The Parts of a Camera and Their Functions

Photographs enable us to capture events and moments in time and preserve these for years. This is made possible by the use of photo Cameras. A Camera is a technological device for obtaining photographic images of objects of interest.

This device is made up of three basic elements: the mechanical element (the Camera body itself), the optical element (the Lens), and the chemical element (the Film [although there are also digital cameras that don't make use of the traditional film]). All the other numerous parts and components that make up a camera simply function to support or enhance any of the above mentioned core functions.

Listed below are 15 functional components of a Camera, following which I will explain the function of 10 of them.

1. The Camera Body
2. Lens
3. Film
4. Viewfinder
5. The Shutter
6. Aperture
7. Shutter Release Button
8. Shutter Curtains
9. Shutter Speed Control Knob
10. Film Cavity
11. Film Rewind Knob
12. Film Sprockets
13. Flash Shoe (Accessory Jack)
14. Focusing Ring
15. Self - Timer Button

(1) The Camera Body: All the internal mechanical, optical, and chemical parts of a camera are held together by the Camera body. This serves to protect these very sensitive parts. The Camera body also serves as a framework against which the other parts of the Camera articulate to function properly.

(2) The Lens: The Lens is undoubtedly the most important component of the Camera (considering the main purpose of a Camera). The lens takes the beams of light bouncing off an object and focuses this light on the image plane so that a real image is formed that can be photographed. The greater majority of the modifications and refinements that have occurred in the camera since its invention have centered on or around the Lens, and that underscores the importance of this part of the camera.

(3) The Film: This is a thin roll of light -sensitive plastic which is placed at the image plane of the Lens. When the Camera is ready to take pictures, several devices combine to ensure that the film is exposed to the image formed by the lens. When the film is exposed to the image coming from the lens it records the image, and we have pictures! Before and after use, the film is stored in a light-tight film holder. Unknown to most persons, there are no black and white or color cameras. We only have black and white and color films. It is the film that determines whether a picture will come out as black and white or colored.

(4) Viewfinder: This is a part of the Camera that helps us decide which object we want to photograph. It helps us point the camera in the correct direction and indicates what will or will not appear in the final photograph. Viewfinders are of two types: (1) Those that work independent of the lens, known as aim-and -shoot cameras; (2) Those that show exactly what the lens is seeing, found in SLR (Single Lens Reflex) cameras.

(5) Shutter: The shutter determines how long the film is exposed to light or to the image coming from the lens. Shutters are of two types: the one located just behind the lens, called the leaf shutter; the second type is located in front of the film plane, it's called the focal plane shutter. The shutter consists of two metal sheets or "curtains" which remain shut or closed when the camera is not in use. But when the shutter release button is depressed, one of these curtains slide open to allow the image from the lens to hit the film. After a brief moment, the second metal sheet of curtain will slide in to close the opening. The interval between the opening and closing depends on the speed we selected using the shutter speed knob.

(6) Aperture: This is an opening, or hole, at the center of the lens. The function is to cause images to be brightened or dimmed uniformly. This is achieved by increasing or reducing the size of the hole, using a knob called the Aperture Ring. When the opening is enlarged, more light passes through the lens, causing the picture to brighten. Conversely when the opening reduces, less light is let in, thus dimming the image or picture.

(7) Flash Shoe (or Accessory Jack): This is the hook to which one may attach a flash, if one chooses to use a flash and the camera supports it. This accessory is located just above the Viewfinder.

(8) Focusing Ring: When we are looking through the Viewfinder, it is the Focusing Ring that is used to bring the object into focus. It is more like an adjuster.

(9) Film Cavity: This is the location where the roll of film is placed in the camera. This cavity is secured from light. It is a sort of dark chamber whose job is to ensure that the only light reaching the film is the one coming through the lens, and even then only when the shutter is open. This is important since the film cannot differentiate between the light coming from the lens and the one coming from other sources. Without this cavity lights from the surrounding area would easily hit the film and distort the picture quality.

(10) Film Rewind Knob: This knob is used to return all the exposed roll of film back into their casing. This must first be done before removing the exposed film from the camera; otherwise the negative will be ruined! Some modern cameras perform this function automatically once we've taken the last exposure.

Summary: A Camera helps us preserve memories. Understanding how the various parts of this devise work will help us get the best from our Cameras.

the author, kenneth is a leading writer on SEO articles, he is also a freelance article writer. he has written over 200 articles for online clients. some of his personal articles can be read at http://www.kennetworks.com. kenneth can also be reached via info@kennetworks.com.

