Online Digital Camera Lens Tutorial

Although digital cameras store the image information on memory cards and not strips of film, the lens of a digital camera functions exactly like a film based camera. Because of this you can actually change out the lens on a digital SLR camera with a film based SLR (as long as the lens sizes are the same). When using a digital camera there are a few basic thing you need to keep in mind to ensure the highest quality image.

Things You'll Need

• Digital camera
• Lens cleaner
• Lens cap

Instructions

1. Keep the lens cap on the lens at all times (except for when you are taking pictures). This prevents the glass from becoming scratched. The lens is actually the most expensive part of the camera, so you need to protect it.

2. Clean off the lens with a lens cleaning cloth (this is the same cloth you use to clean your eye glasses). Dust can build up on a camera lens, causing dust spots to appear on your images.

3. Disconnect the lens from the camera body if you are using a digital SLR. SLR cameras allow you to remove the lens and swap in different lenses. This is helpful if you want a lens with a more powerful zoom. Push the release button on the side of the lens, then turn it counter-clockwise to unlock it from the body. Switch in the new lens and turn it clock-wise. Once the lens snaps into place you can let go of the lens.

4. Read the lens size along the side of the lens. This lets you know how big your lens is and what size of camera filters you can use. Camera filters, purchased at any camera store, block out UV light from your camera lens or add effects to the image.

5. Place the filter on the top of the lens and turn it clockwise. You can only use filters on digital camera lenses if the lens has a screw-like thread on the front, directly above the glass. If not, you cannot use filters with the camera lens.

References

• Cambridge in Colour: Understanding Camera Lenses