Camera types

Megapixel  Equal to one million pixels (or 1 MP).  Higher the MP = higher resolution = nicer looking picture

Basic Digital Camera (point-and-shoot)  A very simple camera that has very few, if any, manual photographic controls.  Built in flash  Automatic shooting modes (ex. Landscape, portrait)  Either fixed focal length lens or a modest zoom lens  5 MP or lower

Mid-Range Camera  Higher resolution (7MP or 8MP)  Built-in zoom lens least 3x  More manual controls

High-End Digital Camera  Designed for the more advanced snapper  Captures images faster  Better zoom ratio  High resolution (8MP or higher)

SLR and D-SLR Single Lens Reflex Hinged mirror that reflects the projected image from the lens into a prism or ground glass. The mirror moves aside during the exposure so the image light can expose the film or sensor.  Look through the lens to take the picture  Inter-changeable lenses and accessories

Medium Format  Maximum flexibility  Interchangeable lenses and film  Larger negative = higher resolution - richer colors - heaver, larger – needs a tri-pod

Large Format Camera  Can only be used on a tripod  Negatives/transparenc ies in a variety of sizes  - 4” x 5” to 11” x 14”  Highest quality images  Ability to make the largest prints  Still life, product, architectural and landscape photography

Pinhole Camera  Does not use a lens  - replaced by a thin sheet of metal with a tiny hole in it that projects an image  Universal depth of field = everything is in focus  Image not as sharp

Memory card  Small computer chip called “flash memory”  Retains all the data that makes up the photo

Tripod  A 3 legged metal stand for holding a camera that prevents camera movement during exposures.