Reverse lens technique tutorial

© DeadlyTeaParty Property This is a video showing you how to use the reverse lens technique. This allows you to take macro photographs without having to buy and expensive macro lens. Music: Cavern of Time V2 by Butterfly Tea #59 - Top Favorited (Today)) - Howto & Style - United Kingdom (Thursday 17th February 2011) #92 - Top Favorited (Today)) - Howto & Style - United Kingdom (Thursday 17th February 2011) #74 - Most Discussed (Today)) - Howto & Style - United Kingdom (Friday 18th February 2011) #73 - Most Discussed (Today)) - Howto & Style - United Kingdom (Friday 18th February 2011) #54 - Most Discussed (Today)) - Howto & Style - United Kingdom (Friday 18th February 2011)

Easy Modification for a Canon 10-22mm to use on a 1D Series (1.3x)

How to mount a 10-22 to your 1D. Filmed on a T2i.

2009 SLR Camera Comparison Guide

In this article we will do a SLR camera comparison, between four models: Nikon D40, Nikon D90, Canon EOS Digital Rebel Xsi and the Canon EOS 40D.

Nikon D40

The Nikon D40 digital camera has a resolution of 6 megapixels and an LCD that has 2.5 inches and 230,000 pixels. It can take photos at a maximum speed of 2.5 photos per second. The shutter speed of the camera is 1/4000 sec. The duration of the flash sync is 1/500 seconds.

This camera had help files included and you can also edit photos right from the menu. The ISO varies between 200 and 1600. If you want, you can also use a wireless remote with the camera.

Canon EOS Digital Rebel Xsi

A 12.2 megapixel camera, the Digital Rebel Xsi comes with a kit lens that is image stabilized, sensor cleaning that is built in, Live view and dust removal software. The LCD screen has 230,000 pixels on a 3 inch LCD screen. A bit faster than the D40, this camera can take 3.5 photos per second. The duration of the flash sync is 1/200 sec.

The ISO varies between 100 and 1600. This camera also has a nine point autofocus, mirror lockup, spot meter an option for automatic depth of field. You also have the option of a wireless remote and flash if you need them.

Nikon D90

The Nikon D90 is a camera with 12.3 megapixels and an impressive 3 inch LCD screen with 920,000 pixels.. The Live View also has movie mode, but you don't have the option to autofocus once you start shooting the movie.

You can shoot movies in the following formats, at 24 frames per second: 320x216, 640x424 and 1280x720. It has 11 autofocus points and the ISO is between 100 and 6400.

For live action photos, you can take 4.5 frames per second. The flash sync takes 1/200 seconds and the shutter speed is 1/4000 sec.

Canon EOS 40D

The Canon EOS 40D has less megapixels than two of the cameras above (10.1 megapixels), but it compensates with great performance for live action shots. It can take 6.5 photos per second, with a shutter speed of 1/8000 sec.

The camera's body is made of magnesium and it has weather seals and a kit lens with image stabilization. It also comes with a built in cleaning sensor and Live view, which you can also use with an optional grid overlay. There are six program modes that you can choose from.

Getting the perfect SLR camera, is never an easy thing, due to the constantly changing technology. Fortunately, there are plenty of helpful websites online, that can narrow down your search and help you find the SLR camera with all the features important to you.

The Best Digital SLR Cameras Ever

Now that you've decided to graduate to the big boys end of the pool. Time to buy yourself a shiny new SLR digital camera, and leave the old point and shoot for the kiddies to play with. However, after reading up on SLR technology, your a little baffled and bewildered.

Have no fear, as everything will soon be cleared up. SLR camera technology can be somewhat of a maze that sends you wandering from one confusing review to the next great marketing sales pitch, and back again. If your the type that needs to understand all the finer points of any product before making a purchase, this could be the never ending purchase for you.

Buckle up baby, and lets go. Believe it or not, all that technology your battling to understand is a good thing. Really, it is. The past few years in the digital camera industry, have been extremely competitive for the manufacturers and retail folks. As a result, each year they cram more and more features into those shiny little SLRs, and continuously drop prices to stay ahead of the competition.

OK, here's the easy part. If you want to buy a good SLR, there's no need to fret. Just about any of the top three SLRs will do the job for you. It's pretty much impossible to get a bad camera out of this bunch. These days my short list would look something like this. Anything from the Canon Rebel lineup would be good. The XSi or the new T1i should be a corker. Or for some variety, a Nikon D40 or Olympus Evolt E510.

