2. Camera Handling, Care, and Support
CHAPTER 2
Camera Handling, Care, and Support

3. Objectives
Describe the controls and features common to both film and digital cameras.
Identify controls and features specific to digital cameras.
Discuss the importance of protecting cameras from moisture and dust.
Demonstrate proper procedures for cleaning lenses and image sensors.

4. Objectives (Cont.)
Describe the proper techniques for supporting different types of cameras.
Explain the components of and appropriate use of a tripod.

5. Leaning About Your Camera
“Hands-on” learning
Studying the manual
Combined approach
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6. Common Camera Controls
Exposure modes
Automatic
Aperture priority
Shutter priority
Manual
ISO
Shutter release
Exposure compensation

7. Automatic Exposure Mode
Auto exposure
Camera adjusts for proper exposure
Program AE
User can alter aperture or shutter speed

8. Aperture Priority Mode
User sets aperture and ISO
Camera selects proper shutter speed
Controls depth of field
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9. Shutter Priority Mode User sets shutter speed and ISO
Camera selects proper aperture
Controls effect of subject motion
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10. Manual Exposure Mode User sets aperture, shutter speed, and ISO
Allows maximum control
Requires understanding equivalent exposures
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11. ISO Selection Measure of light sensitivity
Film or digital sensor
Higher ISO = greater light sensitivity
Image quality decreases as ISO increases
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12. Shutter Release Operation Release methods Activates autofocus system
Shutter lag
Opens/closes shutter
Release methods
Button press
Cable release/electronic release
Time delay

13. Exposure Compensation
Increases/decreases set exposure
Aperture priority, shutter priority, program AE modes
Up to three stops change
Usually in 1/3 stop increments
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14. Common Camera Features
Depth of field preview
Photographer can see what the scene will look like at the selected aperture
Focus lock/exposure lock
Motor drive/burst mode
Two to eight exposures per second

15. Digital Camera Features
LCD screen
Histogram
White balance
Image quality settings
Color space selection

16. LCD Screen Used to review images after exposure
Evaluate composition and exposure
Check camera settings
May allow use as viewfinder
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17. Histogram Graphic display of tonal values Allows exposure evaluation
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18. White Balance Automatic (AWB) or selectable
Set for specific light conditions (color temperature)
Makes a white object appear white
Other colors are then accurate
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19. Image Quality Settings
Image size (depends on resolution)
Image compression (JPEG files)
Data loss increases with amount of compression
RAW capture available on some cameras
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20. Color Space Selection
Color Space—specific description of gamut of colors that can be provided by a particular device
sRGB is standard
Adobe RGB has greater color range

21. Protecting Your Camera
Cameras and lenses must be protected from environmental dangers
Wet-weather
Dust and grit

22. Wet-Weather Protection
Shoot from shelter
Flexible plastic housings
Commercially available
Do-it-yourself
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23. Dust and Grit Protection
Changing lenses
Turn off camera
Point camera downward
Cover to protect from wind-blown dirt
Protecting lens elements
Use ultraviolet (UV) filter

24. Camera Cleaning Lenses Camera body Blow off loose particles
Use lens tissue and solution
Camera body
Soft cloth
Brush for crevices

25. Sensor Cleaning Bulb blower (not brush) Special cleaning products
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26. Avoiding Physical Damage
Equipment storage and transportation
Camera bag or photo backpack
Hard case for travel
Carrying a camera
Strap around neck
Strap over shoulder
In hand; strap around wrist

27. Camera Support
Hand-holding
On-site supports
Support devices

28. Hand-Holding a Camera Proper grip for SLR
Horizontal
Vertical
Head is part of support system
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29. Using the LCD as a Viewfinder
Grip with both hands
Extend arms only far enough to view LCD
Release shutter with light, steady pressure
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30. Avoiding Camera Shake 1/30 second shutter speed with 50 mm lens
Longer lenses / shorter shutter speeds
1/125 second with 100 mm lens
1/500 second with 300 mm lens
Stabilizing (anti-shake) systems
Gain up to four shutter speed steps

31. On-Site Camera Supports
Elbows and body
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32. On-Site Camera Supports (Cont.)
Fences, walls, benches
Door frames, posts, tree trunks
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33. Mechanical Supports
Beanbags
Shoulder stocks
Clamping devices
Monopods

34. Tripod Best general-purpose camera support Available in many sizes
Wood, aluminum, carbon fiber

35. Tripod Features Legs extend independently Center column extends height
Head permits fine adjustments
Manfrotto

36. Tripod Heads Ball head Pan head (two-axis) Pan-tilt head (three-axis)
Manfrotto

37. Tripod Advantages Improved image sharpness Precise camera positioning
Long-exposure capability
Frees photographer’s hands

38. Tripod Disadvantages Cumbersome to carry Lack of mobility
Tripping hazard in crowded areas

39. Choosing a Tripod Consider: Weight to be supported Weight of tripod
Quality of tripod

40. Using a Tripod Extend to full height Point one leg toward subject
Make needed leg height and angle adjustments
Eliminate causes of camera movement