Anatomy of A Digital
Camera
The Display & Controls
The Display: It is the
LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) screen on the back
that shows you the pictures you shot, and helps you compose
pictures and change settings on the camera. It is best to use the
LCD display to compose your
pictures if you want to really see what you are framing.
This does take a lot of battery power. See the
Batteries/Power section for suggestions.
Digital SLRS: A SLR
camera is a Single Lens Reflex
camera. That means that when you look through the
viewfinder, you are actually looking through your lens.
This is one of the best ways to see what you are shooting, but
it usually will cost a bit more than a standard point and
shoot. When the first DSLR (Digital SLR)came out, it was .33mp
and cost over $12,000! Today you can buy a DSLR kit for $675! Wow, it is getting better all
the time!
Mirrorless Cameras: They
have larger sensors than the average point and shoot pocket
cameras and they take much better photos in low light.
Such as the Canon GX 1 and the Olypus PEN series. Many of
the camera companies are making this style of camera due to them
being lighter and less obvious when using them in the public.
It is a bit more difficult to pack all the controls &
switches you would find on a professional SLR, but it is coming!
The Controls: Not
all cameras are created equal. The menus and buttons on
digital cameras vary greatly. On the least expensive
models, you will have a few buttons that might have several
functions (taking you into menu heck). See how easy it is
for you to use, or at least look at the manufacturer's sites to
have a look at a simulation. Frequently, the more you
spend, the more control you have over your camera. The
camera menus and buttons should allow you to easily change basic
photo settings. On higher end models, switching to macro
(close-up), flash modes, adjustable focus, aperture settings,
ISO (used to be ASA - film speed) and other manual settings are usually very accessible.
Some quick features you should look for include direct access
to: going into play mode to see the photos you took but
the minute you half-shutter being returned to record mode, instantly being able to delete photos,
instant access to video mode, instant access to zoom
and pan through photos you took.
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