It's quite remarkable, that you can have any one of those SLRs for under a grand. That's a lot of camera for very little coin. Don't even ask me what I paid for my first digital camera. I get ill just thinking about it.

I can make the above assumption with a great deal of confidence, because I know that the single biggest deciding factor to your success as a photographer, has nothing to do with the camera. The single most important feature of any camera, is the skill of the person with their finger on the shutter. A great photographer can take amazing photos with disposable camera.

Another thing you can do, if your still interested in looking around a bit more, is to get some hands on experience. Borrowing a SLR from a friend or relative to try out is a good idea. You'll get a feel for the controls and how everything works. The more different models you try out, the better feel you'll have for what feels right for you. Like I said, your the most important part of the picture taking process.

While it can be nice to visit your local camera store to get some hands on experience, it makes a lot of sense to make your final purchase online. All the big name websites have very fair return policies, and online shopping is the best way to guarantee you the price and selection you want.

Well, that's about as simple as I can make it. Time to decide. Believe me, it's a lot more fun taking pictures, than shopping for cameras.

Getting the perfect camera, is never an easy thing, especially with the way digital technology is constantly changing. Fortunately, there are plenty of helpful websites online, that can narrow down your search and help you find the camera with all the features important to you.

Top 10 DSLR Cameras

Are you looking for a new digital SLR camera? Perhaps you are confused on which one to get because there are so many to choose from and they all have different features. The question is which one is the best? The answer depends on what you are looking for and perhaps you prefer one brand over another, but the following is a list of the top 10 digital SLRs under $500.

1. Canon Digital Rebel XSi has 12.2 megapixels which will ensure that you can print a poster-size picture and it will have great quality. It has a 3 inch LCD monitor, DIGIC III image processor; EOS integrated cleaning system, comes with EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 lens, and stores images on SD/SDHC memory cards.

2. Nikon D90 DX has 12.3 megapixels, with 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR lens, 3 inch super-density 920,000 dot color LCD, and Nikon's exclusive Scene Recognition System contributes to 11-area autofocus performance.

3. Nikon D60 has 10.2 megapixels with AF-S DX Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G vibration reduction lens, 2.5 inch LCD screen, and Active Dust Reduction System with Airflow control to prevent your camera's performance from being affected by dust.

4. Canon EOS 50D with 15.1 megapixels, 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM standard zoom lens, Enhanced Live View shooting includes Face Detection Live mode, and new DIGIC 4 image processor for fine detail and superior color reproduction.

5. Nikon D80 has 10.2 megapixels, with 18-35mm AF-S DX zoom-Nikkor lens, and will produce quality poster-size photos with great color and clarity.

6. Canon EOS 40D has 10.0 megapixels, EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM standard zoom lens, 3 inch LCD monitor, and 6.5 frame-per-second continuous shooting.

7. Nikon D300 DX has 12.3 megapixels, 3 inch Live View LCD screen, 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6G AF-S DX ED-IF Nikkor zoom lens, self-cleaning sensor unit, a new 51-point auto focus system, and in burst mode shoots 100 shots at full 12.3 megapixel resolution.

8. Olympus Evolt E-510 has 10 megapixels, 2.5 inch Live View HyperCrystal LCD display, Mechanical Image Stabilization with Supersonic Wave Drive technology, lightweight design, includes 14-42 f/3.5-5.6 and 40-150mm f/4.0-5.6 Zuiko lenses, and stores images on CF, Micro Drive, or xD picture cards.

9. Nikon D700 has 12.1 megapixels, wide sensitivity range, high-speed performance, EXPEED image processing, scene recognition system, and has the Nikon Control System which allows you to create the exact picture you have envisioned by making specific selections and adjustments to image sharpening, tone, and brightness.

10. Canon Rebel XS has 10.1 megapixels, with EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS lens, DIGIC III image processor, 7-point wide-area autofocus, and 3 frames per second continuous JPEG burst rate.

Of course these are just a few of the great digital SLRs you can find, but this list contains many of the top brands. A few of the top brands for digital cameras include Kodak, Nikon, Canon, Olympus, Panasonic, and Sony. No matter what you are looking for in a camera you can find it and many brands with the current technology are very good.

If you're looking for a great deal on a new or used camera equipment please check out Ruts Camera, Whether you're looking to sell your camera online or buy a new digital camera, Ruts Camera has you covered.

