In Focus: Camera Basics

2017-05-29

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 Confused over what terms such as "shutter
speed", "aperture", "ISO speed","exposure
compensation","white balance" mean?   Have no
fear - our Camera Basics series take you
through each of these important fundamental
concepts of photography, so that you won't
only get to know your camera better, but also
have a better idea of how you can tweak
camera modes and settings to get amazing
shots!
 

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Camera Basics #1: Aperture

The first thing to consider when taking photographs with a digital camera is
the effect that the aperture can have on your pictures. How will the
photograph finish change depending on the aperture is widened or
narrowed? In this article, we study the effects of varying apertures on
depth-of-field by comparing several examples, and learn about the concept
of f-stops. (Reported by Tomoko Suzuki)
 

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 Camera Basics #2: Shutter Speed
When taking photographs, you want to have a good grasp of shutter speed
and its effects on your photographs. What kind of effects can you create
with a faster or slower shutter speed? Let us examine the effects of
different shutter speeds with the help of the following examples. (Reported
by: Tomoko Suzuki)
 

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Camera Basics #3: Exposure

Exposure is one of the major factors that can make or break a picture. Let
us talk about how we can go about make best use of exposure to get the
best results from a shot (Reported by: Tomoko Suzuki)
 

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 Camera Basics #4: Exposure Compensation
Exposure compensation is a function you can use to change the exposure
set by the camera (camera-determined correct exposure) into something of
your own preference. Here, we find out more about the function, and learn
how to identify subjects that require positive or negative exposure
compensation along the way. (Reported by: Tomoko Suzuki)
 

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 Camera Basics #5: ISO Speed
ISO speed plays an equally important role as aperture and shutter speed in
its effect on exposure. Now let us learn more about the advantages and
disadvantages of turning up the ISO speed. (Reported by: Tomoko Suzuki)
 

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Camera Basics #6: White Balance

White balance is a feature that ensures that the colour white is reproduced
accurately regardless of the type of lighting under which a photo is taken.
At a very basic level, it is common to use the Auto White Balance setting.
However, this setting is no one-size-fits-all solution. For a white balance
setting that best suits the lighting source, choose one of the preset white
balance settings on your camera.(Reported by Tomoko Suzuki)
 

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 Camera Basics #7: Metering
The metering function measures the brightness of a subject and decides
how much exposure is best for the photo. Let’s take a look at each
metering mode available, and get a better idea of which of them to use is
best to use under which conditions/scene. (Reported by Tomoko Suzuki)
 

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Camera Basics #8: Establishing Focus

The one thing that enables the photographer to convey his photographic
intent to the viewer is establishing the focus. What are the secrets to
establishing the best focus? Let’s find out more about the special features
of autofocus (AF) and manual focus (MF). (Reported by: Tomoko Suzuki)
 

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Camera Basics #9: AF Modes

When establishing focus on a subject, it is vitally important to anticipate the
subject’s movement and capture it at the right moment. This means it is
essential to know the appropriate autofocus (AF) mode to use for a
stationary subject, and which to use when the subject is moving. Let us
take a closer look at the 3 types of AF modes. (Reported by Tomoko
Suzuki)
 

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 Camera Basics #10: Picture Style
With the Picture Style function, you can adjust the colour tone and the
contrast to enhance the charm and appeal of the subject. By selecting the
perfect Picture Style setting, you can get perfect results in expressing your
shooting intent in a vivid photo. (Reported by Tomoko Suzuki)
 

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Camera Basics #11: Phase Detection AF

Phase detection AF (also known as phase-difference detection AF) is the
autofocus system used in viewfinder shooting on DSLR cameras. Its main
feature lies in its rapid autofocusing speed. In the following, we will explain
 more about phase detection AF, and how Canon’s Dual Pixel CMOS AF
utilizes the latest AF technology to enable phase detection AF even in Live
View. (Reported by Tomoko Suzuki)
 

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Camera Basics #12: The Viewfinder

When it comes to shooting, a vital part of the camera is the viewfinder.
Nowadays, there are cameras that do not come with viewfinders, only with
Live View shooting. However, as you get more experienced with
photography, you will realise how much shooting with a viewfinder can
affect your photos. In this article, we take a closer look at the viewfinder.
(Reported by: Tomoko Suzuki)
 

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 Camera Basics #13: Live View
The implementation of Dual Pixel CMOS AF in Canon's latest camera
models have vastly improved shooting conditions in Live View. Live View,
which features fast AF speed that measures up to viewfinder AF, is
gradually becoming the choice method of shooting for many
photographers. In the following, we will explain more about the
characteristics of Live View. (Reported by: Tomoko Suzuki)
 

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 Camera Basics #14: Position and Angle
The position and angle are two elements that greatly influence the outcome
of your photos. Since they have such a significant impact, varying them
ensures that you will be able to get a different effect in your photos. In the
following, we go over 3 points each in relation to the position and the angle.
(Reported by Tomoko Suzuki)
 

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Camera Basics # 15: Program AE (P mode)

The Program AE mode, a semi-automatic mode where the camera
automatically sets the aperture and shutter speed, enables you to shoot
quickly to capture sudden photographic opportunities, and yet still retain
creative control over other settings such as white balance.
 

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 Camera Basics #16: Aperture-priority AE (AV mode)
Want to create photographs with a lovely background blur (bokeh effect), or
perhaps ensure that everything in the image remains in focus? The
Aperture-priority AE mode is a convenient mode to use for achieving those
effects. Let’s look at this mode in closer detail. (Reported by Tomoko
Suzuki)