One method of classifying cameras is by their format; digital or film. In this course the focus is primary on digital photography because of the many advances in this area, although many photographic concepts are similar in both formats.

There is a large range of camera types available, and they all share certain basic controls, whether they are film or digital. The most basic will have, as a minimum, a 'shutter button' - a way to control when light reaches the capture surface. Next, there are ways to control exposure, which is how much light reaches the capture surface. These are the controlled by the aperture and shutter speed.  

Film Camera


Being derived from wholly mechanical early cameras, film cameras generally use dials and buttons to control the camera. Exposure controls such as shutter time and aperture are almost universally set by turning a dial. Controls specific to film handling, such as wind-on and rewind, may have their own controls. Some options - such as auto-exposure, auto-focus, and bracketing - may be set by a combination of pressing a button and turning a dial to select from a displayed menu.


Digital Cameras


Apart from the shutter button, there may be few controls on modern cameras that resemble traditional camera designs. The majority of operational options are obtained by selecting from menus and using push buttons or switches on the camera. It is often necessary to consult the instruction manual in order to find the minor controls. Functions that are used frequently, such as access to the menu, reviewing the pictures, and adjusting the zoom, have their own button. 


Choosing a Digital Camera


Should you get a camera with eight megapixels, 10, 12, 16, or more? One with a vibrating dust reduction system to keep your sensor pristine and images spotless? What is the difference between optical zoom and digital zoom? With thousands of built-in features how can you ever determine what the ultimate camera is for you?

Fortunately, you don't need to find the ultimate camera, you need only to find the camera that best fits your needs. Most of today's digital single lens reflex cameras also known as DSLR's produce superb pictures that will enable you to produce gallery quality prints. So let's start the task of choosing a camera that works for you.


One of the best methods for choosing a camera and other photographic equipment to first answer this question . . . what do you want to use your camera for? Are you looking for something compact to fit in your pocket? Will you be wanting to use this camera on holidays to the beach? Do you want to have a camera that can clearly zoom into far distances? Start by investigating photography websites for reviews and advise from like minded photographers. Several give in-depth reviews of cameras, including evaluating image quality. Closely study the sample images they provide focusing on sharpness and clarity. A few websites review lenses and printers. Here are some good sites for camera information; dpreview.com, dcviews.com, steves-digicams.com and luminous-landscape.com

NOTE: To be able to successfully complete this course you will require access to a camera that allows you to manually adjust aperture, shutter speed, ISO and focus. Most camera phones do not allow for this possibility so they will NOT be allowed. Compact cameras may or may not allow it - be sure yours does. This does not mean you have to purchase a camera for this course, just see if you can borrow one with the settings needed.  Please return it to the owner in the same condition you received it.

Criteria for Choosing a Camera


First, let's consider your requirements. With all the new and improved features of digital cameras, you need to focus on what you actually need the camera to do. Will you be shooting mostly indoors or outdoors? Are your subjects fast-moving, like sports, pets or children? How often will you encounter low lighting situations? Although few photographers will require a camera to deal with all these situations, here is a list that will help you determine which features you should consider.

Megapixels

In the simplest terms, the megapixel is the total number of pixels that will be captured to make up the image. Each MP is actually 1024 pixels, so 1 MP = 1024 pixels. The higher the megapixel count on a camera sensor, the greater amount of detail that can be captured in a picture. For example, an 8 MP sensor captures 50% more image detail than a 4 MP sensor. In your images are geared to be shown on a HDTV, computer monitor or smartphone, the difference will not likely be noticeable. However the impact on a printed image will be more obvious. 

So, how many megapixels are enough?   If the most common ways you will be using your camera is to capture images for the the web or a 4 x 6 printed phone, a 6 MP camera will likely suffice. The general rule of thumb is that the best printing is achieved with a 300 dpi (dots per inch -- which is really means 300 pixels per inch) setting. In fact, this is the highest level that the human eye can distinguish the detail. If however, you are wanting to print larger photos out, here's a table using the 300 dpi formula to help you decide.

Picture Size (in inches) Minimum MP Sensor Recommended 
 4 x 6 2 MP
 5 x 7 3.2 MP
 8 x 10 7.2 MP
 11 x 14 13.9

Of course, if you will be printing very large prints, you will need the higher megapixel sensor on your camera. However, most people don't print photos larger than 8x10 which would require a 7.2 MP camera to achieve very high quality detail.

Optical Zoom or Digital Zoom?

Zooming in allows your photo to get a closer view of far away subjects. Did you realize there are two types of zoom? Let's talk compact cameras first. If you take a look at your camera it should state (either on the front of the body or in the manual) the amount of zoom available. It will also specify digital or optical zoom. Optical zoom actual adjusts the lens so the resolution and quality remains exactly the same. Digital zoom adjusts the image in the camera.  This literally enlarges the pixels which reduces the image resolution and decreases the photo quality.  Take a look at the camera image below and notice the zoom capability.  This camera has built in 10X Optical Zoom.

In the DSLR camera, you will make the zoom adjustments using the lens.  You can even purchase a different strength zoom lens specifically designed for your needs.  All of the photos captured with DSLR use optical zoom so the quality and resolution remains in tact.  In fact, the DSLR cameras will not capture photos using digital zoom. Zooms with modest zoom ratios - say 24-60 mm, compared to 35-350 mm - will deliver much better images.

Physical Camera Size

Obviously, cameras vary in size.  The DSLRs are typically much larger and heavier that the compact point-and-shoots. Again, think about your needs.  If you are going to be at the beach do you want to be carrying around a larger SLR? Not to mention the risk of sand and water damaging it. If you will doing a photo shoot of bison at a neighbouring farm you will likely want a camera with the largest optical zoom you can find to keep a safe distance from the animal.  Remember that different cameras are suited for difficult situations. Another suggestion is to physically hold the camera in your hands. How does it feel to you.  Take time to obtain advice from a knowledgeable salesperson from a reputable photography store that is willing to take the time to educate you and answer your questions. Remember to inform them about YOUR needs and then find a camera to fulfill that.

Manual vs Automatic

At the beginning of your photography journey you will likely rely on the manual features of your camera.  However, the more you know the more you will feel confident experimenting with the Automatic settings. In this course, you will need to use a camera that allows for the manual settings of ISO, White Balance, Shutter Speed and Aperture.  These will be explained further in further lessons.


This concludes the Camera Basics section.  Please proceed to the next section, where you will learn about the Parts of a Digital Camera.