How to understand settings on a common digital camera.

Understanding basic functions on a digital camera.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Digital Camera
• Tripod

1. 
   Taken at a low iso.

   ISO- The ISO number relates to the film speed numbers of standard 35 meter film (200, 400, ect.). A lower ISO 100, 200, is ideal for pictures with sufficient light and little movement. Lower ISO pictures tend to have the lowest amount of granulation and can be blown up to the largest sizes (A tripod is recommended for best results with low ISO speeds.) Higher ISO's 800, 1200 are ideal for low light or action shots such as a sporting events. 400 ISO is sufficient for most common everyday shots. ISO speed is commonly found in the cameras setting menu when the dial is in manual mode.

2. 
   Abstract photo of light taken with a higher apeture.

   Aperture- The Aperture relates to the period of light intake into the camera. Most digital camera aperture settings go from -2 to +2. 0 is the standard aperture setting for normal pictures. A low aperture (-2) produces a very dark image while a high aperture will produce a image saturated with light. Low apertures are ideal when intensified shadows are desired such as in black and white photos. High aperture is best at night for taking photos of the stars or moon. This setting is also useful for following the path of light and abstract photography. This is also found in most cameras menus under a manual setting.

3. 
   Micro setting.

   Zoom and micro- Many digital cameras have and actual zoom and a digital zoom. The standard zoom works such a zoom lenses on a standard professional camera; Though more quality is lost with the zoom on a digital camera. I do not recommend the use a the digital zoom. Digital zoom does not enlarge the image through the use of a lenses. It zooms in on the actual image in the camera. Because of this almost all quality is lost. Micro is usually represented by the image of a flower on your camera. This setting is ideal for close up shots of flowers, bugs or anything else you want a close up crystal clear shot of.

Tips & Warnings

• Have fun!!!

[goodselfme]

on 4/2/2009 thank you for this tutorial for the settings on a digital camera.

[petulantM]

on 12/16/2008 Thank you for the simple and clear explanations. I haven't fiddled with the aperture settings on my camera and am going to experiment.