Canon Digital SLR Camera - The Best That You Can Purchase

Canon is one of the world's leading companies that manufacture the best digital cameras. In the recent years, Canon has launched some of the best digital SLR cameras that would really mesmerize your senses. All the cameras are equipped with the latest features and functions with the help of which you can really take clear and perfect shots. SLR cameras are basically professional products with the help of which the expert photographers can click perfect pictures.

If you are also thinking of purchasing a canon digital SLR camera for yourself then you must surely read this article. It would provide you all the information regarding the best models that are available in the market.

1. The Canon EOS 5D Digital
The Canon EOS 5D Digital is one of the best SLR cameras that is available in the market today. Other versions of this camera are the EOS 30D Digital and the EOS 40D Digital cameras which have various different features and are priced accordingly. You will see that the EOS 5D comes with the function of 60 full resolutions and 12.8 megapixels. It has 17 RAW and 2.5-inch LCD screen with the help of which you can see the picture very clearly.

2. The Canon EOS-1Ds Mark III
This is another camera that is purchased by many professional photographers. It is a full SLR camera that offers you perfect picture clarity and comes with 21.1 megapixels. Another great feature of this equipment is that with its help you can shoot five frames in one second without any delay. Canon EOS-1Ds Mark III offers you 110 full resolutions and 30 RAW. If you are interested in purchasing this stunning camera then you can obtain it from various online stores and excellent discounts.

3. Canon Rebel XS 10.1MP Digital SLR Camera
You can surely give this camera as a Christmas present or birthday present to your near and dear ones who love photography. It is a very affordable camera and it is the number one choice for photographers who want something reasonable to excellent features. It has 3.5-5.6 IS Lens with EF-S 18-55mm f.

4. Canon EOS-1D Mark III
This camera is similar to the Canon EOS-1Ds Mark III but it has various advanced features. It comes with 10.1 megapixels and can shoot twelve frames in the time span of one second.

Well these are some of the best Canon Digital SLR cameras that you can purchase according to your budget and preferences.

You will find a complete product details of Canon digital SLR cameras here and save money, too!

Canon EOS 500D - First Impression Video by DigitalRev.com

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The Magic Lens - Canon 50mm F1.8 Lens Review

First off I would like to say that this is one of the most under rated lenses in the whole market. In this article I will try and inform you why I have formed this opinion.

Many people feel slightly underwhelmed with the results they get when they start shooting with their first digital slr camera. Their are two main mistakes that people make when moving from compact cameras to SLRs. The first is that they use the automatic or preset modes within the camera while shooting. In my eyes this is like buying a Ferarri and never getting out of first gear. To unleash the power of a SLR camera you need to start learning about how to use some of the semi manual or manual modes.

The second mistake is that people fail to appreciate how important lenses are on a camera. In the world of compact digital cameras marketing efforts seem to be based about the number of mega pixels a camera boasts. Large numbers of pixels will only give you a large image, not necessarily a sharp one. The lens on any camera is the most important part and the one that truly defines the image quality the camera produces. One downside is that most great lenses cost many hundreds, if not thousands of dollars.

The Magic Lens

The Canon 50mm f1.8 is without doubt the best value lens money can buy. Commonly known as the 'nifty fifty' it costs under $100 and produces images that are up there in quality with those taken on Canons L series or professional range. The reason this lens is so cheap is because Canon has only focussed on the glass optics in this lens. The rest of it such as the plastic body, noisy auto focus, barrel design etc are all built cheaply .

My advice to anyone starting out in the world of digital slr photography would be to buy this lens. In fact I would recommend buying it in place of the standard kit lens if you are about to buy a new camera.

To learn more about how this lens can improve your photographs follow this link.

Canon EOS Rebel T2i Digital SLR Camera

The new flagship of the EOS Rebel line, Canon EOS Rebel T2i brings professional EOS features into an easy to use, lightweight digital SLR that's a joy to use. Featuring a class-leading 18.0-megapixel CMOS image sensor and increased light sensitivity for low light photography, the EOS Rebel T2i also has an advanced HD Movie mode for gorgeous Full HD movies. Able to capture up to 3.7 frames per second, it's ready to go the minute it's picked up. Advanced Live View, a new wide-area screen, plus features like Canon's brilliant Auto Lighting Optimizer and Highlight Tone features ensure brilliant photos and movies, easily. With some of the most advanced features of any digital SLR, it's simply the best Rebel Canon has ever created.

