fixed lens that is suitable for most picture-taking situations. However, this limits your ability to shoot close-ups; photos taken closer than 18 to 24 inches will be blurry. Likewise, you will have to use your feet to get telephoto shots (that is, move closer to your subject), and wide-angle shoots will not be an option. However, for normal family snapshots such as candid shots, pets, and informal portraiture, your basic compact may be all you need; and is an excellent choice for the beginner or a child. However, you might consider a more sophisticated camera if you want more focusing capabilities, such as an advanced compact camera, and SLR, or just about any digital camera.

SLR Cameras

Adjustable features such as aperture and exposure can give you even greater control over the quality of your photographs. This is why SLRs are so popular. An SLR camera provides the option of adjusting certain features manually and automatically, depending upon the model. Adjusting the size of the aperture, for example, allows you to control the depth of field. A small aperture (say f/16) results in a greater depth of field, meaning everything in the image (both near and far) will be in relative focus. A large aperture, such as f/2.8, might result in nearby objects that are sharply focused, while leaving more distant objects out of focus, (a commonly used technique called selective focus), which could be very desirable for an outdoor portrait. Likewise, a slow shutter speed can be set to let in more light for an interesting nighttime scene (such as a fireworks display), or just 1/1000 of a second to focus on more detail on a bright snowy day, or to stop action. Your point-and-shoot automatically sets these features, but for greater control and enhanced photographic creativity, a more sophisticated camera may be for you.

Camera Accessories

Accessories for your camera might include lens filters and hoods, tripods, automatic flash units, light reflectors, specialty lenses, and an electronic cable shutter release. Some of these devices can be used only with SLRs and/or other sophisticated cameras, but some, such as the tripod, can be used with virtually any camera for a steadier shot and a sharper image.

If you have some experience with photography, or your photographic aspirations extend beyond simple, everyday snapshots, you may want to consider a more sophisticated camera. Some types of family photography can necessitate more advanced techniques, such as formal and informal portraiture, stop-action photography (kids sports), and landscapes (vacation shots). Once you find the right camera and learn how to use it properly, you'll enjoy a satisfying, lifelong hobby – and photographs you and your family will be proud of.

~Sandra Bynum

An avid photographer since childhood, Sandra Bynum set up her own darkroom at age 14. She earned her BA in Fine Arts, and continued to hone her photographic skills while homeschooling her children. Ms. Bynum is a freelance writer who recently opened a fine arts teaching center.