Camera Basics

Canon Rebel

Canon Rebel For this class we will be using a Canon Rebel series of cameras. All cameras have the same general functions, but each has its own locations for the buttons. We must become familiar with our cameras in order to produce successful images.

Exposure When you take a picture with a camera there are three variables that combine to create an exposure ISO Aperture Shutter Speed Each one can change the overall look of the image, so each is equally important.

ISO: how sensitive are you? ISO – International Standards Organization Measurement of the sensors sensitivity to light. Low number = less sensitive = less noise High Number = more sensitive = more noise Common ISO’s 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600

ISO and Noise There is no right or wrong ISO to use on your image, but there consequences for your choices. The lower the ISO, the more light will be required for a proper exposure, but the quality of the image will be higher (less noise) The higher the ISO, the less light will be required for a proper exposure, but the quality will be lower (more noise)

ISO and Noise On the Left is an example shot at ISO 1600 On the right is an the same image shot at ISO 100

Aperture The second control you must understand is the aperture. The Aperture is an opening inside of the lens that varies the intensity of light that enters the camera. The aperture works much like the pupil in your eye. The aperture has different settings, called F-stops

F-Stops The List of F-Stops is: 1.4 2.8 3.5 4 5.6 8 11 16 22 1.4 2.8 3.5 4 5.6 8 11 16 22 The Bigger the number, the smaller the hole, and a smaller amount of light is let into the camera.

Shutter Speed The Third control you must understand is the shutter speed. The shutter is a mechanical device inside the camera body that opens and closes to allow light to reach the sensor for a specific amount of time. Shutter speeds are expressed in fractions of a second.

Shutter Speeds Common Shutter speeds: 4000 2000 1000 500 250 125 60 30 15 8 4 2 1 The faster the shutter speed, the less light is let into the sensor. This stops motion. The slower the shutter speed, the more light is let into the sensor. This allows motion to blur.

Parts of the Camera

Parts of the Camera

Camera Parts, Mode Dial The first thing you must do after turning the camera on is select a mode to shoot in. You have 4 choices, P, A/V, T/V, or M. So whats the difference, and why should you choose one over the other

Program Program is the most basic You control the ISO, the camera picks the aperture and shutter speed. Good for beginners looking for just a little control.

A/V or Aperture Priority In this mode, you control the Aperture setting as well as the ISO setting, the camera picks the shutter speed for a proper exposure. Good for controlling the depth of field in you images (more on this later)

T/V or Shutter Priority In this mode, you control the shutter speed and the ISO, the camera picks an aperture for a proper exposure. Good for controlling the appearance of motion in your images.

M is for Manual In Manual mode, you control all three settings to ensure a proper exposure, the ISO, aperture, and shutter speed.

Other important controls Exposure compensation. Focus point control Image play back White ballance

Exposure Compensation What happens when you take an image, and its either too dark, or too light? Adjust the Exposure Compensation to tell the camera to correct its mistake and retake the image. + ec makes the image lighter/brighter. -ec makes the image darker. Remember, once you set, the ec, its set like that until you change it back.

Adjusting the EC On the back of the camera, find the +/- button, press and hold it down as you turn the wheel, adjust to your desired level.

Focus point control By adjusting the focus point within the viewfinder, you can tell your camera where your subject is at, and where you want it to focus. Your focus point will not move back to the center until you move it back This is helpful when your subject is placed off center

White Ballance The white balance is used to control the color of your images. It is important to match the white balance setting with the type of lighting condition you are shooting in.

Adjusting the WB To adjust the white balance, hit the w/b button on the back of the camera, then use the arrows to highlight the w/b you wish to use. Press to center set button to make your selection

Image review After you take a shot, its usually a good idea to check it out on the back screen to make sure you did a good job! There are many tools to help you review you image besides just looking at it. Histogram – checks your exposure Zoom – checks your focus

The Histogram A histogram is a graph of all the pixels in your image, from black to white. Checking the histogram is the only way to ensure proper exposure…..the picture on the screen lies. A proper histogram should have very few marks at both black and white, with the most falling somewhere in the middle

Histogram The far left side is the black point, and the far right point, any pixels that contain either pure white or pure black contain no data, and therefore are worthless when editing a picture (you cant make then darker or lighter).