How is the camera lens like the human eye?

Digital SLR Camera Explained

Digital
Single
Lens
Reflex
Camera

Light enters the lens through an opening called an Aperture.  The Shutter is a trap door in front of a sensor that records the light. A system of mirrors allows you to see exactly what your lens sees.

Basics of Exposure



​Shooting Modes and Camera Displays

NOTE:  For most of our shooting assignments we will be using MANUAL EXPOSURE MODE.  You will be asked to keep a Photo Log up to date with documentation of every photo shoot and some of your exposures will also include the list of exposure settings and outcomes.

LCD Panel (Liquid Crystal Display)
Moving Clockwise from top left to bottom left

White Balance (indicates type of light source)
Shutter Speed (represents 1/x in seconds)
Aperture (listed in f-stops)
Frame Counter (shots remaining)
Drive Mode (single, continuous, or timer)
Light Meter (indicates exposure level)
Battery Level (must charge here at school!)

​Lenses

Focus Mode (AF = automatic, MF = manual)
Focal Length (wide 18-55mm, fixed 50mm, zoom 75-300mm)

Menu Options

Image Quality (always set to large!)
Format (erases the memory card)
NOTE: If you are not able to upload you work, write you name of the card with a sticky note and leave it on my desk.  All memory cards ready for formatting should be returned to the correct storage drawer.
Camera Checkout:  School camera's can be checked out at the end of each school day and must be returned at the start of the following school day.  This includes weekend checkouts (Friday PM - Monday AM).  You will need special permission to take school cameras off campus.

Exposure Outcomes

  • Underexposure: Not enough light reaches the sensor (the resulting image is too dark and lacks white values)
    • ​Photo Log symbol to use in the Outcome column: <
  • Correct Exposure: Just enough light reaches the sensor (the resulting image has all values from white to black represented)
    • ​​Photo Log symbol to use in the Outcome column: !
  • Overexposure: Too much light reaches the sensor (the resulting image is too light and lacks black values)
    • ​​Photo Log symbol to use in the Outcome column: >

​ Digital Exposure Questionnaire - Make a copy and move it to your photography folder
Answer Key


More Camera Basics

Bracketing

In some more challenging lighting conditions, it is hard to know exactly how to expose your images for the best possible results.  What many photographers do in these situations is bracket their shots.  Bracketing means shooting three identical photos of the same scene with different levels of exposure from light to dark.

Steps for Bracketing:
  • Set the camera mode to manual, ISO 400, and compose the scene.
  • Determine the recommended exposure using the light meter (this reflects 18% grey for an average value range)
  • To bracket, you must change either the aperture or the shutter speed, but not both.  Keep one setting consistent.  In this example, the aperture remained the same and the shutter speed changed from fast to slow.  You can also vary the exposure by adjusting the aperture size from small to large.
  • It is just important that you use three settings in a row (whether you are bracketing the shutter speed or bracketing the aperture), while the middle frame remains as the light meter's recommended exposure.  
  • Open the three images side by side to view the distinct differences in values and determine which once contains the best detail quality and dynamic range