Garry Johnson, who now lives in Morro Bay, is pursing his true love, photographing nature along the central coast of California.
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Introduction to the Digital Camera
By Garry Johnson
Digital cameras and accessories are improving so fast in both price and equipment, that what I say now may be obsolete today or tomorrow.
Introduction
In the next several issues of the Journal, I will discuss a series of hopefully simple explanations about how a digital camera (DC) functions, a basic understanding about how to record DC images, and shooting modes that are most commonly used for DC. These will apply to either Digital Point and Shoot and Single Lens Reflex (DSLR). I will discuss an over-simplification about the different types of DCs and how they function. There are many books to read for more detail, as well as information on the internet. The main focus of this series will be to discuss the mode sittings and how they are used.
Types of Digital Cameras
The first important decision to make is what style of DC you want to purchase. Being comfortable with the right camera and understanding your purpose makes a big difference in using the DC. Manufactures have created a great diversity of DC types to choose from. The cost can range from a few hundred to thousands of dollars (see photos). Understanding the differences between the Digital Point and Shoot vs DSLR cameras is sometimes difficult. Both have similar yet very different designs. To operate your DC you need to be familiar with the glossary of terms found in the manual. Take the time to read and understand it.
Point and Shoot Camera
The main difference between the Digital Point and Shoot cameras and SLRs is that the image the photographer sees through the viewfinder is not the same image that passes though the primary lens to the monitor.
In the Digital Point and Shoot, the image passes though a separate lens. As for the SLR, the image viewed through the viewfinder passes through one lens to the monitor and is the true image. Thus, most Digital Point and Shoot cameras have an illuminated optical viewfinder and just view the image on the monitor.
Digital Point and Shoot cameras range from a small body that fits in a purse or pocket, with a built in lens that cannot be removed, to the larger body which looks similar to a SLR camera (see photos). It has a fixed lens that retracts into the body when turned off. They cost a lot less than the DSLR cameras. This type of camera is ideal for simplicity and can produce high quality pictures. T
he Digital Point and Shoot cameras' mode functions have evolved over the years and are now similar to SLRs. These include optical zoom, automatic focus, aperture settings, light meters, movie settings, etc. The other main differences between the two are that the Digital Point and Shoot cameras lenses are part of the camera body (though I read recently that there are coming out with changeable lenses on Digital Point and Shoot cameras) and cannot be removed. The SLR cameras' lenses, however, can be removed from the body and can be replaced with different lenses. This makes the SLRs more attractive to many photographers.
In summary, unlike film cameras, the Digital Point and Shoot cameras can now see the actual image on the monitor and doesn't really need the viewfinder. Some photographers still prefer the viewfinder like me. This makes the DC attractive and overshadows the SLRs in many cases.
Single Lens Reflex Digital Cameras (SLR)
For professional and high-end amateur camera users, the DSLR is still the most poplar. There are many differences between the two DC technologies. Here are several that separates the two; 1) you can view the image directly through the lens, 2) pixel size is larger for better resolution and the ability to exchange lenses for a particular photo, 3) color and contrast is better, very little if any, and finally, 4) there is very little lag time. In the past, you could not view the image on the monitor because of the mirror inside the camera was too slow to observe. However, in a newer development in many DSLR models, the LCD is to be used as viewfinder (video camera) before the picture is taken. That allows the user to view the image before the picture is taken.
Summary
This concludes the section about how the DC functions and the differences between the Digital Point and Shoot cameras and DSLR cameras. In next month's Journal I will discuss what to do first when you purchase your camera, as well as define some of the important mode settings to use.
For further information on the subject, refer the Bibliography below. If you have any questions, please feel free to email me.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
* Digital SLR Cameras and Photography for Dummies, by David Busch (also one for point and shoot)
* Digital Photography for Dummies, by Julie Adair King
* Digital single-lens reflex camera, by Wikipedia, the encyclopedia
* Wordy (single-lens-reflex camera)
* Point and Shoot Digital Camera, by Wikipedia, the encyclopedia
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