Canon 2400 SLR Gadget Bag For EOS SLR Cameras Personal User Review!

This Canon 2400 SLR Gadget Bag For EOS SLR Cameras is an awesome camera bag. When you see the picture of this bag online, you are still not quite sure how big it is but when it actually arrived I said to myself, I absolutely got my money's worth. It is Just what I needed. Everything fits neatly inside this bag. For the price I paid, it was well constructed with good quality materials. The Canon 2400 SLR Gadget Bag For EOS SLR Cameras was of higher quality than expected. I have recently added a few more lenses to my arsenal so I was looking for something larger to accommodate my new equipment than my Lowepro camera bag which can only carry the camera body with a small lens attached. I looked before into the Canon 200DG bag but thought it was somehow too bulky. I'm very glad I picked this bag because it is just the right one for my needs.

I love the movable padding- it is just firm enough, and there is plenty of it, I also really like how you can easily move the inside dividers around to make it organized as you way you want. I can easily fit all of the following with this Canon 2400 SLR Gadget Bag For EOS SLR Cameras:

1- Canon 30D with battery grip attached
2- EF 135mm f/2 L-series Prime
3- EF 50mm f/1.4 Prime
4- EF 17-40mm f/4 L-series zoom
5- Extra lens bag and extra lens caps for all lenses
6- Charger, Lens hod for the 14-40mm
7- 2 cleaning cloths
8- 2 filters for each lens..
10- The Canon instruction manual
11- Extra memory card
12- lubricant /surgical q-tips for filter threads
13- TV output cable
14- USB cable

I'm very happy with my purchase and I highly recommended this bag for people looking for a light Camera bag. It is perfect for someone who wants to carry around their SLR with a few accessories and lenses. Well done Canon!

Copyright (c) 2009 Chris John

Finally, If you are looking for a good price for this bag then check out the lowest price for Canon 2400 SLR Gadget Bag now! and if you are looking for more info on this bag then check out another Canon 2400 SLR Gadget Bag review!

What Is White Balance – How To White Balance SLR Cameras

Not all photography enthusiasts are aware of the digital camera‘s setting called “white balance.” This article will discuss what this feature of the camera is all about, and how you can use it to help make your pictures look better.

White balance indicates under what kind of lighting situation you are taking your digital shot. Because the type of lighting you have when taking pictures will have a bearing on the quality of your pictures, you can choose your camera‘s white balance setting to get good results.

Many digital cameras function on the default white balance setting, which is auto mode, meaning the camera will automatically adjust to the type of lighting available for the photograph to be shot. The auto white balance setting doesn’t work equally well in all digital cameras. It can be tricked by several false cues, and so make a mistake while trying to determine type of lighting condition present. You get pictures you won’t be proud of.

Learning to change the white balance settings will give you greater control over the quality of the pictures you take. The basic settings in most digital cameras function well enough. The white balance settings outlined below are the most commonly ones.

Auto

This is the automatic setting discussed earlier. When in auto white balance, your camera will do the adjusting by itself depending on the kind of lighting it assumes you have on hand.

Cloudy

This white balance setting is used outdoors under cloudy or overcast conditions.

Daylight

When outdoors on sunlit days or indoors illumined by daylight style bulb or lamps, choose Daylight setting.

Tungsten

In some cameras, this will be indicated as “indoors” or “incandescent.” Interior lamps and overhead lights impart an orange or yellow hue to your pictures. Choosing the Tungsten white balance mode will alert your camera to make the necessary adjustments.

Fluorescent

Fluorescent lighting tends to give subjects a slightly bluish appearance. This setting will help to make the skin tones of the people in your photos look closer to the way they would be in person.

Flash

This is the white balance setting to select when using a flash on your digital camera.

Custom

Found in some point-and-shoot digital cameras and all DSLR (digital single lens reflex) cameras, this setting has a bit more ins and outs than the others. If this feature is new to you, it would be a good idea to familiarize yourself with it by going over a tutorial or two before proceeding.

Your camera‘s manual will in all likelihood provide useful information about available options for standard white balance setting. Not all cameras have all the selections discussed above. Some will have all or most of them, others only a few.

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For more information on How Digital Cameras Work and other tutorials, visit Digital Camera Photography, a popular site for digital photography enthusiasts. Discover the best type digital cameras to buy, how to use them and how to take fantastic photographs.